A Secret Garden Retreat in Historic Takagamine
Secreted away in an enchanting 32-hectare forested glade at the foot of Mount Hidari Daimonji in historic Takagamine, Aman Kyoto is an extraordinary tribute to traditional Japanese ryokan culture reimagined through the minimalist architectural brilliance of the late Kerry Hill. Winding moss-draped stone pathways, bubbling forest streams, and ancient stone ramparts frame 26 secluded pavilions and palatial mountain suites.
Accommodations showcase floor-to-ceiling forest vistas, traditional tatami matting, cedar latticework, and fragrant hinoki cypress wood ofuro soaking tubs. Situated within walking distance of iconic UNESCO World Heritage treasures including Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion), Ryoan-ji, and Genko-an, Aman Kyoto offers unparalleled access to Kyoto’s imperial soul through privately curated cultural journeys.
Epicurean excellence is led by Taka-An, an exquisite kaiseki homage to 16th-century Rinpa master Honami Koetsu featuring seasonal omakase at a polished cedar chef's counter, alongside The Living Pavilion by Aman with its roaring central fireplace and garden terrace serving Kyoto obanzai and Western cuisine. The subterranean Aman Spa offers natural mineral-rich indoor and outdoor onsen thermal waters fed by local springs, complemented by tailored matcha and cedar wellness therapies.
Signature Travel Network Exclusive Amenities
Enjoy VIP privileges when reserving through Vincent Vacations:
- Daily Full Gourmet Japanese or Western Breakfast for Up to Two Guests
- $100 USD Hotel Credit per Room, per Stay (Dining, Spa, or Cultural Journeys)
- Authentic Aman Welcome Drink & Traditional Japanese Sweets
- Priority Room-to-Room Category Upgrade (Subject to Availability)
- Flexible Early Check-In & Late Check-Out (Subject to Availability)
- Complimentary Natural Mineral Onsen Thermal Bath Access
Forest Pavilions & Palatial Suites
Susuki Pavilion
Serene pavilion sanctuary framing emerald moss gardens and maple canopies. Features a handcrafted Japanese hinoki cypress ofuro soaking tub, tatami matting, king bed, and private timber terrace.
Nara Pavilion
Spacious elevated pavilion enveloped by towering Japanese cedar and oak trees. Boasts an artisanal hinoki soaking bath, customized lighting, king bed, and peaceful meditation seating.
Kaede Pavilion
Exquisite pavilion looking out onto vibrant maple glades that shift from brilliant emerald in summer to fiery crimson in autumn. Features an expansive cedar ofuro bath and tranquil nature terrace.
Takagamine Suite
Commanding palatial mountain residence set at the highest point of the secret garden. Features two ensuite bedrooms, separate living salon with fireplace, formal dining area, and dedicated tea room.
Washigamine Pavilion
Magnificent flagship presidential sanctuary named after Mount Washigamine. Showcases double-height living salons, fully equipped kitchen, traditional tatami tearoom, dual master suites, and sweeping mountain panoramas.
Restaurants & Lounges
Taka-An
An extraordinary culinary homage to 16th-century Rinpa master Honami Koetsu, presenting multi-course seasonal kaiseki omakase prepared with hyper-local heirloom Kyoto vegetables and market fish at a polished cedar chef’s counter.
The Living Pavilion by Aman
The convivial heart of the resort featuring a central fireplace and glass doors opening onto the Kerry Hill garden terrace, serving home-cooked Kyoto-style obanzai and seasonal Western specialties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guests booking Aman Kyoto through Vincent Vacations receive daily full breakfast for up to two guests in The Living Pavilion by Aman, a $100 USD hotel credit per room per stay (applicable at The Living Pavilion, Taka-an, in-room dining, minibar, Aman Spa, or curated cultural journeys), priority room-to-room category upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability), and flexible early check-in and late check-out privileges (subject to availability).
Aman Kyoto is hidden in a 32-hectare private forested garden in Takagamine in north Kyoto, situated at the base of Mount Hidari Daimonji. It offers total natural seclusion among moss-covered boulders and cedar paths while being within walking distance of UNESCO World Heritage sites including Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion), Ryoan-ji, and Genko-an.
The subterranean Aman Spa features traditional Japanese onsen thermal mineral baths, with both indoor stone bathing halls and open-air outdoor mineral onsen pools fed by local natural subterranean hot springs, complemented by Japanese shiatsu, cedar wood exfoliation, and green tea rituals.
The property features two premier dining venues: Taka-An for sublime multi-course kaiseki omakase honoring the Rinpa art heritage of Honami Koetsu, and The Living Pavilion by Aman for all-day Kyoto obanzai home-style dining, seasonal Western dishes, and artistic afternoon tea beside a central open fireplace.
Each pavilion at Aman Kyoto was conceived by the late architect Kerry Hill and features floor-to-ceiling glass windows framing secret garden panoramas, handcrafted Japanese hinoki cypress wood ofuro soaking tubs, minimalist tatami mat sitting areas, and bespoke timber craftsmanship.