Perfectly positioned near scenic spots and bustling streets, Dhawa Yura Kyoto is the luxury boutique hotel of our dreams.
The Japan obsession is real, and Kyoto is fast becoming one of my favourite cities thanks to its zen vibes, rich history, and captivating culture. If you’re looking for a place to stay on your next visit, I highly recommend the new Dhawa Yura Kyoto hotel, which is part of the Banyan Tree Group’s first entry into the Land of the Rising Sun. Here’s what went down during my stay…
Dhawa Yura Kyoto: A beautifully-designed hotel in an excellent location
Offering a peaceful hideaway in the city, Dhawa Yura Kyoto is located near enough to several popular attractions, yet not quite in the thick of the action so you still get your private slice of paradise. I loved how it was just a five-minute walk from hotspots like Pontocho alley and the lively Gion district, and 15 minutes on foot to the famous Nishiki Market. Since I visited during autumn, the stroll was so pleasant that I made the trip to those areas multiple times.
If you’re hopping on a train for a destination that’s further afield, simply wander down the street to Sanjo Keihan station on the Tozai Subway Line. Or saunter over to Sanjo station on the Keihan Line situated three minutes away.
As you’ll be doing plenty of walking in Kyoto, staying in a hotel that’s mere steps away from train stations is a lifesaver after a long day when your feet feel like they’ve been stabbed mercilessly. P.S. you can also rent bicycles from the hotel to do more exploring.
Sitting next to the iconic Sanjo Ohashi – a bridge formerly known as the final station of the Tokaido Road from Tokyo – the 138-key hotel’s historic position is an influence on its interior design as well.
Since Kyoto has an old soul and moves at a slower pace than Tokyo, stop to smell the roses and admire beautiful works of art in the hotel’s public spaces. Once you head to your room (or suite), you’ll find it decked out in “nishijin-ori”, a local fabric that’s been around for more than a thousand years.
Oh, and you can’t miss the lush mini bamboo forest right in the heart of the hotel. This gorgeous space of greenery is the centre of attention the moment you reach the check-in counter; it’s also a stunning sight to behold while you dine at the restaurant. Who needs to see the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove when you’ve got your very own pocket of greenery in the hotel?
Tip: while waiting for your room key, hop over to the “Nest” lounge area for complimentary sips of coffee, herbal tea, and detox water, as well as little snack bites.
Luxuriate in an oasis of calm
With rooms ranging from Classic Double to Yura Suite Twin, there’s plenty to choose from. My Premier Twin room was clean and modern, with ample space for suitcases, complimentary Wi-Fi, Nespresso coffee and tea, a city view, and a seating nook with a traditional tatami mat for lounging or reading a book.
But, the best thing about the room, hands down, is the impossibly soft bed. It’s like sinking into the pleasant embrace of a fluffy cloud that envelops you warmly till you’re cosy and snug. I’d sleep in all day if I could!
You can also expect the rooms to come kitted out with 55-inch TVs, a very handy humidifying air purifier, a minibar, bathrobes, lavish bathroom amenities, and a spacious shower. Plus, there’s a small gym for those who’d like to work off all that ramen, as well as a currency exchange machine and laundry service (at an additional charge).
Dining delights you’ll love
They say a good breakfast is the best way to start the day, and the folks at Dhawa Yura Kyoto certainly agree. The sumptuous spread at the hotel’s elegant Grill 54th restaurant features a mix of Western and Japanese cuisines, so you can pick your fancy. Grab omelettes, croissants, sausages, salads, fruits and yogurt, or go the local route with miso soup, onsen soft-boiled eggs, rice and a medley of toppings.
If you’re tired of heading out every night, make your way to Grill 54th for Western grub like burgers, salads, seafood and meat dishes, and more. For a stay-in evening, I tried the scrumptious five-course chef’s dinner paired with a glass of wine. The zesty smoked duck salad with fig and blue cheese was a standout, along with the main dish of Japanese beef steak hache with escargot butter and crispy allumette potatoes.
In the mood for an after-dinner tipple? Head upstairs to Lounge & Bar 1867 to enjoy cocktails like the Kyoto sour and Yura G&T, or sip on whisky, wine and champagne. The bar also plays host to idyllic afternoon tea sessions with light bites and Japanese brews.
Sublime relaxation awaits
Feeling exhausted by the end of the day? No judgment here. The amount of walking you do in Japan will easily hit the daily 10,000-step count. My recommendation: book a treatment at 8lements Spa for a full recharge. It’s simply sublime! The spa features a small reception space where you’ll start with a citrusy butterfly pea flower drink that swirls into a rich purple with a squeeze of lemon. It’s also where you’ll end off with a warm cup of tea served alongside veggie and fruit chips.
While you’re at the spa, choose from facials, full body massages, body scrubs, detox wraps, and more. I made a beeline for the 60-minute Deep Bodyworks treatment, which was perfectly calming, thanks to the therapist who worked wonders on my shoulders and neck. The tranquillity of it all, followed by a snuggle in the comfortable bed, left me feeling completely content.
Dhawa Yura Kyoto, you’ve been too kind to me. No prizes for guessing where I’ll stay on my next trip to Kyoto!
Dhawa Yura Kyoto, 84 Ohashi-cho, Higashiyama-Ward, Kyoto City, 605-0009 Kyoto, Japan
