Finding Serenity: Why A Stay at Aman Kyoto is The Ultimate Cure For The Everyday Stressors of City Life
High up in the hills, secluded amongst the tree, Aman Kyoto offers weary travellers a different sort of wellness, void of the distractions of city life
When considering a trip to Japan vibrant visions of downtown districts come to mind — a city escape filled with food markets and shopping excursions, neon signs lit up against the night sky, and Karaoke bars.
Whilst this type of holiday excites many first-time visitors, the nation’s most beautiful destinations are often overlooked when the hunt for the best ramen in town is the top priority. Forgotten become the not-so-hidden gems, located just a short drive outside of a metropolis, that beckon visitors in need of a repose – those looking to unwind far away from the cacophony of busy intersections and the sensory overload of tourist hotspots.
Under a canopy of trees, nestled at the foot of Mount Daimonji (a short walk from the gilded Kinkaku-ji “Golden Pavilion”), in the mountains high above the teahouses and temples, Aman Kyoto welcomes guests into its garden of otherworldly delights, fusing together Mother Nature’s greatest attributes with Japanese tradition and craftsmanship. It’s a place where upon arrival you’ll feel her influence instantaneously, her natural healing properties that soothe away everyday anxieties. Breathe deeply while walking towards the Arrival Pavilion and take in one of the greatest cures for burnout: fresh air.
An ideal retreat for those looking to connect with the beauty that surrounds the nation’s cultural capital, while simultaneously detoxing from digital vices, the resort’s 24 guest rooms and two villas – each one influenced by Japanese ryokan inns, right down to the minimalistic design and tatami-inspired floor mats – are enveloped in a lush forest of maple and cedar trees. From the stone-cut boulder pathways to the hidden trails that wind along koi ponds and water features, the 80-acre property could very well be the setting of an epic fantasy novel.
And the property has a story of its own: prior to welcoming weary travellers, adventurists, and Aman Junkies (as fans of the luxe resort brand call themselves) from all over the world, it belonged to a textile tycoon who had a dream of housing his vast collection of obi – traditional Japanese sashes worn with kimonos – at this lush paradise. Though his vision never came to fruition, his devotion to detail left a lasting impression on its current guardians; remnants of this past chapter are visible to those who take a stroll through the grounds.
Past the Dining Pavilion and the grand formal lawn – the ideal spot for an outdoor wedding – lies the onsen, a Japanese public bath house. With separate men and women’s bathing areas, it is one of the best places to unwind after a long day of exploring temples and mountain trails. Deep relaxation overcomes the body as the warm spring waters melt away the tensions of city life. It’s here where the greatest effects of the property can be felt, right down to the soul.
While wellness has always played a key role in Aman’s legacy, the healing powers located high up in the hills of its Kyoto destination offer a different kind of restoration for the mind, body and soul – the kind that retail therapy certainly can’t provide.
For more information, visit aman.com
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