nothing

Magnificent landscaping, ideal location

Stayed in April 2024

The location, Gion, is an amazing and beautiful neighborhood, and the ryokan is within walking distance of the bus and subway, and if you're up to it, you can go walking riverside until other neighborhoods, and that's really a good stroll. The staff was very kind, and I felt very comfortable and happy talking with them and asking for some advice. Also, the breakfast, for those looking for traditional Japanese cuisine, it's superb!

Stayed in February 2024

Futons only out at night so no afternoon naps.

Beautiful insight into Japanese living, great breakfast, exceptional hosts who even did a tea ceremony in their tea room for us.

Stayed in April 2024

Can't think of any negatives at all. If you have mobility issues, please let them know ahead of time, some rooms are upstairs and because it is a historic building there is no elevator.

Staying at Gion Yoshiima was a highlight of our trip. It is an absolutely gorgeous place, full of history and with exceptional staff. The garden inside is beautiful. I traveled with my mother who is in her 80s and they very helpful and kind in making sure she was comfortable. The breakfast was delicious, one of the best we had in Japan and we felt as if we were having a special experience every moment we were there. We paid a small amount for a tea ceremony while there and it also was wonderful. If you have the opportunity please take it, you won't be disappointed.

Stayed in April 2024

Nothing really but we did find the room and en-suite a bit too small for us

Great location in Gion. Last year we visited Kyoto and stayed around the corner in a western style hotel, this year we wanted to try something more traditional. We booked one of the detached rooms with en-suite shower and toilet. Compared to other hotels in the area it’s amazing value for money. A lovely room with a view into the beautiful courtyard. We slept on futons on the floor which the Ryokan make up for you in the evening. The 2 nights we stayed here we had the best nights sleep on our trip (around 13 different hotels and majority very high standard). The Japanese breakfast was very good. Also booked the tea ceremony which we definitely recommend. The reception team are so lovely and also helped with restaurant bookings in advance.

Stayed in March 2024

The owners and staff were very hospitable! The garden and tea house were magnificent, the room was very cozy and really immersed us in the atmosphere of 18th century Japan. The breakfast was delicious and the whole ceremony was a very pleasant experience. Many thanks to the staff for an unforgettable experience!🫶

Stayed in April 2024

Breakfast

Great experience and location

Stayed in March 2024

Our room was on the third floor and they noted it was best to not have slippers on as it could be more dangerous. As most places in Japan and hotels, my husband's size 13 feet could not properly fit any standard issued slippers anyway. *If you prefer, bring your own extra socks that you would feel comfortable wearing instead of the Ryokan. I am not sure the etiquette for bringing your own slippers but we had little to no concern for sharp objects or hazards to step on since it is kept so clean. If you're taller than 5 feet 8 inches, you will have to be careful of your head in the room. However, to embrace the experience you also have to keep in mind there is no easy place to sit or lounge as you might in a basic hotel stay. We dressed in our kimonos and had a wonderful Kaiseki dinner experience but in retrospect I may have opted to explore the small restaurants in Pontocho alley since it was our one night in Kyoto. It was difficult to relax and feel comfortable in the kimonos for my tall husband and myself (being 25 weeks pregnant) to sit on the tatami mats at a low table the whole time. The front desk is not 24 hours, they close around 11pm so keep that in mind if you plan on staying out late that it might be best to negotiate having your key with you if you stay out.

I recommend taking a taxi from Kyoto Station (15 minutes, $2100 Yen/$13 USD) which was faster, more direct, convenient, and easier than the train with a transfer, in the rain, and with bags. We arrived on a rainy day and were warmly greeted by the staff. You had to take off your shoes and put on guest slippers. They handed you a booklet in English that gave an introduction to the Ryokan, how to put on a kimono, and details about a kaiseki meal as well as a small map of the area and basic information about your stay (wifi password etc). That was a nice touch. Our bag was brought to our room, we were given a brief tour of our room, and we were immediately served a warm cup of green tea and a Japanese ginger biscuit. The room was a beautiful traditional Japanese room with tatami mats and simple decor (TV, phone, WiFi, and 2 temperature controls for mini splits) on the third floor. They provided a hygiene kit (face towel, toothbrush, razor, hair brush). There was a traditional kimono for each to wear. The location was excellent to stroll around the area to see antique shops, small bars and restaurants. Most places were closed. Bars and restaurants do not open until 6-8pm. The Kaiseki dinner was affordable and filling with many different things: rice, sashimi, baked salmon, vegetable/shrimp tempura, soup, mochi appetizer, fresh cantaloupe dessert. It was very low key and brought to your room by your hostess. The service was thoughtful and sweet. Your hostess will set up your bedding in your room after dinner. They were accommodating to provide pillows upon our request since I was concerned about sleeping on the ground with a pregnant belly. The sitting room has 2 low chairs. We wanted to sleep in so we did not have the Western/Japanese breakfast that was included, brought to your room at either 7am, 730am, 8am, or 830am. The location of the Ryokan was perfect. It is in the center of the Gion area and as picturesque as you expect, even in the rain.

Stayed in April 2024

For the dinner/breakfast, I thought the fish was the weakest point of the meals. Both the cooked and raw fish in both meals were a bit tough. Perhaps that’s the traditional way and I’m not familiar with it, but it was one of the main points that made me pause. I had a corner unit and the walls were thin in some sections, allowing me to hear my upstairs neighbors. Small gripe: there was only one useful power outlet and it was far from the table.

The location is close to central Gion which gives easy access to the main points of interest. The traditional Japanese breakfast as well as the kaisekidinner (that I ordered separately) were both vast in interesting flavors and textures. I can’t say that I enjoyed all the flavors or that it was a peak dining experience but the variety of options to mix and match between made for a fun meal. There were many times I thought “oh what’s this” or “that’s not how I thought it would taste/feel”. All mostly positive experiences. And let’s not forget the main reason everyone booked this location: the garden. Wow. The garden is amazing. So quaint, clean and pristine. When I booked, if rained quite a bit so I was able to enjoy opening my windows and sitting peacefully sipping tea in the rain in my rental kimono. Nothing short of immersive. I hope it rains the next time I book here.

Stayed in March 2024

Everything. You will be amazed as soon as you step inside

Stayed in April 2024

Nothing, everything was perfect

The breakfast was amazing, the room was very authentic and comfortable. The location was perfect. The staff were very friendly and courteous. In the cold Kyoto weather we always looked forward to coming back to our warm room. It really made our trip something special, we were sad to check out. We would stay here again in a heartbeat.

Stayed in February 2024

Nothing to dislike here

Everything about this ryokan is superb

Stayed in February 2024

Beautiful breakfast meal, lovely staff and service. Room was very comfortable and peaceful with a stunning view onto the garden

Stayed in March 2024

Beautiful traditional Ryokan in the heart of Gion. Lovely kind people in a traditional setting. Pour tea for you when you arrive and prepare your futons. I was a bit concerned about sleeping on the futon and pillow but I slept really well. Perfect location to give you a flavour of the real Gion.

Stayed in March 2024

The staff was super friendly and accommodating. The rooms were comfortable, and the view from the balcony down into the garden was lovely. Breakfast was really delicious, and the private bath was divine! The location was perfect - right in the heart of Gion.

Stayed in March 2024

Slippers were too small and fell off constantly, making walking up and down the stairs a hazard. 'Onsen' was really just a communal tub of water in a hot room - compared to real onsens a very different experience.

Modern ryokan with a touch of heritage. Great traditional breakfast. Friendly staff. Kaisekei dinner (extra charge) was interesting and tasty - felt very traditional. Great location.

Stayed in March 2024

Loved the traditional property, it’s perfect if you want to experience a real Japanese hotel. The staff are so lovely and help put out the futon and serve you green tea on arrival. Super close to Gion while being so quiet. Would definitely recommend.

Stayed in March 2024

Only that I’m 69 yo and found getting up off the floor difficult!

Wonderful street and location. Warm reception and lovely people. Amazing breakfast . Fabulous shower, comfy futons, nice garden . They let us leave our bags after check out so we could explore Gion, which is a beautiful district. It felt authentic and we really enjoyed the experience . Loved the lady who prepared our beds and also the welcome tea.

Stayed in March 2024

Lively and picturesque garden, comfy and thick futons, delicious and eye catching meals, and warm and welcoming service!

Stayed in February 2024

I struggled to keep the indoor slippers on my feet, but that's on me and has nothing to do with Gion Yoshiima.

This was our first Ryokan experience and it was great. The property is right in the heart of Kyoto and our room was marvellous. It was also much larger than we had expected, and it was lovely just being there. The staff and especially our caretaker were wonderful and took very good care of us. We had the traditional Japanese breakfast and we loved it. We also had their Kaiseki dinner the first night, which was great...and it was lovely to have it in our beautiful room, which almost qualified as an apartment. I found the futon bed very nice and comfortable, but this is obviously not for everyone; my wife found it a bit hard.

Stayed in March 2024

I thought we were going to have a view of the garden but we didn’t. It was on the third floor facing the street.

Stayed in March 2024

We didn't realise that our plans to leave the ryokan early one morning (at 6:00am) would cause a disruption. We had to cancel our traditional breakfast on our first morning, as it could not be served before 7:00am. We were trying to leave quietly so as to not disturb anyone and were stopped by staff to hand the room key back as we were leaving, which we were not aware at this time that we had to do.

We stayed here for two nights and were blown away by the level of hospitality and commitment to giving guests an authentic Japanese experience. As soon as we arrived, we were whisked into our room and served tea. We enjoyed sleeping on futon beds and the relaxing traditional room space. The small garden space was beautiful. Our traditional Japanese breakfast was delicious and we opted into a traditional Kaiseki-style dinner, which was a highlight of our time in Japan. We enjoyed reading about the ryokan and other aspects of traditional culture in Kyoto during our stay. Special mention to the staff, who went above and beyond to take care of us.

Stayed in March 2024

It was quite cold, even with the heaters running, due to it being a very old building (so it can't be helped) I think that it would be more comfortable in warmer months.

This was an amazing experience for staying in a traditional Japanese hotel. The service was amazing and the Japanese-style breakfast was a highlight. The location was ten stars as it was a very short walk to amazing restaurants, bars and tourist attractions.

Stayed in March 2024

Loved this stay! The staff were lovely and provided an authentic experience. 10/10! Central location, easy to walk around old town Kyoto. Also let us leave out bags while we explored Kyoto and then had them waiting in our room when we checked in.

Stayed in March 2024