Aman Tokyo - The Secret Garden in Kyoto

THE SECRET GARDEN

Recreating the lost landscape of the Edo period

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMAN

There are few things more humbling, rewarding and peaceful than a garden – the ultimate synergy between man and nature. Since antiquity gardens have been planted to provide sustenance, but also purely for beauty’s sake – to feed the soul. Aman Kyoto has such a garden – a lush jewel at the heart of a 32-hectare forest offering all who enter its emerald bowers nature’s healing touch.

Aman’s third destination in Japan is an ethereal world apart: moss-covered footpaths link tranquil forest glades, and streams provide a soothing soundtrack broken only by birdsong. The property is nonetheless ideally placed for exploring Kyoto’s many attractions, from teahouses graced by geiko and maiko, custodians of Japan’s revered hospitality arts, to ancient temples, most with beautiful gardens of their own. Situated in Kyoto’s north in the district of Takagamine, Aman Kyoto shares its forested slopes with nearby Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto’s UNESCO-protected ‘Golden Temple’. Sixteen other World Heritage Sites are located nearby, including Ryoan-ji’s Zen rock garden, and Ninna-ji Temple with its picturesque grounds.

Takagamine and its neighbouring districts were havens for artisans in the 16th and 17th centuries – in particular weavers. Said to be the original designers of Aman Kyoto’s garden, they are also the reason for the garden’s revival by the property’s most recent owner, who envisaged a textile museum in its midst.

LIVING HERITAGE

Honoured to be the new guardian of this living heritage site, Aman worked closely with renowned landscape architect, Professor Shimoda, to restore the historic garden to its full glory and to recreate the lost landscape of the Edo period. Using only indigenous plants and trees, he ensured that the garden would be completely self-sustaining, without a single piece of machinery marring its pristine contours.“The essence of traditional Japanese gardens lies in either Taoism with a focus on immortality, or Buddhism with its theme of rebirth in paradise,” explains Professor Shimoda. “Gardens were designed as a medium to connect people to the spiritual world and were therefore usually associated with religious institutions. My aim with the garden at Aman Kyoto was to connect people to nature in the same way that Japanese gardens were traditionally connected to the spiritual world.”

The gardens were designed in such a way so as not to simply let nature take over, but to create a refined and aesthetically pleasing space. For example, the maple trees are carefully placed so that their canopies float like clouds between two green layers. Above them are local evergreen trees, such as Japanese cedars over The Living Pavilion, and Camphor trees lining the main promenade. Underneath, evergreen shrubs such as Japanese andromeda, Japanese camellia, Japanese blue oaks, are blanketed by a luminous carpet of evergreen moss. The composition is quite simple, but the impression it creates is very strong.

A masterpiece with approximately 1,500m of meandering pathways, multiple viewpoints and at least seven secluded outdoor dining sites, Aman Kyoto’s garden changes like a kaleidoscope with the seasons. Winter’s camellias are spectacular against the garden’s evergreen Japanese cedars, andromeda and lush wood ferns, until February’s plum blossoms signal spring’s arrival. March and April’s famous cherry blossoms segue into summer’s plethora of blooms, from azaleas and peonies, to hydrangeas and irises. Autumn sets the garden’s Japanese

Sample the peerless art of Japanese hospitality at Taka-An, where Aman’s gifted chef presents an omakase (set menu) dining experience. Or savour Western and local cuisines at the convivial Living Pavilion, with its fire-warmed interiors and breathtaking garden terrace.

Executive Chef Shinichirō Takagi

A heritage of creativity

Three centuries ago, the artist and polymath Honami Koetsu helped shape the culture and creative life of the Takagamine district of Kyoto, and from there, Japan as a whole. Taka-an is a culinary homage to him as his artistic legacy is explored and expressed through food and hospitality.

maples on fire, as their magnificent red and orange foliage competes for attention with multi-hued chrysanthemums. The garden also features some rare endemic species, including asarum nipponicum, or ‘wild ginger’.

Over the last two years, the garden was protected in every way possible during the construction of Aman Kyoto’s free-standing pavilions – each a subtle and complementary addition to the landscape. Even the Sunagoke moss on the footpaths was preserved through the laying of raised metal walkways above its verdant iridescence. Completed by Kerry Hill-designed resort offers an elegant restaurant with an expansive terrace known as The Living Pavilion by Aman, Japanese restaurant ‘Taka-an’, a serene Aman Spa with indoor and outdoor onsen bathing pools, and 26 latticed guest Pavilions, Suites and Rooms paying contemporary homage to the traditional Japanese ryokan inn concept. Starting at 60 square metres, each is spacious and light-filled with exquisite views – ingeniously crafted to foster the same peace, relaxation and contemplation within, that Aman Kyoto’s garden inspires without.

Finest local ingredients

Aman Kyoto source their ingredients – from milk and meat to vegetables – from the finest local purveyors. These include Ohara free-range eggs, Kyoto Rice from Kobatake, and miso from Matsuno Shoyu, founded in 1805 just a 10-minute walk from Aman Kyoto. In season, abalone comes from the waters surrounding Ise Shima. Home-cooked Kyoto-style cuisine and Western dishes

Inspired by Kyoto’s diverse food culture, The Living Pavilion serves local cuisine, as well as innovative and comforting Western dishes – all focusing on the natural flavours of the ingredients used. Based on the freshest seasonal produce available, options include grilled meats and seafood, pastas and salads, with influences from as far afield as Italy and Latin America.

Aman Kyoto’s Rooms and Pavilions are a contemporary homage to the traditional Japanese Ryokan Inn, strikingly minimalist in their geometry, and serving as a window onto their spectacular natural settings. Interiors are spacious and light-filled, allowing each space to exist and breathe with the landscape and historic forested gardens that surround, instilling a sense of calm.

TAKAGAMINE SUITE

The 165 square metres (1780 square feet) suite features a living room, a traditional Japanese Tatami room, Western dining room and kitchen area. Bedrooms feature natural woods, floor-to-ceiling windows, tatami flooring and tokonoma alcoves, and are connected to the living-dining area. For guests who would like to experience a stay more similar to the traditional Japanese Ryokan Inn, futons can be provided in the Japanese Tatami room. Ideal for families, the Takagamine Suite is also available with two-bedrooms with en suite bathrooms (226 square meters, 2430 square feet).

WASHIGAMINE PAVILION

Surrounded by nature in the highest and most secluded area of the resort, the east facing Washigamine Pavilion pays homage to the traditional Japanese Ryokan inn and looks over the entire garden and the Hieisan in the distance. A trekking path leads directly from the pavilion through the surrounding forest and various private meditation gardens can be found nearby. At 241 square metres (2594 square feet) the pavilion is Aman Kyoto’s largest accommodation and features a living room, a traditional Japanese Tatami room, a Western dining room and a kitchen area. Two en suite bedrooms feature natural woods, floor-to-ceiling windows, tatami flooring and tokonoma alcoves, and are connected to the living-dining area. For guests who would like to experience a stay more similar to the traditional Japanese Ryokan inn, futons can be provided in the Japanese Tatami room.

Spa Journey

FITNESS & WELLNESS

The mineral-rich water that springs near Aman Kyoto is central to the philosophy at the resort’s Aman Spa. Traditional onsen bathing facilities deliver relaxation and healing in their purest forms, while a range of treatments tap into Japan’s plentiful natural apothecary – including Kyoto green tea, tanba kuromame black beans, local sake and cold-pressed camellia oil.

MINERAL HOT SPRINGS

Soak in the healing waters of our onsen bathing pools. Dating back to the sixth century, Japanese bathing culture initially grew out of Buddhist cleansing rituals. Today the Japanese still enjoy seasonal onsen and herbal baths for their health-giving benefits

AMAN KYOTO SIGNATURE PROGRAMME

This half-day programme takes a holistic approach to the wellbeing of the body and mind. It is recommended for guests looking to experience the true harmony of nature in beautiful Japanese garden.

THE POWER OF SHIATSU

A speciality at Aman Kyoto, Shiatsu is an intuitive massage technique based on the same principles as acupuncture. Aiming to restore the flow of energy or qi in the body, it is known to improve muscle tone, strengthen immunity and dispel stress.

MINDFULNESS PROGRAMMES

Discover the peace that nature can instill with a guided one-day mindfulness programme. This includes the Signature Spa Journey, onsen, a 2-hour hike and a hilltop meditation session followed by a picnic lunch.

For more information, please visit: https://www.aman.com Mindfulness programmes