Gion Ryokan Karaku — Hotel in Kyoto

We liked this ryokan. So so clean and spotless. Very polite staff. Comfortable futons. Toilet is a seperate vestibule with separate bathtub which was kinda small and a shower. The sink had enough counter space and enough lighting. There was a mirror right in the shower area that was like waist tall with a stool. I used it as a makeup mirror sitting on the stool and it was perfect height with lighting from above but not sure if that was the intent. They left us 2 yukatas and I saw some tourists wear them at breakfast. Many Japanese touches in the room like a wooden clothes drying rack, tea set, small bench to change your shoes, slippers. For us 2 nights was enough since we really prefer the amenities of a hotel but great experience. Ver walkable as well to Yasaka Shrine which was around the corner and Gion and Kiyomizudera Temple. We opted from the kaiseki dinner and breakfast. The dinner was pretty pricey but we wanted to try a kaiseki experience and it was quite nice. ||If coming from Kyoto Station, check the hotels website for directions. It will say to walk over to bus stop D2. Google maps doesn't mention the bus stop, they only mention the bus number 206 so it was helpful that the hotel website gave that detail otherwise you would have to read the bus map at the station and that was a bit confusing I would also print out or have handy on your phone the Japanese characters of the ryokan name. It's in a small alley but you can see the large lighted sign of the hotel name in Japanese from the end of the street while you're walking by. It's just a 5 minute walk from...

Being in Gion is to be transported back in old Kyoto. There are a lot of small, quaint structures with narrow paved streets. Lots of famous temples, shrines, eateries and souvenirs shopping (omiyage). Went with a friend, our highlights all within walking distance (20 min max): ||* Shrines and temples galore - visit early or late to avoid rush hour|* Geisha watching|* Nanaya kimono rental (there’s a ton of other rental places too) Dressed up for the afternoon. Got great photo ops along the streets and on a rickshaw rental. |* Kasagi-ya for traditional sweets (ohagi) and tea in a old wooden shop atmosphere|* Ghibli Studio fans, there are two shops within easy walking distance||If you want to be in the thick of Gion, Ryokan Karaku is a wonderful place to stay. It’s four stories with elevator access and a very professional staff. You can confidently walk around and drop off goodies as you shop or need to take a break. Breakfast and kaiseki dinners were included in our rate, although next time I’d opt out of it so I can try other places. The staff called for taxi service whenever we needed and they were there in 5-10min (although they like to plan ahead when possible, we were mostly spontaneous). ||There weren’t mobs of people being that Japan has recently opened up and we went shortly after Golden Week). It was a great,...

Being in Gion is to be transported back in old Kyoto. There are a lot of small, quaint structures with narrow paved streets. Lots of famous temples, shrines, eateries and souvenirs shopping (omiyage). Went with a friend, our highlights all within walking distance (20 min max): ||* Shrines and temples galore - visit early or late to avoid rush hour|* Geisha watching|* Nanaya kimono rental (there’s a ton of other rental places too) Dressed up for the afternoon. Got great photo ops along the streets and on a rickshaw rental. |* Kasagi-ya for traditional sweets (ohagi) and tea in a old wooden shop atmosphere|* Ghibli Studio fans, there are two shops within easy walking distance||If you want to be in the thick of Gion, Ryokan Karaku is a wonderful place to stay. It’s four stories with elevator access and a very professional staff. You can confidently walk around and drop off goodies as you shop or need to take a break. Breakfast and kaiseki dinners were included in our rate, although next time I’d opt out of it so I can try other places. The staff called for taxi service whenever we needed and they were there in 5-10min (although they like to plan ahead when possible, we were mostly spontaneous). ||There weren’t mobs of people being that Japan has recently opened up and we went shortly after Golden Week). It was a great,...