Nationwide × Zen-Inspired AccommodationHighly rated for customer service and hospitality at Hotel·Ryokan

I chose “Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto by Banyan Tree” as my Accommodation when visiting the Gion Matsuri (Saki Matsuri). I live in Nishinomiya, so it’s close enough for a day trip, but since it was the Gion Festival, I decided to stay overnight. After considering several options, I finally chose Garrya, which I’d been curious about for some time. I checked in in the evening, and as soon as I passed through the entrance and reached the lobby, I was breathless at the beautiful green garden framed by the large windows. I was even more moved by how the trees were reflected on the large stone table—it felt almost like being in an art museum. The calm atmosphere instantly eased my fatigue, and I truly felt glad I had chosen this place. My Room was on the third floor—Room 305 (Nijo Castle View Twin). The reflection of greenery even appeared above the window, creating an unexpectedly spacious feel that really impressed me. The use of stone flooring also gave it a wonderfully solid, luxurious presence. The raised area featured black tatami mats—something we Japanese guests especially appreciate. From the furniture and cushions to the bedding, every detail felt carefully considered, and I was completely satisfied. For breakfast, I chose their “Wellbeing” concept option—it was genuinely delicious and deeply impressive. The staff were flawless as well. Although it may seem like a high-end property at first glance, there were many younger staff members too, and their warm hospitality made me want to chat with them naturally. You’re sure to have a wonderful stay here.

This Hotel was the very purpose of our trip to Kagawa Prefecture. We didn’t do any sightseeing at all, but from the bottom of my heart I’m so glad we came. Throughout the entire Facility, we could feel the owners’ attention to detail and refined sense of beauty in every corner, and at the same time we were truly grateful for their warm hospitality toward guests. Vintage and modern, Japan and Europe—things that are completely different were seamlessly combined through their sensibility. The interior design, the cuisine, and even its presentation were all wonderful and deeply inspiring. The old sofa in our Room had real character, was very comfortable to sit on, and matched perfectly with the modern furniture. Over time, the linen has developed such a beautiful color! I could really understand why the owner is so particular about that sofa. Also, since I’ve been considering buying the chair at the writing desk myself, I was happy to be able to try how it feels to sit in it. Everything they have selected was fascinating and exciting. Above all, their personalities are wonderful—we definitely want to come back again. (A stylish husband and an adorable wife!!) We’d love to stay in other Rooms as well, and see the garden in a different season too. For us, this was a truly meaningful encounter that brought new insights. With heartfelt thanks—thank you for such a delightful time. We’ll visit again. Please take care!

I often stay at international Hotels these days and usually come home impressed wherever I go, but this place was in a class of its own. Since the Hotel has only recently opened, it’s natural that the Facilities are spotless, but the hospitality was truly outstanding—really! My friend and I even promised we would definitely come back. Breakfast at Gion Kawakami and the rooftop bar were both excellent as well. Thank you very much for taking such good care of us.

The three of us—my 86-year-old father, my brother, and I—stayed here. When I mentioned during the Reservation that my father is elderly, they kindly upgraded us on the day to a Room with a private indoor Onsen bath fed directly from the source. My father was delighted and said he could truly relax and enjoy the Onsen. Everyone at the Ryokan, starting with the proprietress, was very kind. Their service was warm yet respectfully unobtrusive, which we really appreciated. Our Room was a traditional-style Japanese-Western suite inspired by an old farmhouse; it was spacious and luxurious, and we couldn’t help but admire the impressive beams. We were shown to a private dining room for our meal, which we had been looking forward to. The dishes were served at our pace, allowing us to savor delicious food and drinks in complete comfort. It was a wonderful Accommodation that made us want to return again after quite some time away. Thank you so much to the proprietress and all staff for your exceptional hospitality!

We stayed here to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. Our 6-year-old was thrilled with the pool. Although it sometimes felt a bit understaffed, we were very satisfied with the pleasant service that made up for it. We’ve traveled to Okinawa dozens of times and stayed at many Hotels, and this one is definitely among the top. There were a few insects, but that’s part of the charm. We’ll probably come back again.

This was our first stay here on a trip for two. We stayed in the Room called “Nagaishi-no-Ma,” a nostalgic-style Room surrounded by furnishings such as a Karuizawa-carved desk, creating a calm and pleasantly reminiscent atmosphere. Above all, the staff’s service and explanations were very courteous, and we were able to spend our time comfortably, making it a wonderful memory. We would love to visit again next year.

I visited Hiiragiya again. I had made a Reservation for a Room with a bath and toilet, but I was first shown to a Room without them. It was still very comfortable, but when I asked to Check Reservation, I was told there had been a mistake, and you kindly arranged for me to stay in the Room associated with author Yasunari Kawabata. Thank you for your thoughtful care. Once again, I enjoyed Kyoto’s summer flavors—chilled edamame soup topped with sea urchin, pike conger sashimi, grilled tilefish with crispy scales, jellied soft-shelled turtle broth, Kamo eggplant with sesame sauce, and more—then fully enjoyed Yoiyama and fell asleep thinking of Mr. Kawabata before continuing on to the Gion Festival. Kyoto is changing little by little, but this is the beauty of Japan—and the spirit of Japanese hospitality—that I hope will be passed on to future generations.

We traveled with my elderly mother-in-law, and as on our previous stay, everything—such as preparing chairs—was arranged with extra care, allowing us to spend a very comfortable time. The meals were consistently excellent as well. Since we stay around the same time every year, we would appreciate it if you could consider adding a bit more variety to items such as the hassun. To all the staff, thank you very much for your help and thoughtful attention.

We visited to celebrate my father’s 80th birthday. It was a long drive from Yokohama to Nagano, but this was a wonderful Accommodation that truly made us glad we came. The in-room open-air bath was a little hot and needed some adjustment, but it was clean, spacious, and free of insects. The shampoo and conditioner also left our hair smooth and silky. (Some Ryokan at this level still leave your hair feeling rough.) All the staff who welcomed us were smiling, and during dinner the head chef served the main dish right at our table. Everything was delicious—made with local ingredients and carefully prepared with great attention to detail. On our way out, they even opened the souvenir shop in the main building earlier for us, so I was happy to be able to buy the souvenirs I wanted. My parents were very pleased as well, so we would love to visit again while they are still healthy.

This was my second stay. Last time, I stayed during a snowy season, so this time I was able to relax until dinner and fully enjoy the sight of green trees swaying and the gentle calls of evening cicadas from my clean, refined Room. The meals here are delicious both in the morning and in the evening, with plenty of vegetables. Of course, the fish and meat were also excellent—everything was flawless. Above all, the staff’s smiles were wonderful, and their service was attentive and professional, which made me feel truly happy. I will definitely come back to stay again when I have time. Thank you very much.

Staying at the dreamlike Accommodation “Bansuirou Fukuzumi”—and on top of that, being able to make a Reservation for “Room 15”—felt unreal. I honestly thought, “No way… really?” After waiting for months, the day finally arrived, and from the moment I stepped into the front desk area, everything was already overflowing with charm. Mr. H, the manager who guided us to our Room, was incredibly kind and also took great care in showing us around the building. I’m truly grateful to have heard such in-depth stories as well—it made me realize that maintaining an Important Cultural Property involves far more effort than I had imagined. The famous ceiling painting was breathtaking too. Everything was simply stunning; outside, the evening cicadas were singing and made the atmosphere even more special. After fully enjoying Room 15, we headed to the bath—what I’d been looking forward to most: the Onsen. The indoor tiles were so cute, and the Onsen left my skin feeling relaxed and silky-smooth—absolutely wonderful. Every dish was carefully prepared and delicious as well. Thank you so much for accommodating my allergies—I truly appreciate it. Our attendant was also very friendly and lovely. And thank you for providing Shuttle Service too. Being able to stay at “Bansuirou Fukuzumi,” and having encountered this place at all, has become a lifelong memory—I feel so happy to have had such a precious experience. Even if Room 15 becomes a café someday, I’ll be cheering you on. I would love to visit again. The truly precious Important Cultural Property: Bansuirou Fukuzumi

I chose this Accommodation for my boyfriend’s birthday trip. It was my first stay here, and it far exceeded my expectations. Above all, the staff’s service was truly outstanding, and I was moved by every thoughtful gesture. The property has the charming presence of a grand traditional Japanese house, and the garden is beautifully maintained. We enjoyed a luxurious time dining at a relaxed pace while looking out over the garden. The basashi (horse sashimi) in particular was the best I’ve ever had—absolutely unforgettable. The Room was spacious and spotless, very comfortable, and the view from the window was wonderful. The building also has delightful surprises and playful touches that even first-time guests can enjoy, which kept me excited throughout our stay. They also offer an excellent selection of sake, so I especially recommend this Accommodation to sake lovers. It was one of the most memorable places I’ve ever stayed—completely satisfying in every way. I will definitely return.

Although it was my first time trying zazen meditation, sutra copying, and morning prayers, the clear guidance helped me ease into everything smoothly. The thoughtfully prepared shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) was truly delicious and deeply moving. The Room and Facility were also clean and comfortable. I felt refreshed by the soothing atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Japan, and even now after returning home, I still feel renewed.

We visited for a family trip to celebrate our daughter’s marriage. As it was formerly an art museum, we were overwhelmed by the meticulously designed building by Tadao Ando and the many artworks displayed throughout the property. The Room was extremely comfortable, and the pool we had been looking forward to was wonderful—we were able to fully enjoy this extraordinary space. We expected Western cuisine, but instead were delighted by beautifully refined Japanese dishes. The drink pairings matched to each course were perfect, and every dish moved us. The congratulatory wedding cake we had ordered was also truly delicious and became a wonderful keepsake. We sincerely appreciate the warm hospitality of all the staff. This is a superb Hotel where architecture, art, and food are all in harmony, and we would love to stay again.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. There was only one reason I came to Shirahama: To stay at Kuroshio Sou. When people think of Shirahama, many picture the sea and resorts. But what I found here was Wakayama itself. What moved me most at this Accommodation was not only how outstanding the food was. It was Head Chef Etani’s exceptional skill, and his deep respect for the producers who support every single dish. Fishermen. Farmers. Brewers. Roasters. And the artisans who continue to protect Japan’s fermentation culture. The moment I saw the map of producers introduced alongside the meal, I understood what this Accommodation truly values. Through the cuisine, you encounter not only ingredients, but also the people behind them and Wakayama’s climate and character. I was especially impressed by how delicious the soy sauce and Kinzanji miso were at dinner. When I asked about them, I learned they were from Horigawaya Nomura—a producer with over 350 years of history that still preserves traditional craftsmanship using firewood-heated iron kettles—making both their soy sauce and Kinzanji miso in that way today as well. I had originally planned to visit a different soy sauce brewery, but heavy rain made it impossible. Sometimes, the places you cannot reach end up guiding you to the story you were truly meant to find. For me, Kuroshio Sou was exactly that kind of place. The wonderful Onsen gently healed not only my body, but my mind as well. The quiet comfort throughout the building, Chef Etani’s cuisine, and the hospitality of all staff— together they quietly express this Accommodation’s philosophy in everything it does。 As a former chef from Tasmania, there is something I felt deeply: True hospitality is not just serving delicious food; it is helping guests connect with the people and culture that sustain a place。 I now have one more reason to return to Wakayama。 Thank you again from my heart.

I visited for the first time in January. When I arrived at the Accommodation, I was immediately captivated by the magnificent Nishikigoi in the large aquarium at the front. On the way to my Room on the second floor, I was amazed by the massive stone arrangements and found myself wondering just how much weight this building was designed to withstand. I was then shown to a Room called “Waterwheel.” The Room featured an impressive waterwheel set into the wall, and I was simply mesmerized by its exceptionally elaborate design. Even the sink in the washbasin area was lined with agate—an extraordinary touch that made me unable to help but wonder (pardon my curiosity) how much it must have cost to build this Accommodation. Of course, the garden is also wonderful. The hot spring water had a gentle sulfur scent and felt very pleasant on the skin. Meals were served in-room for both breakfast and dinner, and everything tasted excellent. Every staff member was attentive, allowing me to spend my time comfortably. I chose this place based on Reviews, and it more than lived up to them—I would love to return in a different season.

I stayed here for a concert trip this time. Because of the concert end time and traffic, I didn’t arrive until 9:00 PM, and I ended up getting to dinner very late, but you welcomed me with a smile and I had a wonderful time. Breakfast was also delicious, and since I had some time before checkout, I was able to take a walk in Kenrokuen Garden across the street. The location is excellent, and above all, every staff member was smiling and seemed genuinely happy—I would definitely like to stay here again the next time I visit Kanazawa. Thank you as well for your thoughtful thank-you email.

The Room, the meals, and the rural scenery... everything was wonderful! Even travel guidance was provided, and the services were excellent, which made our trip truly enjoyable. This is an Accommodation we would definitely love to visit again. Thank you very much for all your help during our stay. Thank you!

Its kaleidoscopic beauty resonates deeply in the heart. Exquisitely prepared with sincere care, the cuisine is truly delicious. A beautiful garden that reflects the seasons—so captivating you could gaze at it forever. Elegant summer décor that lets you fully experience Kyoto’s traditional culture. Hanging scrolls, ikebana, and a beautifully arranged Room down to every detail. The head chef, attendants, the young proprietress, and the proprietress herself offer warm, attentive hospitality with genuine grace. Thinking that all of this beauty is an expression of love for each guest fills me with freshness and gratitude. At Kikkawa, you can feel the refined spirit of Kyoto—an appreciation for making everyday life beautiful and joyful. It began as an Accommodation I hoped to stay at at least once in my life; before I knew it, this was my 11th visit. A superb culinary Ryokan I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who truly loves Kyoto.

I visited with two friends. The beautiful view from the window, the soothing retreat atmosphere, and the heartfelt, delicious meals helped us relax both body and mind, making it a truly memorable trip. Thank you very much!