The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike

This is more than a simple journey—it is a quiet release from the weight of everyday life. Step into a world where the gardens change with each season, and the pond reflects the gentle slopes of Mount Hiei. Within walking distance, discover the spiritual stillness of Kamigamo Shrine, the hidden mystique of Futaba Hime Inari Shrine, and the natural expanse of Takaragaike Park. Here, time itself flows softly, and the extraordinary reveals itself in the quiet poetry of Kyoto’s northern landscapes.

Here in Rakuhoku, the northern reaches of the city, Kyoto reveals its truest form. Far from the clamor of crowded streets, this land is still touched by the spirit of tea ceremony and the rhythm of ancient tradition. From the secluded imperial retreat of Shūgakuin Imperial Villa to the rural charm of Ōhara, every path leads to a deeper connection with the city’s soul.

Takaragaike is not just a destination—it is the beginning of many. To the north, the sacred heights of Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei await. Southward, wander toward the shimmering grace of the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji) and stroll the contemplative Philosopher’s Path. Venture further, and the mystical valleys of Kurama and Kibune Shrine reveal stories older than the city itself. Each step begins here, opening yet another chapter of discovery.

A breeze drifts across the pond, carrying with it the scent of pine. The gardens embrace you with a calm green silence, while inside, your room becomes a cocoon of comfort and rest. Yet the heart of this haven lies in our tea room, a true embodiment of stillness. Within its quiet walls, the essence of Kyoto’s spirit is distilled into pure serenity. This is more than accommodation—it is a sanctuary apart from the rush of modern life, where body and spirit gently unwind, preparing you to return to the world renewed.

Among Kyoto’s oldest and most revered shrines, Kamigamo Shrine has stood since the 7th century as a guardian of the Kamo River plain. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famed for its bright vermilion gates, expansive sacred grounds, and the conical sand mounds that symbolize purification. Each May, the shrine hosts the Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s three great festivals, where traditions over a thousand years old come vividly to life. Stepping into Kamigamo is to step into the very origins of Kyoto’s spiritual heritage, where the quiet of ancient forests still lingers in the air.

Just beside the hotel stretches the tranquil beauty of Takaragaike Park, a beloved retreat for locals and travelers alike. The wide pond reflects the shifting colors of the seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, fiery maples in autumn, and stillness under winter skies. Walking paths invite gentle strolls, and swan boats glide quietly across the water. The park has long been a gathering place where nature and community meet, offering both lively scenes and moments of solitude. To wander here is to feel Kyoto’s slower heartbeat, just steps from your room.