Aman Kyoto and Park Hyatt Kyoto are the two names most often weighed against each other for a special stay in Kyoto. But they sit in completely different parts of the city, and that difference shapes the whole stay. This article sets it out from official information, published awards and guests’ stay reports.
At a glance
| Aman Kyoto | Park Hyatt Kyoto | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | A private forest at the foot of Takagamine, north of Kinkaku-ji | High ground on Ninenzaka, Higashiyama |
| From Kyoto Station | About 8 km (you will need a car or taxi) | About 2.5 km |
| Buildings | Low buildings scattered through the forest | A low-rise city hotel kept to the height of the streets around it |
| Room sizes | 60 to 241 sqm | — |
| Michelin Keys (2026) | Two Keys | One Key |
| Forbes Travel Guide | — | Four stars |
Michelin Keys and Forbes stars are the decisions of those organisations, not STAYLOG’s ratings. “—” means we hold no record.
Aman Kyoto: days in the forest
Aman Kyoto stands in a private forest at the foot of Takagamine, north of Kinkaku-ji. The grounds are covered in moss and cedar, and the buildings are low and spread out, so walking the garden becomes part of the stay.
Because it is away from the city, it works best for a stay of several nights spent mostly on the grounds, rather than as a base for temple-hopping. Getting into town means a car or taxi.
Park Hyatt Kyoto: Higashiyama on foot
Park Hyatt Kyoto is a low-rise hotel on the slope of Ninenzaka, with the Yasaka Pagoda close by. It keeps its room count down and its height in line with the streets of Higashiyama.
Its real value is being able to walk Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka early in the morning and at night, before and after the crowds. It sits at the top of a slope, so check how you will arrive if you have heavy luggage or find walking difficult.
Which suits you?
- You want several quiet nights spent mostly at the hotel → Aman Kyoto
- You care more about the forest and garden than sightseeing → Aman Kyoto
- You want to walk to Kiyomizu-dera and Gion → Park Hyatt Kyoto
- You want Higashiyama at dawn and after dark, without the crowds → Park Hyatt Kyoto
Read the Aman Kyoto stay reports or the Park Hyatt Kyoto stay reports before you decide.
FAQ
- Q. Which is better for sightseeing in Kyoto?
- A. If you want to walk to the temples of Higashiyama and Gion, Park Hyatt Kyoto on Ninenzaka. Aman Kyoto is in a forest north of Kinkaku-ji, away from the centre, and you will need a car.
- Q. How many Michelin Keys do they have?
- A. In the 2026 selection, Aman Kyoto has two Keys and Park Hyatt Kyoto has one. The Keys are the Michelin Guide’s decision, not STAYLOG’s.
- Q. Which is more expensive?
- A. Rates change a great deal with the date, room and plan, so we do not compare them. Each hotel page links to booking sites where you can check current prices.
Related reading
- 10 luxury hotels and ryokan in Japan toured by travel YouTubers
Ten of Japan’s luxury hotels and ryokan that English-speaking travel YouTubers have stayed at and filmed — from Aman Kyoto and Amanemu to Gora Kadan and Park Hyatt Niseko — with links to each video.