The charm and fun I found on my first visit to Park Hyatt Kyoto

Written by Takanori Nakamura

My first visit to Park Hyatt Kyoto finally came true. Although it was a short stay of 2019 nights and 10 days, I would like to share with you the charm and pleasures of this hotel in my own way. Park Hyatt Kyoto will open on October 30, 25. This is the first time in 2020 years that the Park Hyatt brand has appeared in Japan, and the second one after Tokyo. Then, in January 1, the third Park Hyatt Niseko HANAZONO in Japan opened in Hokkaido.

A unique initiative that takes full advantage of Park Hyatt's characteristics

Currently, Hyatt is a global hospitality company with 20 brands, including Anders and Grand Hyatt, operating 68 properties in 1000 countries. Park Hyatt is a top brand with over 40 hotels in major cities around the world. There are two main aspects to Park Hyatt's appeal; one is the extremely high quality of its architecture, interior and exterior, and the thoroughness of its furnishings and decorations. Stylish interpretations that reflect the local climate and culture, as well as interiors that make extensive use of natural materials, are highlights. In addition, the theme is a timeless layout and attention to privacy for guests staying for long periods of time. In terms of its approach to architecture and the environment, Park Hyatt Kyoto can be said to be even more unique within the group.

First of all, it's the location. This hotel is located in the historical and cultural district next to Kodaiji Temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, facing Ninenzaka Hill leading to Kiyomizu Temple. On this land, there is a long-established Japanese restaurant, Sanso Kyo Yamato, which has been in business for over 140 years, and the wooden buildings, including the tea room, inherited from the Edo period, have been designated as Kyoto City's historic buildings.

Due to the timing of preserving and restoring the valuable architectural group of ``Mountain Villa Kyoyamato'', the development project was progressing with Takenaka Corporation taking the lead in the construction work. Hyatt was invited during the development stage. As a result, ``Park Hyatt Kyoto'' was created through a three-way collaboration between the long-established Japanese restaurant, Global Hotels, and Takenaka Corporation. Takenaka Corporation will be in charge of the design and construction of the hotel, and it will be built to harmonize not only with the scenery of Higashiyama Ward but also with the historic buildings and gardens of Sanso Kyoyamato, and both parties will maintain independence in terms of management. , has a unique form.

The highlight is the architectural consideration and design that aims to create a synergistic effect between a Japanese restaurant and a first-class hotel. Although the hotel is a modern building, its ``scenery as a group of tiled roofs'' and its harmony with the Japanese garden are splendid. The hotel's eaves are arranged in multiple sections within the existing Japanese garden, so you can enjoy not only the panoramic view from the entrance, but also the distant and close views from the walkways, alleys, and guest room windows, as well as the borrowed views of the garden. I think there's a lot to see, especially if you're interested in architecture, interior design, or gardens. Due to landscape ordinances in this area, the number of hotel rooms is limited to 70 due to restrictions on building height and construction area, but this has ultimately helped to increase the value of the hotel as a small luxury hotel. There is.

In terms of landscape details, I recommend the Pritzker Garden (Eishin Garden), which was created by gardener Yasuo Kitayama at the entrance of the hotel. The garden features a stone from Aspen, Colorado that is more than 3 million years old, which was a gift from Hyatt Chairman Thomas J. Pritzker, and a garan stone from Horyuji Temple that was in the garden in Yamato, Kyoto.There are many things to see. be.

A touch of French cuisine with ingredients from Kyoto. Unprecedented Teppanyaki “Yasaka”

Now that we have covered the highlights around the facility, we must also touch on the gastronomy, which can be said to be a symbol of Park Hyatt's hospitality. First, let's talk about the main dining room, Yasaka. As the name suggests, the seats at this restaurant offer a panoramic view of the city of Kyoto, with Yasaka Tower right in front of you. What should be added is that they are creating innovative teppanyaki dishes that incorporate French cooking methods while adopting the teppanyaki cooking style. Head chef Kanpei Hisaoka trained in France for 16 years and worked at famous restaurants in Montpellier and Paris before becoming head chef when Yasaka opened.

Using local ingredients from Kyoto and incorporating French cooking techniques, he takes on the challenge of creating teppanyaki cuisine that has never been seen before. For example, the signature dish ``Yasaka Pancake'' is made with sea urchin, tiger prawns, and caviar on top of a potato pancake that is grilled on an iron plate in front of you, and finished with two different sauces. We offer an uplifting taste experience as a starter and an enjoyable dining experience that transcends culinary genres. How can the live nature of an iron plate be expressed through gastronomy? I look forward to further developments in the future.

Additionally, the breakfast is also great. KYOTO BISTRO, a home-style cafe, has large windows facing Ninenzaka, creating an atmosphere that makes you feel like you're eating breakfast while blending in with the cityscape, and it's full of travel vibes. I would like to say that it is worth staying just to eat breakfast here. For breakfast, there is also a choice of Japanese cuisine, in which case you can enjoy the cuisine of the restaurant next door, ``Sanso Kyoyamato'', in your hotel room at a time of your choice. This is a bento-style meal where the rice is brought out in an earthenware pot along with a number of other dishes, and arranged right in front of you. The secret is that you can enjoy breakfast just like at a luxury inn, even though you're in a hotel room.

“Park Hyatt Kyoto” is a hotel where the stay itself is a purpose.

Lastly, if you like bars, I highly recommend you stop by the bar Kohaku. Chief bartender Akiko Nakamura's original cocktails are unique in concept and taste, and are delicious.

The hotel's design and scale, as well as the attention to detail in its hospitality, made me realize once again that this is a hotel where the stay itself becomes a purpose.

パークハイアット Kyoto