Banyan Group, the Singapore-based hotel group, has launched its flagship brand Banyan Tree in Japan. Located in the historic Higashiyama district of Kyoto, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto is inspired by its surroundings and combines Kyoto’s heritage with Banyan Tree’s luxury standards.

The luxury hotel offers 52 rooms, a Banyan Tree Spa, a natural onsen and two dining options.

The hotel also features a Noh stage, a square, curtainless stage with a roof supported by pillars at the four corners. Noh drama is the oldest surviving form of theater in Japan and conveys Buddhist themes through a combination of music, dance and drama.

Located on a hill just steps from the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the hotel presents traditional Japanese architecture with modern influences, surrounded by a bamboo forest and framed by the Higashiyama Mountains.

The hotel’s architecture was designed by Kengo Kuma, while the guest rooms were designed by Yukio Hashimoto. Similar to the hotel’s overall design, the rooms reflect a blend of traditional Japanese techniques and modern, natural elements. Some of the rooms offer panoramic city views, and the Onsen Retreat rooms feature private onsen baths overlooking the small garden or a bamboo garden and the Noh stage.

Guests can choose between two dining venues in the hotel. Ryozen, the Kappo-style restaurant, can accommodate up to 48 guests and has a private room for up to 10 people. Ryozen Bar offers an intimate space for 20 guests and offers a selection of Japanese sake and cocktails.

The hotel features the unique Banyan Tree Spa, which offers traditional Japanese healing treatments. The treatment rooms feature onsen baths and steam saunas.

Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto joins Banyan Group’s existing Japanese portfolio, expanding its presence in the country to eight hotels under five brands – Banyan Tree, Garrya, Dhawa, Folio and Homm. Banyan Group has four more hotels in the pipeline – Banyan Tree Ashinoko Hakone, Banyan Tree Hakuba, Cassia Hirafu Niseko and Dhawa Ballpark Hokkaido.

The Banyan Group’s global portfolio includes 80 hotels and resorts under 12 brands, more than 60 spas and galleries, and over 20 branded residences in 20 countries. The group has been expanding its presence worldwide. Earlier this month, it expanded its presence in Vietnam, opening a 156-room Angsana-branded hotel in Bai Tu Long Bay. In 2026, the company partnered with Accor to mark its debut in Europe with the upcoming opening of Banyan Tree Varko Bay in Greece. As part of its five-year expansion plan, the company aims to achieve its goal of doubling its global presence by 2025.