Modern Australian
The Times

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

National Survey Launched to Measure Operational Impacts of Federal NDIS Policy Reforms

The effects of recent NDIS reforms are beginning to move beyond policy papers and into day to day service delivery. A new national survey is asking ...

Beyond the Nappy Cake: Baby Shower Gifts That Get Used

What new Australian parents unwrap, keep, and quietly thank you for months later. Six weeks after my daughter was born, I did an audit of the baby sh...

Parent-Advocates Are Reshaping Frontline Disability Service Delivery

Parents have always been part of the disability sector. They advocate, coordinate services, challenge decisions and often become the person holding ev...

Vista Cruises Enters "Two-Flagship Era" as Vista Aurora Completes Inaugural Voyage

Vista Aurora Sets Sail along the Yangtze. (Photo courtesy of the company)YICHANG, China — August 5, 2026 — Vista Aurora, a high-end interprovinc...

A Digital Preparation Checklist For International Medical Conferences

An international medical conference compresses many responsibilities into a few days. A delegate may need to present research, move between venues, ...

The Growing Popularity of Lab Grown Diamonds in Sydney and Hong Kong

The diamond industry has changed significantly in recent years as more buyers seek ethical, affordable, and sustainable alternatives to mined diamon...

Modern AI SEO Agency vs Traditional SEO: What’s the Difference

Search engine optimisation has changed dramatically over the past few years. Search engines have become smarter, user behaviour has evolved, and bus...

Caravan Travel for Modern Australian Getaways: Plan a Comfortable Holiday

A family road trip is one of the best ways to explore Australia together. And, travelling by caravan gives you the freedom to take your time, stop a...

Mini Excavator and Trailer Package for Sale: What I Buy as One Deal in 2026

The first client who asked me for a mini excavator and trailer package for sale wasn’t trying to save a few hundred dollars on shipping. They we...

Make Dad a Guest in His Own Home This Father’s Day

Father’s Day can accidentally turn Dad into the unpaid event manager of his own celebration. He lights the barbecue, finds extra chairs, checks wh...

Where to Enjoy Your Off-Road Caravan on the Gold Coast

With a caravan, you can travel anywhere and everywhere without battling the rush of the peak holiday season or last-minute reservations. While the r...

How Osteopathy Supports Recovery from Sciatica and Nerve Pain

Sciatica isn't just annoying. It's genuinely painful. It sits deep in your glute and shoots straight down the back of your leg. It turns something as...

The Winter Jewellery Edit: Five Pieces You'll Wear All Season

As wardrobes shift to cosy knits, tailored coats and rich seasonal textures, jewellery becomes the finishing touch that pulls every winter outfit to...

7 Signs It's Time to Upgrade Your Piston Air Compressor

If you run a workshop, panel shop, or fabrication business anywhere around Perth, you already know what heat and dust do to equipment over a few sum...

How Long Do Bathroom Renovations Melbourne Take? Step-by-Step Process Explained

Planning a bathroom renovation is exciting, but one of the biggest questions homeowners ask is, "How long will it take?" While every project is uniq...

Why Your Skin Breaks Out: The Science of Acne Explained

Acne is the most common skin condition in the world. An estimated 85% of people experience it at some point between the ages of 12 and 24, and a gro...

10 Swimwear Trends Australian Women Are Wearing This Summer

Every Australian summer brings a fresh wave of swimwear trends, but some styles have much greater staying power than others. While fashion constantly ...

Why Regular Skills Updates Are Essential for Licensed Security Officers

A guard at a Brisbane shopping centre gets a call about a shoplifter who's turned aggressive.  They’ve done the job for six years. But their de-...