If you can have your own "special" thing, and it brings you benefits and increases your enjoyment, then you would be missing out if you don't have it. This time, Premium Japan would like to introduce that "special" thing to those who want to take their trip to the next level.

This time, I had the opportunity to participate in a media tour at the Hilton Kyoto, which just opened in September 2024, to learn about travel tips using the Hilton Honors American Express® Card. From what I heard, there are certainly many benefits to be gained. This is good news that should be considered not only by those who travel regularly, but also those who plan to make large purchases with their card.

Many benefits available just by owning the card

The Hilton Honors American Express® Card is a credit card issued by American Express and Hilton. By simply owning this card, you can upgrade your hotel experience at over 8,300 Hilton hotels both domestically and internationally.

For example, if you spend more than 150 million yen a year on the card and continue to use it, you will receive a "free weekend stay benefit" that allows you to stay one night free on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Hilton hotels in Japan and overseas. Furthermore, if you join, you will be offered "Gold Status," an elite member of Hilton's guest loyalty program, "Hilton Honors," which normally requires 1 nights a year. The benefits you get from this include free breakfast service at Hilton hotels around the world and the ability to upgrade your room if the room is available, among many other things.

To overcome recent social challenges such as rising prices, a weak yen, and high oil prices, surely knowledge and how to use it wisely is needed?

Hilton Kyoto: A perfect place to enjoy Kyoto and spend some quality time with your loved ones

This time, I stayed at the Hilton Kyoto, which just opened in September 2024.

Hilton Kyoto is located in Kawaramachi Sanjo in the city center, about a 15-minute drive from Kyoto Station. It is within walking distance of Pontocho and Gion, and enjoys an excellent location with easy access to major tourist destinations.

Hilton Kyoto has a calm, modern Japanese atmosphere that evokes the traditions and culture of Kyoto that we have come to expect, making it the perfect hotel for an adult stay in Kyoto.

I heard that the concept is "Kyoto SYNAPSE," and it expresses the desire to connect the various charms of Kyoto, such as its history, tradition, and innovation, and this is truly embodied in the store.

After checking in, look up at the atrium ceiling and you will see a beautiful design that looks like threads stretching across the walls. Inspired by the design theme of "ORIMONO," threads spread throughout the lobby from the art of a loom in one corner. Concept visuals are projected onto the loom, making you feel like you are immersed in the story of traditional Japanese technology.

This beautiful design was created by the design firm headed by spatial designer Yukio Hashimoto, who passed away suddenly in 2022. Hashimoto has also designed numerous luxury hotels, including Conrad Osaka, The Peninsula Tokyo, and Hyatt Regency Wataragaki Island Okinawa. His spatial creations that recreate the charm of the city and the story of each hotel are truly impressive.

There are a total of 313 guest rooms, with 40 types in total, ranging from standard rooms of about 121㎡ to suites of 16㎡. The guest rooms have a calming interior with a Japanese taste that lets you feel the warmth of wood, and with carpets depicting a map of Kyoto, carefully selected fixtures, and large windows with shoji screens, it is a space that is somehow nostalgic and relaxing for Japanese people.

On the 9th floor, there is an executive lounge available to guests staying in executive rooms or suites. When you get off the elevator, you will find yourself in a space reminiscent of a Kyoto townhouse. After passing through an alley, you will find the lounge, where you can check in and check out, as well as receive free breakfast, refreshments, and evening cocktails.

A fusion of international and Kyoto cuisine, with unique flavors

And don't miss out on the delicious cuisine that can only be enjoyed here. As Kyoto is a city overflowing with delicious food, there is no compromise in the pursuit of food. All four restaurants and cafes and bars are unique, and you can enjoy the fusion of Kyoto and international flavors.

On the first floor, there is the all-dining restaurant "Téori," the restaurant "1 EMBERS," and the lobby lounge and bar "LATTICE LOUNGE."

Teoli is an open kitchen restaurant run by an executive chef with 20 years of international experience. From breakfast to lunch and dinner, you can enjoy an extensive buffet with a rich variety of dishes that make the most of seasonal Kyoto ingredients, in addition to an international menu. The bread is especially popular. Kyoto is known as the city of bread, and it is easy to see why it is so highly rated even in Kyoto.

The breakfast buffet here is also free for up to two people as a card benefit.

Seven Embers is a unique specialty restaurant that combines the charm of fire with Mediterranean inspiration, with a menu created by an Italian-born female chef who became executive chef after falling in love with Kyoto while traveling around the world.
As you would expect from a chef who has been active around the world for a long time, the fragrant dishes are cooked slowly over fire and are original, yet gentle and tasteful.

In addition, at the Lattice Lounge next to the lobby, you can enjoy popular afternoon teas, including blends and light meals from Kyoto's long-established Ogawa Coffee. The nine photogenic sweets and four savory dishes, lovingly prepared by the pastry chef for each season, are beautiful to look at and have a gentle flavor. You can also enjoy Uji Japanese tea and Kyoto black tea at the afternoon tea.

In the evening, it becomes a bar, and you can often see many foreign tourists in their twenties or thirties who are likely to have built their careers.

Another place you should definitely visit is the rooftop bar "CLOUD NEST ROOFTOP BAR" on the 9th floor. When you get off the elevator and walk down the alley, you will see the beautiful city of Kyoto right in front of you. It opens from noon, so you can enjoy cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and light meals while watching the scenery change with the time.

*Please check the website for opening hours as this is a seasonal business.

Another attraction is that it is home to Hilton's spa brand, eforea SPA, the first of its kind in Japan. Hilton Kyoto's original oils use gently scented essential oils made from natural materials from Kyoto, such as Kitayama cedar and Kuromoji. From facials to body and foot care, guests staying at the hotel can also use the couple's rooms.

Hilton Kyoto offers the ultimate stay in Kyoto, as the global Hilton aims to do, and offers a high-quality experience that will help you forget the hustle and bustle of Kyoto.

Plus, you can enjoy many benefits when you use the Hilton Honors American Express® Card.

The Hilton Honors American Express Card will elevate your travel experience

Here are some of the perks of the Hilton Honors American Express Card.

Hilton Honors American Express® Card

Annual fee: 16,500 yen (tax included)
First family card is free, second and subsequent cards are 1 yen (tax included)
Unconditional* Hilton Honors Gold Status.

Card Benefit 1: Receive a free weekend night with continued card use
By spending a total of 1 million yen or more each year from the date of joining/switching, and continuing to use the card, you can receive free weekend stays on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio around the world, including the Hilton Kyoto introduced in this article.

Card Benefit 2: Unconditional Hilton Honors Gold Status
Hilton Honors Gold status, which typically requires 1 stays or 20 nights per year, offers benefits such as room upgrades (subject to availability), free breakfast at all hotels (or food and beverage credits at some hotels), and milestone bonuses.

Card Benefit 3: Discounted rates for accommodation and meals (HPCJ annual membership fee discount)
The annual membership fee for the Hilton Premium Club Japan (hereinafter referred to as HPCJ) is 25,000 yen (tax included), but for the first year, the annual membership fee will be reduced to 10,000 yen. HPCJ members can receive special benefits such as discounts at designated hotels in Japan and Korea. They can enjoy a 25% discount on accommodation and up to 20% discount on restaurants.

Card benefit 100: Earn up to 3 points for every XNUMX yen spent on your card.
You can earn 100 points for every 3 yen spent at Hilton hotels and restaurants, and 100 points for every 2 yen spent on everyday purchases.

Take advantage of the various benefits to travel smart and save money.

Text by Yuko Taniguchi