Japan
Discover the family of resorts in the three capitals of Japan: Tokyo, the modern capital; Kyoto, the ancient capital; and Ise Shima, the nation’s spiritual birthplace.
The hidden gardens of Aman Kyoto are the starting point for countless inspiring journeys into the secrets of Japan’s ancient imperial capital. No fewer than 17 awe-inducing Unesco World Heritage sites are within easy reach, and Aman has privileged access to an array of temples and transformative cultural encounters – out of reach for most travellers.
Explore Aman Kyoto's secret garden
In the early Edo period, Kyoto’s Takagamine area was the site of Hon'ami Koetsu, a Japanese craftsman and calligrapher. Throughout his lifetime (1558 – 1637) Koetsu’s work established the area as a major base for arts and culture, leading to the creation of an Art Village in Takagamine in 1615. Today, it is the site of Aman Kyoto’s secret gardens, which trace the area’s dynasty and connect guests to nature and the spirit of the historic site. At 32 hectares in size, in the summer it flourishes with Japanese maples, Kitayama cedars and a plethora of blooms, from azaleas and peonies to hydrangeas and irises, waiting to be discovered.
Meditate with Zen Buddhist monks
Taking place in an ancient hall overlooking a beautiful Japanese garden, Aman Kyoto guests can learn and practice the principles of Zen meditation from a local monk, finding a sense of calm in a meaningful, yet light-hearted and engaging process.
Step back in time
Kamishichiken is the oldest of Kyoto’s hanamachi – the ‘flower towns’ of the geikos (the Kyoto term for geisha). With a personal invitation to enter, Aman Kyoto guests can visit an ancient ochaya (tea house) and spend an afternoon and evening with a geiko or a maiko apprentice, playing ozashiki, drinking tea and enjoying a dance performance and dinner.
Practise the mindful art of Ikebana
In Japan, the practice of flower arrangement is as much as form of moving meditation as it is an aesthetic art. Aman guests are invited to spend time with an Ikebana expert, transforming seasonal flowers into structurally magnificent arrangements of colour and form. For guests wishing to explore another dimension of Japanese botanical art, Aman Kyoto’s gardeners can offer instruction in the discipline of miniature garden design.
Miniature Japanese garden
In general, Japanese gardens are an arrangement of wood, stone, moss, soil, and waterscapes. It is truly a living art. Aman Kyoto guests can touch the moss, soil and stone to enjoy the experience of making an original pot garden. Aman Kyoto’s gardener will offer instruction in the discipline of miniature garden design.
Colour your Journey
Enjoy a private outdoor painting lesson with a local artist surrounded by the sounds of birdsong and babbling streams. In a peaceful forest glade, learn the ancient art of pattern dyeing, traditionally used for decorating kimonos, and be inspired by nature in the making of postcards for distant loved ones.
Uji Tea Experience
The ideal climate for tea cultivation can be found in nearby Uji, where river fog and temperate weather have led to the region becoming one of Japan’s leading tea production areas. A culture unique to Japan, guests are invited to visit a tea plantation renowned for growing the finest Uji tea, where tea has been hand-picked for six generations, alongside learning about the Honzu cultivation method that has been practiced in Uji for over 400 years. Following the plantation tour, embark on a journey of taste and aroma with an Uji tea tasting for an in-depth discovery into the region’s unique cultivation.
Helicopter Journeys
Experience Kyoto and its many temples, shrines and gardens from the air with a 15–25-minute personalised helicopter tour. Take off just a few minutes’ drive from the resort, where the golden Kinkaku-ji temple will appear below you almost immediately. As you fly over the Kamigamo Shrine, marvel at the beauty of this ancient capital, the ancient Shinto sanctuary on the banks of the Kamo River, Lake Biwa and the impeccably preserved ward of Higashiyama on the lower slopes of Kyoto’s eastern mountain.
