Ryokan Gion Ryokan Karaku
605-0074 Kyoto, Kyoto, Higashiyama-ku Gion-machi Minamigawa 499 , Japan – Excellent location – show map
Excellent location – rated 9.3/10! (score from 90 reviews)
Real guests • Real stays • Real opinions
A very cool traditional Japanese ryokan. It lived up to all the great reviews. They were even kind enough to help me with the parking of my bicycle! Lovely people.
United States of AmericaWe LOVED the location (right next to the Yasaka Shrine - perfect for exploring the Gion district). The simplicity and cleanliness of the common areas and the room made for a visually beautiful stay. The staff was very friendly, and the furo was terrific!
United States of AmericaWe liked everything about the place, but most of all the staff. Very courteous, helpful and friendly. Couldn't ask for more.
United States of AmericaWe really enjoyed the location as it’s close to temples and in the middle of a historic district. Easy to access major tourist attractions and plenty of food options around. Onsen was great! We used it every day :)
CanadaWould have liked western food option for breakfast
SingaporeGreat Japanese style room with the great public bathroom, and also , the point is! The breakfast of the hotel is soooooo great! High recommend to book the room with breakfast! For the location, It’s nearby Gion, but at the same time, the hotel is located on a very quiet street, the environment is very good! All in all, will choose to stay in this hotel if I come to Kyoto again!
ChinaOur family of 5 loved this Ryokan. It was authentic while comfortable and super spacious which was a surprise. The breakfast was so special. The location couldn’t have been better. I would definitely come back here.
AustraliaThe breakfast was lovely, the staff very attentive and always helpful. The location of this Ryokan is excellent and many attractions can be reached within walking distance. We enjoyed our stay very much.
Hong KongRooms, futons, blankets were perfect, as well as onsen
RussiaGreat location, loved walking around there. The staff were kind and even prepared a gluten free breakfast for me.
United States of America
Gion Ryokan Karaku
- What guests loved the most:
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David
United States of America
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Michael
United States of America
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Harish
United States of America
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Do
Canada
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Fam
Singapore
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Xueying
China
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Lucy
Australia
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Antje
Hong Kong
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Anna
Russia
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Hila
United States of America
Gion Ryokan Karaku is located a 15-minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple. It offers free internet and a public bath with mineral water.
Gion Ryokan Karaku is a 5-minute walk from Maruyama Park. Sanjusangen-do Temple and Nijo Castle are about a 10-minute drive away.
Rooms at Gion Ryokan feature traditional Japanese futon bedding and tatami-mat flooring. Each comes with a flat-screen TV and private bathroom.
This property is a ryokan, which is a type of traditional Japanese Inn. Learn more
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- What's a ryokan?
- A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. They usually feature bathhouses, multicourse dinners, communal spaces where guests can relax, and rooms with woven-straw flooring and futon mats. Like hotels, a range of ryokans (from budget to luxury) is available. What originated centuries ago as a free rest house for long-distance travelers has evolved into a popular destination for relaxation surrounded by therapeutic mineral springs.
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- What are the big differences between a ryokan and a hotel?
- Unlike a hotel, where the guest room is just a place to turn in for the night, a ryokan is more than just a place to sleep. In Japan, many travelers journey long distances to relax in a hot spring bath and feast on a traditional multicourse dinner – staying in a ryokan is an experience in and of itself. These ryokans typically have Japanese-style rooms with woven-straw floors and futon beds (no Western beds and carpeting). You should also remove your shoes at the entrance of the room, or before you enter it. Modern ryokans might serve buffet-style meals in a dining area, while more traditional ryokans tend to serve in-room dinners. Some ryokan rooms have a private bathroom, and others might just have a shared bathroom.
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- What's a kaiseki meal?
- Kaiseki is the culinary highlight at a ryokan, embodying beautifully presented dishes that delight both the palate and the eyes. Every one of the 10 to 15 dishes that make up the multicourse Japanese dinner is prepared in a way that highlights the unique textures, colors, and flavors of featured seasonal ingredients and local specialties. Most commonly served at special restaurants and ryokans, a traditional kaiseki dinner usually consists of bite-size appetizers, fresh sashimi (raw fish, like sushi), soup, grilled fish or meat, a hot-pot dish, rice with miso soup, and a small dessert.
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- What's a yukata?
- A yukata is a casual summer kimono or robe, typically made of light cotton. Many ryokans provide guests with yukata robes during their stay. In some areas, it's common to see guests strolling through the neighborhood in their yukatas. The loose-fitting garment is perfect for sleeping and relaxing in.
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- How should I wear a yukata?
- First, put your arms through the sleeves like you would with a robe. Take the right side of the yukata and wrap it across your body. Then, take the left side and wrap it over the right, making sure that the robe is level at your ankles. Pinning the yukata closed on the right side, wrap the sash around your waist a couple of times and then tie a bow. Generally, the bow is tied around the waist for women, and the hips for men.
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- What's a Japanese hot spring (onsen)?
- Onsen (literally "hot spring") is a term often used to refer to both the mineral-rich hot springs and the bathing facilities that house them. Whether the bath is public or private, gender-segregated or mixed, indoor or outdoor, soaking and unwinding in the soothing geothermal waters at an onsen is a millennia-old custom deeply embedded in Japanese culture.
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- What's standard bathing etiquette?
- At a bathhouse—onsen or not—guests are expected to remove all clothing in their respective changing rooms before entering the bathing area. As a common courtesy, once inside the bathing area, guests should wash and rinse their bodies thoroughly before quietly stepping into the hot water. Whether you relax in solitude or converse softly with others is up to you, but guests should always be mindful of others. Wash towels are often used to cover one’s private areas while walking around. However, note that you should not put towels in the water.
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- Why are tattoos not allowed?
- While tattoos have become more popular among Japan's youth, many Japanese people still associate them with outlaws and organized crime. Nowadays, not all businesses ban customers with tattoos, but you might still be refused admission to bathhouses and swimming pools. Small tattoos can be covered up using waterproof bandaids, but keep in mind that each property has the final say on what’s acceptable.
This is our guests' favorite part of Kyoto, according to independent reviews.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.4 for a two-person trip.
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RetryMost popular amenities
Good for couples – they rated the facilities 8.9 for two-person stays.
Located in the top-rated area in Kyoto, this property has an excellent location score of 9.3!
Breakfast Info
Asian
Private Parking Available On Site
Bathhouse
| Sleeps | Room Type | |||
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| Max adults: 4. Max children: 1 |
Superior Room
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| Max adults: 3. Max children: 1 |
Twin Room with Tatami Floor
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| Max adults: 4. Max children: 1 |
Suite Room
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| Max adults: 5. Max children: 1 |
Standard Room
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See what guests loved the most:
-
David
United States of America“A very cool traditional Japanese ryokan. It lived up to all the great reviews. They were even kind enough to help me with the parking of my bicycle! Lovely people. ”
-
Michael
United States of America
“We LOVED the location (right next to the Yasaka Shrine - perfect for exploring the Gion district). The simplicity and cleanliness of the common areas and the room made for a visually beautiful stay. The staff was very friendly, and the furo was terrific!” Read more
-
Harish
United States of America
“We liked everything about the place, but most of all the staff. Very courteous, helpful and friendly. Couldn't ask for more.”
-
Do
Canada“We really enjoyed the location as it’s close to temples and in the middle of a historic district. Easy to access major tourist attractions and plenty of food options around. Onsen was great! We used it every day :)”
-
Fam
Singapore“Would have liked western food option for breakfast”
-
Xueying
China“Great Japanese style room with the great public bathroom, and also , the point is! The breakfast of the hotel is soooooo great! High recommend to book the room with breakfast! For the location, It’s nearby Gion, but at the same time, the hotel is located on a very quiet street, the environment is very good! All in all, will choose to stay in this hotel if I come to Kyoto again!” Read more
-
Lucy
Australia“Our family of 5 loved this Ryokan. It was authentic while comfortable and super spacious which was a surprise. The breakfast was so special. The location couldn’t have been better. I would definitely come back here. ”
-
Antje
Hong Kong“The breakfast was lovely, the staff very attentive and always helpful. The location of this Ryokan is excellent and many attractions can be reached within walking distance. We enjoyed our stay very much.”
-
Anna
Russia“Rooms, futons, blankets were perfect, as well as onsen”
-
Hila
United States of America
“Great location, loved walking around there. The staff were kind and even prepared a gluten free breakfast for me.”
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Yasaka Shrine0.1 miles
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Kodai-ji0.1 miles
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Ishibe Alley0.1 miles
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Maruyama Park0.2 miles
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Hanamikoji Street0.3 miles
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Hiyoshido Massage0.3 miles
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Chion-in Temple0.3 miles
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Kennin-ji Temple0.3 miles
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Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka0.4 miles
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Shoren-in Temple0.4 miles
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Cafe/Bar ジュヴァンセル祇園店（ケーキカフェ）0.2 miles
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Gion Shijo Station0.4 miles
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Samurai Kembu Kyoto0.6 miles
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Old Rissei Elementary School0.6 miles
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple0.6 miles
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Heian Shrine1 miles
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Sanjusangen-do Temple1.1 miles
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Kyoto Shigaku Kaikan Conference Hall1.2 miles
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Eikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple1.3 miles
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Kyoto International Manga Museum1.3 miles
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Imperial Palace1.8 miles
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Itami Airport24.4 miles
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Kobe Airport40.5 miles
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Kansai International Airport49.5 miles
What would you like to know?
No thanksThank you for your time
Your feedback will help us improve this feature for all of our customers
CloseWe're sorry, but there was an error submitting your comment. Please try again.
Retry4 reasons to choose Gion Ryokan Karaku
Why book with us?
Prices you can't beat!
Manage your bookings online
The staff speaks English
Booking is safe
Amenities of Gion Ryokan Karaku
Great facilities! Review score, 8.9
Most popular amenities
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Bathtub or shower
- Slippers
- Private Bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Bathtub
- Shower
Kitchen
- Dining table
- Electric kettle
- Refrigerator
Pets
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Pets are not allowed.
Activities
- Bathhouse
- Massage Additional charge
Living Area
- Dining area
- Desk
Media & Technology
- Flat-screen TV
- Telephone
- TV
Food & Drink
- Bottle of water
- Wine/Champagne Additional charge
Internet
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Free! WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Private parking is possible on site (reservation is needed) and costs ¥2,000 per day.
Services
- Daily housekeeping
- Vending machine (drinks)
- Baggage storage
- Fax/Photocopying
- Gift shop
- 24-hour front desk
Safety & security
- Fire extinguishers
- Smoke alarms
- Safe
General
- Designated smoking area
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Elevator
- Heating
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
Accessibility
- Upper floors accessible by elevator
Languages Spoken
- English
- Japanese
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Cancellation/
prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.
Children & Beds
Child policies
Children of all ages are welcome.
Children 6 and above are considered adults at this property.
To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.
Crib and extra bed policies
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Extra bed by request
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¥3,500 per child, per night |
Additional fees are not calculated automatically in the total cost and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.
There's no capacity for cribs at this property.
The maximum number of extra beds allowed depends on the room you choose. Double-check the maximum capacity for the room you selected.
All cribs and extra beds are subject to availability.
No age restriction
There's no age requirement for check-in
Gion Ryokan Karaku accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
The fine print
An accommodation tax per person, per night is not included in the price and must be paid at the property.
FAQs about Gion Ryokan Karaku
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The prices at Gion Ryokan Karaku may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.
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From the nearest airport, you can get to Gion Ryokan Karaku by:
- Airport shuttle (public) 1h 20min
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Guests staying at Gion Ryokan Karaku can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 10.0).
Breakfast option(s) include:
- Asian
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Room options at Gion Ryokan Karaku include:
- Family
- Twin
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Check-in at Gion Ryokan Karaku is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 10:00 AM.
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The following parking options are available to guests staying at Gion Ryokan Karaku (subject to availability):
- Parking
- On-site parking
- Private Parking
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Gion Ryokan Karaku offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):
- Massage
- Bathhouse
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Gion Ryokan Karaku is 1.7 miles from the center of Kyoto.
