We arrived on property for the Daimonji festival. The main attraction being five giant bonfires are lit on mountains surrounding Kyoto. Kyoto recently has experienced some of the heaviest rains so there was a little question in our minds if the bonfires would be lit.

I had communicated with the Hotel prior to our arrival. One of the senior staff members came from the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong so we were in good hands. Upon arrival learned we had been upgraded to a Garden suite located the top floor. The upgrade was very much appreciated facing the city. Not the Kamogawa river which is preferred of course. The suite was very spacious and well thought out. It totally respected Japanese tradition and style with of course yes the modern bent. The property owner is Sekisui House so you know there were many interesting items. We had ceiling to floor glass which looked onto a well maintained Japanese garden. Two sets of panes on the living room and bed room. There were many surfaces for laying things around along with drawers for storage. Double vanity sinks with another small sink in the restroom. Asprey amenities.

We had a plate of fruit, bottle of Roederer champagne, sweet treat and greetings from Hotel / contact. The Hotel is a make over / renovation / conversion of the Fujita Hotel. We have actually watched the transformation during the past couple years walking by the property on our way to favorite restaurant in Kyoto. The entry alone is stunning with the use of stone and water flowing. You are constantly taken into new areas similar to the dramas you watch entering Daimyo castles.

As stated the weather was not good the morning of the viewing so we had to plan our strategy with local friends to view the bonfires. It was all dependent on the rains and if they would let up a little. Before heading out we saw our contact and talked about the evening with our concerns. We talked about the property giving a few hints on items. That evening it was decided our friends would meet us at the Hotel and we would head out from there to view the main character which is easily viewed from the river bank. At six we received a call in the room from our contact telling us a room facing the Kamogawa river was being prepared so we can view the first bonfire in comfort without any possibility of getting wet. Apparently the mosquitos are pretty nasty in Kyoto this time of year also. I let him know we were a party of four that evening. Shortly thereafter a key was brought up.

We arrived into the room floored by the attention to detail. Four comfortable chairs were positioned at the window with two sets of candles (electric/battery) around the room. A bottle of champagne on ice with four bottles of sake completed the drink set. Sweet treats also. We were very thankful and appreciative of the kindness accorded. At 8 PM we were at attention for the first bonfire. It was beautiful and we got many nice pics. But that was not all. Shortly thereafter our contact came up with the guitarist who was playing in the lobby bar area for a little concert. This made a perfect evening truly memorable. The staff of the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto made all this possible. There are many things one can accomplish on their own but other things can only happen because of a caring and considerate staff.

In the past few years I've been drawn to the Ritz-Carlton brand particularly in Asia. So much so that I will pass over a brand I have highest status with in a city if the spend / experience is worthy. I know ours will not be everyone else experience but you have to know the effort is there in Kyoto. Cheers.