The Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto has opened in the shadow of Higashiyama Mountain, in the temple district of Japan’s ancient capital.

Set amid a secluded five-acre (two-hectare), 12th century pond garden, the hotel includes a spa grounded in the Japanese aesthetic of enso, connecting mind and body.

Global consultancy Blu Spas worked on the project, which features seven treatment rooms, including one couple’s suite, and a menu of ceremonious rituals and results-oriented therapies. Skin care treatments use Tatcha, a brand inspired by the 200-year-old style of Miyakofuzoku Kewaiden.

French skincare brand Biologique Recherche and Australian brand Sodashi are also used, alongside Kotoshina products, which are formulated with organic green tea from Uji, Kyoto and French spa water.

The spa complex also includes a sauna, steam room and whirlpool, as well as a beauty salon, fitness centre and indoor pool.

The 123 guest rooms and 57 residences are designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates to showcase views of the pond garden, Myoho-in Temple and surrounding neighbourhood.

Traditional elements, such as shoji panels, polished woods, locally crafted Kyoto-style fusuma screens and urushi lacquerware are paired with modern technologies.

To help guests immerse themselves in Kyoto’s traditional culture, Four Seasons has developed an Experience Creator, headed up by local Hana Morioka, who was born in the city.

Morioka has created local experiences including a Kiyomizu ceramics-making class, lantern making for the whole family, and a ninja training session that includes kuji-in meditation, movement and weaponry.