Gion Ryokan Karaku

3.5 star property
Ryokan with a 24-hour front desk, steps from Yasaka Shrine

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Gion Ryokan Karaku

Front of property - evening/night
Karaku Suite, Non Smoking | In-room safe, desk, free WiFi
Japanese Tatami Room with Twin Beds, Non Smoking | In-room safe, desk, free WiFi
Karaku Suite, Non Smoking | In-room safe, desk, free WiFi
Lobby

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
499 Minamigawa Gionmachi,Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0074
  • Place, Yasaka Shrine
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Kiyomizu Temple
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Nishiki Market
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Airport, Osaka (ITM-Itami)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, Non Smoking

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • 377 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Futons

Superior Room, Non Smoking

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(12 reviews)
  • 323 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Futons

Japanese Tatami Room with Twin Beds, Non Smoking

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 269 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Karaku Suite, Non Smoking

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 431 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Futons

Japanese Style Twin Room, Non Smoking

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 377 sq ft
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Twin Beds and 3 Twin Futons

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About the neighborhood

Kyoto

Located in Gion, Gion Ryokan Karaku is adjacent to Yasaka Shrine and within a 5-minute walk of other popular sights like Shijo Street. Each of the 19 rooms at this 3.5-star ryokan includes a refrigerator, an electric kettle, and a TV.

What's nearby

  • Yasaka Shrine - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Gion Corner - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Kiyomizu Temple - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Pontocho Alley - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Nishiki Market - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles

Getting around

  • Gion-shijo Station - 10 min walk
  • Higashiyama Station - 13 min walk
  • Kansai Intl. Airport (KIX) - 95 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Hario Cafe Kyoto - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪長楽館 - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪長楽館カフェ - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪家傳 ちりめん山椒 やよい - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪ラ・ボンバンス祇園 - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Gion Ryokan Karaku

Ryokan with a 24-hour front desk, steps from Yasaka Shrine
Gion Ryokan Karaku features free WiFi in public areas and a vending machine. Self parking is available for JPY 2000 per day. The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with securing valuables and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a ballroom and a gift shop.
Guests can enjoy TVs and stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer hair dryers, free toiletries, bidets, and slippers. Other amenities include refrigerators, electric kettles, and safes.
Public bath/onsen services include a yukata (Japanese robe).

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Self parking on site (JPY 2,000 per day)

Food and drink

  • Daily Japanese breakfast available 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee: JPY 3,630 per person

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Spa

  • In-room massages
  • Yukata (Japanese robes)

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 1 building
  • 4 floors
  • Ballroom
  • Banquet hall
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Bidet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • Children 6 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

  • A city tax may be collected at the property. The city tax ranges from JPY 200-10,000 per person, per night based on the nightly room rate. Please note that further exemptions may apply. For more details, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for Japanese breakfast: approximately JPY 3630 per person
  • Self parking fee: JPY 2000 per day

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
  • Check-in: 3 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers parking (fees apply).

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and cash.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • As required by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, all international visitors must submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ). Also, it's required that lodging proprietors photocopy the passports of all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Gion Karaku
Gion Karaku Kyoto
Gion Ryokan Karaku
Gion Ryokan Karaku Kyoto
Ryokan Karaku
Karaku
Gion Ryokan Karaku Kyoto
Gion Ryokan Karaku Ryokan
Gion Ryokan Karaku Ryokan Kyoto

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Gion Ryokan Karaku?

Gion Ryokan Karaku provides free cancellation on some room rates. For additional details, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Gion Ryokan Karaku?

As of Oct 11, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Gion Ryokan Karaku on Oct 23, 2025 start from $183.34, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What can I see near Gion Ryokan Karaku?

This ryokan is situated in Gion within a 10-minute walk of Yasaka Shrine and Shijo Street. You'll also find Pontocho Alley and Kawaramachi Street less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at Gion Ryokan Karaku?

Yes, parking is offered for JPY 2,000 per day.

Does Gion Ryokan Karaku have a casino at the property?

No, Gion Ryokan Karaku doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Gion Ryokan Karaku?

No, there is no indoor pool at this ryokan.

What do couples enjoy most about Gion Ryokan Karaku?

Couples staying at this ryokan will appreciate amenities like in-room massages and slippers as well as a 24-hour front desk.

Are there hot tubs at Gion Ryokan Karaku?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this ryokan.

Does Gion Ryokan Karaku have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Gion Ryokan Karaku offers Japanese breakfast each morning for a surcharge though there is no restaurant.

Does Gion Ryokan Karaku allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Gion Ryokan Karaku.

Are there connecting rooms at Gion Ryokan Karaku?

No, this ryokan doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How close is the airport from Gion Ryokan Karaku?

The closest major airport to Gion Ryokan Karaku is Itami Airport (ITM), which is about 24.1 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Gion Ryokan Karaku?

No, at Gion Ryokan Karaku, there aren't any accommodations that list a balcony.

Reviews

Gion Ryokan Karaku Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 188 out of 260 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 47 out of 260 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 18 out of 260 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 260 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 260 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Nichole

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I like the Gion area around this hotel. There is a famous shrine nearby and a charming shopping district around the corner. The futons are comfy and the room doesn't feel cramped. The staff is super nice and helpful. We liked this place so much this is our second stay there.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Susan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our family loved the cultural experience this ryokan provided. Quiet spot but in an excellent location - a huge plus for our family. We wanted to experience some historic sites but also have a more local experience. Bikes on the property were hands down our favorite amenity. We biked to so many incredible off-the-beaten path gems - this cemented Kyoto as one of our top two local experiences in Japan. You need to park the bikes in designated areas. Breakfast was deliciously authentic but we definitely would have appreciated a more reasonable time (8:30am was the latest) since we are technically paying for it. Our family really enjoyed the sophisticated servings of fresh Japanese. Portions are small with many side nibbles for each person. Menu is fixed. Those who are picky or big eaters may not like this format. This was our first ryokan. We all loved the whole experience of staying together in one open room and being provided with yukatas. As a ryokan this is an older property which gives it its charm but modernized to make it a simple, comfortable stay. This ryokan will be loved by those want to experience the more traditional no-frills simple Japanese way of dining and lodging. It was part of what made Kyoto so memorable for our family, including my kids.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

CELINA

Traveled with family
Whiie the property is in a good location, it is a bit old. The room has some old smell and it might be coming from the mattress. When we checked into our room, the air conditioning is not turned on making the air more stuffy during the summer heat. The line of staffs are generally nice and helpful but they seem a bit reserved.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Jason, Brookfield

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jose

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was such a great experience in an incredible part of Kyoto. We were greeted the moment we stepped through the front door by amazing staff who took our bags and kept them secure until our room was ready. The breakfast the next morning was incredible, it was one of my favorite meals in my short visit in Japan. If you are looking for a peek of Japanese tradition and amazing service, this is your place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Cheryl-Lee

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness
Mixed thoughts on this stay
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Traditional ryokan in the heart of Kyoto. Even the bath tub is traditional
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cora

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff. Excellent location.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Norkis

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
You can’t ask for a better location. Easy walk to many temples, shrines, parks and popular streets full of restaurants and small shops. We wanted to experience the authentic Kyoto vibe and
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Loved Location, Food and Room Size!

Stayed here with my family (2 adults / 2 kids) And we loved the experience! Rooms are big and comfortable for a family of 4. Highlights: GREAT LOCATION & Traditional Japanese Breakfast. Staff were very helpful, room was clean, comfortable and “modern” compared to other Ryokans. And water pressure is awesome. We’d definitely come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Carolann

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
We were expecting a true ryokan from what we saw on the website, but this was a ryokan style hotel. Check in was quick and easy. The room was very clean. The front of the space was humid, but the sleeping room was cool enough. The futon beds were comfortable enough, but could have used extra pillows. Internet was intermittent, but not a problem for us. Hardly any amenities. The breakfast was interesting and enjoyable. The staff at breakfast were very accommodating, as were the staff in general. The area we were in was beautiful and right near a lovely downtown area. Very touristy, but enjoyable. We did get the checkout time wrong…totally my fault…but when we arrived back at the hotel 15mins late, it was very clear that we had to evacuate the room as soon as possible, which stressed me out. They did hold our luggage for us for a few hours. Overall, the experience was okay.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gilliane Mae

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Barbara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

REBECCA

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were awesome, they helped us cut up melon that we bought from the store. Perfectly portioned. Beautiful place to stay, very peaceful. Breakfast is a must! Delicious Japanese style, feeling full with energy for the day of exploration.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Seungsik

Liked: Room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Sally

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Check in, breakfast and room was very good. Pillows were no good.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nidya

Traveled with family
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Beautiful experience
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Greg

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Just completed a three night stay, and overall had a very good experience. The staff made all the difference - they are simply wonderful. We stayed in a traditional room with futon mattress beds on the floor - a first for us as middle aged Americans used to standard Western bedding - but they were comfortable. The wet room with handheld shower and tub was great. I must confess, though, that the room had a slight musty smell probably from too much damp air and not enough ventilation. Even still, we were pleased with our time at Gion Ryokan Karaku. The location is superb. The gorgeous Yasaka Shrine is basically next door, along with all the shopping, restaurant options, and culture Gion has to offer.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kraig, Redondo Beach

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pamela

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Great experience

Had a wonderful time here. Beautiful rooms, very comfortable. Loved the yukata they had for us to wear. Also loved the traditional Japanese breakfast. Great experience we had!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Meera

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room is very clean and quiet, comfortable , and beautifully kept traditional Gion room. The staffs are very kind and polite. Their dinner course meals were amazing! The Gion Ryokan is located in the center of the old Gion neighborhood , and the hotel was above than my expectations.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gabrielle

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
They were the most beautiful souls. They gave absolutely great service. I can't wait to go back there.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025