The Times Australia
Google AI
News From Asia

.

Dusit Thani Kyoto hotel receives coveted ‘Michelin Key’ from the Michelin Guide 2024

Located near Kyoto Station in the heart of Japan’s ancient former capital, Dusit’s first luxury hotel in the country has been officially recognised for offering ‘A very special stay.

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 August 2024 – Dusit Thani Kyoto, a luxury urban oasis operated by Dusit International, one of Thailand's leading hotel and property development companies, has been named among the first hotels in the world to receive a coveted Michelin Key from the Michelin Guide 2024.

Dusit Thani Kyoto is the first Thai-branded hotel in Japan to receive a Michelin Key.
Dusit Thani Kyoto is the first Thai-branded hotel in Japan to receive a Michelin Key.

Similar to the Michelin Star system for exceptional culinary experiences, the Michelin Key acknowledges hotels that deliver outstanding stays with One, Two, and Three Key distinctions. Introduced by the Michelin Guide in April 2024, Michelin Keys are awarded only to establishments demonstrating the 'best of the best' across five key areas – excellence in architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the neighbourhood or setting.

To date, Michelin Keys have been awarded to hotels in France, Italy, Spain, and select locations in the United States. Japan is the first Asian country to receive Michelin Keys, and Dusit Thani Kyoto is one of only 85 hotels in the country to be named a One Michelin Key establishment. It is also the first Thai-branded hotel in Japan to receive this accolade.

Opened in September 2023, Dusit Thani Kyoto is located in the ancient former capital's peaceful Hanganji Monzen-machi district, only 850 metres from the bustling Kyoto Station. Uniquely blending Thai-inspired gracious hospitality with Japan's deep-rooted culture of omotenashi (meaning to wholeheartedly look after guests), the elegant hotel also features a distinctive design that masterfully blends the rich heritage of Kyoto with subtle Thai influences. This includes chedi-inspired motifs referencing the ancient Thai city of Ayutthaya, alongside the clean lines, natural materials, and subtle colour palette for which Kyoto is renowned. This unique fusion extends to the 147 meticulously appointed guest rooms, offering a harmonious balance of timeless elegance and contemporary charm.

Set around a serene and beautiful courtyard, Dusit Thani Kyoto offers a tranquil oasis for business and leisure travellers alike. Alongside elegant event spaces accommodating up to 240 guests, the hotel features the signature Devarana Wellness centre, where expert therapists deliver a unique fusion of ancient Thai massage therapies and traditional Japanese rituals. Additional well-being focused facilities include a well-equipped fitness centre and an inviting indoor swimming pool.

Contributing to the hotel's 'outstanding' Michelin Key distinction is a diverse range of unique culinary experiences. Guests can embark on a vibrant and interactive omakase journey at Kōyō, where the finest ingredients celebrate Kyoto's unique 24 'micro-seasons.' For a sophisticated evening experience, Den Kyoto beckons with its handcrafted cocktails served in a stylish ambience.

A truly one-of-a-kind experience awaits at Ayatana, the hotel's signature Thai fine-dining restaurant, which features a unique multi-sensory culinary journey inspired by the rich cultures of both Thailand and Japan. This immersive concept was created exclusively for the hotel by acclaimed Thai chefs Duangporn 'Bo' Songvisava and Dylan Jones – a husband-and-wife team who earned global recognition, including a Michelin Star, at their former Bangkok restaurant, Bo.Ian.

The hotel's dining experiences are further elevated by Dusit's commitment to supporting local suppliers and destination-specific initiatives. This includes collaborating with TeaRoom Inc., a renowned sustainability-focused tea manufacturer, to set up the Dusit Tea Garden in Wazuka, a town on the southern edge of Kyoto Prefecture, to produce organic tea for the hotel's restaurants. Dusit has also teamed up with OHARA FARMY, which supports the development of organic farms and sustainable land use, to create Dusit Farm, an expansive organic farm just 20 minutes by car from Kyoto. Alongside growing vegetables for use in the hotel's restaurants, it also serves as a venue for memorable and meaningful guest activities, including hands-on vegetable harvesting experiences.

"Dusit Thani Kyoto is honoured to be among the first hotels in the world and the first Thai-branded hotel in Japan to receive One Michelin Key for the quality of service and experiences offered," said Mr Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. "This recognition is a tribute to the dedication of the hotel team and our unwavering commitment to exceeding guest expectations at every touchpoint. This award also serves as a testament to the refreshed Dusit Thani brand, and a promise of the same high standards to be expected at our reimagined flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok, reopening on 27 September 2024, and other luxury Dusit Thani properties worldwide. As we follow our vision to uniquely deliver Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world, we look forward to pursuing further Michelin Key success at other Dusit destinations in the future."

Dusit's portfolio now includes 301 properties operating across 18 countries, including 57 properties operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and 244 luxury villas under Elite Havens, the leading provider of luxury villa rentals in Asia, which Dusit acquired in September 2018. More than 60 Dusit Hotels and Resorts are in the pipeline.

Hashtag: #DusitThani #Bangkok

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Dusit Hotels and Resorts

is the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand's leading hotel and property development companies. With a heartfelt belief and commitment to introducing Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world, Dusit Hotels and Resorts offers guests a uniquely special stay in high-style surroundings and a personalised approach to service. The group's portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of eight brands (Devarana – Dusit Retreats, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 18 countries worldwide.

For more information, please visit

About Dusit International

Established in 1948, or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit Foods, Dusit Estate, and Hospitality-Related Services.

Dusit International's diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification.

For more information, please visit

Times Magazine

Freak Weather Spikes ‘Allergic Disease’ and Eczema As Temperatures Dip

“Allergic disease” and eczema cases are spiking due to the current freak weather as the Bureau o...

IPECS Phone System in 2026: The Future of Smart Business Communication

By 2026, business communication is no longer just about making and receiving calls. It’s about speed...

With Nvidia’s second-best AI chips headed for China, the US shifts priorities from security to trade

This week, US President Donald Trump approved previously banned exports[1] of Nvidia’s powerful ...

Navman MiVue™ True 4K PRO Surround honest review

If you drive a car, you should have a dashcam. Need convincing? All I ask that you do is search fo...

Australia’s supercomputers are falling behind – and it’s hurting our ability to adapt to climate change

As Earth continues to warm, Australia faces some important decisions. For example, where shou...

Australia’s electric vehicle surge — EVs and hybrids hit record levels

Australians are increasingly embracing electric and hybrid cars, with 2025 shaping up as the str...

The Times Features

The Fears Australians Have About Getting Involved With Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is no longer a fringe topic. It is discussed in boardrooms, on trading apps, and at...

The Quintessential Australian Road Trip

Mallacoota to Coolangatta — places to stay and things to see There are few journeys that captur...

Fitstop Just Got a New Look - And It’s All About Power, Progress and Feeling Strong

Fitstop has unveiled a bold new brand look designed to match how its members actually train: strong...

What We Know About Zenless Zone Zero 2.6 So Far

Zenless Zone Zero is currently enjoying its 2.5 version update with new characters like Ye Shunguang...

For Young People, Life Is an All-New Adventure. For Older People, Memories of Good Times and Lost Friends Come to Mind

Life does not stand still. It moves forward relentlessly, but it does not move the same way for ...

Single and Ready to Mingle – the Coffee Trend Australians Can Expect in 2026

Single-origin coffee is expected to increase in popularity among coffee drinkers over the next 12 ...

The Evolution of Retail: From Bricks and Mortar to Online — What’s Next?

Retail has always been a mirror of society. As populations grew, cities formed, technology advan...

How hot is too hot? Here’s what to consider when exercising in the heat

If you like to exercise outdoors, summer gives you more chance to catch the daylight. It’s often...

Vendor Advocacy Fees

Vendor advocacy fees can vary widely based on a number of factors, including the type of service...