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<h5><strong>Why stay?</strong></h5>
<p>In the heart of the historic Higashiyama district—and just a 15-minute taxi ride from Kyoto Station—<a href="https://www.seiryukiyomizu.com/en?DestinAsian">Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu</a> was converted from an elementary school built in 1933, symbolizing the city’s philosophy of preservation through reinvention. High-profile architect Ryu Kosaka has incorporated original design elements into his modern vision for the property, curating a graceful retreat with plenty to rave about. As well as offering up-close views of the 15th-century Y<a href="https://kyoto.travel/en/destinations/hokanji-templeyasaka-pagoda/?DestinAsian">asaka Pagoda</a>, the hotel also boasts partnerships with acclaimed Parisian restaurant Benoit and Bar K6, one of the most celebrated cocktail parlors in town.</p>
<h5><strong>The neighborhood</strong></h5>
<p>Guests are within walking distance of many of the city’s most culturally important sites. A 10-minute stroll will take you to the World Heritage–listed <a href="https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/?DestinAsian">Kiyomizu-dera Temple</a>, a true architectural marvel, while the ancient stone-paved streets of <a href="https://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/sightseeing/kyoto/spot10.html?DestinAsian">Ichinenzaka and Ninenzaka</a> en route give a feel of old Kyoto. Slightly farther away, the Geisha district of <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3902.html?DestinAsian">Gion</a> and <a href="https://www.sanjusangendo.jp/?DestinAsian">Sanjusangen-do</a>, whose main hall ranks as the longest wooden structure in <a href="https://destinasian.com/category/japan">Japan</a> (it houses 1001 statues of the bodhisattva Kannon), are also easily reached on foot.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-134089 size-full" src="https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Hotel-Seiryu-Kyoto-Kiyomizu-Guest-RoomSuperior-King.jpg" alt="A Superior King room at The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu." width="1200" height="800" srcset="https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Hotel-Seiryu-Kyoto-Kiyomizu-Guest-RoomSuperior-King.jpg 1200w, https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Hotel-Seiryu-Kyoto-Kiyomizu-Guest-RoomSuperior-King-300x200.jpg 300w, https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Hotel-Seiryu-Kyoto-Kiyomizu-Guest-RoomSuperior-King-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Hotel-Seiryu-Kyoto-Kiyomizu-Guest-RoomSuperior-King-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p>
<h5><strong>The feel</strong></h5>
<p>A stately exterior featuring arched windows, wooden corbels, and Spanish roof tiles gives the <a href="https://www.seiryukiyomizu.com/en?DestinAsian">Seiryu</a> real presence. This sense of grandeur also permeates the public spaces indoors. An elegant <a href="https://www.princehotels.com/seiryu-kiyomizu/facility/guest-lounge/?DestinAsian">guests-only lounge</a>—a relaxing spot for complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails—offers 270-degree vistas of the site’s greenery and nearby rooftops through floor-to-ceiling windows, and the former auditorium with its antique light fixtures has been transformed into a library and breakfast lounge (the books can be taken up to your room).</p>
<h5><strong>Guest quarters</strong></h5>
<p><a href="https://www.princehotels.com/seiryu-kiyomizu/guest-rooms/?DestinAsian">All accommodations</a> are minimalist in style with recessed lights and tray ceilings; 44-square-meter Standard King rooms play up the original attributes of the school building through off-white walls and pastel-gray fittings, while the Pagoda View and Terrace Twin rooms use golden wood paneling and timber floors for a more natural feel. No matter which one you book, you’ll find luxury Simmons mattresses, portable Bose speakers, and a complimentary minibar. Looking to splurge? The <a href="https://www.seiryukiyomizu.com/en/room?DestinAsian">Panoramic suite</a> comes with a spacious living and dining area plus jaw-dropping city views.</p>
<h5><strong>Food and drink</strong></h5>
<p><a href="https://www.seiryukiyomizu.com/en?DestinAsian">The Seiryu</a> contains three F&amp;B outlets. Opening out onto the onetime playground is the Kyoto outpost of <a href="https://www.seiryukiyomizu.com/en/restaurant?DestinAsian">Benoit</a> by celebrity chef Alain Ducasse; seasonal flavors and local ingredients are showcased here in traditional bistro fare with a modern twist. At the highest level, <a href="https://www.seiryukiyomizu.com/en/bar?DestinAsian">K36 The Bar and Rooftop</a> has a drinks list conceptualized by one of Kyoto’s most well-known bartenders, Minoru Nishida. Expect impeccable cocktails, fine wines, and rare Japanese whiskies, as well as sumptuous dishes like lobster salad; <a href="https://www.seiryukiyomizu.com/en/bar?DestinAsian">K36</a> also makes for a stunning location to overlook the city and the surrounding mountains. Breakfast—a selection of healthy Western and Japanese dishes—can be enjoyed at the library lounge or outdoors on the adjacent terrace.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-134090 size-full" src="https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Hotel-Seiryu-Kyoto-Kiyomizu-Japanese-Breakfast.jpg" alt="A Japanese breakfast set enjoyed at the hotel’s library-restaurant." width="1200" height="800" srcset="https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Hotel-Seiryu-Kyoto-Kiyomizu-Japanese-Breakfast.jpg 1200w, https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Hotel-Seiryu-Kyoto-Kiyomizu-Japanese-Breakfast-300x200.jpg 300w, https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Hotel-Seiryu-Kyoto-Kiyomizu-Japanese-Breakfast-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Hotel-Seiryu-Kyoto-Kiyomizu-Japanese-Breakfast-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p>
<h5><strong>Wellness factor</strong></h5>
<p>It must be noted that the hotel doesn’t have a full-service spa, though there are three high-ceilinged private baths that can each accommodate up to four people. A cozy gym is located on the first floor.</p>
<h5><strong>Family matters</strong></h5>
<p>Up to two children aged five and below stay for free when sharing a twin room with adults (king rooms accommodate one extra child). Young families may need to request an in-room breakfast, as kids under six are not allowed at the library-restaurant. The same restrictions apply to the guest lounge.</p>
<h5><strong>Sustainability cred</strong></h5>
<p>Aside from reducing food waste and plastic consumption, parent company <a href="https://www.princehotels.com/?DestinAsian">Prince Hotels</a> also supports rural revitalization efforts across Japan by sourcing ingredients from local farmers and embracing the food cultures of each region where the group has a presence.</p>
<h5><strong>What else?</strong></h5>
<p>Off-site activities available to <a href="https://www.seiryukiyomizu.com/en?DestinAsian">Seiryu</a> guests include sightseeing by rickshaw, a hands-on workshop in making traditional hemp accessories, and a private tea ceremony inside a century-old garden near the famed temple of Ryoan-ji.</p>
<p>Reviewed by <strong>Bryan Eastlake</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.seiryukiyomizu.com/en?DestinAsian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">seiryukiyomizu.com/en</a><br />
+81 75 532 1111<br />
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/PR4vXRFXjA9wvjwHA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2-204-2, Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan</a></p>


The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu’s exterior by night.

The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu: Educated Grandeur