Ryokan Hostel Gion — Hotel in Kyoto

Summary Excellent location, comfortable beds, clean and well-organized, and great value for money. I paid 200 yen per night as a municipal tax.

Location

Most of the attractions and temples are nearby, and you can casually walk to many of them. There are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and mini-supermarkets right around the corner. Metro , very close by

Staff

Friendly and polite. They understand basic English well. I didn’t even need to use Google Translate here. 🙂

Check-In and Check-Out

Very simple and efficient process. I was given a key to access the bedspace area, and after 10 PM, you need to use a general PIN code to open the main digital door. This adds an extra layer of safety, which I appreciated.

Room

I stayed in a mixed bedspace room. The left wing was for females, and the right wing for males. The bedspace was spacious enough to store valuables and essentials. Inside each bedspace, there’s a special locker with a key, very useful. I even kept my laptop there when using the toilet. Our luggage can be placed next to your bedspace. After 10 PM, the lights are dimmed automatically, but you have your own reading light in your bedspace.

The A/C temperature was okay—not too cold or too hot. Personally, I prefer it a bit colder, but it was still comfortable.

Free Amenities Towels, water, and a comb are provided for free. I stayed for two nights and was given two towels.

Lobby Area The lobby area is spacious and has a large table if you want to work or use your laptop. There are also a couple of Japanese-style tables with mats,

Washrooms The washrooms were extremely clean, and I never had to wait to use them. The shower section is separated from the toilet area, which is a good design choice.

Extra Cash Payment

You’ll need to pay 200 yen per night in cash, according to Kyoto municipal tax laws. But everything was clearly communicated me before I arrived in Japan so I was happy to pay for that. Very clear...

Stayed in mixed dorm.

Pros: clean and spacious capsules. Comfortable bed. 5 shower stalls and toilets. Toiletries available (qtips, cotton pad, hair brush). Hair dryer, hair curler/straightener, towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face cleanser, face essence, & hangers available. Convenient stores, restaurants, and shopping nearby (10 minute walk). Close to the city but not noisy at all. Near subway stations. AC is good. Stores luggage before check-in. Washer (300 yen) and detergent available.

Cons: women have to go upstairs to use the restroom / shower (if staying in mixed dorm). Wi-Fi not stable but still works most of the time. Not a lot of space when people open their luggage. Need to use dryer (30 min/ 100 yen) 2 times for clothes to be fully dried. Opening and shutting curtain is loud. Some people are inconsiderate and loud af in the morning (not hostel’s fault). Wooden bunks are noisy when people move around/ up and down. No full size mirror for women. You have to pay additional (tax) when you check-in. No dispensable slippers (have to...

I stayed here for a few nights solo during winter time (Feb) in the 12-people dorm room and enjoyed it 100%.||||This is a brand new hostel which opened probably less than 6 months.||||Location - around the Gion area of Kyoto, with tranquilo atmosphere and historic buildings, walking distance to the busy shopping area and dining places||||Transport - close to Sanjo (三条) Station and Airport Bus to Kansai Airport is just a few mins walk (the last bus stop for the Airport Bus)||||Staff - All are helpful and speaks English||||Equipment - all are brand new and spotless. Bed is comfortable, shower is good and strong, toilet is always clean, water machine, refrigerator, little pantry, everything is ready to use. Towel / hairdryer / one-time-use shaver, toothbrush, comb are available as well.||||This hostel was not super crowded while I was here, probably because it's winter time and also it's a new business.||||This hostel has 2-bed and 4-bed ensuite and also 12-bed and 24-bed dormitory room.||||Come before this little secret...