Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

Set in Kyoto’s Higashiyama temple district but with easy access on foot to downtown and beyond, this Four Seasons outpost has an 800-year-old Shakusui-en at its heart. This pond garden is thought to have once been part of the residence of a samurai’s son, a member of the Taira clan. The family chose their home wisely – spring’s cherry blossom may get all of the attention, but from this quietly majestic spot, guests can enjoy summer greens, autumn reds and winter whites, too.