Aman Kyoto
Hidden garden retreat at the base of Kyoto's northern hills — invisible from any road
The Privata Perspective
Kyoto's best-kept secret. A hidden garden that even many Kyoto residents don't know about, tucked into a forested valley at the base of the northern Hidari Daimonji mountain. Kerry Hill discovered this abandoned textile-merchant's garden and recognised its extraordinary potential — centuries-old moss paths, hand-carved stone basins, towering camphor and hinoki cypress trees — all invisible from any road.
Aman Kyoto is perhaps the most poetic property in the entire Aman portfolio. There is no grand entrance, no sweeping driveway. Instead, guests are met at a modest gate and led along a forest path that gradually reveals the garden's depth. The 26 rooms and pavilions are dispersed among the trees with such discretion that one can walk the entire property and never see another guest.
The Living Pavilion by Aman serves seasonal kaiseki cuisine that changes with Kyoto's 72 micro-seasons, using produce from the property's own kitchen garden and foraged ingredients from the surrounding forest. In autumn, the garden's maples produce some of the most spectacular koyo foliage in all of Kyoto — a private leaf-viewing experience unavailable anywhere else in the city.
Accommodations
Hotaru Room
60 sqm
Forest-facing room with private garden terrace, freestanding hinoki-wood bath, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the moss garden
Nara Pavilion
98 sqm
Freestanding pavilion set within the garden with private open-air onsen bath, tatami living area, and dedicated entrance path through the forest
Dining
The Living Pavilion by Aman
Kaiseki
Seasonal kaiseki following Kyoto's 72 micro-seasons, with ingredients from the property's garden and foraged from the surrounding forest. Intimate seating among ancient camphor trees
Spa & Wellness
The open-air onsen is set among mossy boulders and ancient trees, fed by natural mineral springs. Forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) walks are led by trained guides through the garden and surrounding woodland. Treatment rooms use Aman's own botanical skincare line alongside traditional Japanese bodywork techniques. A dedicated meditation pavilion offers zazen sessions with visiting Zen practitioners from nearby temples.
When to Go
Mar–Apr
Cherry blossom — extremely high demand
Nov
Autumn koyo foliage at its peak
Similar Properties
Featured In
Book With Preferred Access
Experience Aman Kyoto with Via Privata
Complimentary upgrades, resort credits, early check-in, and dedicated concierge support — available exclusively through our preferred partner programme.
Enquire Now