We stayed in a garden room. Getting there was half the experience; walking through the courtyard, which we requested. Nature in the city, inside the hotel. Staff worked hard to help us understand meal times and services in the hotel. They accommodated food concerns with ease (celiac - we brought our own gluten-free soy sauce they were happy to cook... More

Stayed at Yoshi-Ima for one night in January 2012. Was looking forward to a traditional cultural experience and it did not disappoint! On arrival, we were asked to remove our shoes which were then whisked away by the staff. We were then invited to put on some slippers. The bottom of my bag was wiped (wheels) to preserve cleanliness of... More

We got into Gion Yoshi-ima as part of a package deal: Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, and a stay (which we extended for another day) at the ryokan. I was apprehensive at first, but I must say that despite the somewhat steep cost (for the additional night about ¥ 37,000), my loved one and I did not regret it. Gion... More

This is a ryokan specialized in foreign visitors. The receptionist is very kind, speaks well English and there are no communication problems. The ryokan itself is in the antiques shop street of Kyoto and ideally located to stroll around in Gion quarter. Many neighboring streets are much more idyllic, however, and the building itself consists of a modern concrete and... More

Service was good, package included breakfast and dinner which tasted very good. Such a nice treat to be served in your room, from needing the bed, setting up the breakfast table and meals, and finally in the evening, the hotel staff sets up the futon for a good night's sleep. Quite pricey but very good experience to live the Japanese... More

I stayed here a few years back with a friend during my first trip to kyoto and loved it. Thus I was super excited to come back again. Yet this time I was a bit disappointed. We opted to use the train to get to the hotel which was not the best of ideas. The directions on the website were... More

I booked this with Japanican with Shinkansen tickets from Tokyo. I was a bit hesitant given the reviews here, but I really enjoyed my stay. I had been to Kyoto several times and decided it was time to stay in a ryokan. My trip (which I did not realize) was over the Gion Matsuri festival. My single room consisted of... More

The "traditional Japanese" is in fact a rather low level facility, such as you may find in a third world country. The room has no chair, no desk, no place to relax until the fouton bed is laid down for the night. Most objectionable is that the meals are served in your room. She cooked the supper which was tasty... More

I am writing this review from the perspective of a Western traveler who stayed at a ryokan for the novelty experience only. I would recommend reading up on exactly what goes on at such a hotel if you aren't aware. It's a very different way of spending a night. Having never stayed at a ryokan before (and not since), it's... More