Gion Shinmonso

We stayed here for 2 nights (2 adults and 2 kids, ages 8 and 10) to experience a traditional Ryokan, and what a unique experience it was. Having never stayed in one before we didn't know what to expect, but absolutely loved it. Do not expect to go here with many of the comforts of Western civilization, however, if you have an open mind and want to experience the old Japanese culture, this is a wonderful way to do it. While I'm sure there are higher end Ryokans, this was perfectly comfortable for our family (and budget during the expensive cherry blossom season in the spring). This is a small property with only 21 rooms so it was nice and quaint. The rooms were simple but clean, and sleeping on the futons was certainly different (not the best night of sleep but wouldn't take it back for the experience). The futons are set up after dinner and put away while we were at breakfast. We had a tub in our room but used the public baths for the traditional bathing experience. Our kids thought it was a lot of fun and loved the "rules" of what to do and not do to respect the bathing experience. If you are a foodie, you will not be disappointed as the food was phenomenal. We had dinner in our room one night (many courses were served) and in the dining hall the second night. Breakfast was in the dining hall each morning. Since English was not spoken well, our server could not explain what we were eating, but whatever it was was good. Though English is not well spoken by the staff, you still feel the warmth of the people and their desire to make it a great experience for their guests. The location of this property in Gion was perfect. Just walking around and enjoying the beauty of Kyoto was quite a treat. For a late lunch one day after sightseeing, we enjoyed a nice experience at the sushi restaurant directly across the street from the hotel. Overall, just a very nice, memorable experience and one I'd certainly recommend.

This Ryokan is very close to most attractions and night life. Geishas wondering everywhere, any age, it feels like the old ages. We stay at the triple with toile/sink room, beds weren't as comfortable as other places we've been in the past, this one had only a single futon, I used to have double futon. Every morning y back hurts. They do have a nice spa bathroom to clean up and they have a private bathroom (old) in our floor. We did not pay for the Geisha night, we regretted, when we finally decided to join in, there was no room to, so we decided to go to the theater near by to see Geisha and cultural show. Cost less and we got what we wanted or at least close enough. Service is very good here, they let us leave our luggage for longer while we went shopping although our time was up, we had to leave a lot later than checking out. Buses and train station are close. Parks, shrines are a 5 min walking distance. Shopping center are about 15min. Main market is next to the shipping mall. Lots of bars and night clubs near by. Quite.

We were not 100% sure when we booked this hotel because of other reviews but it turned out to be wonderful. The hotel is a bit older but everything is maintained well so the age isn't a problem. It's a traditional Japanese hotel so you have tatami and you don't sleep in a bed but that's part of the experience. Our room had a private toilet and sink but to shower we had to either use the common bath area or the private shower room on our floor. This was fine and gave us a chance to wear the cute Japanese robes provided. The location is great. Gion is the place to stay in Kyoto. The staff is super nice and many of them speak enough English to communicate effectively. Check out is 10am and they charge 1,000 yen per hour past 10am. There is also a beer garden on the roof with a geisha show.

We stayed for one night and had two days in Kyoto as the majority of our time was spent in Tokyo. We didn't use the public baths so cannot comment however we stayed in a traditional ryokan style room. There is green tea and kimono and slippers for you and an excellent bag of toiletries. The staff come in at tea time and make up the bed (futon) and we really enjoyed this experience and actually slept really well. This hotel is very well located. The traditional Japanese breakfast was very colourful but sadly we don't like fish or tofu but thats not their fault. I would definitely recommend the experience it was nice to see ancient Japan as well as futuristic Tokyo.

When you travel to Japan the way the Kimono, unveils itself, under the occidental mask is when you touch Kyoto. The only way to live the vibe of Japan is by feeling the tatami under your skin and sleeping in a futon. At first, the sensation is new and not that easy to digest, but after a while, even the pink rooms and dirty walls, look homey. The idea is enveloping but it needs refurbishing, painting and does not feel clean. If tradition survives, it needs to go with the flow of things. The fabrics look old, and the curtains from 1950 look as never been washed. When we arrived, found 20 pairs of slippers in our room. Details, make the difference.

We spent 3 nights in this Ryokan during our trip in Japan. The location is very good, in the Gion quarter , which is the gheishas'area. The hotel is very touristic in comparison with other ryokans where we slept in. It is old, needs to be refreshed, the futon are very hard and also the pillows are old and hard in comparison with the same type of bed somewhere else. Besides this the toilette in the bedroom was very old and we could smell urine. The people at the reception were very very gentle but only one lady could speak some English. I recommend this hotel only for the nice area but no more than 2 nights. Robin

We had a good sized room, with an entrance space for shoes with a sink and separate toilet. The room was clean and had good air conditioning. The shared bathroom was on the ground floor and it was clean and well equipped. There were clear instructions about how to behave in the Japanese baths! The staff spoke some English and were always polite and helpful. Smoking in the lobby was overwhelming at times. A superb location and great sushi restaurant across the road.

The location is absolutely amazing - located in Gion which maybe the most traditional neighborhood, and very charming as well. The neighborhood will give you high chances of spotting Geishas - and also has many restaurants alongside the rivers which are extremely charming. Also, it is walking distance to Myiako-Odori, for the Geisha performance. The hotel itself looks a bit old - specially the bathroom - but it is very clean, so not much of a hassle, also because you only get to spend the night in there basically once the city has so many attractions. Prepare yourself for the traditional dinner and breakfast - the dinner served in the bedrrom is a nice experience, and the dishes are prepared with a lot of care >>>> NON FISH EATERS: Remember to order in advance a Vegetarian dinner and continental breakfast, or you will regret once both dinner and breakfast have basically fish. Sleeping in fultons is nice once they make your bed, but not confortable for sleeping over 3 nights I would say. The onsen is also nice - if you are a bit shy (like myself), go around 18 - 19 which is when most pepole are having dinner, and it is therefore relatively empty. If you go on Sakura time, be prepared for the breathtaking surroundings alongside the river - a sight you will never forget.

Stay in this hotel for one night. The location is excellent in Gion and it is just around the corner to the main attraction for Cheery Blossom enjoyment. The hotel is a few km from Kyoto train station so we take a taxi there. The fare is around JPY 1,300.- one way. Moreover and once we are there, it is within easy walking distance to quite a lot of tourist attractions. Service is good and staff is helpful despite they are limited in English. The hotel is clean and room is of good size. It is a traditional Japanese style hotel. The public bath is also super clean. Our rate includes set dinner served in room whilst breakfast is served in public area. Food variety is good and quality is fresh.