Jeremiah PatrickGet ready to experience a relaxing fusion of nations on your next trip to Kyoto! Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is fully embracing its promise to have a positive impact wherever it sets foot by launching two unique sustainability initiatives at its first hotels in Japan – the lifestyle-focused ASAI Kyoto Shijo, and the luxurious Dusit Thani Kyoto.
The goal here, of course, is to bring an authentic and memorable experience to all guests, while also making sure there’s a sense of enduring value to the broader community. So, let’s take a look at these hotels then, shall we?
A perfect blend of Japanese and Thai culture
The ASAI Kyoto Shijo
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ASAI Hotel promises to be a haven for millennial-minded travellers that are looking for authentic local experiences in the world’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Located in Shijo-Karasuma, near the famous Nishiki Market, the hotel is designed to foster meaningful interactions while celebrating the community’s artistic and cultural heritage with some unique Thai touches.
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Alongside a large communal hub serving as a comfortable venue for work, rest, and play, ASAI offers a vibrant Thai restaurant, Soi Gaeng, inspired by the rich street-food culture of Bangkok. Besides that, you’ll also be able to find a scrumptious selection of authentic Thai curries and flavoursome grilled and fried snacks paired with original cocktail creations and premium Japanese whisky, sake, and beer.
Also, a signature dessert selection featuring favourites like mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream with a variety of toppings will transport your senses to the bustling streets of Bangkok.
The ASAI will further build on its gastronomic experience through regular collaborations with local restaurateurs and artisans, and sustainable sourcing of produce.
The Dusit Thani Kyoto
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Dusit Thani Kyoto promises a lavish sojourn in Kyoto’s Hongwanji Monzen-machi District, just 850 metres from Kyoto Station and near the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nishi Hongwanji Temple, alongside other attractions.
Opening on 1 September 2023, hotel stands as a harmonious blend of Japanese heritage and warm Thai hospitality, reimagined through contemporary sensibilities. Drawing inspiration from Kyoto, Japan, and Ayutthaya, Thailand, Dusit Thani embodies the architectural grandeur of these ancient capitals, creating a distinctive urban oasis for domestic and international travellers.
With 147 exquisitely designed guest rooms on four floors, the luxury hotel features spacious event venues, a fitness centre, and the signature Devarana Wellness Centre. This centre seamlessly blends Thai massage techniques, Japanese rituals, and personalised wellness treatments to meet guests’ health aspirations.
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At Dusit Thani Kyoto, culinary excellence is also a paramount focus. The hotel is poised to become a gastronomic haven with a diverse range of dining experiences.
With sustainably sourced ingredients and expert craftsmanship, the hotel’s dining venues have been thoughtfully crafted to deliver remarkable dining experiences. Ayatana, the hotel’s signature restaurant, presents a multisensory fine dining experience where the authentic flavours of Thai cuisine meet the finest Japanese traditions, while The Gallery offers elegant afternoon tea.
On top of that, Tea Salon blends tradition and wellness with a Kyoto tea master’s guidance, and Den Kyoto is a vibrant bar with unique drinks. But of course, the culinary extravaganza doesn’t end there. Kōyō 紅葉 offers an exclusive Chef’s Table reflecting Japan’s micro-seasons; and Kati showcases the artistry of Thai desserts using local produce.
Sustainability beyond hotels
In line with Dusit’s group-wide sustainability program, Tree of Life, the brand is committed to ensuring all its properties operate as sustainably as possible. This includes supporting destination-specific initiatives that help to bring value far beyond the walls of its hotels.
The Dusit Tea Garden
In Kyoto, Dusit has partnered with TeaRoom Inc., a renowned sustainability-focused tea manufacturer, to set up the Dusit Tea Garden in Wazuka, a town on the southern edge of Kyoto Prefecture, famous for its exquisite green tea. Set over 2,500㎡, the garden will be overseen by Dusit’s team in Japan and produce organic tea for use at ASAI Kyoto Shijo and Dusit Thani Kyoto.
Reflecting the hotels’ sustainable operations and efforts towards circularity, food waste from each property will be composted and used as fertiliser at the tea garden. Dusit plans to export the organic tea to its international properties in the future.
The Dusit Farm
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Further setting its green roots in Japan, Dusit has also teamed up with OHARA FARMY, which supports the development of organic farms and sustainable land use, to create Dusit Farm. Located in Oharanomuracho, this farm is poised to enrich the culinary offerings at Dusit’s hotels in Japan with an array of vegetables vital for creating Thai cuisine, including pak choi (coriander).
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This will help Dusit to limit the amount of imported produce needed while ensuring tastes remain authentic at its Thai-inspired restaurants – including Soi Gaeng at ASAI Kyoto Shijo and Ayatana at Dusit Thani Kyoto.
It can’t be denied that Dusit International is going all out in terms of sustainability, comfort, and luxury with their new Kyoto venture. So, the next time you’re lining up a holiday to Japan, why not visit Kyoto and take these new hotels for a spin?
Information and select images extracted from press release by Aviareps
