World Brands Collection Hotels & Resorts, Inc. proudly announces that three of its Kyoto properties – Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, Six Senses Kyoto, and Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto – have each been awarded one Michelin Key in the Michelin Key Hotel Selection 2025, unveiled in Paris on 8 October 2025.
This marks the first Michelin Key recognition for Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, while Six Senses Kyoto and Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto are celebrated for the second consecutive year, cementing their status as the shining stars of the World Brands Collection.
Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto: First-Time Michelin Key Winner
Rooted in the pillars of well-being and stewardship, Banyan Tree is the flagship brand of the Banyan Group, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies. As its first property in Japan, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto opened in August 2024.
Perched on a serene hillside overlooking Kyoto’s cityscape, this small luxury hotel of 52 rooms is enveloped by bamboo forests and natural beauty. A true sanctuary for the senses, the property features its own natural hot spring source, guestrooms with private onsen baths, and a spa incorporating thermal bathing rituals.
The experience evokes that of a contemporary ryokan, where guests are welcomed with matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets, and can enjoy custom-made bath salts crafted from Japanese botanicals. Throughout the property, curated artworks reflect the history and culture of the site, including Kyoto’s only in-hotel Noh stage, where performances by Noh actors and geisha are occasionally held.
The interiors, inspired by the philosophy of Zeami’s “Hidden Beauty (Hisureba Hana)”, embody refined Japanese aesthetics and tranquility. Guests can also savor a Japanese-style breakfast reminiscent of a traditional ryokan, or an afternoon tea that harmoniously blends Japanese culinary artistry with French pâtisserie, celebrating the essence of Kyoto across the seasons.
Six Senses Kyoto: Excellence Recognised for the Second Consecutive Year
Opened in April 2024 as the first Six Senses property in Japan, Six Senses Kyoto embodies the brand’s philosophy of wellness, sustainability, and extraordinary experiences. Designed with a biophilic concept that harmonizes with nature, the hotel draws inspiration from the refined aesthetics of the Heian period, when Japanese culture flourished.
Each of the 81 guestrooms showcases the brand’s signature “Fun & Quirky” touch, blending Japanese folklore and modern creativity. From the “Premier Suite Garden” featuring a private Japanese garden to the expansive 238㎡ “Three-Bedroom Penthouse Suite,” every space offers a uniquely luxurious experience.
Guests can also enjoy the world-renowned Six Senses Spa, the seasonal dining concept Sekki, which offers sustainable cuisine inspired by Japan’s 24 solar terms, and the sophisticated cocktail bar Nine Tails serving craft spirits. The property also features the Earth Lab, where guests can learn about sustainability initiatives.
In addition to its wellness and cultural immersion programs, Six Senses Kyoto earned LEED Certification in 2024, and in 2025 was named to Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List and Travel + Leisure IT List, solidifying its global recognition.
Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto: Shining Star Recognised Again
Opened in June 2022 as the first Garrya property in Japan, Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto is a 25-room small luxury hotel located beside the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nijo Castle.
The hotel’s core concept is “Well-Being” — a serene retreat where guests can restore balance, find clarity, and rejuvenate through the harmony of mind and body. All guestrooms feature large floor-to-ceiling windows, with tatami seating areas offering tranquil views of the Japanese garden and Nijo Castle. Select rooms are equipped with “Wellbeing Kits” for in-room exercise, while minimalist design and traditional Japanese aesthetics create a soothing ambiance. Interiors accented with vermilion lacquer furnishings and artworks inspired by Kyoto, tea, and Zen (totalling 85 pieces) immerse guests in a refined atmosphere that celebrates Japanese beauty and craftsmanship.
