THE RYOKAN COLLECTION

The Hiramatsu group grew out of a Michelin-starred French restaurant in Tokyo, and true to those roots, their hotels place expressive, exciting fine dining at the center of the experience. At la Luce, guests can enjoy modern Italian fare that draws on locally produced ingredients and washoku-influenced presentation to create a singular sense of place. Classic Italiana like freshly baked panchetta focaccia meets only-in-Kyoto dishes like halfbeak and chrysanthemum greens risotto. At kappo kaiseki Izumi, headed by the chef of Gion stalwart Jugyuan, the influence flows the other way, with classic omakase courses supported by a wine list spanning Italy's top regions. The unparalleled quality and freshness means there is a story behind every ingredient, from silky tofu from a 200-year-old specialty shop to bamboo shoots from the hotel's own garden.