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Last updated: 31 July, 2022
Expert travel writer: Rob Goss

Located in a mossy garden hidden in ancient forest near Kinkakuji Temple, the Aman mixes the minimalism and tranquility of a traditional ryokan inn with the luxury of a five-star wellness retreat.

Opened in 2019, with 24 sleek guestrooms and two villas, it’s the kind of place you stay if you want your accommodation to be an immersive, pampered experience – whether that’s strolling the garden, soaking in the mineral-rich hot-spring baths or unwinding with a shiatsu massage.

Continuing the experiential theme, guests also have access to exclusive cultural programs, including meditation sessions with Zen monks and an evening with the geisha of Kyoto’s oldest chaya (teahouse). If there’s a negative, it’s the location – great for Kinkakuji and Ryoanji temples, but a bit of a trek to other attractions.

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Key facilities

Airport transfers: Not available
Beach: None
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Kids club
Parking
: On-site *
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga

Food & drink

All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional charge

Room types

Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts

Room facilities

Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Jacuzzi (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi

Bedding options

2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed

Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Kinkakuji Temple

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan[1.3 miles]

The stunning, gilded temple of Kinkakuji, casting its golden reflection onto an islet-studded pond, is the iconic Kyoto image. A UNESCO World Heritage site.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Geishas in Gion

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan[6.4 miles]

Kyoto’s historic Gion quarter is the place to see Japan’s mysterious and enigmatic geisha. Dressed in colourful kimonos, complimented by elaborate hairstyles and oshiroi make-up, they’ve been entertaining Japan’s wealthy and well-connected for centuries.

Best for ages: 10+ | Free

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Overview >

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan[6.5 miles]

The towering stalks and soft light of Arashiyama’s much-photographed bamboo grove make this iconic Kyoto sight an almost otherworldly experience.

Best for ages: 4+ | £3

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Overview >

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan[10 miles]

One of Japan’s most sacred shrines, Fushimi Inari’s thousands of torii gateways also make it one of the country’s most Instagrammable sights.

Best for ages: 6+ | £2

Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first

Busy covered market
Experience

Nishiki Market

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan[5.9 miles]

Stretching along five shop-lined blocks, Kyoto’s oldest food market immerses visitors in Kyoto’s culinary heritage. Over 100 stalls and restaurants offer all and anything food related.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Overview >
Yasaka Shrine
Experience

Yasaka Shrine

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan[6.8 miles]

The shrine that protects the Gion geisha district is one of Kyoto’s most distinctive sights. Entered through a roofed gateway painted a vivid vermillion, its grounds include a striking dance stage—used for performances during festivals—that’s adorned with several hundred lanterns lit each evening.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Overview >
Sunrise on tempe between trees
Experience

Kenninji Temple

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan[6.8 miles]

Established in 1202, this temple at the southern end of Hanami-koji has traditional Zen gardens and incredible ceiling murals of dragons (added in 2002). It claims to be the oldest temple in Kyoto.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Overview >
Trees in garden clearing
Experience

Saihoji Temple

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan[7.8 miles]

A Buddhist Zen temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site best known for its unusual, atmospheric moss garden that circles a symbolically-shaped golden pond. Just getting in is an experience – you’re given a written sutra to copy it out onto another piece of paper to ensure you are pure enough to enter!

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Overview >

Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay

Kyoto

Kansai, Japan

Ancient temples and shrines, sublime cuisine, manicured gardens, colourful geishas and living history in spades – Kyoto is traditional Japan at its best.

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Overview >