Six Senses Kyoto: We Skipped Gion & Stayed In Bed

It was our last morning at Six Senses Kyoto and I did not want to leave the bed.

It wasn't because I was tired, I wasn't. Actually, I'd slept better than I had in months; YEARS, maybe. I think it was because for the first time in who knows how long, I gave myself permission to pause. I wasn't planning the next temple, the next meal, or the next trendy thing we had to see before leaving Japan.

I sat up slowly and slid my feet into the cozy brown slippers. I brewed a cup of coffee, grabbed a tasty, in-house made, sansho pepper chocolate chip cookie and walked out onto the balcony of our room. The only thing on my mind at that moment: sip, nibble, and watch the soft morning light glisten on the garden moss.

Then suddenly, another thought appeared, "How did I not realize I was this exhausted?"

Let me back up for a second...

At first, I didn't know what to make of this hotel.

We had just arrived from Gion; all wooden machiya houses, narrow alleys, maiko in silk kimonos. Traditional Kyoto. Prior to arriving here, we'd spent the night at a traditional ryokan. That was the Kyoto I'd been picturing for months. So when we walked into Six Senses and I saw floor-to-ceiling windows, sleek modern furniture, and contemporary art behind the concierge desk, I felt confused; almost disappointed.

It was too modern. Too polished. Too "I could be anywhere."

But then I smelled it. That scent. It was warm, grounding, almost impossible to describe. Like hinoki wood but earthier and a soft touch of spice, perhaps? The kind of smell that makes you slow down before you even realize you're doing it.

I took a breath. Then another.

As we walked in, we were greeted by a massive vase filled with initial blooms of cherry blossom branches. Real, not fake. This was early March, right before sakura season really began, and seeing them felt like a special gift.

They welcomed us with smoky tea and jelly treats. As part of the check-in ritual and to honor Kyoto, they placed a tiny scoop of incense into our hands and asked us to take a slow, deep breath. We then rubbed it between our palms to further unlock the scent.

I picked up the tea to take a sip, and was taken by the pottery! Every cup, every plate, every piece looked like it had been made by hand; and it had been. The view of the garden through those floor-to-ceiling windows was so elegant and peaceful. Layered, intentional, quiet.

I didn't fully grasp it yet, but something truly memorable was about to unfold.

Then they handed us our room key...

The Room

The key was a wooden fob, smooth and aligned with the elemental theme throughout the hotel. They walked us down this long corridor with tatami-inspired rug flooring, explaining the complimentary workshops, the spa hours, and where to find breakfast. Everything felt calm and unhurried.

When we opened the door to our Deluxe Garden King room, I was impressed by the space. Two closets. Two vanities, separate, not side-by-side. A room for the toilet, a room for the shower and tub, and a bedroom with a balcony overlooking the garden.

I loved that! My space, his space. Together, but not on top of each other.

On the table was a spread of welcome amenities that put a smile on my face from ear to ear. There was yuzu cake, a plate of melons, strawberries, mandarins, a box with matcha cubes, fruits jelly candy, wasambon walnuts, black sesame financiers (which were bomb, by the way). And two notes: one card signed by what looked like half the hotel staff, and a personal letter from Nico, the hotel manager.

As I stood there reading them, I felt this deep sense of gratitude for every single person.

Afterwards, I went to the closet to start putting my things away. That's when I saw the slippers; brown, earthy, made of this soft felt material. They were so authentically unique. I'm wearing them right now as I write this. Yes, I took them. Zero shame.

The minibar was stocked with a generous assortment of coffee, tea, and in-house made treats like popcorn, veggie chips, and cookies. Inside the fridge, was flavored water, sparkling water, sake, beer, and all sans the alcohol was complimentary; replenished daily. It's the kind of thoughtful curation that makes you want to try everything. And you better believe we did!

I want to highlight the water for a second, because this really matters when you're traveling. Some hotels give you two tiny bottles and call it a day. Six Senses Kyoto was the water that kept on giving.

There was a glass bottle on each vanity. A glass bottle on each bedside table. Water in the fridge. Water by the coffee machine. They brought water with room service. Everywhere you turned, there was water.

I like to stay hydrated, drinking about 2.5 liters a day. I often find it harder to maintain the same level of hydration when I’m traveling as I do at home. So I really appreciated this touch. It's one of those details you don't think about until you're in a hotel where water feels scarce.

And the cherry on top, they use refillable glass bottles so you're not worried about creating a pile of plastic trash.

The lighting system took me a minute to figure out but it was next level! You could light just the toilet room, just the tub, the shower, the hallway. You could dim it down to mood lighting behind the bed, or go full brightness. At first, I thought it was overkill but when I decided to indulge in a bath, I was like, "Oh yea, I need this."

Now let's talk about the bed. The sheets were decadent, the mattress was firm but giving, and the pillows felt like soft clouds that molded perfectly to my shape. Six Senses Kyoto features a sleep program with aromatherapy options and a pillow menu for turndown service but we were so exhausted that first night, it completely slipped my mind. We just wanted room service and sleep.

So we ordered the burger and the fish of the day. The fish came with grilled cauliflower, beets, leafy greens, actual vegetables, cruciferous vegetables! I didn't realize how much I'd missed them until I was sitting there eating grilled cauliflower like it was the best thing I'd tasted all week.

Most of the vegetables we'd eaten in Japan thus far were pickled, which is fine. But there's something about roughage. Fiber, you know? Your body needs it. And after days of mostly protein and carbs, I was genuinely happy to see vegetables on my plate.

After we ate, we showered, completed our nighttime ritual, put on the scrumptious Six Senses pajamas, and got into bed. We fell right to sleep after lowering the blackout shades and slept better than we had in months.

The First Breakfast

Breakfast the next morning was one of the reasons I didn't want to leave this hotel. I died and went to heaven! If I was told I could only eat at one place for the rest of my life, it would be here.

There's a full buffet spread out between two rooms and also a menu where you can choose items a la carte. I decided to start by taking a spin to soak it all in. My eyes delighted in colorful and abundant arrangements of fruits, vegetables, greens, tofu, chicken, fish, juices, breads, yogurt, condiments, and anything you could possibly imagine. The ginger shot is good, but serious! Don't say I didn't warn you. The carrot ginger shot was much more my pace. I lost it over the matcha azuki buns and the rice flour bread with matcha butter, OMG! It's that eye-crossing, toe curling kind of good.

Hotel food is usually indulgent; rich, heavy, something you eat for a few days on vacation but not sustainable long-term. This was different. The food was light, organic, and local. I could eat without feeling full or bloated. And that's the body's way of saying, "yes, give me more of this!"

Everything here works in microseasons; they call it sekki, which also happens to be the name of the restaurant. It's the traditional Japanese solar terms that divide the year into 24 periods. The menu changes every two weeks based on what's growing, what's in season, and what the land is giving right now.

I highly recommend the Japanese breakfast, the chicken sausages, and the french toast. I looked at my husband, Israel, mid-bite and said, "OMG it's so goooood!" He nodded. Mouth full. Same page.

After breakfast we took a walk and explored the garden a bit. It was relaxing and great for digestion.

The Moment It Clicked

Later that day, I was on a site tour with Bianca when I finally brought up what I'd been chewing on since we arrived. "But it doesn't really feel like Kyoto," I said. "It's beautiful, but it feels modern. International. I was expecting something more traditional."

She smiled and said, "I'm going to show you my favorite suite in the hotel."

Next thing I know, we open the door to the Premier Garden Suite. My pupils must have dilated because I could feel my eyes open wide. You get your own garden! Not just a view of a garden. Your. Own. Garden!

And you can see it from every space in the suite, the living room, the bedroom, the shower. Even the bathtub, marvelously positioned as a centerpiece, faces it directly. This suite is great for couples, honeymooners, anniversaries; people who want exclusivity, seclusion, and romance.

I stood there, lost in daydream, imagining what it would feel like to soak in it while watching the wind blow through the cherry blossoms.

A few moments later, I picked my jaw up off the floor only to drop it again as we entered the Penthouse Suite. My eyes scanned the room and then locked onto this painting that moved something almost ancient within me.

Bianca told me it was painted right here in the suite on a blank canvas. They work with Japanese designers and artists who've spent time abroad and come back with this fusion style. "It's Japanese with a modern twist." And after she said it, something clicked.

Japanese influence started appearing everywhere. The pottery wasn't just pretty; it was ceremonial. The bowls in the bathroom sinks were custom-made matcha bowls. 120 of them, one for each sink in the hotel. I mean, come on.

The chairs in the lobby resembled the Japanese flag. The bronze artwork inspired by Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga, the famous scrolls of frolicking animals from the Heian period. The way the garden was layered to represent the descent from the Higashiyama mountains to the city floor.

This wasn't "I could be anywhere." This was deeply, and intentionally Kyoto; just not the Kyoto tourists expect.

I told Akari, who works in the spa, "This place feels futuristic but mindful. Like those peaceful villages you see in Star Trek where everything is beautiful, purposeful, and there's no "country" or "individual," just "all of us, united."

She laughed then smiled and said, "That's a lovely thought."

This is where I saw the greatest mix of people from everywhere. Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, German, American, Mexican. The staff, though, was predominantly local—hired from Kyoto and the surrounding region. That balance felt important. A hotel that welcomes the world while remaining rooted in its community. I wouldn't even call them staff. It feels more like friendly people welcoming you into their home, offering warmth and genuine hospitality.

The Spa

That evening, I finally made it down to the spa. Even now that I'm back home recounting my experience, I can still connect with the sensations I felt in that masterpiece of a space.

Of the 9 spas we visited, this was my favorite. Not because it was the biggest or the fanciest, but because it had everything: the modern biohacking equipment (compression boots, red light masks, hypoxic training) and the traditional onsen-style ofuro bathing (showers, hot baths, warm bath, cold plunge, sauna, steam room).

The view from the baths is simple yet majestic. You're looking out a window at a beautiful rock formation set in green grass with sounds of water dripping in between deep inhales and exhales. I could feel my body slowing down and decompressing in real time.

I had the place to myself that evening so you know I tried it all and yes, in my birthday suit. That's how it's done in Japan. Although, Six Senses does provide you with the option to go in your bathing suit but come on, you're in Japan! Live a little. Now that I've done it, I can't imagine ruining the experience with a bathing suit.

I walked out of there feeling like a brand new human; relaxed, revitalized, and well taken care of. Throughout our entire stay I just kept thinking: I feel so good. I feel so well.

And that's the whole idea behind Six Senses; wellness. Everything is thoughtfully curated to promote a genuine feeling of wellbeing. It's woven into the very fabric of this place.

Room Service - Part Two

Earlier that day, I toured Nine Tails, the speakeasy bar, with Bianca and was genuinely excited about it. I loved the atmosphere, the custom cocktails (even mocktails), the whole vibe. It was a really cool spot and open to the public!

But by the second night, we were exhausted. We'd spent the day exploring the city, walking through temples, and getting lost in ceramic shops like Maana. When we returned to the hotel, the thought of getting dressed and going back out for dinner felt like a chore. So we ordered room service. Again. I know, so boring. But you know what wasn't boring? The spring rolls.

I really did want to experience it but I wasn't upset about it. I'd already spent time in the spa and that's where I come alive. That's my non-negotiable.

So while we missed Nine Tails, I didn't miss what mattered most to me. And honestly, that felt like the hotel working the way it was supposed to: giving me permission to choose rest over obligation.

And That Brings Us Back to the Last Morning

Can you see why I didn't want to get out of bed?

I felt so good, so well! And it's so easy to feel that way here. I wasn't ready to let go of that deep sense of wellbeing. At this point, our room felt more like an upscale apartment than a hotel. I was ready to sign the lease!

At first, I thought Six Senses Kyoto might only be for people who'd been to Japan multiple times. People who'd already "done" the temples and the kaiseki, the traditional ryokans, and were ready for something different.

But now I think it's for anyone who seeks depth over frills. It's for those who tend to look closer and appreciate the intention behind every little detail; custom pottery, microseasons, lighting that adjusts to your circadian rhythm.

It's also for those who've been on the go for so long, they don't even realize how exhausted they are until they're given permission to stop.

During the check-out process, they presented us with a daruma; a traditional Japanese talisman where you fill in one eye to set a goal, and the other when you complete it. I can't tell you what mine was, but it wouldn't be hard to guess.

Six Senses Kyoto holds a special place in my heart. It was the catalyst for a trip that changed everything. I promised I would write one heck of an article for the world to read. I did my best but even the best cameras fall short of capturing the full beauty of the moon. Book this place! You won't regret it.

How to Book

If Six Senses Kyoto sounds like your kind of place, I can book it for you so you get the experience I had, not the standard one.

When you book through me as a Forbes Travel Guide Endorsed Agency with IHG Destined and Six Senses preferred partnerships, you'll get:

- Complimentary daily breakfast for two (valued at ¥7,000 per person)

- Room upgrades when available at check-in

- $100 USD spa or resort credit

- Early check-in and late checkout (subject to availability)

- VIP welcome amenities

I work with IHG Destined, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Rosewood Elite, Hyatt Privé, Belmond Bellini Club, The Peninsula PenClub, and Mandarin Oriental Fan Club programs. Whether Six Senses Kyoto is part of a larger Japan itinerary or a standalone wellness retreat, I'll make sure every detail is handled.

Ready to book? Message me directly and I'll take care of the rest.

Who It's For

This hotel is for:

- Couples who want seclusion and romance (Premier Garden Suite!)

- Wellness-focused travelers who care about what they eat, how they sleep, and how they recover

- Health foodies who don't want to sacrifice their diet while traveling (everything is organic, local, light, and designed to make you feel good)

- People who appreciate modern Japanese fusion

- Athletes and families (they have biohacking equipment, a kids program, and babysitting so parents can escape to the spa or Nine Tails bar)

- Anyone who wants to relax and rest deeply.

This hotel is NOT for:

- People seeking "traditional Japan" (tatami mats, kaiseki in your room, full ryokan immersion; this isn't it)

- Budget-conscious travelers (rooms start around $550–$600 in low season and can exceed $2,500 during peak periods)

- Anyone looking for the Instagram version of Kyoto

When to Go

Best times:

- Late November for autumn foliage (the micro-seasonal menu features mushrooms, chestnuts, and root vegetables at their peak)

- January–Early March for the lowest rates and fewer crowds

- May–June after Golden Week but before summer heat (the gardens are lush and rates are moderate)

Avoid:

- Late March–Early April (cherry blossom season is beautiful but chaotic and I prefer ume over sakura. There, I said it.)

- Golden Week (late April–early May) and August (Obon crowds and humidity)

How long to stay:

We stayed two nights, and while that was a great taste of what Six Senses Kyoto offers, I recommend at least four nights so you have time to experience it all without feeling rushed. The spa alone deserves multiple visits, the breakfast is something you'll want every morning, and the property has a way of slowing you down in a way you don't fully appreciate until day two.

If you're planning a longer Kyoto trip, consider splitting your stay: two nights here and two nights somewhere else (like a traditional ryokan in Gion or Sowaka which is a modern luxury ryokan - highly recommend!). This gives you the full Six Senses experience while also experiencing the different facets of Kyoto.

What You Need to Know

Location: 431 Myohoin Maekawacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

- 10-minute walk to Kyoto National Museum, Sanjusangen-do Temple, Toyokuni Shrine

- 20-minute walk (or 5-minute taxi) to Gion

- 7-minute taxi from Kyoto Station

- Back door that leads directly to a temple (yes, really)

Getting There:

- Kansai International Airport (KIX): 1.25 hours via Haruka Express or private car

- Osaka Itami Airport (ITM): 1 hour by private transfer

Pro Tips:

- Even if you don't stay here, reserve breakfast. It's that good.

- Ask about the Premier Garden Suite if you're celebrating something special.

- If you see the yukata in the spa gift shop, buy it. (I didn't, and I regret it.)