The Ultimate Wellness Retreat in the Mountains of Kyoto
During our week in Kyoto, we wanted to find a place outside of the hustle and bustle of busy Gion. While Kyoto is my favorite city in the world (so far), and I adore historic Gion, where we stayed at the 5-star Michelin Key Hotel The Celestine Gion, we also wanted some peace and tranquility. That’s why we elected to head to the mountainous Sakyo Ward of northern Kyoto, where we spent the second half of our week at the 5-star Moksa Rebirth Hotel. In the foothills of historic, breathtaking Mount Hiei, this hotel’s wellness-centric focus was the perfect way to decompress after long, hot days of traveling. Moksa ended up being one of the best hotels we’ve ever enjoyed!
Moksa Rebirth Hotel
Location: Kyoto, Japan (Yase Village)
Rating: 5-Star
Address: 601-1255
Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Sakyo Ward,
Kami-Takano Higashiyama 65
Number of Rooms: 31
Staff Helpfulness & Friendliness: 5/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
Room Amenities: 5/5
Comfort: 5/5
Valet Parking: Yes
Spa: Yes, Onsen Baths & In-Room Tubs
Proximity to Other Points of Interest: 5/5
How to Reach Moksa Rebirth Hotel
Moksa Rebirth Hotel is about 40 minutes from Kyoto station, though it is still considered part of Kyoto in the village of Yase. Yase Village is on signs around the area but not on Google maps, so don’t feel confused when the GPS says you’re still in Kyoto.
By Taxi:
We took a taxi from our last hotel here, because it was hot and we had luggage. Our taxi driver was so nice, but had never been to this part of Kyoto. At one point, just outside the hotel, he had to drive down what looked like a set of stairs (in the dark!) to get to our hotel. None of us knew what to do, so he laughed and told us to tighten our seatbelts. In the daylight, we later saw that this is a road AND staircase, so don’t be surprised if your driver takes you somewhere that looks a little suspicious, haha. Our Taxi ride was about 45 minutes with traffic and cost around $20 USD.
If you want to take public transport, first make sure it’s still running, because the village’s trains stop sooner than downtown’s.
By Train:
From Kyoto Station, take the Eizan Railway to the end, arriving at Eizan Station. The hotel is around the corner, over a bridge, roughly five minutes away.
By Bus:
Ride the bus from Kyoto’s Bus Station via the Yase Eki-Mae stop. From there, it’s about a seven-minute walk.
Arrival at Moksa Rebirth Hotel
We arrived late at night (another reason we took a taxi). Even so, we were greeted outside, and hotel staff took our bags, swiftly checked us in, and gave us our “night snack.” This is something they do for guests every night, as Yase Village has limited dining options late at night. There’s a 7-11 convenience store that sells amazing Japanese snacks and light food nearby, though you should double-check their hours before going. The night snack was handmade inari sushi.
They brought us to our room, showed us around, and offered to start our bath for us, which was very sweet. All in all, check-in took maybe twenty minutes.
Ambience of Moksa
Set in the foothills of Mount Hiei, this gorgeous hotel is all about reconnecting with nature, centering wellness, and resetting your body through relaxation and escape from stressors. As such, plants abound. The property boasts a large, traditional garden, a koi pond, an onsen & steam sauna, holistic meals made from organic, locally-grown produce, and an abundance of opportunities to decompress.
Every bit of decor within Moksa Rebirth Hotel was either locally handmade or of historical significance. Surrounded by nature, the nearby Takano River, and nearby mountains, it was the perfect place for two nature lovers to slow down, recharge, and find respite.
I particularly loved the works of art made from earth, stems, and clay during the hotel’s construction. They also had a hallway dedicated to local artisans who had made masks personifying the region’s seasons and weather.
Our Deluxe Twin Room with Garden View
This was the biggest hotel room we’ve ever had in Japan, and it was well worth the drive alone. Larger than our first apartment, it had a kitchen, living room, bedroom, garden walkout, a bathroom with a standing shower and a massive bathtub, a separate space to get ready with plenty of counter space, amenities, and towels, plus a separate room for the toilet and a third sink.
Our room was fully stocked with more than a dozen snacks included in our stay, like the ginger cookies shown below. Additionally, they kept the room & mini-fridge well-stocked with water, canned drinks, tea, coffee, and other snacks included with our stay.
One of my favorite memories at Moksa Rebirth Hotel was our third night at the property. We missed dinner after visiting Garden Museum Hiei at the top of Mount Hiei. We were famished, so we headed to 7/11 and picked up a feast of pure konbini food. Back at the hotel, we ate our fill, watched a couple of movies, then soaked in the bath. It was the perfect way to end another perfect day in Yase Village.
Moksa Rebirth Hotel Amenities
Moksa Rebirth Hotel had everything from pajamas to wear around the hotel and to breakfast/dinner, slippers, luxury skincare, and hair tools, to books in Japanese, fish food for the koi, and even a laundry room free for guests to use.
Art
As I mentioned earlier, there are numerous sculptural works throughout the hotel’s interior and exterior. Discovering them as we went about our days was a true delight.
Breakfast
Breakfast is included every morning at the hotel, and it’s fantastic. Served in their restaurant, Mala, overlooking the koi pond, it was a one-of-a-kind experience the likes of which I’m not likely to enjoy again until we return someday.
There are a few breakfast options each morning, and it’s impossible to leave hungry! I’m going to make a separate post about their excellent food, so keep an eye out for that, coming soon.
Moss Garden
The sprawling moss garden outside and surrounding the hotel is a thing of pure beauty. Featuring stone lanterns, a koi pond, native plants, and enjoyable anytime, day or night, it was another of the many reasons we chose to stay at Moksa Rebirth Hotel.
Sauna
They have three types of saunas that must be booked in advance. Each runs about $200 USD per person per hour. This fee includes drinks and additional amenities.
Skincare
The hotel uses Waphyto plant-based skincare and haircare products in the rooms and onsen. I mentioned that I liked their moisturizer, and the hotel staff gave us a full-size bottle to take home. When I tell you the staff was amazing, I mean it!
Shop
The on-site shop sells plenty of things, from Waphyto skincare and extra luggage to tea, locally made pottery, handwoven coasters and placemats, and unique souvenirs you wwon’tfind anywhere else in Kyoto.
Laundry
I especially loved doing our laundry partway through our trip. Thankfully, my husband could understand the directions in Japanese, and after wandering around the gardens, feeding the fish, and attending a yoga class, we had only clean clothes in our luggage again.
Welcome Drinks
Our arrival at the hotel included complimentary drinks from thehotel’ss beautiful bar. In the evenings, they serve sake, wine, whiskey, and various handmade, custom-crafted mixed drinks. In the mornings, guests can get custom-crafted tea & coffee – complimentary, of course.
Things to Do in Yase Village
We visited four temples and shrines nearby, headed to the top of Mount Hiei for the day via the Eizan Cablecar and Ropeway, hiked, enjoyed birdwatching, shopped at local businesses, attended a yoga class, and learned more about the village’s history.
I wouldn’t recommend staying here if you plan to head back into Kyoto proper every day, simply becausethat’ss at least an hour and a half of commuting each day. Although tthat’snot to say a person couldn’t do so. Instead, I’d recommend exploring Yase Village and its natural beauty. It’s an especially great place for those who love the great outdoors and visiting temples and shrines, and it’s particularly great for vegetarians. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options in Yase Village!
Final Thoughts
This was one of the most peaceful, beautiful, and delightful hotel stays we’ve ever had. I loved every moment of our stay, and we agreed we’d love to return. Everything from the room and food to the garden, the village around the hotel, and the incredible staff made our stay a true joy. I wouldn’t have changed a single thing about our stay except that I wish we’d stayed longer! If you’re looking for a place off the beaten path in Kyoto, look no further than Moksa Rebirth Hotel in Kyoto’s Yase Village.
I find the road that is also a stairway to be strangely fascinating. I wish you had a picture of it.