10/10
“Excellent stay, extremely good personnel. Amazing.”
Everything
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Kyoto · head to head
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto vs Suiran
Priced on the same night, 2026-10-10: Suiran is $129 a night less. They are 9.5 km apart.
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The honest take
Four Seasons Kyoto is $1,649 a night against Suiran's $1,695, and it comes with a pool, hot tub and pet allowance that Suiran doesn't list. Both sit at 5 stars with strong ratings, though Four Seasons has the deeper review base at 449 versus 172. They're 9.5km apart in different parts of the city, so the choice is really about Higashiyama's temple district versus Arashiyama's riverside quiet. On the numbers alone, Four Seasons gives you more for less.
The look and the feel
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
The Kyoto Four Seasons sits low against the wooded slopes of Higashiyama, built around a centuries-old pond garden that predates the hotel itself, with paths and stone lanterns visible from the corridors. Interiors lean into dark wood, washi-paper screens and deep indigo textiles, a restrained modern take on a machiya rather than a pastiche of one. The lobby is quiet, low-lit, more like a private house than a hotel entrance, and the sushi bar and tea house give it genuine points of Japanese ritual rather than just Western luxury dressed in kimono cloth. It draws a mix of first-time Kyoto visitors wanting a soft landing and older travellers who want the temples of Higashiyama on foot.
Best for travellers who want central Higashiyama access, a pool and spa, and a slightly more hotel-like sense of service.
Suiran
Suiran sits on the bank of the Hozu River in Arashiyama, built where a former ryokan once stood, and the garden is the whole point: maple trees, moss, water, framed through full-height glass in the public rooms. The palette is pale wood, stone and neutral linen, deliberately calm rather than ornate, with the Kyo Suiran restaurant serving kaiseki-French fusion looking straight onto the garden. It feels less urban and more like a retreat, with the bamboo groves and the Togetsukyo bridge a short walk away. It suits people who want Arashiyama's scenery and quiet over Higashiyama's temple density and city bustle.
Best for travellers who want river and garden scenery in Arashiyama and don't mind trading a pool for a more secluded, nature-facing stay.
Suiran, despite costing more, doesn't list a pool, hot tub or pet allowance that Four Seasons Kyoto offers, so the extra dollars there buy setting and garden views rather than added facilities.
Suiran's riverside garden and glass-walled dining room make it the more atmospheric place to simply sit still, while Four Seasons Kyoto is the more accomplished piece of hotel design overall.
The numbers
| Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto | Suiran | |
|---|---|---|
| Price, same night | $2,283 | $2,154 |
| Guest rating | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| Reviews | 449 | 172 |
| Stars | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Facilities on our list | 8 | 5 |
| Distance apart | 9.5 km |
What one has that the other doesn't
Only Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto has
- Pool
- Pet
- Hot tub
Only Suiran has
Nothing on our list that Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto lacks.
What guests actually say
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
- attentive, kind staff
- excellent breakfast
- beautiful garden and views
- spa on different floor from pool
Suiran
- peaceful riverside location in Arashiyama
- gracious, welcoming staff
- excellent breakfast and food
- bathroom partition felt unusual
- room differed from website images
“Lure it”
Four Seasons guests come away happier overall, since their reviews describe near-flawless stays with only a trivial layout gripe, whereas Suiran guests note a couple of small room and bathroom disappointments alongside the praise.
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
Suiran
- Room, 2 Twin Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (View)Room Only$2,154
- Room, 2 Twin Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (View)Room Only · free cancellation$2,179
- Room, 2 Twin Beds, Non Smoking, Balcony (View)Breakfast Included$2,221
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!
Suiran
10/10
“Lure it”
The experience was incredibly enjoyable and delightful. The staff was exceptionally nice and welcoming, making everyone feel at home. The coffee was of excellent quality, providing a perfect start to the day. Additionally, the juices served at breakfast were refreshing and delicious. The rooms were nice and comfortable, offering a pleasant stay. The scenic views added to the overall charm and beauty of the place, mak
10/10
“Perfection and quiet harmony in Kyoto”
This an unique Japanese luxury hotel with tremendous views of the river and backdrop of the Arashiyama mountains. Every feature, flowering bush, placement of chairs, bedrooms.has been carefully done to convey beauty while maintaining western comforts. The staff is incredibly gracious and staying there feels like a welcome to a private home. The hotel is tucked at the end of the lane on the river, so very peaceful a
10/10
“Splurge worthy!”
Fabulous location in the Arashiyama area. Easy walk to Tenryu-ji Temple, Monkey park, River boats, Bamboo Forest and lively shopping area. Sitting directly on the river the hotel offered a nightly Happy Hour with veranda seating that included drinks and snacks that we thoroughly enjoyed. Very peaceful and relaxing in an area that is quite busy during the day. The outdoor gardens/area is very serene and beautiful. Fo
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
Suiran
Riverside Luxury and Tranquility Japanese Garden Oasis Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of a traditional Japanese garden at Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto. The perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation. Exquisite Dining and Cultural Experiences Experience a culinary journey like no other with a fusion of Japanese kaiseki and French…
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
Suiran
- Fitness facilities
- WiFi available
- Free WiFi
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Fitness center
- 24-hour front desk
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Heating
- Garden
- Lift / Elevator
- Luggage storage
- Express check-in/check-out
- Safety deposit box
Where they are
Higashiyama-ku Myohoin Maekawacho 445-3Ukyo-ku Saga-Tenryuji Susukinobaba-cho 12
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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