Around Ginkaku-ji Temple × Highly rated Hotel·Ryokan

I’ve stayed in Tsuki 1 and Tsuki 7 from the Tsuki series before, but I visited this time because I really wanted to stay in Tsuki 5, which is highly praised by repeat guests of Kasuien. The team at Kasuien kindly accommodated my request, and I was able to enjoy a wonderful stay. This time the kids were away at summer camp, so it was just the two of us—and we fully enjoyed Kasuien as a couple. In the height of summer, being able to experience the endless Higashiyama forest and the chorus of cicadas—immersed in nature while staying in the comfort of Kasuien—was simply amazing. The staff were the familiar faces we always see, which made us feel very at ease. We debated going to Dominica, but chose in-room dining for dinner with a Kasuien bento—absolutely the right choice. You can enjoy both the meal and Kasuien’s comfort to the fullest. It would be such a waste to go out! The stay-in experience was fantastic. We’d love to come again.

I stayed here for one night on a trip to Kyoto. I often stay in Kyoto and Nara, and this place has the unique comfort of a compact hotel. It feels very cozy, the Facilities are well equipped, and overall satisfaction is high. Although the hours are limited, it’s wonderful that there are complimentary drinks. Having local Kyoto sake is a service that makes travelers very happy. I was delighted to find the same sake I had at Kyoto Station on my way back. It might be nice if it were available for purchase as well. The front desk staff were kind—I enjoyed talking about sake with them—and they replenished breakfast at just the right times, so I had a very comfortable stay. Kyoto summers are hot, so I’d like to visit again after peak season. Thank you very much.

We had a comfortable stay. There were fewer tourists than expected, so it was quiet and relaxing. The parking area was spacious and easy to use. Thank you very much.

I stayed here on my first solo trip after turning fifty. Although I didn’t stay long, everything was thoughtfully taken care of and very comfortable. The breakfast buffet after a walk to Nanzen-ji Temple was especially wonderful. Thank you very much.

I stayed one night in Kyoto, a city I love, to go hydrangea viewing. I arrived before check-in, but I was able to relax in the lounge overlooking the beautiful garden with a cola and cake. Soon after, I was shown to my room, which I truly appreciated. As I don’t have much stamina, I chose this Hotel so I could rest well while still enjoying the feeling of being on a trip in Kyoto. I made a Reservation for a room with views of Kōmyō-ji Temple’s main gate and the Hotel garden from the window. Including the magic hour at dusk and dawn as well as the nighttime illumination, the scenery was even more wonderful than expected, and it was truly relaxing. It was also adorable to see snails and umbrellas drawn in the Hotel’s stone garden outside the window—so perfect for Japan’s rainy season. In my room there were Gion Tsujiri kabusecha green tea, black tea, and coffee; plus complimentary juice and beer in the refrigerator. Enjoying a slow Hotel stay while watching the beautiful view and changing sky was simply amazing. In particular, there was a chocolate-scented coffee capsule called “Chocolatino” for the espresso machine—I woke up before dawn and felt so happy having my morning coffee while watching sunrise magic hour. The beer also had stylish yuzu and fruity aromas, and drinking it in a bathrobe after bathing tasted exceptionally good. From 15:00 to 18:00, welcome drinks were available in the lounge. There were champagne and white wine—both favorites of mine—and I enjoyed them at leisure. As I’m a light eater traveling solo (and had just eaten cake), pairing drinks with some potatoes was more than enough for me; however, it also felt like you could enjoy a proper dinner there as well—meat dishes, desserts, and more—which seemed great because you can adjust freely depending on your mood. I love baths as well, so I was happy that there were stylish, high-quality bath salts and amenities provided in generous amounts. Twice—at night and again the next morning—I soaked properly in a bathtub where I could fully stretch out and relax. Breakfast overlooking the garden was wonderful too; they kindly arranged seating where I could feel comfortable on my own. After breakfast each day, between attending morning services and taking walks around the garden grounds (and more), it felt incredibly fulfilling. The gardens within this Hotel also had seasonal flowers such as hydrangeas and bellflowers (kikyo). Including nighttime illumination visits too—I took three walks total: evening, night, then morning—and being able to enjoy Kyoto’s seasonal atmosphere without even leaving made me extremely satisfied. It was an amazing trip to Kyoto!

We stayed for two nights in late August on a family trip. On the first night, I became unwell (likely heat exhaustion due to Kyoto’s climate and lack of sleep), and you kindly adjusted how dinner was served. You also prepared an ice pack and cold water, and all the staff offered warm words afterward as well—I truly caused you a lot of trouble. The next day we returned to the Accommodation early after sightseeing, but housekeeping was completed quickly and the Room was restored to a comfortable state. Our child had brought a favorite stuffed toy, and seeing it seated on the sofa warmed our hearts. I was also impressed that all staff had shared information such as my avoiding caffeine and our child’s preferences, and handled everything so naturally with thoughtful care. The timing of your check-ins and sense of distance were just right, and we experienced truly wonderful hospitality. We used the Room as a family of three (our child is in 6th grade), and it felt neither too large nor too small. Having a bath in the Room was especially nice because we could use it whenever we wanted. The water temperature was set to 41°C, which feels hot in summer, but we could adjust it by adding water. The changing area had floor heating, which helped prevent us from getting too chilled after bathing. Towels and water were replenished as well, so even if we sweated after bathing, it was great to be able to use clean towels and clothes. Also, there was a lovely fragrance the moment we entered the Room, with incense throughout the building—these scent touches made everything feel special and out of the ordinary. Every meal was truly delicious. Our child has many dislikes when it comes to seafood, but you accommodated this thoughtfully; plus, both days’ menus were different so we could enjoy variety. In particular, the charcoal-grilled style dishes along with Anto-jiru soup, takikomi gohan (seasoned rice), and Wakan 18 tea were excellent—our child loved them too. Breakfast also came with many rice accompaniments that were all delicious. The soups and dashi-based dishes especially felt very “Kyoto,” which we appreciated. Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who took care of us during our stay. We made wonderful memories in Kyoto thanks to you. This is an Accommodation we would love to visit again as a family.

Pros: - It’s a reasonably priced Hotel, but perhaps because it’s part of the Banyan Tree chain, the service felt comparable to a high-end Hotel. Even though I stayed only one night, the front desk staff remembered my name, and every staff member was brisk and professional—very pleasant. When I asked after checkout whether they could keep some food refrigerated while storing my luggage, they kindly agreed. - A shower-only setup may be a matter of preference, but since it was midsummer it was perfectly comfortable. If anything, it made the Room feel more spacious. - The small raised tatami area is also relaxing. I would have preferred floor cushions (zabuton) over regular cushions, but that may be intended for international guests. Cons: (all minor “if I had to say” points—not deal-breakers) - The nearest station is Sanjo Keihan, so I wouldn’t say access to all of Kyoto is ideal. That said, the exit is right nearby, so it’s a good location if you plan to visit the surrounding area. - The in-Room TV remote has buttons for Netflix and similar services, but the TV isn’t connected to the internet so you can’t use them—disappointing. - This is common in Ryokan-style properties, but the ceramic washbasin has a rough texture; when washing your face, if your fingers brush against it, it can sting a little. - I used the spa; since it seems to be regular guest Rooms converted into treatment spaces and you step out into a guest-room corridor from reception first, it may feel slightly less “special.” The treatment itself was very good.

The bus stop is nearby, making it a great location for getting anywhere in Kyoto City. The Hotel also has parking and had a calm, relaxing atmosphere. The lobby was tastefully arranged, and the Room was clean, well-equipped, and comfortable. The staff were polite and attentive, and I would like to stay here again.

A fairly new Hotel with plenty of space. The location is very convenient, and the service is just right—neither lacking nor excessive. I’d like to stay here again if I have the chance.

When I arrived early and asked at the front desk if they could store my luggage, they kindly let me into my Room since it was already ready, which I really appreciated. The bus stop is nearby and the location is convenient, and the Room was spacious and comfortable. This is a Hotel I would like to stay at again.

Nanzenji Sando Kikusui is a special place filled with everything we love, and staying here becomes a happy time to share it all with family. A beautiful Kyoto garden in fresh spring green, exquisite cuisine and wine, welcome Champagne, luxurious Rooms, and the staff’s hospitality—plus the one-of-a-kind location on Nanzenji Sando. Few Accommodations offer all of this. This time, we woke up early to join the dawn zazen session at Nanzen-ji Temple, which became an unforgettable experience. It is worth traveling here even if it means taking a flight just to visit.

This was my first time staying at a guesthouse, and the Room was truly clean, spotless, and spacious—very comfortable. It was much cleaner than some mediocre Hotels. Above all, I really appreciated being able to use the bath 24 hours a day (Reservation required for 1-hour slots). I could relax and bathe both in the evening and in the morning. The bath was of course very clean as well. There are three toilets (?) and two sinks. The owner is friendly, easygoing, kind, and happy to chat. I enjoyed our conversation over breakfast. When I stayed there happened to be no other guests, but if you eat in the living room it seems like it would be easy to interact with other guests. A few things to note: there aren’t any dinner places nearby, so if you plan to go out to eat you should be prepared to take a taxi. Also, since it faces a main road, you can hear traffic noise fairly often—something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive (it didn’t bother me and I slept fine). For breakfast, I heard there’s a bakery nearby, but if you prefer Japanese-style breakfast you’ll need to prepare your own. There’s a 24-hour supermarket close by, so for a Multiple Night Stay it might be nice to cook for yourself. The kitchen has basic equipment such as a simple stove. Overall, because it’s so clean and the Room is spacious, it may actually be more comfortable than a Hotel in some ways—and very reasonably priced. Next time I’d definitely like to stay for multiple nights. Thank you very much!

If you're visiting Kyoto and prefer staying at a Ryokan instead of a Hotel, you might want to consider an even more luxurious experience at this Accommodation. Upon arrival, you'll be awed by the grand gate of Kinkakuji Temple. Walking through the wooden door and along the gravel path in the front garden feels like stepping into another world, far removed from everyday life. In addition to clean, modern Japanese-style rooms with new facilities akin to those of a high-end Ryokan, you can enjoy exclusive access to a beautiful garden surrounded by nature. Although it's called "Shukubo," it is open to everyone and allows for casual participation in comfortable attire. The resident monk and his wife are incredibly friendly as well. This Accommodation offers an affordable yet luxurious experience comparable to that of high-end Ryokans. Memorable activities include making bracelets with natural stones, enjoying Shojin Ryori (traditional Buddhist vegetarian breakfast), and participating in morning prayers—all adding up to an unforgettable stay.

I stayed with my sister at this accommodation. The hotel is a special space where you can feel attention to detail throughout the premises, allowing us to enjoy an extraordinary time away from the noise of the city despite being in the heart of it. My sister and I often travel together, but we felt our time together was especially meaningful here, which we believe is due to the charm of this hotel. After check-in, we spent happy hour at the bar, discussed our plans for the next day on the rooftop after dinner, and used the open-air bath before breakfast. Although there was no TV in our room, it encouraged more conversation and made us cherish our time together even more than usual. Breakfast featured a healthy menu centered around salads. What left a particularly strong impression during our stay was the smiles of all staff members. We also appreciated their friendly conversations when leaving or returning to the accommodation.

We stayed as a family with my parents, daughter, and us as a couple. This was our second time experiencing the Machiya style, and the air conditioning allowed for comfortable temperature control in each room. We enjoyed meals and family time in the Japanese-style room on the first floor, watching TV and relaxing together. The breakfast delivery from Izusen was delicious. Please note that large vehicles cannot be parked on-site; nearby parking lots are recommended for those traveling by car. In autumn, the garden's autumn leaves must be stunning. Famous spots like Hyotei (known for its morning porridge), Nanzenji Temple, Heian Shrine, and Shoren-in Temple are within walking distance. A short stroll also reveals charming streets full of traditional atmosphere.

I have stayed at other machiya-style Accommodations in Kyoto before, but this was my first time using this group. First, the space felt larger in person than it looked in the photos I checked when making the Reservation. It almost felt like too much space for one person. The location is also quiet and right by the Shirakawa River—an area I highly recommend. As for amenities, there was a rice cooker among the cooking tools. I didn’t use it this time, but it seems very convenient. The only disappointment was that there wasn’t a full-length mirror. Many long-stay Accommodations also don’t provide one, but being able to check your whole outfit before going out makes a big difference—so having one would be really helpful.

It was a very convenient location for sightseeing on the east side of Kyoto. The mini kitchen, microwave, and toaster provided in the Room were helpful for preparing breakfast and light meals. The atmosphere of the Room and the bed were also comfortable. I would like to use it again if I have another opportunity.

We stayed at the Hotel in late November during the peak of autumn foliage with our dog. The interior was charming, featuring antique furniture, beautiful paintings on the walls, chandeliers on the ceiling, and dried flowers in the washroom and restroom. The bedroom had two king-sized beds and fluffy futons for humans, while our dog enjoyed a True Sleeper bed. The living room had underfloor heating and was impeccably clean. The café on the first floor was beautifully furnished with exquisite tableware, and a Bechstein grand piano casually placed added an elegant touch. Although we didn’t have a chance to try the café menu this time, everything looked deliciously well-prepared—we’d love to try it next time! With its convenient location within walking distance of Heian Shrine and Okazaki Park, as well as parking available for guests with dogs, it’s perfect for pet owners. Plus, their adorable mascot dog Mon-chan is delightful! This is truly a Hotel that makes you want to come back again!

The budget was slightly over, but I decided based on reviews saying it’s close to Kyoto ROHM Theatre. Chion-in Temple and Yasaka Shrine were also nearby, allowing us to visit before the 11:00 AM checkout. The separate toilet and bathroom were a big plus, providing a relaxing experience that relieved our fatigue. The bed was very comfortable as well. The staff were friendly, and I would love to stay here again next time.

The space is generous, so even a family of four can stay comfortably. The only downside was that the bathtub felt gritty and needed to be cleaned, and the drain was clogged with debris and hair, which had to be removed.