After traveling through Japan a few years ago and staying in a beautiful Ryokan in Kyoto, we weren't expecting Ryokan Gojyuan to live up to what we'd experienced previously. We were so wrong.||||The impeccable, warm and genuinely helpful service began leading up to our stay where Linda offered a vegan kaiseki dinner and men's kimono dressing as things we might like to experience. It was our first anniversary, so we went with Linda's recommendations.||||Unfortunately the kaiseki chef was unwell and couldn't cook for us but Linda went above and beyond to secure us a private dining room at Shiki and even offered to drive us there and back! The kimono dressing wasn't as twee as it sounds; it was fun, lighthearted and we have some great photos of us both dressed up to look back on.||||Our favourite aspects of Ryokan Gojyuan are the rooms; they're traditional in that we slept on futons that can be removed during the day and replaced with a table (yes, you sit on chairs without legs but the backrest stops you from falling back). The traditional onsen is divine and beautifully prepared by Linda with sake, tea, towels and amenities. The entire place has been thoughtfully and authentically renovated to represent a ryokan. Many items imported from Japan, what couldn't be imported, Linda has crafted herself. Things like heated floors in the bathrooms and onsen are subtle but luxurious touches that made our stay even more enjoyable. Oh and the food, Linda has been taking cooking classes for 7 years and I'd it shows in the traditional Japanese breakfast she prepared for us each morning.||||Our tip: Stay for at least 2 nights and spend a day just relaxing in the grounds - ignore the outside world and relax in your little piece of Japan.