Health, Wellbeing, and History: A Stay at Garrya Kyoto
As Japan’s ancient capital, Kyoto is home to hundreds of temples and shrines, as well as plenty of alternative experiences away from the crowds. The cobbled streets, the traditional kyomachiya (townhouses), the local cuisine – its cultural and historical significance cannot be understated.
With just 25 rooms, Garrya Kyoto, one of the first openings by Banyan Tree in Japan (with Banyan Tree Higashiyama on the horizon) seeks to incorporate much of what makes Kyoto famous into a single hotel. In a city that has countless accommodation options, what makes Garrya Kyoto stand out from the crowd? Let’s take a look.
The Offer
There’s perhaps no better way to start your day at Garrya Kyoto than with a morning forest meditation. This zen-based practice will set you up for a day exploring Kyoto, whether that’s visiting the nearby Yuzen dying workshop, or any of these 50 things to do in Kyoto. It’s also a reflection of the Hotel’s dedication to health and wellness throughout. During my visit, I stayed in the ‘Wellbeing King’ room, stocked with Yoga mats, resistance bands, and wellbeing drinks inside the minibar. Small touches that make your stay at Garrya Kyoto all the more unique.
The on-site restaurant, Singular, ensures a bounty of locally sourced produce from Kyoto is carefully crafted into seasonal-specific dishes such as roasted Hirai beef, kinmedai, Wagyu tenderloin, and Kyoto pork. These contemporary Kaiseki masterpieces are inspired by classic French techniques.
Garrya Kyoto offers a highly intimate stay with a design that pays homage to both the city’s historic past and innovative present. Each of the 25 rooms (and single suite) provides spectacular views of the surrounding area whether that’s the city, garden, bamboo garden, or Nijo Castle. Many of the rooms include fusuma-inspired sliding panels and a private balcony or terrace to bring the outside world in.
End your day with Sunset Ritual where you can arrange ‘loss flowers’ and candles together floating on the water, followed by a relax in your room's deep soaking tub.
The Location
While Garrya Kyoto is situated in a relatively quiet suburban area of Kyoto, it’s also a culturally and historically significant part of Japan’s old capital. Directly opposite the hotel is Nijo Castle, a designated national treasure and arguably the best-preserved example of a fortified palace complex in the country. Slightly smaller but just as remarkable is Shinsensen, just one street away, the remains of a Heian Period garden built in 794.
The hotel is a five-minute walk from Nijojo-mae Station, making it perfect for those who need easy access to Kyoto station (10 minutes on the Tozai & Karasuma Line) and surrounding areas like Kiyomizu-dera and Arashiyama.
Who is it For?
If you’re a traveller who values impeccable food, health and wellbeing, and a blend of history with modernity, Garrya Kyoto is highly worth considering. Its warren of gardens and sanctuary-like spaces throughout the property offer a welcome retreat for anyone who’s spent the day on their feet.
Its proximity to Nijo Castle and the small classic touches interweaved throughout the space further remind you of Kyoto’s ancient past. It’s a wonderful way to ground your experience in Japan’s previous capital and the perfect way to relax, recharge, and continue on your adventure across the country. If you appreciate 5-star luxury that respects the area's History, Garrya Kyoto won’t disappoint.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a deeply supported ideology at the Garrya Kyoto. A significant part of the Banyan Tree Group’s purpose focuses on well-being and sustainability for the average urban traveller - Garrya is no different. The hotel itself took the decision to become BELS certified and in doing so, it received a 3-star rating. This means that throughout its lifetime, the building should achieve a 23% reduction in energy consumption compared to other hotels.
A simple yet powerful gesture that shows they not only care about the well-being of their guests but also that of the planet. Couple this with the previously mentioned locally sourced ingredients from on-site restaurant Singular and the well-being supplies just a phone call to the front desk away, and you’ll start to understand their dedication to sustainability.
Important Information
How to get there
Car: 1 hr 20 from Kansai Airport
Train: 2-minute walk from Kyoto Subway Nijojo Mae Station Exit 3
Check-in / Check-out: 3:00 PM / 12:00 PM
Number of Onsen: N/A ( Sister property Dhawa Yura 8lements spa 15 minutes away)
Pets: Not Allowed
Book: Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto
180-1 Ichinocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8305, Japan
garrya.com
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