Ryokan Ryokan Uemura
605-0825 Kyoto, Kyoto, Higashiyama-ku Gion Shimogawara Ishibei-koji, Japan – Excellent location – show map
Excellent location – rated 9.8/10! (score from 121 reviews)
Real guests • Real stays • Real opinions
*8.9* Kodai-ji: only 2 minutes away! (550 feet by foot)
*8.6* Yasaka Shrine: only 5 minutes away! (1,300 feet by foot)
*8.4* Maruyama Park: only 6 minutes away! (1,400 feet by foot)
If you're a fan of Miyazaki, you'll love this place. The host, Hidoke, has been running Uemura for 60 years. She is the sweetest woman we met during our travels. Don't be mistaken by her old age--Hidoke cooks up and serves the tastiest breakfast, and sees her guests out with the care and warmth of a grandmother. She has such a humble and charming presence--you'll find yourself wanting to give her a big hug. The room was utterly spectacular, decorated in weathered Japanese textiles and papers, overlooking a nearby shrine. In the morning we discovered three kittens cuddling beneath the windowsill and wondered if we could just stay forever.
United States of AmericaRyokan Uemura is warm safe haven in an unbelievably central location. The old wooden building with the most charming proprietor makes you feel immediately relaxed and at home. Location is best of both worlds as it is tucked away on a quiet charming alleyway but walking distance to Yasaka shrine, Kodai-Ji temple, Gion and a main street in Southern Higashiyama where you can find convenience stores and restaurants.
United States of AmericaExcellent hospitality, great view of the little garden in the room, amazing location, truly incredible location. Despite the signs saying photos were prohibited, the surrounding street is so scenic there were always people in kimonos having their photos taken. Excellent access to Kodaiji Temple. The walk to Kimuzu-dera was scenic, quite uphill but gorgeous. Location makes you feel like you are a time traveler.
United States of AmericaI can’t think of a thing I didn’t LOVE!! Perfect location within walking distance of the main street. So much around that area. The hostess was incredible...she made you feel like you were visiting family. Such a warm and comfortable place to come back to after a day of exploring an amazing city!
United States of AmericaI have been to Japan almost 10 times and this is by far one of the best ryokan I have stayed. It is situated in a historical, preserved street. While the accommodation is old and traditional, it offers enough amenities that help your stay comfortable. The room I stay has a partial view of pagoda and is very peaceful especially at night time. The host, Ms. Uemura, is very kind and she is a superb cook! The Japanese breakfast is just perfect. I will definitely return on my next visit to Kyoto.
ThailandThe house lady is absolutely adorable. This way of housing the guest is so much more involved than any traditional hotel. Using B&B and capsule hotels before, I was very satisfied not to constrained in space - the room is huge by japanese standard, which definitely adds up to a comfort score. Being located in Gion area, I had a chance to spot real geishas - they look magnificent!
GermanyThe breakfast was ample, delicious, and made with care. Our host anticipated our every need, and the room was peaceful and comfortable. We loved the view of the garden out our window.
United States of AmericaMrs. Uemura is sweet and charming. We felt so welcome. The house is old, but beautiful and a great chance to see what a Japanese home is like. Breakfast was very good, coffee, toast, yogurt, an egg with ham, and three types of fruit, small salad, and a glass of juice! Our room was downstairs & large. It was clean and had air conditioning. The shower was clean and straight from the 60s, had soap, conditioner, body soap, clean towels and we wore Yakata. As others have said, this felt more like a home stay or Minshuku (family run b&b) than other ryokans we experienced.
United States of AmericaPerfect location for Kyoto temples, shrines and restaurants. Breakfast was delicious. Owner just amazing:)
United States of AmericaOwner, Hideko san, is the loviest host one could wish for in the sweetest location in Kyoto. If you are looking for a traditional lodging experience, this is the place. You are greeted with tea and cake at check-in and a very warm welcome. Breakfast is ample (American style) and the location really couldn't be better. The beds are traditional tatami mats and the bathrooms are shared, both comfortable and clean. We loved our stay!
United States of AmericaRyokan Uemura This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!
- What guests loved the most:
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Peter
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Susan
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Jackson
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Maureen
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Krittaporn
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Maksym
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Faith
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Daniel
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Rhonda
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Brenda
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In the center of Gion district, Ryokan Uemura features authentic Japanese-style accommodations with tatami (woven-straw) floors. Gion Shijo Train Station is a 10-minute walk away.
Guests sleep in Japanese futon beds and can relax by the sitting area, which has a low table. Japanese Yukata robes are provided as sleepwear and rooms have traditional shoji paper screens. Bathrooms and toilets are shared.
Uemura Ryokan is a 20-minute walk from Kiyomizu Temple and a 10-minute walk from Maruyama Park. JR Kyoto Train Station is a 15-minute drive away.
Free wired internet is available at the lounge. Luggage storage is provided at the front desk. A Japanese set-menu is served for breakfast.
The property has a curfew at 10 pm. Guests cannot enter or leave the hotel after this time. You must inform the property in advance what time you plan to check in.
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 9.8 for a two-person trip.
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RetryMost popular amenities
Good for couples – they rated the facilities 8.6 for two-person stays.
Bookers love...
Located in the top-rated area in Kyoto, this property has an excellent location score of 9.8!
Want a great night's sleep? This property was highly rated for its very comfy beds.
| Sleeps | Room Type | |||
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| Max adults: 1 |
Japanese-Style Single Room with Shared Bathroom
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| Max adults: 2 |
Japanese-Style Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
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What's nearby *
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Ishibe Alley0 miles
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Kodai-ji0.1 miles
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Yasaka Shrine0.2 miles
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Maruyama Park0.3 miles
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Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka0.3 miles
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Kennin-ji Temple0.3 miles
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Hanamikoji Street0.4 miles
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Yurufuwari0.4 miles
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Hiyoshido Massage0.4 miles
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Chion-in Temple0.4 miles
Closest Airports *
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Itami Airport24.4 miles
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Kobe Airport40.4 miles
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Kansai International Airport49.4 miles
Most Popular Landmarks *
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple0.5 miles
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Gion Shijo Station0.5 miles
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Shoren-in Temple0.5 miles
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Old Rissei Elementary School0.6 miles
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Samurai Kembu Kyoto0.7 miles
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Sanjusangen-do Temple0.9 miles
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Heian Shrine1.1 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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Imperial Palace1.9 miles
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RetryAmenities of Ryokan Uemura Great facilities! Review score, 8.9
Most popular amenities
Bathroom
- Shared toilet
- Free toiletries
- Shared bathroom
- Hairdryer
Room Amenities
- Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
Pets
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Pets are not allowed.
Living Area
- Sitting area
Internet
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Free! WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.
Parking
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No parking available.
Services
- Baggage storage
General
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Heating
- Air conditioning
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.
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
There's no capacity for cribs at this property.
This property doesn't offer extra beds.
No age restriction
There's no age requirement for check-in
Cash only
This property only accepts cash payments.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
The fine print
You must inform the hotel in advance what time you plan to check in. If your check-in time changes, please update the hotel.
Please inform Ryokan Uemura of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
An accommodation tax per person, per night is not included in the price and must be paid at the property.
