Opposite Nijo Castle in central Kyoto, Hotel The Mitsui occupies the former Kyoto home of the Mitsui family's Kitake branch. A restored ceremonial gate leads into a modern building arranged around a seasonally planted Japanese garden. The 160 rooms and suites use natural timber, stone and details inspired by tea rooms, with garden or castle views according to category. Toki presents Kyoto influenced French cooking, Forni focuses on Italian dishes and the Garden Bar faces the landscape. Water drawn from an on site spring supplies the thermal bathing pool and two reservable private onsen rooms. Treatment spaces and a gym complete the spa, while certain suites include their own outdoor onsen baths.