ROKU KYOTO, LXR HOTELS
& RESORTS: A REFLECTION ON CULTURE, TRANQUILITY, AND NATURE
words and photography MARIA MOTA
If you're looking for a moment to relax, to get the feeling of being genuinely taken care of, then Roku Kyoto is the kind of place for you. Beyond offering accommodation, it offers a feeling, an experience you'll carry with you long after you leave.
Situated in the northern hills of Kyoto, surrounded by the stillness of the Takagamine mountains, it's a retreat that allows you to slow down. From the moment I arrived, I felt a sense of calm. There's something about being just far enough from the city's rhythm, while still feeling connected to the true and unfiltered essence of Kyoto, that makes it so special. It's one of those places you don’t really want to leave, because everything you need is already there. But if you do, you're still within easy reach of the city centre.
The service reflects the best of Japanese hospitality: warm, attentive, and incredibly thoughtful. There are many cultural experiences available upon request, and the staff is always happy to help. The attention to detail, the genuinely kind service, made me feel so at ease—like I was home.
The design is equally impressive, blending modern comfort with traditional Japanese aesthetics. The view from the room made me sigh. A large window looked out over the pool and restaurant, with a breathtaking view of the green hills beyond. It felt like I had stepped into a painting.
There’s a soft elegance throughout the property, and a stillness that’s hard to put into words. From the interiors to the gardens and surrounding landscapes, everything feels intentionally designed to soothe. I could have spent hours in the gardens—walking, sitting, simply observing. The serenity and richness of the greenery were unlike anything I’ve experienced before. Nearby, there's a charming bonsai shop where a local man quietly cares for the plants. It reminded me how the small things, something as simple as that, can make you feel a special kind of way.
The food, as you might expect from Japanese cuisine, was just as memorable. Breakfast offers a refined blend of Japanese and Western dishes, always fresh and beautifully prepared. Dinner felt like a special occasion each night, with a diverse and thoughtfully crafted menu. Many of the herbs used come from the resort’s own garden, which adds a subtle but meaningful connection to the land and the seasons.
One of the highlights was the open-air pool, filled with natural hot spring water, which is a rare experience in Kyoto. Being able to melt away in the water while surrounded by the majestic Takagamine mountains felt like a full reset for both body and soul.
As someone who loves discovering the stories behind the places I visit, I was drawn to the deeper history, culture, and local stories of Roku. The resort sits at the foot of Takagamine Sanzan—a trio of mountains. In Japanese, the word for foothill is fumoto, which can also be read as roku. Nearby, during the Heian period, papermakers worked along the Tenjin River using a traditional method called suku, a character that also reads as roku. That’s how the name Roku Kyoto was born, tying together nature, history, and craft in a quiet, poetic way.
Roku Kyoto offers a chance to experience the real Kyoto—unfiltered, rich in quiet beauty, and deeply rooted in culture. It was hard to say goodbye, and that’s how I know I’ll definitely be back.