Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano

Absolutely perfect location in Gion. These small streets are a different world from the rest of Kyoto. The 4 hosts here are both sweet and very, very funny. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. While breakfast and omakase are not served here, fresh fruit, snacks, and treats are delivered to your room daily. The hosts kindly do your laundry for you while you are exploring. If you are there while they host a Maiko show YOU MUST GO! A private event with a geisha normally starts at 80,000 yen and this is free for guests! Tea, sake, dancing, games, and karaoke. I've never laughed so hard in my life.

My stay at this charming traditional inn (ryokan) in Gion was absolutely unforgettable. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with genuine warmth and kindness by the incredible staff. Everyone went above and beyond to make me feel at home, and their hospitality was one of the highlights of my visit. The inn itself is a beautiful example of classic Japanese accommodation — quaint, peaceful, and full of character. Sleeping on tatami mats and futons added an authentic touch that made the experience feel uniquely special. Everything was impeccably clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully arranged. The location couldn’t be better — just a short walk from some of Kyoto’s most iconic temples and historic streets. It’s the perfect base for exploring the cultural heart of the city. And to top it all off, there are adorable dogs on the property that made my stay even more heartwarming! If you’re looking for a peaceful, authentic, and welcoming place to stay in Kyoto, I can’t recommend this spot highly enough. I’m already looking forward to my next visit.

We absolutely loved our five-day stay here! The location couldn't be better, each night. We walked back to our hotel through the Yasaka Shrine. The shrine and the district at night was magical and quiet. The staff were so friendly and helpful. The amenities couldn't have been better. Our son loved the dogs and played with them each morning before we left and when we got home from the day. The staff were so accommodating and would go seek out the dogs to bring them to him each night. One night, they brought in a Maiko to do a performance. She danced and taught us traditional Japanese games, we had such a great time! It was an unexpected surprise but ended up being the highlight of our trip. Thank you to everyone at Ryokan Gion Sion, we had a lovely stay.

The owner, Ishko and her family are the sweetest most welcoming people ever. They're so hospitable and welcomed me with snacks and an overview of their home. They showed me how to get in and out of the property and were so incredibly attentive, bringing sliced fruit each day to my room. I truly felt so well cared for. Additionally, they offer free laundry service (provided you bring it to them before 9:30 pm), and they handled my clothing with such care. I didn't have to worry about returning within a certain period of time to move my clothes into the dryer, and I knew my items were in good hands. Additionally, the location is on a serene and peaceful street that is very quiet. I appreciated the nice atmosphere of the surrounding environment and enjoyed that this ryokan was just a 5 minute walk from Yasaka Pagoda, Maruyama Park and a short distance away from Ninnenzaka and Sannenzaka.

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.