Brinysaurus is already known as the master of points and miles, but I continue to be impressed every now and then. One such occasion was our stay at Roku Kyoto, which Brinysaurus secured a reservation during the high-demand cherry blossom season with his masterful use of points and hotel certificate (You can read more about how he booked it towards the end of this post). As a LXR property in Hilton portfolio of luxury hotels, Roku was one of the highlights of our first trip to Japan. Everything from the architecture, ambiance, food, room amenities, to the staff and service, was above any expectation I had (and I had zero since I was brought here without any prior knowledge).
Location
Roku Kyoto is located in the foothills of the Takagamine mountains in Northern Kyoto. The property is about 30 minutes by car from Kyoto Station, and 75 minutes from KIX Kansai International Airport by bus or train to Kyoto Station, then a taxi. The hotel is only 1.1 km (0.75 mile) from Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), which we visited by foot while staying here.
Setting
The setting of Roku Kyoto takes advantage of the fantastic natural surroundings, with clear streams, green mountains, and refresh forest air. Soaring Japanese bamboos and cypress trees line meandering walk ways around the area, making for deeply relaxing strolls.
Getting to Roku Kyoto
Don’t make the mistake we made: taking a bus from Kyoto station and walking to the hotel (unless you have no luggage). The path from the bus station to the hotel is only 10 minutes according to Google Maps, but it is full of steep climbs and descends.
On the way back we took a taxi and that was so worth it.
Checking-in
The check-in hall was busy, yet quiet. Check-in concierge was attentive, polite, and courteous. We were offered refreshments and towels, which were much appreciated after an exhausting journey on foot to the hotel.
Our luggages were promptly taken care of by the staff.
The property
As we followed the check-in staff to our room, we were continuously impressed by the scenery unfolding along the path. Following a narrow walkway, the scene opened to several large reflective pools, immediately evoking a sense of tranquility. One side of the pool is the restaurant, and we crossed the water on a covered walkway to the residence side. Carefully pruned Japanese cypresses dotted the landscape. Everything felt harmonious.
The room
We received a Deluxe Room, situated on the second floor, overlooking a garden with a direct view of Takagamine mountain.
The room is very spacious at 50 square meters. The floor to ceiling window lets in ample of light and blurs the boundary between the indoor and outdoor. A daybed runs along the entire length of the window, perfect to lounging and contemplating the beautiful scenery just outside.
The bed in our room is a king bed. A twin bed configuration is also available. While our room did not have a en-suite onsen, we did not feel missing out, as the spa and pool (described below) were top-notched.
I must mention the spacious luggage storage and amenities in the room. Also, the luggage concierge took off their shoes prior to entering our room, which was a thoughtful (albeit typically Japanese) gesture.
Dining
We had both dinner and breakfast at the restaurant onsite the hotel.
The restaurant is essentially a pavilion, with soaring roof and warm wooden interior. All sides are glass, allowing beautiful views from any table.
For dinner, we used our dining credit, and ordered two pastas, one risotto, and two deserts.
Service was courteous, but didn’t feel very attentive as the restaurant was very busy.
Breakfast was both buffet and a la carte. The buffet featured a large selection of western and Japanese breakfast spreads. We ordered two Japanese breakfast sets, which were divine. The set came with grilled Saba, Japanese omelet, steamed rice, pickles, herring roe, and miso soup.
The grilled Saba was (and still is) the best grilled fish I’ve ever had. The skin was impossibly crispy, the flesh succulent and very fragrant, with a tender texture and sweet taste that I suspect came from being marinated in mirin and sake.
We also had a curious dish called “bone-in sausage.” Essentially a sausage shaped around a rib-bone (perhaps a pork rib). It tasted good, but it was the presentation that was more intriguing.
A vast array of healthy juices were also available. Which we took full advantage of.
Pool and spa
We had access to the spa and pool free of charge as part of card benefits (?).
The spa is quiet, minimally decorated, and exuded a zen-like ambiance.
Everything was neatly organized and exceptionally clean, as expected.
The pool is outside, and while the hotel seemed pretty full, the pool at the time we went (late afternoon and morning) did have too many people.
The water was heated to 100 F, which was nice as it was a bit chilly outside. We were lucky to have fully sunny weather while we were there, so it was nice to be in the water.
We felt so much at ease and immersed in nature here. In fact, we even saw a mother duck nesting under one of planted mandarin trees by the pool.
Nearby attractions
We felt that a stay at Roku Kyoto is an attraction in itself. The location of the property is certainly far from most major Kyoto sights. However, if what you seek from this property is a relaxing experience, then that is not a problem.
That being said, there are two impressive sights nearby. The first is the famous Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). We visited this the morning of our second day here, and were surprised how busy the pavilion area was, while it was so peaceful and quiet just 1km away at Roku. You can read more about our visit to Kinkaku-ji here.
The second sight is Shozan garden. As guests of Roku Kyoto, you get free tickets, otherwise, it is 500 yen per person. Which still is absolutely worth it, because this ended up being my favorite garden in Kyoto. It is small, yet full of beautifully pruned Hinoki cypress trees that are probably hundred years old, and green moss “lawn” everywhere. Read more about Shozan garden here.
Conclusion
Overall, we enjoyed our stay at Roku Kyoto and felt that it was an exceptional use of the Hilton certificate and points. While the cash price is steep, staying on points and taking advantage of the certificate makes this experience all the sweeter.
