The Six Senses brand debuted in Japan on February 1 with the opening of Six Senses Kyoto.

“We are thrilled to announce our debut Six Senses opening in Japan,” said Nicolas Black, general manager. “There couldn’t be a more fitting location than Kyoto in the cultural heart of Japan, where age-old sustainability traditions thrive, and well-being is deeply ingrained in the way of life.”

Located in the historic Higashiyama district, Six Senses Kyoto offers easy access to many of the city’s cultural events and festivals. Myoho-in Temple, Kyoto National Museum and Sanjusangen-do Buddhist Temple are all within walking distance.

BLINK Design Group helmed the design of the property, bringing the values of the Six Senses brand to life through elegant designs that maximize space, privacy, and views. Interiors merge authentic Japanese traditions with clean lines, an earth palette, and meticulous attention to detail. Quirky design touches running throughout the hotel are inspired by folklore, The Moon Rabbit, and the 11th-century classic Tale of Genji.

Six Senses Kyoto’s 81 guestrooms and suites range in size from more than 450 square feet to over 2,560 square feet. They are arranged to offer views of the peaceful central courtyard, the gardens of the neighboring Toyokuni Shrine, or the city’s treetops, temples, tea shops, and rooftops. The three-bedroom Penthouse Suite tops the property’s accommodation options. Secluded on the top floor, it features an adjacent rooftop terrace and is suitable for private events as well as multi-generational travelers.

As at all Six Senses’ properties, wellness is a focus at the hotel. Amenities and facilities include:

• Six Senses Spa, which incorporates smart science, traditional healing and Japanese Zen culture into a unique wellness experience, and features four treatment suites;
• one Sensory Suite (Beyond) / Studio;
• male and female changing rooms with wet areas, sauna, steam room, showers, lockers and bath house;
• a state-of-the-art gym;
• multi-purpose studio for yoga, meditation, and aerial yoga;
• a Watsu (water + shiatsu) pool;
• indoor pool;
• Alchemy Bar;
• Japanese and herbal tea lounge;
• and the Biohack Recovery Lounge.

The brand’s Eat with Six Senses ethos is represented in the menus of the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant and counter-style sushi restaurant. Its cocktail lounge and bar offer a combination of European and Japanese cocktails.

Six Senses Kyoto is a 90-minute drive or a 70-minute train ride from Kansai International Airport (KIX).