The Original Aman
Claiming an entire peninsula and one of Phuket’s finest white sand beaches, Amanpuri offers the idyllic Thailand escape of days gone by.
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.
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.
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, and immediately spot golden Kinkaku-ji glowing below you. As you fly over Kamigamo Shrine, the ancient Shinto sanctuary on the banks of the Kamo River, and continue to Lake Biwa and the impeccably preserved ward of Higashiyama on the lower slopes of Kyoto’s eastern mountains, you‘ll find yourself marveling anew at the beauty of this ancient capital.
Helicopter transfers can also be arranged to Universal Studios Japan (30 minutes one way).
