moksa
Minimalist modern ryokan meets contemporary art gallery. Pale wood, tatami mats, sliding paper screens, and Waphyto plant-based toiletries throughout. Art curated around an 'ethnic modernism' theme with pieces by contemporary Japanese artists and clay 'moksa Jin' guardian figures scattered around the property.
Book a sauna session before arrival by email or phone — they cannot be reserved via Instagram DM, and they fill up quickly
Why It Matters
Built on the site of Yase no Kamaburo — historically regarded as Japan's oldest steam bath, said to have healed a wounded prince who later became Emperor Tenmu in 672 AD. The three saunas (Jōan) are produced by Mikie Sasano, daughter of the founder of Sauna Shikiji in Shizuoka, considered the spiritual home of Japanese sauna culture. The restaurant MALA sources along the ancient Saba Kaidō trade route. Michelin Guide listed.
moksa sits in Yase, a quiet village on the northeastern edge of Kyoto at the foot of Mount Hiei. This is a 31-room modern ryokan that leans hard into its surroundings: a century-old moss garden fed by the Takano River, three wood-paneled private saunas inspired by Japan's oldest steam bath tradition, and a restaurant cooking entirely over an open wood fire. Stays are all-inclusive — drinks, cocktails, minibar, and late-night snacks are all in. The name comes from Sanskrit for 'liberation from earthly cares,' and the property delivers on that promise more convincingly than most.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
Deluxe River Twin Room
Same layout as the Deluxe Twin (51–52 m²) with separate living room and tatami area, but oriented toward the Takano River. Up to 3 guests. One of the most-requested room configurations according to guest reviews.
Hollywood twin (Simmons 1,960 × 1,200 × 380 mm) · 51.5 sqm
Deluxe Twin Room
51–52 m² with separate bedroom and living room, plus a tatami area in the living space. Accommodates up to 3 guests (third person on futon in the tatami area). A step up in space and Japanese character from the Superior rooms. Located on the 2nd or 3rd floor.
Hollywood twin (Simmons 1,960 × 1,200 × 380 mm) · 51.5 sqm
Executive Suite Twin Room
At 71 m², this is the largest room at the property and the only one that comfortably sleeps 4 (2 on beds, 2 on futon in the tatami area). Third floor position with sweeping garden and Mount Hiei views. The view bath overlooks the weeping cherry tree, which is spectacular in March. King-equivalent bed size.
Hollywood twin (Simmons 2,000 × 1,400 × 380 mm — king-size equivalent) · 71 sqmJunior Suite Garden Twin Room
Top-floor junior suite with the same generous layout as the standard Junior Suite but with direct views over the century-old moss garden. The garden view from this category is what many guests specifically request, especially during spring and autumn.
Hollywood twin (Simmons 1,960 × 1,200 × 380 mm) · 51.5 sqmJunior Suite Twin Room
50–53 m² on the top (3rd) floor with a spacious living room, tatami area, and a quiet sense of privacy above the rest of the property. Accommodates up to 3 guests. Views vary by unit — check at booking for orientation. The elevated position adds to the feeling of seclusion.
Hollywood twin (Simmons 1,960 × 1,200 × 380 mm) · 51.5 sqmmoksa Suite Twin Room
The flagship suite at 60 m² with individually curated artworks throughout — described as museum-like. Third floor, positioned at the heart of the garden. The view bath frames a panorama of the surrounding landscape and, in spring, the weeping cherry blossoms. Best room for honeymoons, milestone birthdays, or anniversaries. King-equivalent beds.
Hollywood twin (Simmons 2,000 × 1,400 × 380 mm — king-size equivalent) · 60 sqmStandard Twin Room
The most compact option at moksa — 25 to 26 m² on the ground floor with views of Mt. Hiei's forested foothills. Good for solo travelers or workcation stays. Soundproofed windows, wood-paneled walls, and a full soaking tub despite the modest footprint. All Waphyto skincare amenities included.
Hollywood twin (Simmons 1,960 × 1,200 × 380 mm) · 25.5 sqmSuperior River Twin Room
Same layout and size as the Superior Twin (39–40 m²) but positioned to face the Takano River. The gentle river sound is audible through the soundproof windows when opened. Good for couples wanting the river backdrop without the suite price.
Hollywood twin (Simmons 1,960 × 1,200 × 380 mm) · 39.5 sqmSuperior Twin Room
39–40 m² across 1st to 3rd floors with a generous sofa lounge area and mini-kitchen, making it practical for couples or longer stays. The rotating television stand swivels between the bed and sofa — a small touch that genuinely matters when you're spending a lot of time in the room. Double-sink vanity.
Hollywood twin (Simmons 1,960 × 1,200 × 380 mm) · 39.5 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The century-old moss garden fed by Takano River water is open to guests throughout the day. Koi, wild birds, weeping cherry trees, autumn maples, and crepe myrtles change the character of the space completely by season. Stone lanterns, a koi pond, and works of contemporary art are placed throughout. Best experienced slowly.
The property functions as a curated gallery throughout. Works are selected around the 'ethnic modernism' theme in collaboration with Kyoto gallery tonoto under Branding Director Harumi Fukuda. Charming clay 'moksa Jin' guardian figures are placed around the property. A hallway dedicated to local artisans features masks representing the seasons.
A small retail shop on the 1st floor selling Waphyto organic skincare, handcrafted tea ware by local artisans, wellness and Chinese teas, fragrances, locally made pottery, handwoven coasters and placemats, and other curated lifestyle items. Open 9 AM – 9 PM.
Choose from three private 90-minute sauna experiences: Tanjō (charcoal dry sauna with outdoor air bathing), Hijō (hinoki cypress dry sauna), and Bijō (mist sauna with collagen-stimulating light, designed for women). Each room holds up to 3 guests. Cold bath, hot bath, relaxation space, and drinks included. Reservations required — book by email or phone.
The Yase village area offers forest paths along the Takano River. Mt. Hiei trailheads are accessible from the area, and the Eizan cable car to the mountain summit starts nearby. The village historically served as a rest point on the Saba Kaidō trade route, and the surroundings feel genuinely rural despite being in the city boundary of Kyoto.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property, 50+ Mbps per room.
Room rate includes all drinks in the lounge Kikyorai, in-room minibar (beer, juice, soft drinks), original cocktails, late-night snacks, and a curated tea experience.
Luggage storage available at the front desk.
Self-serve laundry facilities on site.
Combination humidifier-air purifier in all guest rooms.
Retail shop selling Waphyto organic cosmetics, artisan tea ware, locally made pottery, fragrances, and curated lifestyle goods. Open 9 AM – 9 PM.
Complimentary self-parking on site. Valet parking also available.
All rooms stocked with Waphyto total-life-care plant-based skincare: shampoo, conditioner, body soap, full skincare set, toiletries, lounge wear (nightwear), and in-house sandals.
BUILD YOUR MOKSA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning