Hyatt Regency, Kyoto

Location

As the Japanese capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto’s imperial legacy is realised in a vast array of Buddhist temples, grand palaces and gardens that range from intimate Zen squares to palatial fields. It’s no surprise that it’s home to no fewer than 17 World Heritage Sites. And, sandwiched between two shrines and a temple, the Hyatt Regency enjoys a location in among the city’s history. It’s also just 20 minutes’ walk from the central train station and downtown shopping and dining area. And, on the edge of the city’s grid, it’s a simple task to get out to some of the outlying temples and shrines.

Accommodation

Over its 189 spacious rooms and suites, the Hyatt Regency combines traditional Japanese sensibilities with modern comfort and features. Each comes with a gorgeous kimono tapestry that adds a splash of colour to contemporary, blonde wood furnishings. Granite bathrooms feature deep-soaking bathtubs while in-room tablets, WiFi and 42” TVs round off the mod cons. Consider upgrading to a Deluxe room for inner garden views and ottoman sofas or look to the luxury suites for traditional nijiriguchi tearooms separated by sliding paper doors. You’ll even find cypress bathtubs and sunken kotatsu seating areas.

Dining

At the Hyatt Regency you’ll be spoilt for choice. Its main restaurant, Touzan, uses a full range of methods to create authentic Japanese cuisine; tuck into fresh Edomae sushi or sample fine cuts of wagyu beef. For carnivores, the terrace Grill restaurant serves mouthwatering, seasonal delights on a rock-glass counter bar to views of the hotel’s Japanese garden. There’s also a trattoria-style restaurant where a show kitchen serves up Italian classics with house-made pastas and carefully arranged salads among its highlights.

Facilities

After a day’s strolling through Kyoto’s bamboo groves and exploring its temples, perhaps book into a reinvigorating yoga class or make use of the spa’s excellent treatments. And, for those who haven’t had enough exercise sightseeing, there’s a fully equipped fitness centre. After starting your day with a sweet from the hotel’s patisserie, why not end it beneath the wooden beams of the hotel’s cosy bar, stocked with high-quality whiskeys and premium sakes along with more international classics?