Aman Kyoto sits at the foot of the Hidari Daimonji mountain in Kyoto’s northern Takagamine district, with 26 rooms, suites and pavilions on a forest site near Kinkaku-ji. Before you book, know four things: there is no gym and no pool; the hot spring is separate for men and women, bathed without clothing, open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and needs a reservation; every stay includes breakfast, drinks, matcha and an evening aperitif; and age limits are set facility by facility, not for the hotel.
The official site is silent on several things guests ask first: check-in and checkout times, a general cancellation policy, tattoos, parking, pets, smoking and taxes. We say plainly where it stops.
Aman Kyoto at a glance
| Item | What the official site says |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Okitayama Washimine-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8458 |
| Rooms | 26 guest rooms, suites and pavilions, from 60 square meters |
| Gym / pool | None |
| Onsen | Indoor and outdoor, separate for men and women, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last entry 9:30 p.m.), reservation required |
| Swimwear in the onsen | No: “Bathing is done without any attire” |
| Tattoos | Not mentioned on the official site |
| Check-in / out | Not published |
| Cancellation | “As per hotel standard terms”; the terms are not published |
| Included on every stay | Breakfast, in-room drinks, afternoon matcha, evening aperitif, onsen and more (see below) |
| Kyoto Station | About 30 minutes by car |
| Kansai Airport | Two-hour drive, or train to Kyoto Station plus 30 minutes by car |
| Children | No stay-wide rule; Taka-an dinner 6+, spa treatments 16 (see below) |
From Aman Kyoto’s official pages and PDFs, read September 29, 2026.
What is Aman Kyoto, and what are the rooms like?
Where exactly is Aman Kyoto?
The main resort page places the hotel “at the foothills of the iconic Hidari Daimonji mountain, in Kyoto’s northern Takagamine district,” and says it is a stone’s throw from Kinkaku-ji and 16 other UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The experiences page describes a 2.4-hectare site within a 32-hectare expanse of ancient forest. The address is 1 Okitayama Washimine-cho, Kita-ku.
Can I walk to Kinkaku-ji from Aman Kyoto?
The hotel’s Kyoto temples page says the Golden Pavilion is “within walking distance of Aman Kyoto.” It does not give a walking time or a route, so ask the concierge before you set off. Our Kinkaku-ji guide covers the temple itself.
How many rooms are there, and how big are they?
The rooms page lists 26 latticed guest rooms, suites and pavilions, starting at 60 square meters. The design is by Kerry Hill Architects, according to the celebrations page.
| Room type | Size |
|---|---|
| Kaede, Nara, Susuki, Susuki Terrace | 60 square meters (646 square feet) each |
| Takagamine Suite | 165 square meters (1,780 square feet) |
| Takagamine Pavilion | 226 square meters (2,433 square feet) |
| Washigamine Pavilion | 241 square meters (2,594 square feet), the largest |
Official room pages, read September 29, 2026.
What is in a standard room?
The Kaede, Nara, Susuki and Susuki Terrace pages each list a king-size bed or twin beds, a hinoki Japanese bath, a separate shower and toilet, Wi-Fi, TV and a safe, and a personal bar with a coffee machine. In the pavilions and the suite, the pages say futons can be provided in the Japanese tatami room.
What does every stay at Aman Kyoto include?
What is in the room rate?
The English rooms page lists seven things under “All stays include”:
| Included on every stay (English rooms page) | Time, where stated |
|---|---|
| Daily breakfast | The Living Pavilion, 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. |
| In-room refreshments and drinks, including alcoholic drinks | — |
| Afternoon matcha in the Tea House with seasonal sweets | 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. daily |
| Soft drinks at The Living Pavilion by Aman through the day, certain items excluded | — |
| Evening aperitif of beer, wine, Champagne and more, with small snacks | 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Japanese dining page) |
| Guided tour of Aman Kyoto’s secret garden | — |
| Access to Aman Spa’s hot-spring onsen | 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
Official English rooms page, tea house page, Living Pavilion page and Japanese dining page, read September 29, 2026.
Why does the Japanese page list fewer inclusions?
The Japanese rooms page lists five items, including breakfast, the hot spring and a free-flow evening aperitif, and does not list the afternoon matcha or the secret garden tour. The English page lists seven. Confirm with the hotel if those two matter to you.
What extra do the suite and pavilions include?
The Washigamine Pavilion and Takagamine Suite pages add a round-trip private transfer (one vehicle) between the hotel and Kyoto Station, Itami Airport or Kansai International Airport, and priority access to the hotel’s car drop-off service within central Kyoto.
Check-in, checkout and cancellation at Aman Kyoto
What time is check-in and checkout?
The official site does not say. We searched the resort pages, room pages, offer pages, contact details and all three PDFs in English and Japanese, and found no check-in or checkout time. The only related line is a perk of the Aman Japan Journey package: early check-in and late checkout, subject to availability, with no times or fees. Ask the hotel when you book.
What is the cancellation policy?
Every offer page we read ends with the same line: “Cancellations and payments as per hotel standard terms,” plus “Black out dates apply.” The Japanese pages say the same. But the standard terms themselves are not published on the official site, so there is no stated cutoff, deposit or no-show rule. Ask for the terms in writing before you pay. Our hotel cancellation comparison shows how other hotels in Japan set theirs.
What about the Aman Japan Journey package?
This is the one place with a specific rule, and it applies only to that package, not to Aman Kyoto bookings in general. The package covers stays at three consecutive Aman properties, with at least two nights at each, and is bookable up to 14 days before arrival. Its terms say: “Cancel 14 days prior to arrival by 3pm hotel local time to avoid forfeiture of full stay amount plus tax.” In its listed peak seasons, a card guarantee is needed and full payment is due 14 days before arrival. Payment is made locally at each resort. The offer runs until December 31, 2027.
Which offers are available now?
| Offer | What it is | Valid |
|---|---|---|
| An Evening at Taka-an | Omakase dinner at Taka-an each evening | Until March 31, 2028 |
| Stay and Dine | Dinner daily at The Living Pavilion | Until March 31, 2028 |
| Extend Your Stay | Suites and pavilions: stay two nights, third night free; minimum three consecutive nights | January 4 to September 30, 2027 |
| Aman Japan Journey | Three Aman properties, two nights minimum at each | Until December 31, 2027 |
Official offers pages, read September 29, 2026. Each says cancellation follows the hotel’s standard terms, except the Aman Japan Journey rule quoted above.
Aman Kyoto onsen and spa: no pool, no gym, and the bathing rules
Is there a gym or swimming pool?
No. The wellness page states: “Please note that Aman Kyoto does not offer gym and pool facilities.” The Japanese page says the same. If you are comparing luxury hotels in the city, our Ritz-Carlton Kyoto guide answers the same questions for that hotel.
What is the hot spring like?
Aman Spa has outdoor and indoor onsen baths and three private treatment rooms. The spa menu PDF says there are separate bathing pools for men and women. Only the Japanese wellness page names the water type: an alkaline simple spring. Onsen access is on the list of what every stay includes.
Do I need to book the onsen?
Yes. The wellness page says “Only a limited number of guests are allowed to use Onsen at any one time. Please make a reservation in advance.” The Japanese page gives the same reason: to avoid crowding.
What are the onsen and spa hours?
| Facility | Wellness web page | Spa menu PDF |
|---|---|---|
| Onsen | 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., last entry 9:30 p.m. | 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., last entry 9:30 p.m. |
| Treatments | 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., last entry 8:30 p.m. | 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., last booking 8 p.m. |
Official wellness page and spa menu PDF (undated), read September 29, 2026. The onsen hours match; the treatment hours do not, so confirm when you book.
Do I bathe without clothing?
Yes. The spa menu PDF says “Bathing is done without any attire.” It also asks guests to remove their shoes before the changing room and shower before bathing, says that mobile phones and cameras are prohibited, and recommends limiting sessions to no longer than 30 minutes.
Can I use the onsen with tattoos?
The official site does not say. We searched the English and Japanese pages and the spa menu PDF for tattoos in both languages and found no mention at all. That means we cannot tell you whether tattoos are allowed, must be covered or are refused. Ask the hotel before you book. Our tattoos and onsen guide explains how other places handle it.
What are the spa booking rules?
The spa menu PDF asks guests to arrive at least 10 minutes before a treatment. “Cancellations made within 24 hours will be subject to the full charge of the treatment booked,” and cancellations must be made during spa operating hours, which that line gives as 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Smoking and mobile phones are prohibited in and around Aman Spa. The PDF asks you not to bring valuables and notes that every room has a safe.
How much do spa treatments cost?
The official pages we read show no treatment prices. The spa menu PDF lists durations and says prices include a 16 percent service charge and 10 percent consumption tax, but prints no amounts. Ask the spa.
Kids and families at Aman Kyoto: the age rules
Is there a minimum age to stay?
The official site does not give one. We found no age rule for staying, and nothing on extra beds, cribs or children sharing a bed. Age limits appear only for certain restaurants, activities and the spa.
| Place or activity | Age rule | Where it is stated |
|---|---|---|
| Dinner at Taka-an | 6 and above | An Evening at Taka-an offer page (English and Japanese) |
| Tea ceremony | “Guests aged 12 and above” | Experience Guide PDF |
| A crafts workshop | 10 and above; ask about a version for ages 5 to 9 | Experience Guide PDF |
| Electric bikes | Minimum height 144 cm (4 ft 7 in) | Experience Guide PDF |
| Spa treatments | 16, with a conflicting consent line (see below) | Spa menu PDF |
| Onsen bathing | No age rule stated | — |
Official offer page, Experience Guide and spa menu PDFs, read September 29, 2026.
Can children eat dinner at Taka-an?
From age 6. The An Evening at Taka-an offer page says “To preserve the serenity of the evening, dinner at Taka-an is reserved for guests aged 6 and above.” The Japanese page gives the same age. The Taka-an restaurant page itself does not mention an age, so check when you reserve.
Can teenagers book a spa treatment?
The spa menu PDF contradicts itself. It says: “The minimum age for treatments is 16 years. Guests under the age of 16 require parental consent prior to the booking being accepted.” The first sentence sets a floor of 16; the second suggests younger guests can book with a parent’s consent. If your child is under 16, ask the spa which rule it applies.
Which activities suit children?
The Experience Guide says its activities “are suitable for guests of all ages,” with the exceptions in the table above. The tea ceremony line reads: “Guests aged 12 and above are required to book at least seven days in advance.” Electric bikes can be rented 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; reserve, change or cancel by 5 p.m. the day before.
Breakfast and dining at Aman Kyoto
Where and when is breakfast served?
At The Living Pavilion by Aman, from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., last order 11 a.m. Breakfast is included on every stay. The dining page describes the Japanese breakfast as small dishes, including sashimi and obanzai, in a wooden box, followed by Kuroge Wagyu beef or grilled fish with clay-pot rice or soy milk porridge.
What are The Living Pavilion hours?
| Meal | Hotel guests | Non-residents (reservation required) |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (last order 11 a.m.) | — |
| Lunch | 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (last order 2 p.m.) | 12:30 p.m. |
| Afternoon tea | 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (last order 4:30 p.m.) | 3 p.m. |
| Dinner | 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. (last order: course 8 p.m., à la carte 9 p.m.) | 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. |
Official Living Pavilion page, read September 29, 2026. The all-day menu is for in-house guests only. The Japanese page adds that special menus apply in peak seasons such as long holidays and New Year.
How much is dinner and lunch at The Living Pavilion?
Per the autumn menu PDFs linked from the dining pages, the Dining in the Forest dinner course is 24,000 yen. At lunch, the Tasting Menu is 18,000 yen and the Recommend Menu is 15,000 yen. Both PDFs say “All prices are in Japanese Yen and inclusive to a 16% service charge and 10% government tax.” These are seasonal menus, so treat the prices as of September 29, 2026 and check the official dinner menu and lunch menu before you go.
Is the service charge 15 or 16 percent?
It depends on which menu you read. The lunch, dinner and spa PDFs say 16 percent. The Japanese September afternoon tea menu says 15 percent. That afternoon tea menu also shows no price for the tea set itself. Ask the restaurant which charge applies to your booking.
How much is Taka-an, the Japanese restaurant?
The Japanese Taka-an page lists the omakase kaiseki at 20,000 yen for lunch and 50,000 yen for dinner. The English Taka-an page shows no price, and neither page says whether tax and service are included. Taka-an serves lunch 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (last order 1 p.m.) and dinner 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (last order 8 p.m.), and is open to non-residents, subject to availability.
Which seasonal menus are coming up?
The Taka-an page lists a Kyoto Hirai beef kaiseki dinner until November 4, 2026, then a snow crab kaiseki from November 8, 2026, for a minimum of two people, booked at least three days ahead. The Japanese Taka-an page prices the crab course at 120,000 yen per person, tax and service included, and excludes December 31, 2026 to January 6, 2027. The end date differs by page: the Taka-an page says the end of February 2027, while the festive brochure says December 30, 2026. Confirm with the restaurant.
What is on over the holidays?
The festive brochure lists a Winter Celebration Course from December 19 to 25, 2026 (lunch 18,000 yen, dinner 29,000 yen per person), a Festive Afternoon Tea from December 10, 2026 to January 15, 2027 (14,500 yen per person), and a Hirai beef kaiseki from December 31, 2026 to January 3, 2027 (59,000 yen per person). The brochure does not say whether tax and service are included.
Can the kitchen handle allergies?
The menu PDFs ask guests to let the hotel know about any allergies or special dietary requirements. Say what you need when you book.
Getting to Aman Kyoto from Kyoto Station and the airports
How far is Aman Kyoto from Kyoto Station?
About 30 minutes by car, per the main resort page. The official pages we read do not name a nearest train station or bus stop.
How do I get there from Kansai Airport?
The official site gives two options: a two-hour drive, or an express train to Kyoto Station followed by a 30-minute car ride. The train time differs by page: the getting-here page says 80 minutes (the Japanese version names the Haruka), while the main resort page says 90 minutes. Our Kansai Airport to Kyoto guide covers the train options.
What about Itami Airport?
The getting-here page says Osaka Itami Airport, which only serves domestic flights, is a 60-minute drive from the hotel.
Can the hotel arrange a transfer, and what does it cost?
The getting-here page says the concierge team can arrange transfers from any location, in a vehicle of your choice. It gives no price. The suite and pavilions include a round-trip private transfer. The hotel also offers to have your luggage shipped ahead of your stay.
How do I get into central Kyoto from the hotel?
The suite, pavilion and An Evening at Taka-an pages mention priority access to a hotel car drop-off service into central Kyoto (the Japanese An Evening at Taka-an page says one way). The official pages we read do not say whether other guests can use it. The experiences page says bicycles are available to all guests.
Parking, pets, smoking and taxes at Aman Kyoto
Is there parking?
The official site does not say. We found no parking information on any official page or PDF. Ask the hotel before you drive.
Can I bring a pet?
The official site does not mention pets. Ask the hotel.
Can I smoke?
The only smoking rule we found is in the spa menu PDF: smoking is prohibited in and around Aman Spa. The official pages we read say nothing about smoking in rooms, a smoking area or a penalty.
What taxes and charges are added to the room rate?
The official site does not say. It gives no service charge for rooms and does not mention Kyoto’s accommodation tax or a bathing tax. Only the restaurant and spa menus state their charges. It also lists no accepted cards and says nothing on tipping. Ask the hotel for a full breakdown when you book.
How much is the tea ceremony?
The tea house page lists a Tea Ceremony at 11 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. for 50,000 yen per group, and a Tea Ceremony with Lunch at 12 p.m. for 100,000 yen per group, both booked at least seven days ahead. The Japanese page says the 50,000 yen includes tax and service. Group size differs by page: the tea house page says up to two guests, while the Experience Guide says up to four and adds that both sessions are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The Experience Guide also says on-site activities canceled within 72 hours are not refunded.
Who Aman Kyoto suits
The official rules suit adults or families with older children who want a quiet forest retreat with a hot spring and an all-inclusive feel to drinks. It is a harder fit if you need a gym or pool, if you are traveling with young children and want dinner at Taka-an, or if you need every rule up front: check-in times, cancellation terms and the tattoo policy are not published. If you are comparing Aman hotels, our Aman Tokyo guide runs through the same questions for the Tokyo property.
Frequently asked questions
Does Aman Kyoto have a gym or a swimming pool?
Can I use the onsen at Aman Kyoto with tattoos?
What time are check-in and checkout at Aman Kyoto?
What is the cancellation policy at Aman Kyoto?
What is included in a stay at Aman Kyoto?
Can children stay at Aman Kyoto?
How do I get to Aman Kyoto from Kyoto Station and Kansai Airport?
How much is dinner at Aman Kyoto?
Bottom line (2026): Aman Kyoto has no gym or pool. Its hot spring is separate for men and women, bathed without clothing, open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and needs a reservation. Every stay includes breakfast, in-room drinks and an evening aperitif. Taka-an dinner is for ages 6 and above. The official site does not publish check-in times, a general cancellation policy or a tattoo rule, so ask the hotel.
Sources
Every rule and figure on this page is from Aman Kyoto’s own site: the English resort page and the Japanese resort page, the rooms page and Japanese rooms page, the Kaede, Takagamine Suite and Washigamine Pavilion pages, the experiences page, the Kyoto temples page, the tea house page and its Japanese version, the wellness page and Japanese wellness page, the spa menu PDF, the Experience Guide PDF, the dining page and Japanese dining page, The Living Pavilion page, the Japanese afternoon tea menu, the Taka-an page and Japanese Taka-an page, the offers page, An Evening at Taka-an and its Japanese version, Stay and Dine, Aman Japan Journey and its Japanese version, and the getting-here page, all read on September 29, 2026. Where pages disagree, we give both and name them. Rates, menus and offers change; confirm on the official site before you book.
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