Around Nijo Castle × Highly rated for dining 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 was my first stay during the Obon holiday season. After sightseeing in the scorching heat, I checked in early, and from the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the stylish interior. Drinks were available whenever I wanted, and above all, I was amazed at how pet-friendly this Hotel is in every way. For dinner, they provided a pet cart, which made it easy to enjoy a comfortable walk and meal. The hot dogs were delicious, and breakfast was stylish, filling, and very satisfying. I would be even happier if dinner service were available as well. All of the staff were kind, and I would love to stay again.

I stayed here twice a few years ago, and I was truly happy to be able to return after a long time. All of the staff were genuinely pleasant, and I had a very relaxing stay. In particular, thank you to Mr./Ms. H (I’m using an initial as I’m not sure if it’s okay to share the name) who assisted with my check-in. One thing only: I used FORNI for both dinner and breakfast. At dinner, my meat was upgraded, but I wasn’t asked about my preferred doneness. At breakfast, we were told it would be a choice of main dish plus a semi-buffet, but later we were informed that choosing the Japanese set would not include the semi-buffet, which was a bit disappointing. Even so, this is truly a wonderful Hotel. I look forward to visiting again.

The Room is spacious. The bathroom is also large and separate from the toilet. The linens are new and clean. The breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of items and is quite tasty. There is a 7-Eleven nearby, as well as affordable coin-operated parking, which is convenient. For that price, no complaints.

I stayed here because I was curious about it as a Hotel under Polaris HD. The Room felt smaller than I expected, but the furnishings and amenities were excellent, and I had a comfortable stay. The view from the Room is of a residential area, so it is not particularly impressive, but the building itself is clean and well maintained. Breakfast featured a wide selection of carefully prepared dishes with good nutritional balance, and everything was very delicious. It is a bit far from the station, so access was the only drawback, but overall I think it offers great value for money.

Although it’s a little away from the main tourist areas, there’s a bus stop nearby with frequent service, and the subway station is also close, so it was convenient for getting anywhere. The complimentary drinks such as coffee were also appreciated. Given the surprisingly reasonable price, I can’t really complain, but if I had to mention one thing: since we stayed two nights, it was a bit disappointing that breakfast was exactly the same boxed meal both days.

It’s a bit of a walk from Subway Nijo Station to the Hotel. However, compared with staying near Kyoto Station and having to navigate its large platforms, this option may actually be quicker from “getting off the train to reaching the Hotel.” Also, buses to Shijo and Kyoto Station depart from the bus stop right in front of the Hotel, which was surprisingly convenient. The route to the Hotel has wide sidewalks, so even with a suitcase it’s easy and stress-free. And there’s a large supermarket on the way from the station to the Hotel! I think it’s also well suited for longer stays. Depending on your sightseeing plans, I’d choose this Hotel rather than staying around Kyoto Station or Shijo-Karasuma.

My daughter-in-law’s parents live near Nijo Castle, and we stayed here to coincide with her second homecoming childbirth. Parking was free, and although there was a minor issue in the Room, it was handled promptly. The free shuttle bus to Kyoto Station was also very convenient. I’ve stayed overnight in Kyoto many times, and I truly feel we should have used this place much sooner. The area in front of the banquet hall on the second floor was spacious as well, and even though it was scorching hot outside, we were able to relax and play with our two-year-old first grandchild—making this a stay we are deeply grateful for.

When I visit Kyoto, I often choose this Accommodation for the following reasons: - Close to central Kyoto - Capsule-hotel style, yet with private rooms available - A large public bath with perfectly partitioned washing areas - Clean - Affordable - A relaxing 1st-floor lobby - A great selection of drinks in the 1st-floor lobby This time, I was especially impressed by the new coffee machine and the unique tea flavors. It really feels like a Hotel that is always improving.

Even during the Obon season, we were able to stay at an affordable price regardless of booking last-minute, and the Room was spacious and clean. We also enjoyed drinks in the lounge, which was great. It is a very convenient Hotel close to the station, with easy access to both JR and the subway. I would like to stay again next time.

I stayed here again following last year. The property is very clean and well maintained, and the services are excellent, including breakfast, complimentary curry, and the large public bath. There is a bus stop right in front, with a car rental shop and convenience store nearby as well—an ideal location. The staff were also very courteous. I will definitely stay here again. I’ll be recommending it to friends!

I think it offers excellent value for money. I was impressed by the wonderful large public bath. The room was also clean, and I was very satisfied. If I have the chance, I would like to stay here again.

I stayed on the Plan with a sauna. Check-in was at 3:00 PM, but I arrived around 1:30 PM to leave my luggage, and I really appreciated that you were able to show me to my Room right away. I booked a standard Room, and it was next door to the sauna Room, which made it easy to go back and forth and very comfortable. The sauna was very clean, and I was happy that the amenities were Aesop and the hair dryer was ReFa. It was also nice that we could bring the welcome drink back to the Room, which helped us relax. The sauna itself felt great and was very relaxing. The only disappointment was that we were told we could enjoy the sauna from check-in until check-out, but when I tried to use it in the morning, the power was off and I couldn’t use it. There wasn’t an instruction manual either; since it had been running automatically when we arrived, I didn’t know how to operate it and felt a bit stuck. Other than that, everything was very comfortable, and I think this Accommodation is highly recommended for sauna lovers.

I stayed for a Multiple Night Stay. I was glad to have privacy in a private room with a lock. Being mindful of noise is part of the capsule experience. Earplugs were provided, so I was able to sleep soundly until the afternoon. The bed is on the firm side, but personally I preferred it to one that’s too soft. It would be nice to have an outlet near the bed. There were only outlets at the desk, so I couldn’t charge my devices while falling asleep. Since it’s stairs only, guests staying on upper floors will need to make an effort.

We stayed for one night. Thank you very much! A very courteous foreign staff member assisted us and kindly asked, “Do you have a toothbrush?” The Room, bathroom, and bed were all extremely clean, and there were hangers and deodorizing spray as well—excellent value for the price. The Plan we booked included drinks, which were in the refrigerator and properly chilled. Great value for the price. If you’re unsure about where to stay based on price, this Hotel is highly recommended! The Room was quiet, and so was the refrigerator. There are also plenty of power outlets by the bed.

The Room was spacious and provided a relaxing space where I could forget my busy work schedule right up until the day before. Thank you very much.

The room was clean and had a sense of cleanliness, which was great. I would definitely like to stay again if I have the chance.

It felt like home in a way, being able to spend time with the whole family, talk, and take care of each other. However, the spacious bath with a jacuzzi experience, the warm floor heating, and the beautiful white wood Japanese-style room were extraordinary happy experiences. There is also a shopping street within walking distance where you can shop for groceries, and the vegetarian breakfast was delicious. The concierge was really kind and helpful; I highly recommend this wonderful Room! Thank you very much for all your help!

I visited with a same-day Reservation. Thank you for kindly accommodating us despite the short notice. When I entered the Room, a gentle hinoki-like scent filled the space and was truly soothing. The complimentary room fragrance and bath salts were a lovely touch, and they helped me relax even after returning home. The Room was very clean and well maintained, so I felt comfortable staying there. I would love to visit again.

Thanks to the Diamond member benefit allowing us to stay until 1:00 PM, we were able to relax and take our time. The amenities and drinks were well stocked, and everything was comfortable with no inconvenience. The bath had strong water pressure and filled up quickly, which was a nice plus since there was no stress from waiting. Breakfast was delivered to our Room, so we could enjoy it slowly without worrying about others. However, it tended to cool down a bit over time, so better heat retention would make it even nicer. Also, the table in the Room was a little low, making it slightly difficult to eat comfortably. Those were the only minor points—overall, it offered great value for money and we were very satisfied with our stay. We would definitely like to use it again.