Capella Kyoto to open on March 22

Luxury hotel brand Capella Hotel Group is to open its first Japanese property in Kyoto on March 22.

The hotel is situated in the city’s historic Miyagawa-cho kagai (geisha district), adjacent to the Kenninji temple and the traditional Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo Theatre.

Guests will receive exclusive front-row access to theatrical performances, entry to an invitation-only tearoom and kintsugi workshops led by a local master.

The 89-key property is inspired by the traditional machiya (townhouse) style, with shoji screen walls, interior thresholds and hidden gardens.

It will feature a variety of rooms and suites, including six Onsen Suites with private hot spring baths, and the top-floor Capella Suite offering panoramic mountain views.

Capella Kyoto is home to SoNoMa by SingleThread, created in partnership with California-based three-Michelin-starred restaurant SingleThread. The restaurant will offer an intimate 12-seat counter and a 20-seat lounge bar in the style of an ochaya (traditional teahouse). 

All-day French brasserie Lanterne will bring Parisian cafe culture to Japan, while late-night, personalised dining and cocktails will be provided at Yoi.

The property’s Auriga Spa will feature three private onsen rooms, four treatment rooms, wet and dry saunas and a fitness centre. 

Clive Edwards, senior vice-president of operations at Capella Hotel Group, said: “Kyoto is one of the world’s greatest cradles of craft, ritual and tradition, and Capella Kyoto has been conceived to honour that legacy in full. 

“Japan has long been a destination we have deeply admired, and we have been intentional about introducing our brands here. Building on the success of Patina Osaka, which opened last year, we look forward to welcoming guests to Capella Kyoto as the next chapter in that journey – and the beginning of a deeper story in Japan.”