InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has introduced Six Senses Kyoto, marking the debut of the brand in Japan and expanding its vibrant urban portfolio. Located in the historic capital amidst heritage shrines and majestic palaces, Six Senses Kyoto offers a blend of centrality and tranquility. Guests can enjoy holistic well-being, engage in signature sustainability practices, and experience extraordinary offerings.
The opening of Six Senses Kyoto is a notable milestone for the Six Senses brand, advancing it into new territories and enhancing IHG’s luxurious and diverse portfolio, now the second largest in the world.
Honoring Kyoto’s Glorious Era
Taking cues from the Heian period (794-1185), when Heian-kyo (now Kyoto) thrived as Japan’s capital, celebrated as the golden age of art and culture, the hotel pays homage to the concept of “Miyabi” (courtly elegance). It seamlessly weaves traditional artistry into a modern narrative, evoking a sense of unique sophistication. The lobby’s centerpiece, a folding screen adorned with 504 handcrafted Kyoto-made Rakuyaki tiles, forms the silhouette of sacred Mount Kurama, a legendary site from the Tale of Genji and the birthplace of Reiki healing. Adjacent to this is a whimsical modern interpretation of “Chōjū-giga” (Scrolls of Frolicking Animals), believed to be Japan’s inaugural manga, offering a delightful contrast.
These artworks set the stage for a hotel experience that marries history, creativity, and heartfelt hospitality. Embracing a biophilic design ethos, the use of wood and natural elements, coupled with serene Japanese gardens, fosters a deep connection with nature.
A Retreat of Serenity and Renewal
The design theme continues into the 81 guest rooms and suites, providing serene retreats ideal for peaceful contemplation. Specialty suites, like the Premier Suite Garden with its private Japanese courtyard, provide ample space for relaxation. Each room features Sleep With Six Senses amenities, ensuring restful sleep with bespoke organic mattresses, temperature-regulating bedding, and personalized sleep programs. Guests can further enhance their sleep experience through tailored consultations, integrating insights from sleep trackers with soothing treatments, nutritional advice, and gentle exercises.
Holistic Wellness Fusion: Tradition meets Science
Inspired by Kyoto’s Zen philosophy, Six Senses Spa blends traditional healing practices with contemporary science. Guests embark on their wellness journey with a signature Wellness Screening, analyzing key health indicators to tailor personalized recommendations.
Highlight treatments include the exclusive Ah-un ritual, symbolizing inner peace and balance through harmonizing body and sound therapies. The spa’s unique Watsu therapy, conducted in the city’s only dedicated pool, offers hydrotherapeutic relaxation through gentle aquatic movements.
For travelers seeking post-journey rejuvenation, the Biohack Recovery Lounge features cutting-edge recovery devices such as compression therapy.
Six Senses Spa Kyoto offers integrated wellness programs ranging from half-day to six-day retreats, catering to both hotel guests and external visitors, with themes spanning Sleep, Detox, Yoga, and Fitness.
Culinary Expedition Through Japan’s Seasons
Embracing the Eat With Six Senses ethos, the hotel’s dining experiences traverse Japan’s ancient calendar. Sekki, the all-day dining venue, showcases hyper-seasonal weekly menus and beverages inspired by Japan’s 24 solar terms. Executive Chef Hiroki Shishikura’s close ties with local farmers ensure access to the freshest seasonal produce. The menu emphasizes a vegetable-forward approach, championing artisanal, local, and sustainable ingredients, complemented by responsibly sourced meats and seafood. With a commitment to nose-to-tail and root-to-stem cooking, every dish celebrates flavor and sustainability in equal measure.
As Chef Hiroki explains, “Seasonality is a key concept in our culture that we celebrate through traditional events, nature, and food. We show appreciation for what nature gives us and, as an island country, we are blessed with an abundance of produce throughout the year. We incorporate this concept into our menu by working with local producers and artisans to provide ultra-seasonal produce that varies week-by-week. So, every time you visit Sekki, there’s always a moment of discovery and surprise in the dining experience.”
The hotel’s grand opening coincides with Japan’s ‘Grain Rain’ solar season, marking the transition from spring to summer. This shift is reflected in the changing culinary offerings, from delicate leafy greens and mountain vegetables to vibrant, robust summer produce like strawberries.
At Café Sekki nearby, guests can enjoy a variety of freshly brewed beverages, artisanal teas, homemade kombucha, nutritious juices, and guilt-free treats made from natural ingredients and traditional fermentation methods. Meanwhile, Nine Tails, the clandestine cocktail bar, presents imaginative libations alongside meticulously crafted non-alcoholic alternatives using artisanal ingredients and homemade syrups.
Commitment to Sustainability and Community
Sustainability lies at the heart of the hotel’s ethos, evident in its eco-conscious design, operational practices, and community engagement. Guests can participate in sustainability tours, engage in interactive workshops at the Earth Lab, or craft natural body products at the Alchemy Bar, fostering a deeper connection with local culture and sustainable living.
A dedicated Sustainability Fund, fueled by 0.5 percent of the hotel’s revenue, supports local organizations like the Biotope Network Kyoto and the Council for Kyoto Traditional Forest Culture. These initiatives focus on forest regeneration, conservation efforts, and educating future generations about the cultural significance of forestry.
Now Open in Kyoto
To celebrate its debut and status as the brand’s first urban hotel in Japan, the hotel introduces the limited-time ‘Now in Kyoto’ opening offer. Guests can discover their inner sanctuary with exclusive savings on accommodations, inclusive of breakfast and hotel credits applicable to dining and spa experiences.
Guests are also encouraged to explore IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest loyalty programs, to earn points with each stay and access a range of redemption options for their next Kyoto getaway.
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