Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano, Kyoto

Superbly located in Gion so you can walk to many temples, etc. Very helpful owners, although they don't really speak English. Just be aware that they like to lock the doors at 11pm so this is not the place to stay if you like to stay out partying until late.

Fantastic location, super accommodating hosts who bent over backwards to make sure we were comfortable. A former student and her daughter dropped by the ryokan to show us around the neighboring area, and the host brought them melon and tea - so thoughtful! We also had the use of a washer/dryer (free) which was very convenient. As for the room...I love the Japanese tatami-syle with futon beds so the room was perfect!

We loved the traditional atmosphere in this Ryokan and we had such a lovely time here. The room was spacious and extremely comfortable with the tatami mats and was a lovely place to relax after a day of walking around Kyoto. The owners and staff were extremely friendly and helpful and did everything they could do make our stay enjoyable and were very accommodating. Fresh fruit and snacks were left in the room while we were out which was a nice touch.The location is the best part about this Ryokan as it a short walk to the forest and multiple temples and it is situated right next door to an extremely beautiful park. We will definitely stay here again when we next visit Kyoto. For those of you who do stay here, be sure to go for a walk around the park after midnight as it is extremely romantic and is a lovely peaceful place to relax when there is nobody else around and this area has a totally different atmosphere at nighttime. This was a very memorable trip for us thank you so much!

I loved this place. It had a more traditional feel to it, with the tatami flooring. The beds/mats that were rolled out were really comfortable. The staff bent over backwards to help us out and make us feel welcome. I cannot say enough positive things about my experience. Its location is also fantastic, a short walk of maybe 5 minutes from Yasaka Shrine and near enough to Kiyomizu Dera. Fantastic stay.

This was truly an amazing place, a cultural experience, with outstanding and personalized, attentive service. Each day, plates with pastries, sandwiches, fresh fruit were placed in our refrigerator. On arrival, a tray with homemade cherry blossom tea, cakes, and large juicy strawberries was brought to our room. We were informed that the following evening there would be a performance by a Maiko (geiko or geisha in training). She was with the guests (about 10 of us) for an hour, performing some dances, instructing us with a game, answering our numerous questions, welcoming photographs, and a staff member was there to translate. Each staff person / or the owner was helpful providing information, maps, answering our questions. There were notebooks, in both the lobby and our room, with laminated pages including maps and info about nearby shrines, temples, restaurants, with detailed directions, subway or bus stops. We had a delightful time and will stay there again. Location was excellent- within a few blocks walk to temples, shrines, Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanji Museum, wonderful shops with fine artisanal pieces (glass, ceramics, paper, textile...), close to bus stops and subway. Our room was spacious, well appointed with electric hot water machine for tea, choices of teas, wifi, TV, robes, snacks.