Six Senses Kyoto
Japan
Inspired by Japanese folklore and time-honoured arts, Six Senses Kyoto brings the old-world charm and elegance of the Heian era into a modern escape full of playful touches, encounters with nature and a sweeping sense of serenity.
Six Senses Kyoto’s lobby and arrival experience sets the tone for the guests’ journey.
The central lobby space overlooks the inner courtyard of the resort, enticing guests to explore its winding pathways. Ikebana displays, natural materials and earthen textures encourage a connection to nature in the interiors.
The Tale of Genji, written by a noblewoman a thousand years ago, inspired the arrival experience. The original manuscript, published as an Orihon, a folded, concertina-style book, is echoed in the folded wooden ceiling structure. Kurama-Yama, the legendary setting of the Tale of Genji, was abstracted by a local artist and hand-painted onto the handcrafted raku-yaki tiles screen that frames the check-in desks.
On the journey to their rooms, guests are greeted along the way by whimsical occupancy signs inspired by the art and craft of traditional Kitsune fox masks made from recycled washi paper.
Once inside the bedroom, a headboard wall of rotating panels frames the bed. With a traditional Asanoha pattern on one side and a rich Japanese red lacquer on the other, guests are encouraged to interact with the space and create their own designs. Outside, the Japanese garden offers a peaceful retreat amidst nature for guests to relax and rejuvenate.
Bathroom finishes find inspiration from a wealth of Japanese influence. Shoki patterns are used on the bamboo glass shower screens, wall tiles echo the lines of Oke bath bowls and a Kōdō holder allows incense to infuse the air with calming scents.
Natural timber walls and ceilings, along with a shoji screen wall separating the bathroom, create a tone of simplicity over excess. A traditional Japanese handpainted art scene frames the bed adds to the ambiance. Views of nature are seamlessly integrated into the room, linking the rock garden to the interior spaces, with a large onsen set by the window.
A top-floor escape with three bedrooms and iconic views. The concept extends that of the guestrooms with select enhancements. Large format sumi-e black on white artworks create breathtaking wall coverings that blend Japanese folklore with modern Kyoto design.
Organic furniture in soothing shapes sits beneath vaulted timber ceilings inspired by the pitched roofs of traditional Japanese architecture. Emphasising a sense of place, the space features a commissioned art piece depicting the Heian city grid.
The all-day dining experience is an extension of the central garden and takes guests on a journey through the life of a tree. The courtyard features elements inspired by budding trees, while the main dining area, private dining room, and open kitchen incorporate lush and petrified textures. These dining spaces resemble the gardens of Kyoto’s past, where writers in the Heian period would observe the imperial gardens and write about the changing seasons.
Guests at the Nine Tails cocktail lounge are invited to select herbs and garnishes for their drinks from a live herb display at the entrance. The bartenders mix the perfect cocktail against a backdrop of apothecary drawers and lit umeshu jars. The front bar counter boasts Oribe tile, a homage to renowned Japanese ceramic artist Oribe Furuta (1543-1615). Produced in the heart of Toki city in Gifu, these tiles are celebrated for their lustrous, rich glazes. The dimly lit lounge has hammered glass screens for privacy and filtered light, along with recessed organic lounge seating niches for more intimate gatherings.
At the Alchemy Bar, guests are invited to interact with a plethora of seasonal ingredients from the Hyakumi Chest to create wellness shots, teas and beauty scrubs.
The Six Senses pool, a tranquil space. The feature wall depicts mystical clouds in the world of Genji inspired by traditional artworks.
We drew inspiration from Japan’s rich bathing traditions and the healing power of water to design a series of spaces dedicated to peaceful reflection and relaxation. From the Watsu therapy pool to the Suikinkitsu water features and ripple-textured natural woods, every detail contributes to the narrative of water and its benefits for all the senses.
Taking a meditative approach to every aspect of the spa, we wanted all functional spaces to be elevated and play their part in the transformative wellness journey. Sensory-themed spa treatment rooms transport guests into deep relaxation, focusing on one or a combination of the senses through soothing sounds, captivating visuals and aromatic scents.
A welcoming space, the organic forms and the use of natural textures set the stage for the wellness journey at this Six Senses Spa.
The Sense of Sound treatment room features Furin, Japanese wind chimes, suspended from the ceiling. Dating back to the Heian period, the handcrafted knitted metal lanterns continue the resort’s heritage concept.
Inspired by Six Senses’ unique water filtration process, the Earth Lab embodies a natural aesthetic with earthy tones and warm materials. Design moments include hammered glass water bottles and a bamboo water spout offering guests the opportunity to refill as needed. The ceiling design exemplifies Six Senses’ dedication to sustainability, showcasing the creative reuse of leftover veneers to craft a striking focal point.