Review: DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama – Rooms, Location & Diamond Member Benefits
This year, I was able to visit Kyoto during my visit to Japan. Kyoto is always crowded in November, but this year, even in early November, the temperature hadn’t dropped much, and the autumn leaves were a little late, so it didn’t seem as crowded as I had expected.
Before going to Kyoto, I stopped off at Expo Commemoration Park. I was able to fulfill my wish to see inside the Tower of the Sun, which has been open to the public since 2018. From Expo Commemoration Park, I took the monorail and then the Hankyu line to Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, where I could easily get to my accommodation: the DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama.
You can also find my stay reviews of other Hilton group hotels in Japan
Getting to DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama
From Kyoto Station
I think Kyoto Station is the station where most people arrive at in Kyoto. I think the easiest way to get to the hotel from Kyoto Station is to take a Kyoto City Bus to Kawaramachi Gojo and then walk from there. Recently, chronic congestion on city buses has become a problem, so it seems that the travel time is not much different if you take the subway Karasuma Line to Gojo Station and walk from there.
If you have large luggage, you cannot get on the city bus and it is too far to walk from the subway station, so you may want to take a taxi from Kyoto Station. However, I have heard that it is difficult to catch a taxi at Kyoto Station. Using a luggage delivery service at Kyoto Station allows you to move around more easily, so it is very beneficial to consider (see useful information below).
From Keihan Gojo Station
The hotel is right in front of Keihan Gojo Station on the Keihan Main Line, so if you are entering Kyoto from the Keihan line, I think this is the most convenient way. You can also take the JR Nara Line at Kyoto Station and transfer to the Keihan Line at the first stop, Tofukuji.
If you are using the Hankyu Line, you can also leave Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, cross the Kamo River, and board the Keihan Line at Gion-Shijo Station, but it’s only one stop away from Kawaramachi to the hotel, so it’s not too far to walk. It’s surprisingly quick if you walk along the Kamo River.
The hotel entrance looks just like the entrance to a traditional Japanese inn. It’s on the right hand side as you look at the front of the hotel. It may be a little hard to find, but I think it’s a Kyoto-style design that gives it a sense of elegance.
Location: Staying Near the Kamo River in Higashiyama, Kyoto
Many people feel that they have arrived in Kyoto when they see the clear flow of the Kamo River. The Kamo River is very close to the hotel; it is nice to walk along the river during your stay.
Sanjusangendo and Kyoto National Museum are a 15-minute walk away, and although Kiyomizu Temple is a little far, it doesn’t feel that far because there are fun places to walk around, such as Kiyomizuzaka.
If you can use the Keihan Main Line well, it is very convenient for sightseeing. If you are mainly sightseeing in the eastern part of Kyoto, you can get off at the nearest Keihan Line station and walk from there to avoid getting caught in traffic jams. Also, if you are heading further north on the Eizan Electric Railway, it is easy to transfer at Demachiyanagi Station.
Room Review: Japanese-Style Tatami Room vs Premium Room
Deluxe Japanese-Style Room with Tatami Mats
We booked two rooms. First, the deluxe Japanese-style room. It may feel a little cramped if you have large luggage, but otherwise doesn’t. Above all, the tatami mats are a very nice touch in a hotel.
There are chairs and round tables, making a convenient place to drink tea or eat a small meal. Because of the location, most of the guests are tourists, so there is no desk for work, so you can concentrate on relaxing. What I found interesting is that the bathroom sink is not in the bathroom. This is very good because you can use the sink even when someone is taking a bath.
Premium Room with Japanese-Inspired Design and Comfort
The other room I booked was a deluxe room, but I was upgraded to a premium room. This room did not have tatami mats, but like the deluxe Japanese-style room, the interior has lots of timber finishes and has a warm and relaxing feel like a Japanese-style room. The room is spacious enough to spread out multiple suitcases at the same time.
The bathroom, washroom, and toilet do not seem to be much different from the deluxe Japanese-style room. I have not seen many other hotels that have lattice doors to separate the space, but I thought it was very nice because it gave off a Japanese atmosphere.
I forgot to mention that at check-in, like other DoubleTree hotels, we were given chocolate chip cookies for each person.
Cocktail Time for Diamond Members: What to Expect
The DoubleTree Kyoto Higashiyama did not have a lounge like the Hilton Tokyo, but when I checked in, the receptionist told me about cocktail time.
It is only available to Diamond members, and you can drink freely for one hour in the evening.
When I come to Kyoto, I usually walk around for the whole day, so I return to the hotel after 5pm when most of the tourist attractions close, but this time, I returned a little earlier to coincide with cocktail time. Since it was not a lounge, they did not prepare any snacks, but it was still great to be able to drink at least.
Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant: Kyoto-Style Japanese Cuisine
I stayed here for two nights, but on the first day I was tired from travelling long distances, so I decided to have dinner at the hotel instead of going out. The restaurant, “Open,” which also serves as the breakfast venue, is located at the back of the lounge bar where cocktail time is hosted.
The menu is unique to Kyoto, including “Salmon Saikyo-yaki Gozen” and “Namafu Dengaku and Raw Yuba Sashimi Gozen.”
I ordered Saikyo-yaki, which was gently seasoned and very delicious. I didn’t know this until I received the bill, but it seems that Hilton Honors members receive discounts on food and drink (see useful information).
Fitness Center and Large Bath: A Rare Hilton Onsen Experience in Kyoto
Not just when you’re in Japan, but when you’re travelling, you tend to overeat when you think there might not be another chance. You may feel like you’re walking enough while sightseeing, but if not, why not exercise at the hotel’s sports gym?
If you’d rather relax and unwind than exercise, there are large public baths, so why not try them out? I stayed at three Hilton hotels in Kyoto, and the DoubleTree was the only one that had a large public bath.
Breakfast Buffet Review: Local Kyoto Dishes and Japanese Tea Selection
Breakfast is always something I look forward to at a hotel. Gold and Diamond members can eat for free. Like other hotels, DoubleTree Kyoto Higashiyama is buffet style.
It features a wide variety of Japanese dishes using local Kyoto ingredients, such as miso soup made with white miso, Kyoto pickles that go well with freshly cooked rice, and grilled fish, allowing you to enjoy the taste of Kyoto. I was also impressed by the Kyoto-style rolled omelet. Of course, Western food is also available, with a wide variety of options, including bread, egg dishes, and fruit.
If you usually drink coffee or tea at breakfast, you should definitely try Japanese tea here. You can compare five types of tea, including sencha, gyokuro, kabusecha, genmaicha, and hojicha, which are sourced from Tsujiribei Honten. The characteristics of each tea leaf are reflected in the colour of the tea, and it looks beautiful.
The scary thing about hotel breakfasts is that, even when you’re full, you still end up eating more. The DoubleTree Kyoto Higashiyama has my favourite warabimochi.
You might hear some people say that it doesn’t feel seasonal, but I’m still grateful to be able to eat during my short visit to Japan. I enjoyed it while imagining summer.
I was already satisfied with the warabimochi, but the waiter quietly placed another sweet on the table, exclusively for Diamond members. Now you can see how I tend to overeat at hotel breakfasts every day!
Useful information
Hands-free Travel
Kyoto City encourages you to use “Hands-free Travel” services to reduce congestion on city buses. You can use it to suit your needs, regardless of the size of your luggage or whether you plan to stay overnight in Kyoto. If you send your luggage to your hotel when you arrive at Kyoto Station, you can head out for sightseeing right away, so it’s a great way to make the most of your time.
Up to 25% off for food and drinks
Hilton Honors members can enjoy up to 25% off food and beverages at Hilton hotels in the Asia Pacific region. For details, please refer to the Hilton official website.
10% off for base and Silver members
25% off for Gold and Diamond members
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