Hi, I’m Meg.
There are many luxury hotels in Kyoto, and Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel Kyoto, can be counted as one of the most luxurious hotels in Kyoto.
Nestled in the scenic Arashiyama district, Suiran blends serene natural beauty with refined Japanese elegance.
In this post, I’ll share my stay experience — including an upgrade to a room with a private open-air onsen bath, and why this intimate 39-room property is one of Kyoto’s hidden gems among Marriott’s luxury brands.
1. Kyoto’s Collection of Luxury Marriott Hotels
Kyoto is home to several of Marriott’s most prestigious luxury properties:
The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel Kyoto, HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa, and The Westin Miyako Kyoto, which completed a large-scale renovation in 2021.
Having stayed at each of these except Suiran, I was eager to complete my “Kyoto Marriott collection.”
I revisited The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto before the Marriott award pricing change (70,000 points — now over 90,000!)
Enjoyed two incredible SNA upgrades to The Nijo Suite at HOTEL THE MITSUI,
and stayed twice during under renovation at The Westin Miyako Hotel Kyoto.
Finally, in June 2022, I found an attractive off-season rate at Suiran — about JPY50,000 per night — and decided it was the perfect opportunity to experience this tranquil riverside retreat before international tourism fully returned.
2. Overview of Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel Kyoto
Although the entrance of Suiran shares a similar traditional “wa” aesthetic with HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, the overall impression feels a little more rustic and serene — while MITSUI carries an air of refined urban sophistication↓
From Randen Arashiyama Station, it’s about a 7-minute walk to the hotel. It takes around 17 minutes from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station or 15 minutes from Hankyu Arashiyama Station. However, Suiran offers a complimentary one-way transportation service for guests. You can enjoy either 1. one-way taxi from Kyoto Station, or 2. one-way rickshaw from any of the nearby Arashiyama stations (advance reservation required at least three days in advance). I arranged a return rickshaw ride to the station (rickshaw can be chosen from either outward or return)— it was absolutely delightful! The driver even stopped at scenic spots for photos. Highly recommended, though note that the rickshaw service operates only during certain daytime hours.
Passing through the entrance gate, you follow a narrow, leafy path surrounded by lush greenery. To the left is Hassui, a riverside teahouse where all guests can enjoy Arashiyama Delight, a complimentary evening free-flow event — one of the highlights of staying here. Next to the smaller gate, there’s a charming garden that sometimes serves as an alternative venue when Hassui gets busy.
A staff member escorted me to the reception area. I couldn’t take photos of the front desk, but the lobby’s waiting area features large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the guestroom wing. It’s small and intimate, but very serene.
One thing that surprised me — at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto and HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, some of the female staff wore beautiful kimonos. At Suiran which has the most “Japanese” atmosphere of all, however, all staff members were dressed in western-style uniforms.
It was an extremely hot day, so the chilled welcome drink served in a delicate glass was a thoughtful touch and instantly refreshing.
The property consists of two main buildings: a three-story structure that houses a private spa on the top floor, and another that contains the suites. In total, there are only 39 guest rooms — 17 of which feature private open-air hot spring baths — creating an intimate, luxurious retreat nestled in the heart of Arashiyama.
3. Upgrade Experience
One of my favorite parts of staying at Marriott hotels is the thrill of a possible upgrade — and Suiran was no exception.
Here’s a list of the room categories for reference:
Suigetsu (the room I originally booked)
Tsuki-no-ne
Tsuki-no-ne PURE Wellness
Yuzuha ← Upgraded via SNA
Kyo-Tsuki-koto
Togetsu Executive Suite
Akatoki-Tsuyu Executive Suite
Gyokuto Garden Suite
Suiran Presidential Suite
At Suiran, when using a Suite Night Award (SNA), the only eligible upgrade option is the Yuzuha room. I debated whether to apply an SNA or not — since Yuzuha seemed likely to be upgraded anyway if available — but I expected the weekend to be fully booked.
Besides, I often end up letting some SNAs expire each year because many hotels don’t accept them. So this time, I decided to make good use of one and enjoy a relaxing stay in a room with a private open-air onsen (hot spring).
It turned out to be the right decision — the hotel was fully booked that weekend, but my SNA was successfully confirmed in advance for the Yuzuha room. The next day was also fully occupied, so unfortunately I couldn’t get a late checkout, but I was still happy to have secured the upgrade.
4. Room: Yuzuha — with Private Open-Air Onsen
The Yuzuha room is located on the first floor and features a private open-air onsen bath. Because the outdoor area is enclosed for privacy, the room tends to be on the darker side even during the day. You can’t really see any outside scenery except for a small inner garden, so if you prefer a bright room with views, another category might suit you better.
When I arrived on a sunny afternoon, I tried taking photos, but the lighting was tricky and some came out dark or slightly blurred — completely my fault for not adjusting the camera settings!
As you enter, there’s a small foyer area where slippers are neatly arranged. To the left is a minibar and closet area, and on the right, a large full-length mirror.
Inside the closet, you’ll find bathrobes and umbrellas.
The middle drawer houses a safe box,
while the mini-fridge below holds paid drinks.
The drawers above contain glasses, complimentary tea bags, and some paid snacks.
I loved the elegant jade-green coffee cups — a lovely contrast to the simple electric kettle by Dretec (surprisingly practical for such a luxury hotel, since most others use Russell Hobbs or DeLonghi!).
I love the color!
There’s also a Nespresso machine with capsules, complimentary bottled water, and heavier ceramic teaware for Japanese tea.
For complimentary tea and coffee, the selection includes TEARTH’s Acai Berry and Earl Grey, Suiran’s original sencha and yuzu-flavored black tea, and Kyoto Ogawa Coffee drip bags. The yuzu tea had only a faint aroma, more like a light herbal infusion.
From the entrance, looking toward the veranda, you can see the bed to the left. On the bed, yukata (casual Japanese kimono-style cotton robes) are provided — red for women and blue for men. When I asked about pajamas, I was told there were none. Guests are asked to wear the yukata and slippers only inside the room.
The mattress is by Airweave, firm yet comfortable.
On the bedside table, there are two power outlets, a SONY alarm clock with radio, and two more bottles of water.
A skincare set for women is available upon request — they offered SEKKISEI products by KOSE.
Between bed and veranda is a tatami sitting area with a large flat-screen TV on the wall and a low table and chairs. The design of the low chairs — slightly elevated but supportive — made them surprisingly comfortable!
The TV is positioned between the bed and the living area, so while it can swivel slightly, it’s a bit far from the bed.
Beyond the sitting area, you’ll find a small enclosed garden. Because of the high privacy walls, sunlight doesn’t reach far inside, so the room stays dim even on bright days.
On the table were wrapped welcome fruits and sweets. Inside the wrapping was a perfectly ripe apple mango
Its fragrance filled the room the moment I unwrapped it! Alongside were a wooden box with dried fruits and chocolates, and a round tin with delicate Japanese-style cookies.
The mango was divine — meltingly soft, sweet, and aromatic. Absolutely exquisite, and truly worthy of a luxury property like Suiran.
5. Private Open-Air Onsen bath
The bath area includes a large vanity with a single sink (not double sink, to my surprise), huge mirror, a small magnifying mirror and one bathrobe hanging nearby (another one is in the closet).
Toiletries are by June Jacobs — shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and body lotion — plus a mouthwash.
A lacquered amenities box holds toothbrushes, combs, and other essentials, along with a fragrant yuzu-hinoki soap bar.
Across from the vanity is a glass shower booth with a movable shower head, additional amenities,
and a Repronizer 4D Plus hair dryer — an ultra-premium model that costs nearly ¥60,000 (US$400)!
Beyond the glass door lies the highlight of the room — the private open-air onsen bath.
The sliding wooden panels beside can be opened or closed depending on your preference.
The bath uses a circulating system, so the water level and temperature are automatically maintained. During check-in, staff asked my preferred temperature; the standard is around 40°C, adjustable by a few degrees. My family remarked that the water had a faint “pool-like” scent — probably from the light chlorine used for sanitation.
Still, the open-air bath felt wonderful — spacious, serene, and best of all, available anytime you want. Being able to soak whenever you like, in your own private onsen, makes the experience feel truly luxurious.
6. Overall Impressions
My stay at Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel Kyoto was an experience that beautifully captured the refined calm of Arashiyama. Unlike the grandeur of The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto or the modern luxury of The Mitsui Kyoto, Suiran feels more like a secluded retreat — a place where time slows down, and every sound of nature blends quietly into your stay.
The hotel’s location is unmatched. Nestled right beside the Katsura River and only a short walk from the iconic Togetsu Bridge, you can step outside and immediately find yourself surrounded by the charm of old Kyoto — bamboo groves, traditional tea houses, etc.
While the Yuzuha room wasn’t the brightest due to its enclosed design, the private open-air onsen truly elevated the experience. There’s something special about soaking in warm water while surrounded by soft lantern light, hearing nothing but the sound of flowing water and the rustle of leaves outside.
If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle and stay in peace, quiet, Japanese atmosphere small luxury hotel in Kyoto, Suiran would be the best choice for you.
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