Dhawa Yura Kyoto ダーワ・悠洛 京都 京都悠洛悅苑酒店

Dhawa Yura Kyoto is a boutique hotel located just east of Sanjo Ohashi Bridge in Higashiyama, Kyoto. The address is 84 Ohashi-cho. As the first “Dhawa” branded property in Japan by the Banyan Group (known for Banyan Tree), the hotel occupies a prime riverside location along the Kamo River and faces Sanjo-dori. Keihan Sanjo Station and Sanjo Keihan Station on the Subway Tozai Line are just a 1–3 minute walk away, while JR Kyoto Station is about 15 minutes by taxi. It also offers convenient access from Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport via limousine bus or rail.

The surrounding area includes Pontocho, Kiyamachi’s dining streets, the Gion district, and Nishiki Market—all within walking distance—making the hotel ideal for exploring Kyoto by day and enjoying riverside strolls or bar-hopping at night. Major cultural sites such as Yasaka Shrine, Chion-in, and Heian Shrine are also close by, creating a well-balanced base that is both central and comfortably accessible.

The hotel’s design theme blends “contemporary design with historical character” and “a harmony of East and West, retro and modern.” Interiors combine Taisho-era romantic accents—such as warm lighting and art pieces—with clean, modern furnishings. The official concept describes the hotel as “a mystical hideaway in ancient Kyoto” and “a cozy riverside boutique hotel,” with a focus on subtle elegance rather than flamboyance.

The roughly 138 guest rooms range from 22–30 sqm Classic, Superior, and Premier categories to 54 sqm suites. All rooms are non-smoking and equipped with free Wi-Fi, a minibar, espresso machine, and safe—providing amenities on par with full-service city hotels. Most rooms feature a rain shower without a bathtub, emphasizing a contemporary, shower-focused layout.

A signature design element is the tatami-style raised seating area by the window and the original Nishijin-ori headboard behind the bed. By incorporating traditional Kyoto textiles and Taisho-style pendant lighting, the rooms gently express a blend of “Japanese” and “retro-modern” aesthetics. Even the compact Classic Double includes the tatami nook, offering a place to sit, relax, or organize luggage. Beds use Simmons mattresses with custom toppers for enhanced comfort.

The hotel’s suites—“Yura Suite” and “Kyo Suite,” approximately 54 sqm—feature separate living and bedroom areas, making them suitable for longer stays or special occasions. Some room types can also be configured as connecting rooms, accommodating multi-generational trips or small groups of friends.

The main dining venue is “GRILL 54TH,” serving Western grill cuisine centered on steaks throughout breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast buffet focuses on fresh vegetables and fruits for a balanced start to the day, while lunch and dinner offer both à la carte and set-menu options built around grilled dishes. On the same floor, the “1867” bar lounge provides a refined setting for cocktails, whiskey, and evening drinks.

For wellness, the hotel offers a 24-hour fitness gym and the exclusive “8LEMENTS SPA”—the only one of its kind in Japan—where guests can enjoy Banyan Group–style treatments, including body and facial therapies. It provides a relaxing environment for unwinding after a full day of sightseeing.

Near the lobby, the guest-only lounge “NEST” offers complimentary coffee, tea, and Kyoto sweets. Less formal than a traditional club lounge, it provides a casual space for guests to relax before check-in, after check-out, or during breaks between outings.

Hotel facilities include the restaurant, bar, fitness gym, spa, room service, concierge service, and laundry service—bringing it close to the standards of a full-service city hotel. However, the property does not have on-site parking; guests arriving by car are guided to nearby coin-operated parking facilities, making it advisable to secure parking in advance.

Overall, Dhawa Yura Kyoto blends Banyan Group’s boutique-hotel sensibility with subtle Kyoto-inspired elements—not a traditional ryokan style, but a contemporary interpretation of Kyoto’s character. With its excellent access to subway and Keihan lines, proximity to major dining and shopping areas, and rooms designed around comfort and compact elegance, it is well-suited for travelers who want to fully enjoy the city outside while returning to a stylish and relaxing space inside.