10/10
“Excellent stay, extremely good personnel. Amazing.”
Everything
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Kyoto · head to head
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto vs HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
Priced on the same night, 2026-10-10: HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO is $1,020 a night less. They are 3.1 km apart.
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The honest take
Four Seasons Kyoto has the stronger review record (9.4 from 449 guests versus Mitsui's untested 59) and a longer facility list — pool, hot tub, bar, pet allowance — that Mitsui lacks. Mitsui is $510 a night cheaper and sits centrally near Nijō Castle, while Four Seasons is in the quieter temple district of Higashiyama. If wellness and proven guest satisfaction matter most, book Four Seasons; if you want the more architecturally distinctive stay for less money, book Mitsui.
The look and the feel
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Built on the site of the former Toki-wa hospital grounds beneath the Higashiyama hills, this Four Seasons was shaped with input from local craftsmen and a garden designed around a centuries-old pond once part of a Buddhist temple estate. Interiors lean into dark timber, washi-paper screens and quiet, low-lit corridors that open onto that pond garden, a rare thing to have in central Kyoto. Rooms are calm and neutral — pale wood, deep tubs, floor-to-ceiling glass onto greenery — built for a guest who wants ryokan atmosphere without giving up hotel infrastructure. The spa and indoor pool sit below ground, lit like a spa should be, marble and steam and quiet.
Guests who want a resort-style stay with a proven spa and pool, in exchange for being a short taxi from downtown.
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
Mitsui occupies the former site of the Mitsui family's Kyoto residence, and the hotel makes a point of it: a preserved Edo-period gate from that estate stands at the entrance, and a section of the building incorporates hot spring water drawn on site, unusual for a city-centre hotel. The public rooms mix contemporary minimalism — poured concrete, brass fittings, low leather furniture — with older architectural fragments, so the sense of layered history is more literal here than at most new-builds. It sits inside the old merchant grid near Nijō Castle, a neighbourhood of narrow lanes, machiya facades and small shops rather than temple hillside.
Guests who want to walk out the door into central Kyoto's historic streets and don't mind an unreviewed but architecturally ambitious property.
Mitsui's guests give up the indoor pool, whirlpools, on-site bar and pet allowance that come with Four Seasons, along with the reassurance of nearly 450 rated stays versus its own 59.
Mitsui is the more characterful building to actually be in — an Edo gate, hot spring water and concrete minimalism layered onto real history — while Four Seasons is the more polished, resort-like experience.
The numbers
| Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto | HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO | |
|---|---|---|
| Price, same night | $2,283 | $1,263 |
| Guest rating | 9.4/10 | — |
| Reviews | 449 | 59 |
| Stars | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Facilities on our list | 8 | 5 |
| Distance apart | 3.1 km |
What one has that the other doesn't
Only Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto has
- Pool
- Pet
- Hot tub
- Bar
Only HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO has
- Rooftop
What guests actually say
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
- excellent breakfast
- attentive, kind staff
- beautiful garden and views
- spa on different floor from pool
“Der Blick in den 800 Jahre alten Garten mit dem Teehaus - Erholung Pur.”
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
- private onsen experience
- beautiful, well-appointed rooms
- outstanding, attentive staff
“Concierge explained everything to the doctor before we got there so we were able to get treated even though our Japanese was limited.”
Mitsui guests seem happier, praising the private onsen and staff who go out of their way, such as arranging a doctor for sick children, with no gripes at all, whereas Four Seasons guests raved but noted one layout niggle with the spa.
Rooms & rates, 2026-10-10
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
- Deluxe King RoomRoom Only$2,296
- HabitacióN Deluxe, 1 Cama De Matrimonio GrandeRoom Only$2,296
- Deluxe King RoomRoom Only · free cancellation$2,417
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
- Double Deluxe King BedRoom Only$1,250
- Double Deluxe King BedBreakfast Included$1,328
- Deluxe Room, King, Non Smoking(1 King Bed)Room Only$1,945
In guests' own words
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
10/10
“Absolutely sublime”
Wonderful, kindness and efficient team who take care each client with particulars and different needs.
10/10
“Perfection in every possible way!”
The location, facilitates, staff and food was all perfection!
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
10/10
Staff and service were absolutely outstanding. We stayed 2 nights/3days. Staff arranged all taxis. Large room. Great amenities include private onsen/thermal spring which was relaxing. Loved every minute. Overall OUTSTANDING service and excellent stay.
10/10
Beautiful property wonderfully appointed and comfortable rooms, not a single missing item to make the stay perfect, and excellent staff, made the stay very enjoyable.
10/10
The rooms were wonderful and bed was very comfortable. The bar area is very scenic and the kiwi cocktail that was on special was one of the best I’ve had. We really enjoyed the option to reserve the onsen privately as well. Would love to return!
About each
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Luxurious Accommodations with Stunning Views Featuring a sushi bar, tea house, and a Western-style restaurant, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto offers a unique blend of Japanese tradition and modern comfort. The rooms provide breathtaking views, equipped with an iPad for easy access to hotel services, and a flat-screen TV for entertainment. Relaxation and Wellness…
Check-in — · Check-out 12:00 PM
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
Check-in — · Check-out 12:00 PM
Facilities, in full
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
- Fitness facilities
- WiFi available
- Free WiFi
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Fitness center
- Swimming pool
- 24-hour front desk
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Heating
- Terrace
- Garden
- Pets allowed
- Lift / Elevator
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
- Elevator
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Multilingual staff
- Porter/bellhop
- Express check-out
- Full-service spa
- Smoke-free property
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Wheelchair accessible parking
- Parking (limited spaces)
- 24-hour fitness facilities
- 24-hour health club
- Housekeeping on request
- Vegetable garden
- LED light bulbs
Where they are
Higashiyama-ku Myohoin Maekawacho 445-3284 Nijoaburanokojicho, Aburanokoji St., Nijo-Sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 604 0051
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Rates are live for 2026-10-10, one night, two guests, fetched together so the two are comparable. Facilities and reviews are from each hotel's own listing. The honest take is written by our AI from the listing, the reviews and what is widely known about each hotel. HotelDupe earns a commission if you book, which never changes the verdict. All comparisons