Where can you do poem tracing, where you carefully transcribe the words of master poets of the Meiji era, to imagine the gestures of those who lived over 100 years ago and then take a stroll next to Hozu river the Arashiyama with a bottomless glass of Japanese wine. Or take a Sagano Trolley ride through nature or learn Origami or Japanese confectionery making and to top it off experience wearing a traditional kimono and the list continues. For those of us, such as myself, Suiran is the place to be.
Suiran‘s location in Arashiyama is nothing short of magical. This area of Kyoto has a history that dates back to 794, when Kyoto, then known as Heian-kyo, became the imperial capital. Arashiyama quickly became a favoured retreat for court nobles who were drawn to its serene and scenic beauty. The hotel itself is situated on a riverside property that offers sweeping views of the Arashiyama hills, a landscape that has captivated visitors for centuries. This connection to the past is palpable from the moment you set foot on the property.
It feels more like a resort than a simple hotel, because of its location one feels secluded from the hustle bustle and deep within nature. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this was no ordinary place; rather, it was a gateway to another era, an era where moods and atmospheres were influenced by seasons and nature. Opened in 2015, Suiran was the first hotel in Japan under the prestigious Luxury Collection brand by Marriott International, and it has certainly lived up to this category.
The concept behind Suiran is one of continuity and evolution. The design of the hotel reflects this philosophy, with every detail carefully crafted to create a space that is both warm and sophisticated. Suiran is small, almost boutique, offering 39 guest rooms, each designed in an incomparable Japanese style. The rooms are spacious and 17 of them feature a private open-air bath from a natural hot spring, an onsen. This was a particular delight, as it allowed me to soak in the sights and sounds of Kyoto while enjoying a moment of peace and relaxation. The views from the rooms are nothing short of spectacular, offering a perfect vista of the changing seasons in Arashiyama.
Dining at Suiran is a true culinary journey. The hotel offers three dining options: Restaurant “Kyo-Suiran”, where guests can experience contemporary Japanese Kaiseki cuisine, Teppanyaki “Kanzan”, and Café Hassui. Kyo-Suiran is housed in a building that was originally erected in 1899 as Baron Shozo Kawasaki’s summerhouse. The architecture is a stunning blend of
Meiji Era design with contemporary touches, creating an authentic and comfortable dining experience. The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer unobstructed views of the tranquil Arashiyama hillsand Japanese garden, adding to the ambiance. The highlight of the dining experience was the Kinshu, a 8-course seasonal dinner that was as much a feast for the eyes as it was for the palate. While Café Hassui, featuring the signature sweets hisui-mochi, is set in a 100-year-old building that was once a gathering place for 19th-century poets. Much of the original artwork remains, and the walls are adorned with calligraphic poems that add a touch of historical elegance.
Art is an integral part of the Suiran experience. Throughout the hotel, you will find a collection of artworks that range from historical pieces to contemporary works by emerging Kyoto artists. One notable piece is the calligraphy Enmei-Kaku, created by Masayoshi Matsukata, Japan’s 4th and 6th prime minister. This piece was gifted to Baron Shozo Kawasaki in 1899 and now graces the walls of the Restaurant “Kyo-Suiran”. Another striking example is the contemporary Japanese art on a sliding door in the Gyokuto Garden Terrace Suite, painted by Ryo Shinagawa in 2015. The painting represents the four seasons of Arashiyama and is a beautiful blend of traditional techniques and modern sensibilities.
My stay at Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto, was a journey through time, a harmonious blend of the past and present. Every moment is infused with a sense of warmth and sophistication, where the past is honoured, and one does not stay, but experience.
