Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei

The setting is quiet and peaceful, almost like stepping into another world where time has stopped. Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei has access to a beautiful temple, and many rooms have lovely views that make mornings memorable. Staying near the mountains and temples made more sense to us than being in the busiest part of the city. We spent a full week here on our honeymoon, and the service was attentive without hovering or intruding on our privacy. The staff were warm, thoughtful, brilliant, and accommodating. They surprised my wife with handwritten cards, flowers for her birthday, and a custom cake, all complimentary. They timed it so it arrived when we got back from a day trip to Osaka, at just the right temperature, without me asking. The food was cooked beautifully every day. Even the details, like the coffee, spotless cutlery, and presentation, felt quietly luxurious. The building is beautiful, and the rooms have excellent amenities, including essential-oil toiletries and silky, high-thread-count sheets. It’s a Japanese-owned and managed hotel, and the attention to detail was unlike anything I’ve experienced. If you’re visiting Kyoto from abroad and want a serene, distinctive stay, I’d choose Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei over a typical commercial chain like Hilton or Marriott.

The restaurant was AMAZING for lunch or dinner, and I’d absolutely return. This was the best hotel I stayed at during my trip to Kyoto. The facilities were modern and new, and the staff friendly and helpful. The view is hard to put into words, so I’ll show you a picture and let you describe it yourself!

The room was adequate, and the hotel is right across from a grocery store where you can get drinks and snacks. There are also several good restaurants within walking distance. Staff were very friendly, and the American breakfast had a Japanese touch. The food was delicious.

The main drawback is that the hotel isn’t central. Most places are a 15-20 minute walk away, though the beautiful Konkai Kōmyō-ji Temple is just a few minutes from the hotel. We were very impressed by Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei and would definitely recommend it, especially if you’re happy staying a little outside the center. Rooms were large, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed, with great lighting, very comfortable beds, and complete quiet. Bathrooms were spacious, with a separate toilet room and a proper wet room. The whole property has a refined, modern look and is beautifully decorated. Staff were consistently attentive and respectful. Breakfast has traditional and Western menus, but there aren’t many vegan options, the one thing that could be better. From what we understand, this is the best property in the Okura brand, much nicer than a typical Okura and a real standout. The clientele also seemed more local than Western, which added to the feeling of staying somewhere special and a bit under the radar.