Six Senses lands in Japan

Six Senses Kyoto has opened its doors, marking the brand’s entry into Japan.

Nestled among iconic heritage shrines and palaces within the ancient capital, the hotel’s design draws inspiration from the Heian period (794-1185), when Heian-kyo (now Kyoto) was the capital of Japan, considered by many the golden age of art and culture that gave birth to “Miyabi” (courtly elegance) concept. This heritage is reflected in the hotel’s modern interpretation, incorporating elements of traditional arts to create a unique and elegant ambiance. The lobby artwork sets the tone with a folding screen featuring 504 hand-crafted Kyoto-made Rakuyaki tiles. These symbolise the silhouette of the sacred Mount Kurama, one of the legendary settings of the Tale of Genji and the birthplace of Reiki healing. Opposite the folding screen is a whimsical art piece which is a modern take on “Chōjū-giga” (Scrolls of Frolicking Animals), believed to be the very first manga (Japanese graphic novels) in the nation’s history.

The contrasting artwork sets the stage for the hotel’s blend of history, artistry, playfulness and emotional hospitality. The hotel’s biophilic design, evident in the usage of wood and natural materials, along with meandering paths through inner Japanese gardens, further connects guests with nature.

The design narrative extends to the 81 guestrooms and suites, offering a sanctuary for contemplation. Specialty suites, from the Premier Suite Garden with a private Japanese courtyard to the 238m² Three Bedroom Penthouse Suite, offer extended space for reconnection. All bedrooms feature Sleep With Six Senses, promoting peaceful slumber through bespoke organic mattresses, temperature regulating pillows, duvets and organic cotton sheets. For those seeking to further optimise their sleep, aids and programmes are also available, through personalised consultation that integrates insights from guests’ sleep tracker combined with soothing treatments, nutritional guidance and low intensity training.

Inspired by Kyoto’s Zen philosophy, Six Senses Spa integrates traditional healing techniques with modern science. Guests begin their journey with a signature Wellness Screening, which analyses key health biomarkers in minutes, allowing Wellness Practitioners to make personalised recommendations tailored to individual needs and goals.

Highlights include the Kyoto-exclusive Ah-un treatment, which symbolises the pursuit of inner peace, balance and awakening in Zen through a series of rituals and harmonising body and sound therapies. Watsu (aquatic bodywork) relieves any tension of the body and the mind through hydrotherapeutic moves and stretches in the city’s only dedicated pool for the treatment. The adjacent Biohack Recovery Lounge meanwhile is equipped with state-of-the-art recovery devices such as compression therapy.

Guided by the Eat With Six Senses ethos, the hotel’s F&B offering take guests on a journey through the ancient Japanese calendar. All-day dining restaurant Sekki offers hyper-seasonal weekly menus and drinks inspired by Japan’s 24 solar terms. Executive Chef Hiroki Shishikura’s close relationships with local farmers and producers ensure first-hand access to seasonal produce. The menu highlights a veg-forward line-up celebrating artisanal local and sustainable ingredients, complemented by a carefully sourced meat and seafood selection.

“Seasonality is a key concept in our culture that we celebrate through traditional events, nature, and food,” explains Chef Hiroki. “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 inauguration aligns with Japan’s ‘Grain Rain’ solar season, marking the shift from spring to summer, observable through the gentle transition from delicate leafy greens and mountain vegetables to vibrant, robust and hearty produce such as summer strawberries.

The adjacent Café Sekki boasts a selection of fresh brews, craft teas, homemade kombucha, healthy juices, and guilt-free sweets and pastries using only natural ingredients and traditional fermentation techniques. Meanwhile, speakeasy cocktail bar Nine Tails offers evocative spirited creations alongside thoughtfully designed non-alcoholic options crafted from artisanal condiments and homemade syrup and cordials.

Sustainability remains the core of the hotel’s values and operations and is clear from the eco-centric design and construction to operational practices and local contributions. Guests can join a sustainability tour, explore interactive workshops at the Earth Lab, or create natural body products at the Alchemy Bar, all designed to foster a deeper understanding and connection with local culture and sustainable practices.

The dedicated Sustainability Fund supported by 0.5 percent of the hotel’s revenue is in place that will support locally based organisations, Biotope Network Kyoto and Council for Kyoto Traditional Forest Culture, in regenerating, conserving, and educating younger generations on forestry revitalisation and its cultural value.