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Ryokan
Ryokan Uemura
605-0825 Kyoto, Kyoto, Higashiyama-ku Gion Shimogawara Ishibei-koji, Japan – Excellent location – show map
Excellent location – rated 9.7/10! (score from 52 reviews)
Real guests • Real stays • Real opinions
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.

Ryokan 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.

Excellent 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.

I 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!

I 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.

The 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!

The 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.

Amazing location with the best host I've ever had at a hotel/bnb. The breakfast was also pretty great too. The woman who runs this is extremely warm and kind hearted. It made me sad I only got to spend a night here.

Mrs Uemura is a wonderful host, letting you experience true Japanese hospitality. She is also an exceptional cook - the breakfast is delicious. The location of the accomodation is truly amazing - completely central and close to all sites in Gion. My stay here was probably what will stay with me the longest as an impression of utmost authenticity from my trip to Japan. A small note on etiquette: Please wear the slippers provided in the corridor but not on the tatami mats in the room.

Mrs Uemura is a very special host. She is gracious and kind. She greets her weary guests with green tea and something sweet, and her breakfasts are fantastic. The beds are warm and very comfortable.

- 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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Anna
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Lucy
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You're eligible for a Genius discount at Ryokan Uemura! To save at this property, all you have to do is sign in.
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 9.6 for a two-person trip.
Most popular amenities
4 reasons to choose Ryokan Uemura
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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
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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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Itami Airport24.4 miles
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Kobe Airport40.4 miles
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Kansai International Airport49.4 miles
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 13 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
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.