Luxury "Hotel War" In Kyoto

Above, a view of Kyoto from Kiyomizu-dera. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Travel + Leisure named Kyoto, Japan the "World's Best City" last year.

Foreign visitors are flocking to Kyoto and this is sparking a "hotel war" among luxury hotel chains.

According to The Japan Times:

Kyoto’s recent record-setting tourism boom has sparked a mini-”hotel war,” with some of the world’s best-known luxury inn chains opening branches in the ancient capital, as its international popularity as a travel destination spreads even further. 

Not too many years ago, Kyoto had a dearth of international first-class hotels. Visitors found a choice of domestic chains, some of which were run-down, with dark lobbies and moldy carpets in the lobby, and dirty, small rooms with hard beds. Or they could opt for a traditional evening in an ancient Japanese-style inn that cost far more and offered a cultural experience, but often lacked modern amenities that today’s international travelers demand.

A year ago, the Ritz Carlton opened. The Hyatt Regency opened in 2006. Next spring, the Four Seasons Kyoto is to open.

This bodes well for foreign tourists who want to see the ancient city, but want to stay in luxurious accommodations.

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