A new jewel is about to open in Kyoto: Capella Kyoto, Capella Hotels & Resorts’ first property in Japan. Slated to open in spring 2026, this 89-room sanctuary is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be among the first to experience Kyoto’s refined heritage, where tradition, modern elegance, and serene luxury meet. Designed for travelers who want to slow down, reflect, and immerse themselves fully, Capella Kyoto offers an intimate, unforgettable encounter with the city’s timeless charm.
A Site Steeped in Meaning
Capella Kyoto rises on a deeply meaningful location: the grounds of a former elementary school in the historic Miyagawa‑chō district, a geiko (geisha) and maiko neighborhood of Kyoto. The redevelopment was led by NTT Urban Development, and the hotel project was completed in 2025.The architecture and layout are designed to reflect the layered, subtle beauty of Kyoto itself. Expect narrow thresholds, quiet courtyards, and deliberate transitions, all evoking the spirit of a traditional machiya (Kyoto townhouse).
Design Philosophy: Quiet Yet Profound
Capella called on world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma & Associates and Brewin Design Office to bring this vision to life. Their design is not about grand gestures, but about emotional journeying… a flow of space where architecture feels like a story unfolding.
Inside, you’ll find references to Zen Buddhism, wabi-sabi aesthetics, tatami textures, and serene Zen gardens. The hotel’s inner bamboo courtyard, complete with a lone Japanese maple and shallow pond, is meant to reflect the Japanese philosophy of “ichigo‑ichie” (one life, one moment), encouraging guests to pause, reflect, and treasure each instant.
Rooms & Suites: Intimate Luxury with Private Onsens
Capella Kyoto has 89 beautifully appointed rooms, including six exclusive Onsen Suites, each with a private onsen, a rare find in the city. These spaces blend traditional Japanese motifs with contemporary comfort, offering a peaceful retreat right in the heart of Kyoto.
Dining: A Trio of Refined Culinary Experiences
The hotel’s dining options are designed to match its thoughtful architecture:
- Carte Blanche (Omakase) – An intimate, omakase-style experience featuring creative pairings, ideal for a quietly luxurious meal.
- Japanese Restaurant – Nestled in the southeast corner of the hotel, this restaurant uses reclaimed wood from the old school building and offers a sunken garden, marrying sustainability, tradition, and serenity.
- Modern Brasserie + Pâtisserie – Set around the inner courtyard, overlooking a moss garden anchored by a preserved sakura tree.
Wellness & Restoration: Auriga Spa
Capella’s Auriga Spa is a peaceful, design-forward wellness sanctuary. It features:
- Three private onsen rooms (traditional Japanese bathing experience)
- Wet and dry saunas
- Four treatment rooms
- A fitness area
Signature spa treatments draw from Japanese wellness traditions, using high-quality organic and natural ingredients.
Capella Curates: Cultural Encounters That Feel Personal
Capella Kyoto’s Curates program is a highlight, bespoke cultural sessions that go beyond tourism:
- Whispers of Miyagawa‑cho: A private ochaya (tea house) experience with maiko dance and shamisen music.
- Step by Step: The Soul of Geta: Visit a 150-year-old geta (traditional sandal) atelier. Guests learn about craftsmanship, posture, and balance… and can even commission their own pair.
- Gloss Boss: A lacquerware journey into urushi – guests learn how to harvest sap, create lacquer pieces, or even do kintsugi (the art of repairing with gold lacquer).
These experiences are deeply rooted in Kyoto’s living traditions, and they’re curated specifically for guests of this hotel.
Events & Gatherings: A Space That Reflects Grace
One of Capella Kyoto’s architectural masterpieces is its multi-story rock garden atrium, capped by a karahafu roof (a gracefully curved gable commonly seen in temples and traditional theatre buildings). Beneath this, there’s a performance atrium where cultural events can unfold under the open sky, combining the serenity of Kyoto with theatrical elegance.
The ballroom lies just below, and it’s ideal for intimate, refined events where architecture and history are part of the experience.
Ideal for This Type of Traveler
- Cultural Connoisseurs: Those who want to experience Kyoto beyond the usual tourist trail, immersing themselves in geiko and maiko traditions.
- Luxury Seekers: Guests who appreciate private onsens, curated spa treatments, and refined dining experiences.
- Design & Architecture Enthusiasts: Travelers drawn to subtle, thoughtful design and spaces that tell a story.
- Slow Travel Advocates: Anyone who values presence, reflection, and savoring each moment, embracing the hotel’s philosophy of ichigo‑ichie (one life, one moment).
Why Capella Kyoto Is a Must for the Discerning Traveler
- Heritage meets modern luxury: It’s not just a hotel, it’s a living tribute to Kyoto’s traditions.
- Authentic immersion: Between Curates programs, private onsens, and refined dining, you’re invited into the city’s deeper cultural heartbeat.
- Quiet sanctuary: Despite being in one of Kyoto’s most historic districts, the design encourages reflection, calm, and presence.
- First-of-its-kind in Japan for Capella: This is Capella’s debut in Japan, so it is a statement property.
How to Book Through Escape Artists Travel
Escape Artists Travel is now accepting reservations for Capella Kyoto, and we can help you craft the perfect stay, whether you’re looking to book the Gion Whisper package for a refined, two-night introduction, or the Capella Sojourn package that includes Curates experiences, omakase dining, and a spa treatment.
If you’re looking to be among the first guests of this quietly spectacular address, reach out. We’d love to design your Kyoto stay with intention, depth, and elegance.
