Mifuku — Local services in Kyoto

Mifuku is bar none the most charming place I've ever stayed.

The question is - why do you travel? If your answer is "to discover the true spirit of Japan" as it was for me, then staying at Mifuku is a must. The inn is a throwback to the Showa-era, a place right out of Tora-san and Kurosawa films. It is located smack in the middle of Ponto-cho where you will find just about any cuisine you desire, and my room had a full view of the Kamogawa river where all sort of birds frolicked. Size of the tatami-room was generous, complete with kotatsu (low table with an infrared heater), kyodai (traditional powder station and mirror), kakejiku (a Japanese painting hanging on a wall) and a flower arrangement.

The hospitality provided by the ladies in kimono was top notch. There are only 3 rooms at the inn, so they really run a tight ship there. They welcome you with green tea and sweets. Futon will be laid out for you while you step out for your dinner. They also bring your breakfast to your room, and oh what a scrumptious feast that was.

When I checked in, I stored my jacket in the closet and forgot about it when I checked out. It was totally my fault, but I received an email from them that afternoon, and upon confirming it was mine, they overnighted the jacket. They even remembered what date I'm returning to the U.S. and made sure that I'd have it before I left. That level of personal attention to detail, is what made my stay at Mifuku truly one of the kind. I am very much looking forward to returning there on my next...

Visited Kyoto with my daughter and her fiancé and loved this ryokan. Our rooms had river views, a/c and sinks. This is an authentic traditional experience so do not book here if you want a western chain hotel. We were delighted with the tea service upon arrival served by the charming proprietor. She made us feel very welcome and was very good at explaining how to use the lavatory and shower and when and how breakfast would be served despite limited English. When we returned from dinner our futons were in place along with the traditional yukatas. We enjoyed wearing them that evening and through breakfast the next morning. The futons were amazingly soft and comfortable but the "pillows" were more of a beanbag pouch. We were happy that the window chairs had cushions that could adequately serve as pillows! Breakfast was very traditional Japanese fair: fish, tofu, rice, salmon. My daughter and her fiancé have lived in Japan for a year and loved the food. Westerners not used to authentic Japanese food might find it difficult to face first thing in the morning but it is worth trying. Happily, the last course was a lovely assortment of fresh fruit and remarkably good coffee. There is even free wifi. The location is really good, convenient to transport, restaurants and shopping. When it was time to leave, our hostess presented us with gorgeous fans. This hotel stay was truly a highlight of my time in Japan. I felt enriched by the experience and cannot say enough about our...

Visited Kyoto with my daughter and her fiancé and loved this ryokan. Our rooms had river views, a/c and sinks. This is an authentic traditional experience so do not book here if you want a western chain hotel. We were delighted with the tea service upon arrival served by the charming proprietor. She made us feel very welcome and was very good at explaining how to use the lavatory and shower and when and how breakfast would be served despite limited English. When we returned from dinner our futons were in place along with the traditional yukatas. We enjoyed wearing them that evening and through breakfast the next morning. The futons were amazingly soft and comfortable but the "pillows" were more of a beanbag pouch. We were happy that the window chairs had cushions that could adequately serve as pillows! Breakfast was very traditional Japanese fair: fish, tofu, rice, salmon. My daughter and her fiancé have lived in Japan for a year and loved the food. Westerners not used to authentic Japanese food might find it difficult to face first thing in the morning but it is worth trying. Happily, the last course was a lovely assortment of fresh fruit and remarkably good coffee. There is even free wifi. The location is really good, convenient to transport, restaurants and shopping. When it was time to leave, our hostess presented us with gorgeous fans. This hotel stay was truly a highlight of my time in Japan. I felt enriched by the experience and cannot say enough about our...