The bathroom could use some hooks to hang towels or clothing. A low portable towel rack and plastic tray took up floor space and the tray would get wet as the shower curtain did not completely contain water.

The hosts were very gracious and made available a variety of snacks throughout the stay including fresh fruit and breakfast pastries left in our room each day. It was nice to have a Japanese home experience. The dogs were so calm and gentle. The location was very quiet and the courtyard entry felt safe.

Stayed in March 2024

Very expensive however, was wonderful stay.

Excellent location in the heart of the Gion distract. The couple hosting were amazing and friendly. Two beautiful dogs greeting you and room was clean.

Stayed in April 2024

I am so glad I chose to stay here. It was easy to get to via a bus from the train station and it's perfectly near all the major Gion sights. The family who own the hotel are welcoming and helpful and made my stay very comfortable. I could wake up at 5.30am visit a few places before the crowds of tourists arrived and then come back to the hotel for a nap, breakfast and a shower before heading out again. They leave little snacks for dessert and breakfast in the fridge and also fruit, which was a lovely touch. The room was huge and so was the bathroom. Ok the decor doesn't match and its kind of corny but the bed was so comfortable and they provide PJs, Toothbrush etc plus there is a kettle, fridge and TV in your room and a microwave, little oven and snacks you can help your self to in the hallway. One night they had a free Geisha performance with complimentary drinks in the downstairs lounge room. I would stay hear again in a heartbeat.

Stayed in April 2024

I was able to check in earlier than planned which was great. The location is perfect. Near to the places you wanted to be, but quiet area. The people there were super friendly as well. Highly recommend staying here.

Stayed in April 2024

Nothing

Wonderful in every way. Exceeded our expectations again and again. Quiet, comfortable traditional room with a great view, in a bustling, walkable part of Gion. Close to everything yet a restful hideaway. The friendliest most kind and helpful hosts. Topped off with endless yummy snacks and a free Maiko show. Don’t hesitate to stay here.

Stayed in March 2024

One of the best place that we have stayed so far: our superb hosts, 2 friendly dogs, maiko show, daily dessert and fruits. Wonderful location too.

Stayed in March 2024

I was very pleased with my stay. The room was lovely, the staff are all very kind and attentive, and my overall experience was great! I completely recommend this hotel.

Stayed in March 2024

It was the perfect traditional stay.

Stayed in March 2024

The owners and staff were extremely friendly and helpful; they gave recommendations on what to visit and how to get there. I thoroughly enjoyed the Maiko show and games on Saturday night, it was a special experience. The Japanese style room was excellent! The view was great, the futon was very comfortable, and there was a low Japanese table. I was amazed by the amount of tasty treats and snacks they provided, something always hit the spot after a long day of walking through the beautiful neighborhood. I plan on staying here again on my return to Kyoto.

Stayed in February 2024

If I had to be picky, I would say that hours or operation make it difficult to check in. They close and go to sleep at night, but it's understandable, considering it is a family-style ryokan and they do work with you to make sure you can get back in if you do stay out late. Just consider that before booking and expecting that you can check in at midnight, because you can't, they'll be asleep.

Absolutely the best staff. It's a family with dogs and they were so sweet, making sure there's always snacks and beer in the room. The room was also bigger than I expected and absolutely beautiful. Really felt like a welcoming home stay.

Stayed in February 2024

Better guidance about how to get there from the train station

Very beautiful location and a beautiful ryokan (way more beautiful in reality than on the pictures) the owners are very attentive, supportive and friendly and do everything for free.

Stayed in February 2024

We loved absolutely everything..it was like walking into a warm familiar home. Room and beds super clean, traditional beds on floor but so very comfortable, pillows amazing. They made us feel like long lost family and the owners and staff spoiled us rotten. We loved the room, constant food and snacks were left (a great way to test Japanese snacks) we loved the Maiko/Geisha experience, they were so very beautiful and entertaining. Sano and Mari bent over backwards to keep us comfortable and happy. We as a family of 4 cannot recommend this place enough.

Stayed in February 2024

-

EVERYTHING! The hospitality of our hosts, the location, the generous snacks, the Maiko show. The gentleman even drove us and our skis to the Kyoto station! Absolutely incredible experience

Stayed in February 2024

Nothing

Welcoming and cozy place like home. Great place to experience Japanese culture. Host so warm and caring-they have two great dogs! Brilliant memories of Kyoto.

Stayed in February 2024

Loved everything.

The hosts, the unlimited bottled water, the tea and coffee as well as multiple snacks. Also, daily, one came back to fresh fruit cut up and stored in the refrigerator. This was our first trip to Japan and we will have been here for 2 weeks. In retrospect, I realize just how expensive fruit is here and the snacks add up. All this was complementary here. We had an atypical situation where various kids joined us at different times … this did not faze the hosts at all. They were gracious and kind. And then the Maiko (geishas in training) show was outstanding. Not only did they again provide complementary sake and snacks, but I found out from a guide that it is rare for a Maiko to go to anyone ‘s house unless it is an old, established relationship. From the humility and interactions with our hosts, one would never guess their status. Other reviews had posted about curfew … there isn’t one. The front desk is open till 11pm. After this, they have a way to come in a different way. We had a quadruple room which was spacious and comfortable. We also had an en suite bathroom which was remarkably useful esp at night. Sadly, we left here to go to another local Ryokan for traditional meal; well it was a mistake. I recommend kyoto ryokan Gion Sano unreservedly.

Stayed in December 2023

Nothing. It was a wonderful experience.

The owners were attentive and accommodating to your every need. The rooms were spacious and immaculate. The owners provided free snacks every day plus, they did your laundry for free. The ryokan was quiet and had an excellent location within the “temple” district of Kyoto. You can wander around at night and see the nearby temples all alit. The ryokan is within an easy walking distance to restaurants and the downtown shopping district. A convenient bus stop, linking the ryokan with train station, is only a few blocks away.

Stayed in December 2023

There is nothing I disliked. This place is great!

Excellent stay, this Ryokan hotel is such a special place! The hosts were incredibly kind and welcoming. The dogs were such a delight. Really appreciated the weekly cultural performance/ interactive experience. The bed was comfortable, it was very quiet, and very clean. Location is amazing. Snacks were provided each day (pastries, fruit, water, tea, etc). This hotel was the best place I stayed in while traveling in Japan. Such a wholesome and heart warming experience especially as a solo traveler. They even did my laundry, which was so convenient and kind. Thank you for providing such outstanding service!

Stayed in December 2023

Nothing

Everything . The family running this Ryokan are so friendly and helpful . The room was amazing . Found the beds super comfortable and loved the treats and snacks left for us after a day out. Thoroughly recommend this property for an amazing traditional experience.

Stayed in December 2023

I wish they had posted a schedule for their Maiko shows on the listing a bit better? Would have loved to planned around it but I had missed it by a day. They extended an invitation for me but my schedule didn’t accommodate staying in Kyoto another night.

They treated us so well, we still are talking about it back at home and only wish we could have stayed longer. It was in a wonderful area that made it super easy to explore. Also their dogs were such a treat to see since we missed our dogs and these little guys were sweet and friendly, so it helped us feel at home. We got a beautiful spacious room last minute because I had fumbled the website and made a reservation for one instead of two people, and they made it work. Every night they gifted us some delicious fruit and it became something we would look forward to during the day. The room itself was cute and comfortable and really made us feel right at home. They also had done our laundry and since my husband and I traveled in carry on this was amazing! I could continue to go in and on, but one small thing that would make me smile was the fresh bouquet they would have set in your room.

Stayed in November 2023

This was a very memorable experience for us. We stayed there for 2 nights in mid November, and it was actually my birthday on the first night. That night we were lucky to see a geisha show at the ryokan, and it was beautiful performance! After the show, were able to pay a game with the geisha and ask questions. It was very unique experience! One of the staff there spoke English and was able to translate the questions to the geisha and answer back in English to the people. Most of the people in the audience were foreigners, so they must get a lot of foreigners, most likely because they are using Booking.com. The ryokan seemed like it's family owed and the owners were very accommodating and friendly. The room itself was very clean and was stocked with snacks and a welcome treat of fresh fruit and tea. There are even more snacks in the hallway for anyone to enjoy. We stayed in the traditional styled Japanese room and the beds were very comfy! I stayed at two ryokans before this one, an this ryokan had the comfiest beds. They also had a laundry service and put our cleaned clothes in our room while we were out! Moreover, they were accommodating in allowing us to park on rented E-bikes in their parking space. Highly recommend this ryokan! You will not be disappointed!

Stayed in November 2023

A perfect stay in a wonderful location with great hosts. The experience was cultural and one I won’t forget!

Stayed in November 2023

Locating the Ryokan & carpark entrance was a bit of a challenge for the first time. Once familiar, then it's ok.

Very cosy & homely place. Staff were friendly & enthusiastic, always cheerful & ready to help. The Ryokan organized a Maiko (young Geisha) performance in one of the evenings, with no additional charges, & also provided complimentary snacks & drinks during the session. It was a fantastic experience, with lots of interactions between the Maiko, guests, staff & the pet dogs! The 2 pet dogs are a joy, super friendly & well-behaved. The Ryokan provided complimentary daily snacks/fruits, and also have at each floor's lobby - complimentary drinks, snacks & cup noodles, plus microwave & toaster. Very thoughtful team, & generous. Absolute joy to stay here, clean, comfortable, spacious rooms, & at a good location. Laundry facilities available at level one. Highly recommended!

Stayed in November 2023

Nothing…it was perfect!

Fantastic location. The family that runs it along with their 2 dogs was the best, authentic place we stayed. They were extremely friendly and so helpful with any questions! I will definitely stay there again!!

Stayed in November 2023

The location is perfect for visiting Kyoto! The room was lovely and spacious and the hosts were so kind.

Stayed in October 2023