Seikiro Ryokan Historical Museum Hotel Kyoto by the sea — Local services in Miyazu

The building itself is quaint and has a traditional design as do the rooms (see photos).||The staff are friendly and they’re obviously used to non-Japanese guests. |Upon check in they’ll show you to your room and point out the various things of note (closet/ air conditioner/ bathroom etc.)||They’d obviously specially prepared for my arrival as just the one futon had been laid out and a lovely hot (actually very hot!) water bottle had already been placed under the covers. (The room could easily accommodate up to 5 or even 6 futons if needed).||Upon arrival they’ll also point out location of the communal bath and no doubt give you directions on how to use it if you ask.|As I had a selected a room with an en-suite bathroom I declined the offer of this tour.||I gather not all rooms have en-suite bathrooms as there is a shared toilet (men’s/women’s are separate) and a communal sink in the hallway which was ‘interesting’ to see in such a location.||Please note upon checking in shoes are to be removed and left at the front door next to reception and not to be worn/taken to the rooms (Don’t sweat it. It’s Japan so nothing is going missing). |As the reception area has tatami flooring there’s also a sign to ask not to drag heavy suitcases across it or wear slippers while walking on it||The building is old and quaint but it is showing it’s age (The Fujiya or Nara Hotels this place is not!). I suspect they use the word ‘museum’ in it’s name at times to excuse themselves of how run down it’s looking in places. |That being said it does have old world charm so no complaints here!||Please note that the reception closes at 23:00 as I was informed upon arrival. Not really an issue as most businesses seem to close long before that in the town.|However there is a shopping center a 2 minute walk away that has a supermarket on the 1st (ground) floor, various stores above it and a few restaurants on the top floor one of which has a fairly ‘western’ menu. You can’t miss which one it is ;)||Receptionist mentioned there wasn’t a convenience store very near by so this is your best bet to pick up whatever you might need.||The rooms are (at least the one I had) are huge compared to Japanese standards so a great place to relax after a day at Amanohashidate for example.|Again they are showing their age though. |The bathroom is distinctly Japanese 70’s style (no washlet) and tiny. |Curiously there was just a hand towel in the bathroom itself and a regular towel in the closet (which I didn’t find until the next morning).|I went in early spring on an uncommonly warm day but I can well imagine the rooms to be very (very!) cold in winter and very hot in summer though there is an A/C though such is it’s age I wouldn’t be surprised if it made quite a racket.||The futon was nice and cozy as was the pillow but at 6’0” my feet were hanging off the end.|I would have had a good sleep if it hadn’t been for being awoken numerous times by the loud (!) rattling of the old window panes every time the wind picked up. |Thankfully I’d brought some ear plugs which I dug out at 03:30 a.m. after having been woken up numerous times already. So yes, bring ear plugs!||The entrance to the building isn’t facing the main road but down a side street.| Not easy to miss but worth a mention as a few approaching guests were obviously a little surprised by this.|The hotel is an easy 5 minute walk from Miyazu Station (2 hours by the ‘Hashidate Express’ from Kyoto Station). Not worth taking a taxi to unless you have a lot of heavy suitcases.||All in all a good place to stay but don’t spend over a $100 per person (I spent around $70 for just myself).|Good for a night’s stay while visiting Amanohasidate and an...

We absolutely stumbled upon this place...only because I was an ignoramus and thought Kyoto Prefecture meant Kyoto city. But I am so glad that we did! Miyazu 2 hours from Kyoto and not easy to get to but it is worth a visit to Amanohashidate. About Seikiro, here are some pros and cons:||Pros:|- It has the most wonderful hot springs that are incredibly relaxing|- The traditional Japanese-style living was brought to life for us and we loved our spacious and comfortable room with beds on the floor (each with a hot brick-like thing)|- The staff were extremely warm and friendly. Although they barely knew English (only a few words), they took pains to explain what we could do around Amanohashidate and with a little bit of gesturing and flexibility on both sides, I knew exactly what options I had :)|- This was also the first time we had traditional Japanese breakfast, it was amazing|- The ryokan is well taken care of and clearly a part of local history, so we felt like we experienced a sliver of it too|- Close to the bus stop, 9 mins walk from railway station||Cons:|- The shared bathroom was a new and uncomfortable experience for us. Thankfully we were the only ones that night|- The town is so silent that it is eerie and not many eating options near by, so stock up before you get to Miyazu|- Internet in our room was spotty. Needed to get to the main reception area for better connectivity ||Overall, I wouldn't have missed this experience of rural Japan...

We absolutely stumbled upon this place...only because I was an ignoramus and thought Kyoto Prefecture meant Kyoto city. But I am so glad that we did! Miyazu 2 hours from Kyoto and not easy to get to but it is worth a visit to Amanohashidate. About Seikiro, here are some pros and cons:||Pros:|- It has the most wonderful hot springs that are incredibly relaxing|- The traditional Japanese-style living was brought to life for us and we loved our spacious and comfortable room with beds on the floor (each with a hot brick-like thing)|- The staff were extremely warm and friendly. Although they barely knew English (only a few words), they took pains to explain what we could do around Amanohashidate and with a little bit of gesturing and flexibility on both sides, I knew exactly what options I had :)|- This was also the first time we had traditional Japanese breakfast, it was amazing|- The ryokan is well taken care of and clearly a part of local history, so we felt like we experienced a sliver of it too|- Close to the bus stop, 9 mins walk from railway station||Cons:|- The shared bathroom was a new and uncomfortable experience for us. Thankfully we were the only ones that night|- The town is so silent that it is eerie and not many eating options near by, so stock up before you get to Miyazu|- Internet in our room was spotty. Needed to get to the main reception area for better connectivity ||Overall, I wouldn't have missed this experience of rural Japan...