Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano

The hotel was in the middle of a beautiful street in Gion district. Coming out and walking around was so tranquil and peaceful with old style Kyoto homes. The property itself was super cute and clean. The best part was the on-site doggies that greeted you with lots of kisses. They had a maiko performance on Saturday for the guests of the hotel. We were able to interact with the performer, played games, danced and there was even karaoke! The staff would provide amazing fruits and snacks everyday. They have a massage chair if you are tired of all the walking and the best perk is that they did our laundry while we were out exploring. The staff were super sweet and though communication was a little challenge we always managed to get everything answered using apps on our phone. We usually stay in 4-5 star hotels but the dogs on site convinced me to stay here and I have to say this hotel was a better experience than any 5 star hotel we have stayed in. I would 100% recommend this place for couples, singles and friends traveling to Kyoto. We were so sad to leave this place but hope we can come back and stay here again.

If I could give this place 11 I would! We were made to feel so welcome as soon as we arrived, shown around our room and delivered fresh melon. The room was lovely - traditionally Japanese - with lots of nice little touches. Every day they left us a little surprise snack in our room. Although they say they don't provide meals they left us pastries and bananas every day which was plenty for breakfast for us. Our first evening there was a free geisha performance and karaoke which we really enjoyed. The ryokan is located in beautiful historic Gion close to lots of the main sites.

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.

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.