Aman Kyoto Review: What Guests Say, and Is It Worth It?

How we wrote this: we have not stayed at Aman Kyoto for this article. It summarizes published guest reviews on TripAdvisor, read on 8 October 2026, with facts checked against Aman's opening announcement. The verdict is ours. This page has no affiliate links.

Aman Kyoto is hidden in a forest at the foot of Mount Hidari-Daimonji, in the Takagamine district in the north of the city, in gardens tended for decades by a collector of obi (kimono sashes) who planned to build a museum there. It opened on 1 November 2019, and its 26 rooms are spread through pavilions in moss gardens and woodland, a few minutes' walk from Kinkaku-ji. Guests agree it is one of the most beautiful hotel settings in Japan. Many also say it is one of the most overpriced.

The hotel at a glance

What guests love

The setting. Every review, good or bad, praises the gardens: moss, old stone paths, forest and a silence that is rare anywhere in Kyoto. Many describe it as less a hotel than a place that slows you down.

The rooms. Large rooms of wood and stone with forest views, in a Japanese style influenced by ryokan.

The food, for many. Taka-an's kaiseki and the dining overall get strong praise from several guests.

Escape. For travelers who want to be away from Kyoto's crowds, the distance from the center is a plus.

What guests complain about

Value. At 2.7 out of 5, value is the lowest score of any of the hotels we have reviewed. Many guests, including those who loved the setting, say the price is hard to justify.

Inconsistent service. At a hotel with only 26 rooms and a high ratio of staff to guests, several reviewers were surprised by uneven service, such as a concierge who couldn't help with plans.

Things sell out. Guests found Japanese dinners fully booked on their dates and hotel cars unavailable; book both when you book the room.

A small spa. The hot spring baths are pleasant, but guests note there is no sauna, steam room, cold plunge or pool, which feels limited at this level, and in summer the water is very hot.

Distance. It is far from central Kyoto, so getting around depends on taxis or the hotel's cars. And there are no cherry trees on the property, so it is not a spring blossom destination; autumn and winter are the seasons guests recommend.

Our take

Aman Kyoto is worth it for one thing above all: a garden setting that nowhere else in Kyoto matches. If you want silence, forest and a beautiful room, and price is not a concern, guests say it delivers. If you expect service and facilities to match a rate of several thousand dollars a night, the reviews suggest you may be disappointed. Book dinner and transport in advance, come in autumn or winter, and treat it as a retreat rather than a base for sightseeing. For Kyoto's other top hotels, see our ranking of Kyoto's best luxury hotels.

FAQ

Is Aman Kyoto worth the price? For the setting, many guests say yes; for value, most say no. It scores 3.9 out of 5 on TripAdvisor, with value at 2.7.

Where is Aman Kyoto? In a forest garden in northwest Kyoto, a short walk from Kinkaku-ji and about 20–30 minutes by car from Kyoto Station.

Does Aman Kyoto have an onsen? Yes, hot spring baths, separate for men and women, with private sessions available to book.

When is the best time to stay? Autumn and winter, according to guests. There are no cherry trees on the property.