Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto ギャリア・二条城 京都 京都二條城悅柳酒店

Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto is an intimate luxury hotel with just 25 rooms, located directly along the south outer moat of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nijo Castle. The address is 180-1 Ichinocho, Omiyadori Oike-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto. It is a 1–2 minute walk from Exit 3 of Nijojo-mae Station on the Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line, and about a 12-minute drive from JR Kyoto Station. The hotel sits just a few minutes’ walk from the castle’s main gate, offering a quiet setting slightly removed from the busier tourist areas while remaining in the heart of Kyoto.

The property is operated by Banyan Group and marks the first “Garrya” branded hotel in Japan. Its concept centers on wellbeing—promoting balance, calm, and mindfulness. The interiors blend minimalistic contemporary design with modern interpretations of traditional Kyoto craftsmanship and shoin-style architectural elements, creating an atmosphere intended for restorative, unrushed stays.

All 25 guest rooms, including one suite, are 40 sqm or larger, offering spacious layouts rare for central Kyoto. Room types include “Nijo Castle View” rooms overlooking the moat or the Ninomaru Palace rooftops, courtyard-facing rooms, and rooms with private balconies. The décor emphasizes natural textures and muted tones. Select rooms are designated “Wellbeing Rooms,” equipped with items such as exercise tools for stretching and light workouts. The top-floor “Rikyu Terrace Suite” features over 50 sqm of indoor space plus a large terrace with sweeping views of Nijo Castle and Mount Hiei—positioned as the hotel’s signature accommodation.

In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi, TV, minibar, coffee machine, electric kettle, safe, humidifying air purifier, and spacious bathrooms with separate wash areas. Amenities such as robes, towels, bath products, toothbrushes, and shaving kits are provided, making extended stays comfortable. Rooms facing the moat or gardens offer shifting natural light throughout the day, enhancing the serene, retreat-like ambience.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, “Singular Shinzo,” is a defining feature of the property. It serves innovative French cuisine inspired by Japanese culinary philosophy—highlighting seasonal ingredients from Kyoto and across Japan with delicate, restrained seasoning. Dinner is primarily offered as multi-course menus, refined in presentation yet focused on the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients. It is often chosen for celebrations and special occasions.

Breakfast is also served at “Singular Shinzo,” with multiple set options including a Japanese-style breakfast, wellness-focused vegetable-rich plates, vegan/vegetarian selections, and a pancake-centered menu. All are served course-style, allowing guests to enjoy a slow, mindful start to the day. Some seats overlook the courtyard, where natural light enhances the tranquil dining experience.

Reflecting the hotel’s wellbeing concept, yoga, meditation, and other mind–body programs are offered in guest rooms or shared spaces, depending on the season. Spacious balconies and terraces encourage gentle morning exercise or quiet reflection. The property prioritizes calmness and personal attention, embodying the character of a small-scale luxury retreat.

Facilities include the restaurant, lounge, terraces, and a central courtyard. There is no large spa or pool; instead, the focus is on guest rooms, dining, and overall spatial design. The front desk provides luggage storage, taxi arrangements, and local sightseeing assistance, with multilingual staff available primarily in Japanese and English.

The hotel does not have on-site parking and is officially listed as “no parking.” Guests arriving by car can use nearby coin-operated parking lots located directly across from the entrance. Since fees, maximum rates, and operating hours may change, it is advisable to confirm the latest information in advance when arriving by private car or rental vehicle.

Overall, Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto combines a unique location beside a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spacious rooms of 40 sqm or more, and a wellbeing-centered approach to dining and relaxation. Rather than a typical city hotel for fast-paced sightseeing, it caters to couples, honeymooners, and travelers seeking a serene, restorative stay—ideal for anniversaries, special-occasion trips, or a personal “treat yourself” retreat in Kyoto.