Quiet Luxury in Kyoto: Discovering Suiran Kyoto in the Arashiyama Hills

For those seeking a more tranquil side of Kyoto, Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel offers a rare blend of riverside serenity and refined ryokan-inspired hospitality.

Once part of a 13th-century Imperial estate, this discreet hotel now houses just 39 rooms and suites, many with private onsen baths and views over the jade-green Hozu River in Arashiyama; a district long favoured by poets, monks, and nobles escaping the city heat. Whether you're soaking in a cedar-scented open-air bath or sipping matcha beside Meiji-era calligraphy, Suiran invites you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience Kyoto at its most peaceful.

The Location

Set against the forested backdrop of Kyoto’s western hills, Suiran sits beside the river’s edge in Arashiyama — one of the city's most scenic and historic areas. Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is right next door, and the iconic bamboo grove is only a short walk away.

Though it feels blissfully remote, Suiran is only a 30-minute taxi ride from Kyoto Station. The property also offers complimentary rickshaw pick-up from nearby Arashiyama Station, adding a memorable, old-world touch to your arrival.

This part of Kyoto is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season in spring and the crimson foliage of late autumn— both times when the surrounding Arashiyama hills reflect their colours across the river.

For more on Kyoto’s diverse attractions, head to my 50 Things to Do in Kyoto guide.

Who is it For?

Suiran is ideal for couples, solo travellers, and anyone looking to experience Kyoto with a more relaxed, design-led lens. The property is especially suited to those seeking cultural immersion and a touch of luxury, without the formality of a traditional ryokan or the bustle of downtown Kyoto.

Many rooms include private rotenburo onsen baths, while others offer balconies or gardens that face directly onto the river or hills. This makes it a perfect setting for romantic getaways or post-city retreats.

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Sustainability

As part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, Suiran is quietly working towards more responsible hospitality. The hotel sources local ingredients for its restaurants, uses Fair Trade products where possible, and continues to reduce its reliance on single-use plastics. Energy-efficient lighting and water-saving systems have been implemented throughout the property, and renewable energy now partially powers its operations.

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Important Information

How to Get There

From Kyoto Station:

– Take a taxi (approx. 30 minutes)

– Or take the JR San-In Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station, then walk (approx. 10 minutes) or request a complimentary rickshaw pickup from the station for a more memorable arrival.

Address

12 Susukinobaba-cho, Saga-Tenryuji, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan

marriott.com

Phone: +81 75 872 0101

Check-in / Check-out

• Check-in: 15:00
• Check-out: 12:00

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