Ryokan Tori — Hotel in Kyoto

I recently stayed at the Roytan Tori in a deluxe room and was pleasantly surprised by the peaceful ambiance and excellent service. It took 40 minutes from Kyoto by taxi(¥3000) due to traffic, the hotel is conveniently situated near a charming geisha district and a variety of restaurants.

Check-in was a breeze, and the staff were incredibly helpful and friendly. They explained the hotel rules clearly and offered us a refreshing cup of tea upon arrival. The room was spacious and well-appointed, with complimentary water and amenities.

One of the highlights of our stay was the traditional Japanese bath. The yukatas provided were comfortable, and the bathing experience was relaxing. The complimentary shower products were luxurious and left my skin feeling refreshed.

We then participated in the tea ceremony offered by the hotel. It was a fascinating glimpse into the samurai era and a unique cultural experience. While matcha tea can be bitter, the hotel thoughtfully provides sweets to balance the flavor.

After a delicious dinner in the nearby area, we returned to the hotel to find our room meticulously prepared with futons laid out. The hotel is remarkably quiet, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep. While my partner slept soundly, I found the futons a bit uncomfortable.

Breakfast was a delightful surprise. It was easily the best breakfast I've had in Japan so far, offering a variety of delicious and fresh options.

In the morning we caught a taxi to Nijo station (¥1000), the previous night we walked it in 20mins.

Overall, my stay at the Roytan Tori was wonderful. The hotel's combination of traditional charm, excellent service, and convenient location make it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a tranquil...

We had a great stay at Ryokan Tori for our last night on our trip to Japan. At check-in, we were greeted by the hostess and our bags were quickly delivered to our room. After settling a bit, we left to find dinner nearby. Before leaving, the hostess pointed us in the direction of a nearby geisha district for the chance of seeing one, and we did. After dinner, we returned to the ryokan and scheduled time for the bath and tea ceremony afterwards. My wife was apprehensive of the idea of a shared bathroom, so we made sure to at least book the room with it's own toilet. The bath was available only in the evening, and the staff prepares a fresh tub for each guest. The showers in the bath are available in the morning. After our stay, my wife mentioned that the bath and showers were very private and felt like they were our own, and didn't end up being any issue at all. There were four total couples staying that night. Spending the evening with dinner, a bath, and the tea ceremony was a great relaxing way to end our trip. The tea ceremony was very special as the hostess prepared tea for just my wife and me. She also took time to explain the ceremony and answer questions afterwards. While out, they prepaired our beds on the tatami floor of our room. The bedroom, bathroom, tea room and tea garden were all beautifully simple. We were served breakfast downstairs with another couple at the same time, again beautifully prepared and served, seated with a view of the tea garden on a rainy morning. In all, I wish we'd have stayed another night, but Ryokan Tori and staff provided a calming end to our...

We were taken care of from the moment we set foot through their door. Though we were early, they graciously took our bags and advised us on attractions to pass the time before check-in. Once we checked in, our bags were already brought to our room, we were served tea, and our bath was already being prepared. After our bath, and a little more sightseeing, we returned in time for the tea ceremony which was absolutely amazing. There's a lot of power and emotion in witnessing this ancient tradition, and the tea was delicious. We were given the story and history of the tea ceremony, and made to feel like this was the first time they'd ever performed it for their guests. It was a very real and genuine Japanese experience, and a real honour to be a part of. Breakfast was so stunning to look at that we almost felt bad eating it. The room in which we eat was gorgeous as well. It's a relatively small Ryokan, and so there's a sense of exclusivity and solitude you wouldn't otherwise get at a bigger inn. ||||The only downside to this amazing place, in my opinion, is the location. Although it is somewhat away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Kyoto (which some may very well appreciate) it would be difficult for anyone to get to any of the main attractions without having to take an array of public...