Enjoy up to 20% off our Room Rate when you book your stay in advance.
- Valid for Selected Dates Between Dec 23 2024 – Dec 31 2025
Offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. - Reservation must be made at least 7 days in advance
included
- Up to 20% off our Room Rate
Christmas Takeaway Items
Order nowWhite Tayberry Pistachio Cake
Inspired by a white Christmas, this white chocolate cake is made with fresh pistachios and layered with sweet and tangy tayberry compote and fruity lychee cream, before being covered in a vanilla white chocolate mousse. The cake reveals vibrant red and green colours when cut.
Orders accepted through December 20. Pickup available December 1 to 25 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm at EMBA KYOTO CHOPHOUSE. Five days’ advance order required. 18-centimetre cake: JPY 8,500.
Order nowCitrus Chocolate Cake
This elegant milk chocolate cake combines juicy mango with refreshing yuzu. Its yuzu-infused mango confit and citrus crunch are enveloped in a rich milk chocolate mousse, making for the perfect holiday treat.
Orders accepted through December 20. Pickup available December 1 to 25 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm at EMBA KYOTO CHOPHOUSE. Five days’ advance order required. 18-centimetre cake: JPY 8,500.
Order nowChristmas Kugelhopf
Our round-shaped Kugelhopf incorporates syrup-soaked ginger and cherries into a dough blended with pistachios for a visually festive bread that embodies the spirit of Christmas.
Pickup available December 1 to 25 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm at EMBA KYOTO CHOPHOUSE. JPY 2,300.
Order nowStollen
This classic stollen is baked with sultanas soaked in rum, along with lemon, orange and nuts. Each bite is richly infused with the aromatic spices of cinnamon and cardamom.
Pickup available December 1 to 25 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm at EMBA KYOTO CHOPHOUSE. JPY 3,500.
Order nowSanta Bread
This year, enjoy our Santa Claus–shaped brioche bread, a seasonal favourite. Inside Santa’s cookie dough face, you’ll find a filling of white chocolate and raspberry confit.
Pickup available December 1 to 25 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm at EMBA KYOTO CHOPHOUSE. JPY 600.
Order nowCinnamon Roll
Our cinnamon roll is adorned with a sugar glaze that evokes the beauty of melting snow. Enjoy the subtle sweetness combined with the rich flavour of cinnamon, all wrapped in a crispy, fragrant texture.
Pickup available December 1 to 25 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm at EMBA KYOTO CHOPHOUSE. JPY 700.
Order nowGallette des rois
This year, our Galette des Rois is decorated with hemp leaves and arrow feathers. Instead of the typical fève doll, a hidden almond brings good luck. This festive treat also comes with a ceramic zodiac decoration from Shimada Koen Doll Studio in Kyoto.
Orders accepted through December 27. Pickup available January 2 to 7 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm at EMBA KYOTO CHOPHOUSE. Advance order required. 18 centimetres: JPY 6,000.
Holiday dining
December 1 – January 7, 12:00 noon – 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm – 5:30 pmReserve nowFESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA AT THE LOUNGE & BAR
Discover our Afternoon Tea inspired by colourful Christmas ornaments. Feast on vibrant sweet treats filled with seasonal ingredients like strawberries and chestnuts, along with winter vegetables and herbs. Weekdays: JPY 7,500; weekends: JPY 8,300.
December 21 – December 25Reserve nowCHRISTMAS LUNCH & DINNER AT EMBA KYOTO CHOPHOUSE
Embrace the Yuletide spirit with our signature set menus, perfect for sharing with your nearest and dearest. Highlights include “gift-wrapped” crab cakes and classic Japanese roasted sirloin. Four-course lunch: JPY 9,000; five-course lunch: JPY 12,000; five-course dinner: JPY 30,000.
December 30 – January 7NEW YEAR LUNCH & DINNER AT EMBA KYOTO CHOPHOUSE
Begin 2025 with our New Year’s Day menu, designed with ingredients such as truffles, lobster, tuna and tenderloin. Let our visually stunning dishes set the tone for a vibrant year ahead. Four-course lunch: JPY 12,000; five-course lunch: JPY 15,000; five-course dinner: JPY 35,000.
December 31, 8:00 PM – 11:30 PMEmail to reserveIN-ROOM DINING: TOSHIKOSHI SOBA
Celebrate the Japanese tradition of eating buckwheat noodles on New Year’s Eve, symbolizing healthful longevity. Enjoy a platter of warm soba and tempura in the comfort of your guest room. This offer is exclusively for in-house guests. Orders accepted until 2:00 pm on December 31. JPY 6,800 per set. Cancellations must be made within 24 hours, or the full cost will be charged.
January 1, 6:30 am – 10:30 am (In-Room Dining) / 7:00 am – 10:30 am (EMBA KYOTO CHOPHOUSE)Email to reserveNEW YEAR OSECHI BREAKFAST
Begin the new year with Osechi, a breakfast of local favourites like Yamari’s white miso soup and Marukyu Koyamaen’s obuku tea. Advance reservation required. This offer is exclusively for in-house guests. Orders accepted until 6:00 pm on December 31. JPY JPY 12,000. Cancellations must be made within 24 hours, or the full cost will be charged.
2:00 pm – 7:00 pmCall to reserveSEASONALLY INSPIRED JAPANESE AFTERNOON TEA at Fuju
Showcasing the fruits of the winter harvest, this pondside afternoon tea features five sweets and four savouries, accompanied by your choice of tea. Marvel at the original artistry of our pastry magicians, who add a French twist to delicate Japanese confections. JPY 6,500 per person.
For you or someone special
Boutique
Elevate your Kyoto holiday experience with our boutique’s signature souvenirs. Crafted from authentic Kyoto materials, every item embodies the essence of this vibrant city, ensuring lasting memories of your visit. Our boutique is located on 1/F near EMBA KYOTO CHOPHOUSE and is open daily from 8:30 am to 10:30 am.
Hot stone massage
Ideal for the winter season, this massage uses warmed basalt stones and aromatic ginger oil to stimulate blood flow and release tension. As the gentle heat reaches your core, the mind becomes calmer, inviting you into a state of deep relaxation. A cup of ginger green tea completes the journey. 90 minutes: JPY 42,000.
More Festive Activities
Christmas in Kyoto
Kyoto becomes a magical wonderland during festive season, offering breathtaking illuminations that highlight its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Just 15 minutes from Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, the Kyoto Station Illuminations feature a dazzling Christmas tree and 15,000 LED lights along the Grand Staircase. At the Arashiyama Hanatouro Illumination, 25 minutes away, thousands of lanterns light up the bamboo grove, creating an enchanting glow. The NAKED Garden of Lights display at Heian Shrine blends light art with historic gardens, while Kiyomizu-dera Night Illumination offers panoramic views of the city bathed in a breathtaking blue light.
Discover festive cheer at Kyoto’s Christmas markets, where unique gifts and seasonal treats await. The Christmas Market at Umekoji Park, 10 minutes from Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, offers Scandinavian-inspired stalls with mulled wine, handcrafted items, and festive foods. This beloved market is always a highlight of Kyoto’s winter. For outdoor Christmas food, head to the Scandinavian Food Stalls Christmas Market at JR Kyoto Isetan, featuring over 15,000 items ideal for winter treats.
Kyoto offers a delightful fusion of Japanese and international holiday cuisine during festive season. Traditional dishes such as beautifully decorated Christmas cakes, fried chicken and seasonal kaiseki dining experiences are popular choices. At Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, you can indulge in a sophisticated Christmas lunch and dinner at EMBA KYOTO CHOPHOUSE, where multi-course menus feature locally sourced ingredients. For a truly Japanese cultural experience, stay with us on New Year’s Eve to enjoy toshikoshi soba and tempura in the comfort of your own rooms.
Kyoto offers a blend of serene cultural experiences and winter adventures. For skiing, visit Hakodateyama Ski Resort or Biwako Valley Ski Resort, both about 90 minutes away. Biwako Valley’s ropeway offers stunning views of Lake Biwa, while Hakodateyama caters to all skill levels. Closer to the city, the Sagano Romantic Train provides illuminated winter views of the Hozugawa River Gorge, just 45 minutes from Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto. These experiences, from skiing to scenic train rides, make Kyoto an ideal destination for holiday travellers seeking a mix of adventure, natural beauty and seasonal festivities.
Kyoto blends festive charm with traditional Japanese celebrations during Christmas and the new year. Christmas Day is a serene affair, perfect for enjoying illuminated temples and peaceful garden strolls. On New Year’s Eve, visit local temples for the Joya-no-kane ceremony, where the bell is rung 108 times to cleanse earthly desires. Begin the new year with Hatsumode, the first shrine visit, at places like Fushimi Inari Taisha, just 10 minutes by car from our Hotel, where locals pray for good fortune. These time-honoured customs, coupled with Kyoto’s winter beauty, create a meaningful way to celebrate the season while connecting with the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Kyoto is a shopper’s paradise during the holidays, offering a mix of traditional crafts and modern finds. Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, 10 minutes away from Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, features local crafts, souvenirs and holiday treats within a historic covered arcade. For luxury and convenience, visit the Kyoto Station area, home to department stores like Isetan and Porta, or Takashimaya, showcasing designer brands, curated gifts and jaw-dropping Christmas decorations. From one-of-a-kind artisan items in Gion to high-end goods at the designer stores, Kyoto’s shopping destinations capture the city’s unique blend of old and new, making them ideal for finding Christmas gifts and keepsakes during your winter getaway.
December in Kyoto is crisp and cool, with average temperatures ranging from 4 to 11 degrees Celsius (39 to 52 degrees Fahrenheit). While snow is rare, the clear skies and refreshing air make it ideal for exploring the city’s illuminations, Christmas markets and seasonal attractions. Visitors can comfortably enjoy outdoor activities by dressing in warm layers. Kyoto’s winter atmosphere, marked by its serene charm and bright displays, creates a magical backdrop for festive celebrations. Whether you’re admiring the illuminated bamboo forests or strolling through bustling holiday markets, the city’s December weather enhances every moment of your festive holiday experience.
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