MUNI KYOTO
Contemporary luxury minimalism with a strong Japanese sense of 'ma' (negative space). Dark interiors, moody lighting, natural stone and wood, large windows that frame nature like a living painting. Quiet and intimate — this is not a social hotel.
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Why It Matters
One of the few hotels in Japan that holds a Michelin-starred restaurant on-site, with Alain Ducasse's former executive chef Alessandro Guardiani trained across Monaco, Paris and London running the kitchen. The hotel's concept is 'One and One Scenery' — every room and common space is oriented to maximize the Arashiyama landscape. Also notable for incorporating traditional elements like a Suikinkutsu water sound device by ceramic master Masanobu Ando.
MUNI KYOTO opened in August 2020 with just 21 rooms in Arashiyama — right in front of the Togetsukyo Bridge, with the Katsura River running past and the mountains rising behind. It looks more like a private gallery or a Japanese residence than a hotel from the street; the entrance is guarded by low stone walls and you can walk past it entirely. Inside, the rooms are enormous by Kyoto standards (50–70 sqm), done in white and natural wood with floor-to-ceiling windows up to 4.5 meters high. The dining here is serious — a Michelin-starred French restaurant on site, now serving a MUNI French KAISEKI concept that fuses French technique with kaiseki structure using seasonal Kyoto ingredients.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
2 Bedroom Duplex King & Twin
A maisonette-style two-floor layout that sleeps up to four guests. The most private and villa-like accommodation at MUNI — ideal for families or those wanting genuine separation between living and sleeping spaces. Arashiyama views throughout.
King + Twin · 70 sqmArashiyama Balcony 2 Double Bed
Mountain-facing room with sweeping Arashiyama views and a refreshing breeze through the trees. Large picture window frames the landscape like living art. Ceiling height reaches up to 4.5 meters for a dramatic sense of openness. Two 140cm double beds.
Two double beds (140cm each) · 55 sqmArashiyama View King
Same dramatic window and ceiling configuration as the Twin, but with a sprawling 280cm king-size bed. River-facing corner room option available for a more open aspect.
King (280cm wide) · 55 sqmArashiyama View Twin
Panoramic view of Togetsukyo Bridge and the Katsura River through a massive 2.9m × 3.5m window. Ceiling soars to over 4.5m. Rooms on the east side (206–210) offer simultaneous views of Arashiyama and Togetsukyo Bridge.
Twin (two 140cm beds) · 50 sqm
Water Garden Balcony 2 Double Bed
Overlooks the Black Garden with the gentle sound of flowing water. Has a riverside terrace accessible through a large window — step outside to the soothing sounds of the river and fresh breeze. Two 140cm double beds.
Two double beds (140cm each) · 50 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Photoshoots in and around Arashiyama with costume selection available through TAKAMI BRIDAL in Kyoto. Advance reservation required.
Arranged early morning access to Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple a short walk from the hotel. Experience the Sogenchi Garden and the Dragon and Cloud ceiling painting before regular visitor hours.
Exclusive 30-minute early admission to the adjacent Fukuda Art Museum from 9:30am — a full half-hour before the public. Allows guests to view the collections in quiet before the crowds. Cafe and store access starts from 10:00am.
A visit to old Kyoto confectionery shop Oimatsu to see traditional sweet-making craftsmanship. Guests select two wagashi sweets per person.
Early morning outdoor yoga held in the hotel's White Garden from 7:00–8:00am. Mat, towel, and water provided. Moves indoors during winter or inclement weather.
Seasonal afternoon tea crafted by Chef Pâtissier Mio Naito at Riverside Café MUNI, with direct views of Togetsukyo Bridge. Available at 11:30 or 13:00. French elegance with Japanese sensibility.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Two distinct outdoor garden spaces on the property. The White Garden is used for morning yoga and reflects the seasonal Arashiyama landscape. The Black Garden features the Suikinkutsu water sound device by ceramic master Masanobu Ando, creating a meditative water soundscape.
An exclusive package of inclusions for staying guests (renewed March 20, 2026), covering dining privileges, exclusive lounge access, and other curated benefits. Details available on the official website.
Hotel guests receive a complimentary welcome drink at Riverside Café MUNI between 3:00pm and 7:00pm (last order 6:30pm) on arrival.
MUNI-branded bath products using Mizuo yuzu and Kitayama cedar — ingredients rooted in Kyoto's natural heritage. Same products sold in the hotel's gift shop.
Glass-enclosed bathtubs allow views to the outside; wooden blinds can be closed for full privacy. Separate high-tech bidet toilet. Each room is non-smoking.
All rooms have soundproof walls, a significant feature given the hotel's proximity to the popular Arashiyama tourist area.
On-site retail with MUNI-branded bath products and a patissier-crafted juice and sweets counter open to hotel guests and visitors.
On-site parking exclusively for staying guests at ¥2,750/night (tax included). Advance reservation required.
Dedicated fitness gym available to hotel guests free of charge at any hour. Small but reasonably well-equipped — one of the few gyms among boutique hotels in the Arashiyama area.
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