Banyan Tree poised to open brand’s first hotel in Japan
Banyan Tree is coming to Kyoto.
Officials from the brand announced this week that it plans to open a new property in the historic Japanese city during the third quarter of this year. Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto will feature 52 guest rooms, a Banyan Tree Spa and two restaurants.
The property is on the site of the former Hotel Ryozen, close to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kodai-ji Temple. Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto will also feature the Higashiyama Onsen hot spring and get bragging rights for being the only hotel in Kyoto with a Noh stage for performing the 650-year-old Japanese art of Nohgaku, which features supernatural themes of ghosts and gods.
The hotel's Yukio Hashimoto-designed guest rooms will feature traditional Japanese materials, large cypress wood bathtubs, tatami mats and gold leaf accents. The rooms are meant to embrace a sense of hidden and quiet beauty.
The luxury brand is well known for its emphasis on local experiences at its hotels, such as Banyan Tree Phuket, the company's first location, and Buahan, a Balinese resort that's part of Banyan Tree's Escape offshoot brand. Expanding to Japan is a logical next step for the brand, given the significantly high level of international tourism to the country.
Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto will include a Banyan Tree Spa with Kyoto-specific treatments, and two dining experiences meant to similarly embrace the city's culture.
Bookings, as well as special opening offers, are now available for stays beginning July 26.
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