Elevating the centuries-old residence of a household name is no mean feat, even when it’s your own. Yet this reimagining from Mitsui walks the line between honouring its original ancestor, and adding an artistic stamp to establish this boutique-styled beauty as a project of the 21st century.

At the hotel’s heart, the original ‘strolling garden’ sits as a soothing centrepiece, recreated to capture the colours of Japanese flora throughout the seasons. Radiating a sense of peaceful repose – matched only by blissfully bathing in the basement thermal baths – the gardens are one of a trio of views to choose from when securing a suite. City and castle scenery complete the lineup, in rooms reimagined by André Fu to reflect traditional Japanese tearooms. Soft, light and spacious, sanctuaries flow through earth tones and olive greens, favouring natural materials in their round-edged interior design.

The original tearoom, however, is the first of many culinary masterclasses to mention at The Mitsui Kyoto. Now the hotel’s signature restaurant TOKI, its feature in the 2024 Michelin Guide attests to Chef Asano’s flair for curating delectable dishes based on the produce of Japan’s ‘Water Capital’. Similarly leaning into its heritage, the exemplary Kaiseki cuisine served at Shiki-No-Ma follows in the tradition of the Okusho-in that once stood in its place. Dedicated to entertaining guests in both the past and present, this is the place for a memorable celebration, or perhaps more placid private dining.