Hotel The Mitsui, Kyoto Japan

Our first stop in Japan was Kyoto, and after more than 24 hours of travel, we arrived at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a Marriott Luxury Collection property. Despite the long journey, stepping into the hotel at 10 p.m. felt like entering a calm, curated retreat—exactly what we needed.

Located directly across from Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hotel is rich in cultural context and modern luxury. It recently earned the Michelin Three Key Hotel distinction and became the first property in Kyoto to receive a Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide—a recognition that, after staying here, feels entirely justified.

👘 First Impressions: Quiet Elegance, Thoughtful Service

Even at a late hour, the staff welcomed us with poise and attentiveness. Check-in was seamless. We were invited to sit, offered a cup of hot tea, and escorted through the process without feeling rushed or overlooked. With Titanium Elite status, we were upgraded from our original reservation to the Nijo Suite, a 1 King room with a direct view of Nijo Castle.

After being shown to our suite, a staff member walked us through the space and explained a few cultural customs, including removing our shoes before entering. Slippers were provided, along with light sleepwear, already prepared and sized for each of us. It was a small gesture, but one that spoke volumes about the level of detail this hotel delivers.

🛏️ The Room: Warm Minimalism with Cultural Nuance

The suite struck a balance between minimalist design and warm, natural materials. Wood finishes, soft lighting, and understated decor gave the room a peaceful feel. The view of Nijo Castle—especially at night, when it was softly illuminated—added a unique sense of place. The layout included a large walk-in closet and a spacious bathroom with deep soaking tub. Everything was clean, intentional, and easy to settle into.

🍔 Late-Night Dining: Convenient, But Mixed Results

Despite the hour, The Garden Bar was still open for in-room dining.
We ordered:

• 🍔 Wagyu Beef Burger: juicy, flavorful, hit the spot.
• 🍗 Fried Chicken + Fries: …not it. Something was just off. Jorge agreed.

Look, I’m all about branching out, but at 11 p.m. after 30 hours of travel? I’m clinging to the familiar. The burger delivered. The chicken—meh. Let’s move on.

🌞 Mornings at The Mitsui: Like Waking Up in a Lifestyle Magazine

Waking up to a drawn bath, courtesy of Jorge, in a luxurious soaking tub? 10/10 husband move. I could’ve stayed there all day, but breakfast was calling.

Down at The Garden Bar, the staff welcomed us like long-lost friends. I gave our room number and they were like, “We know Mrs. Gomez.” Sweet or stalker-ish? You decide 😂

🌅 Morning Zen & Next-Level Breakfast

Breakfast at The Garden Bar is included for guests with certain elite statuses or packages, and it set the tone for each day. The space overlooks a quiet garden, creating a peaceful atmosphere that’s rare in a hotel dining setting.

The buffet included a custom omelet station, which Jorge said delivered the best omelet he’s had to date. The eggs were cooked with precision, wrapped around his choice of fillings in a way that was more technique-driven than most hotel buffets would ever attempt. I ordered from the à la carte menu, a latte and Crème Brûlée French Toast, which was as rich and balanced as it sounds. This breakfast far exceeded our expectations, and we returned each morning of our stay without hesitation to have this on repeat.

Calories don’t count in Kyoto if you walk everywhere. That’s the rule. I don’t make them.

🌿 Around the Property: Peaceful, Meticulous, and Impeccably Managed

Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto is stunning, inside and out. The property itself is designed to feel like a retreat. Whether walking through the inner courtyard or passing through the lobby, there’s a deliberate calm to every interaction and space.

Staff members acknowledge guests with a bow each time they pass, which reflects the cultural etiquette of Japan, though after a while, it can feel a bit formal and repetitive. People bowing at you from all directions, it starts feeling like an awkward red carpet. Where do I look? Do I bow back? Do I moonwalk away? 😅

Still, it speaks to the level of hospitality here. Every car service was double-checked, every door opened, every detail thought through.

🚘 Little Touches That Go a Long Way

When using car services, staff confirmed driver information, confirmed our destination, and personally opened and closed doors. These are small gestures, but they reflect a level of care that’s consistent throughout the stay.

✨ Final Thoughts: Elevated, Intentional, and Worth Returning?

Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto is one of those rare properties where the setting, the service, and the experience are aligned with the city it resides in. Kyoto is known for its thoughtfulness and tradition, and this hotel honors that beautifully.

From the serene environment to the curated meals and excellent service, our stay was both restful and memorable. This was our first time in Kyoto, but it won’t be our last. And when we return, this is where we’ll stay. And I already know what I’m ordering for breakfast. 🍳💛🍞

Snapshot Summary

Let me know if you want help getting the best deal using points—we did, and it made the stay even sweeter.

The Room

The Property

Breakfast

Notes: Some links in this post may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you, as we participate in affiliate programs. This is how we can continue to work and bring you the latest and best content.

All information is accurate as of the date of publication but may change over time.

Always check for the latest details before making travel plans.