Japan's ancient capital to get new top-end hotels

Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto is to benefit from the opening of two high-end hotels in 2014, a demonstration of faith in a city that was recently voted the best in Asia by readers of US magazine Conde Nast Traveler.

Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto is to benefit from the opening of twohigh-end hotels in 2014, a demonstration of faith in a city that wasrecently voted the best in Asia by readers of US magazine Conde NastTraveler.

Ritz-Carlton has confirmed the long-rumored plan for a hotel alongside theKamogawa river, which is one of the most popular walking spots in theancient city, particularly during the cherry blossom season in thespring.

Strict regulations on the construction of buildings within the metropolis-- which remains one of the few low-rise cities in Japan -- mean that thehotel will have a maximum of four floors above ground but a further threelevels underground.

The hotel said the property will have 140 guest rooms, with standard guestrooms an average of 50 square meters, among the most generous of allluxury hotels in Japan.

The second international newcomer will be the Kyoto Four Seasons Hotel,which is to be built close to Sanjusangendo Temple, or the Hall of theLotus King. The temple, to the east of the city, is famous for its 1,000statues of armed Kannon deities.

Despite its popularity with both domestic and international travelers --in good part due to its important position in Japanese history as well asits recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to fully 20percent of Japan's National Treasures -- Kyoto has been notoriouslylacking in top-class accommodation options.

Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton, which is being built on the site of thedemolished Hotel Fujita Kyoto, are expected to start at around Y50,0000(€481) a night, while the Four Seasons, which already operates twoproperties in Tokyo, will reportedly begin at Y40,000 (€385).

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