Two Quiet Nights Welcoming the New Year in Kyoto
I spent two nights over the New Year holiday at FUFU Kyoto, a luxury ryokan tucked away in the city.
This was not a trip filled with sightseeing, but a stay designed around doing very little — and doing it well.
As a place to step away from the rush of the year and welcome a new beginning quietly, it was hard to imagine anything better.
FUFU Kyoto | Small Luxury Resort [Official]
Fufu: A Ryokan Known Quietly, Loved Deeply
FUFU is a collection of small luxury ryokan scattered across Japan.
I have a deep affection for the Fufu brand and have stayed at several of their properties over the years.
While I’ve noticed more international guests compared to a few years ago, FUFU still feels different from large luxury hotels.
Many of its locations sit in popular tourist areas, yet the atmosphere remains calm and distinctly Japanese.
If you’re visiting Japan and looking for a place that reflects Japanese sensibilities rather than spectacle, FUFU is a wonderful choice.
Entering a Different Pace of Kyoto
From the moment you approach the entrance, the tone changes.
The path leading to the building is understated, elegant, and unmistakably Kyoto.
There’s nothing flashy — just a sense of quiet intention.
Check-in was smooth and attentive, with what I would describe as refined hospitality that knows when to step back.
Staying in a Stylish King Double Room
We stayed in a Stylish King Double Room, the most affordable category at Fufu Kyoto.
Even so, the level of comfort and satisfaction was extremely high.
All rooms at Fufu Kyoto come with a private bath.
Because of its city location, there is no large public onsen — but that never felt like a loss.
Instead, having access to the bath at any time, without leaving the room, was a luxury in itself.
The water warmed the body gently and deeply, making it easy to slow down and relax.
Small Comforts That Make a Stay Memorable
In the room, complimentary drinks were provided — ume (plum) juice, beer, and traditional sweets.
What stayed with me most, however, was the Kyoto green tea.
Fresh, fragrant, and remarkably smooth, it had a calming quality.
Sitting quietly with a glass of cold tea became one of the most memorable parts of the stay.
Welcoming the New Year Through Food
The meals focused on seasonal Kyoto ingredients and were consistently excellent.
One highlight was grilling fugu (pufferfish) over a small net — an experience that felt both special and relaxed.
Local Kyoto sake paired beautifully with the vegetables, whose flavors felt deep and grounded.
Breakfasts were visually stunning, carefully arranged and a joy to photograph.
Every detail, from the dishes to the placement, showed care.
Because we stayed over the New Year:
- Dinner on December 31 included traditional soba noodles for welcoming the year
- Breakfast on January 1 featured osechi, Japan’s New Year cuisine
It was a quiet, thoughtful, and deeply satisfying way to welcome the year.
New Year’s Day in Kyoto: A Visit to Heian Shrine
On January 1, we stepped out for hatsumode, the traditional first shrine visit of the year.
With many shrines nearby, we chose Heian Shrine.
The area was lively, with food stalls offering:
- Yakisoba
- Takoyaki
- Wagyu skewers
- Grilled oysters
It was a pleasant contrast — enjoying the festive energy of New Year’s Day, then returning to the calm of the ryokan.
Pricing and Honest Impressions
Because it was the New Year holiday, the cost for our stay was around ¥300,000 for two nights for two people.
It’s certainly not inexpensive.
That said, when considering the service, room quality, facilities, meals, and overall experience, it felt entirely worthwhile.
Outside of peak seasons, rooms can start at just under ¥100,000 per night for two people.
It’s a high-end stay, but one that delivers genuine value.
Thoughtful, High-Tech Hospitality for Families
One aspect I particularly appreciated was how welcoming FUFU is to families with children.
Using a tablet in the room, guests can request items such as:
- Diapers
- Toys (including board games like Othello)
These are delivered discreetly through a service box connecting staff and guest rooms — no phone calls, no face-to-face interaction required.
Used towels can be placed in the same box and are replaced quietly.
This seamless use of technology made the stay feel both private and effortless.
Amenities That Encourage Traveling Light
FUFU’s original amenities are beautifully designed, with calming fragrances.
Many are available for purchase at the souvenir corner, including hand soap, skincare, and aromatherapy items.
Hair irons are available to borrow, which makes it easier to travel with minimal luggage — another small but meaningful luxury.
Looking Ahead: More Fufu Journeys
FUFU properties are located throughout Japan, including:
- Atami
- Karuizawa
- Kawaguchiko
- Hakone
- Nikko
- Kyoto
- Nara
Among them, Kawaguchiko (with its view of Mount Fuji) and Kyoto remain my personal favorites.
The official website also introduces a “Travel Relay” plan, combining one night at FUFU Kyoto with one night at FUFU Nara — something I would love to try next.
With Fufu Ginza opening in 2025 and Fufu Jogashima scheduled for March 2026, the brand continues to grow in exciting ways.
FUFU Japan, Small Luxury Resort [Official Brand Website]
A Stay Worth Celebrating
Because Fufu properties are small, the level of care and attention feels deeply personal.
In 2025, several Fufu locations were recognized in the MICHELIN Key Hotel Selection.
- Two Keys (Exceptional Stay):
Fufu Nikko, Fufu Kawaguchiko - One Key (Special Stay):
Fufu Hakone, Fufu Old Karuizawa,
Fufu Karuizawa, Fufu Kyoto, Fufu Nara
I especially recommend Fufu for anniversary trips for couples or married partners.
It’s not a budget stay — and that’s precisely why the experience feels so meaningful.
For us, it became a trip we’ll remember for a lifetime.
