In Japan's ancient Imperial capital of Kyoto, a once-forgotten garden sets the backdrop for a spiritual retreat
After a contemporary hotel at the Otemachi Tower in Tokyo and a rustic ryokan-inspired retreat in Shima-shi, luxury resort and hotel collection Aman is expanding its presence in Japan with a third property—Aman Kyoto, and its location is simply breathtaking.
Hidden away in a secret garden at the foot of the Mountain of Hidari Daimonji, north of Kyoto, the 80-acre property in the Takagamine district is steeped in culture and heritage. Just a stone’s throw away from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinkaku-ji Temple, the forested grounds were part of an artistic community that gave rise to the historic Rinpa school of painting in 17th century Kyoto, and eight acres of manicured gardens—tended over many decades—belonged to one of Japan’s most respected collectors of the obi (the ornamental sash for a traditional Japanese kimono), who had originally planned to build a textile museum within the garden for his collection.