By Alexis Hobbs
Admiring “koyo,” or autumn leaves, has been a popular activity in Japan for centuries.
Guests can take part in this leaf viewing tradition at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto from November into the beginning of December, when colorful leaves paint the city’s grand maple trees in a collage of gorgeous reds, oranges, and golden yellows.
Enjoy the autumn season in stunning vistas overlooking the Kamogawa River, Japanese gardens, and the Higashiyama Mountains from multiple vantage points throughout the property. For the ultimate koyo experience, the famed concierge of The Ritz-Carlton, Akemi Koyama, can arrange exclusive access to witness the changing colors at highly revered shrines and temples throughout the city.
The extensive art collection at the hotel was inspired by the novel, The Tale of the Genji, so the artworks offer the ideal complement to the colorful canvas unfolding throughout the city. Guests can take part in a tour through The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto where they can explore over 400 of the hotel’s locally-made artworks and gain a better understanding of the famous novel.
With a recent opening in February 2014, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto is the city’s only international luxury branded resort. The hotel’s ryokan-inspired design pays homage to Japan’s rich culture combining tradition with modern luxury.
