Hotel Okura Kyoto

Character and identity

A Kyoto landmark since 1888, this is the tallest building in the city, set near the Kamogawa River with a subway station directly beneath it. The lobby leans grand and classical, marble pillars rising to a sweeping staircase, while much of the interior has been recently refreshed to balance period atmosphere with modern comforts. Expect an old-school blend of Western and Eastern sensibilities, four restaurants and two bars running to the higher end of Kyoto's refined kitchens, plus a fitness club with pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and traditional male and female baths. Service is quietly attentive in the Kyoto register.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The pull here is location and longevity: a historic downtown address with the city's best urban views and a subway stop in the basement, wrapped in classical-grandeur service. Book a higher floor facing Higashiyama for the mountain and temple panorama, and lean on the Kyoto Station shuttle and welcome lounge on arrival and departure days to make the most of a tight itinerary.