The Thousand Kyoto

Designed around the principles of Zen Buddhism, with the aesthetics of a traditional tea house, The Thousand is a serene and spacious newcomer to the landscape of Kyoto.  A vast atrium welcomes you into the building, with wooden panelling and stone floors evoking the familiar feel of a minimalist-hotel crossed with a Japanese temple.  The almost-spiritual vibe of tranquillity plays out throughout the hotel, with a gorgeously laid out spa, meditative gardens and even its very own chapel.

Guests can spread out in their generously-sized rooms, decked out in muted-greys and calming light-wood features, with lighting and curtains controlled by the bedside iPad.  Rainfall showers - with incredible water pressure - allow you to unwind after a busy day of ticking off the sights around the city.  Splashing out on a suite will also gain you your very own Zen space - either a huge lounge area, outside terrace, or a tatami-matted ryokan-styled living room.

Within this haven of calm, you could almost forget where you are - adjacent to the perpetually hectic Kyoto station. The Thousand is the clear choice for couples seeking a base to explore Kyoto and the surrounding Kansai region from, while also having a place to escape to when the sun goes down.