Around Honnō-ji Temple × Accommodation With À La Carte DiningHighly rated Hotel·Ryokan

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.

On the morning of the 24th, I searched for and booked a Hotel with a large public bath nearby so I could watch the Gion Festival yamahoko “tsujimawashi” at Kawaramachi Oike. It was absolutely the right choice! From the subtly Kyoto-style entrance, everything felt welcoming—especially the front desk staff, whose excellent service instantly eased my fatigue from traveling in extreme heat. I was satisfied as soon as I entered the Room. It’s a take-off-your-shoes style, and the clean Room along with its layout and furnishings made it feel like coming home. Having all water facilities grouped together right by the entrance is very convenient. Since there is a large public bath, the shower booth in the Room was more than enough. While many Hotels these days don’t provide sofas or tables, I really appreciated having a long sofa you can lie down on, an armchair-style single sofa, and a table that’s plenty for two people. There are many great restaurants nearby, so it was nice to have a setup that makes takeout easy to enjoy in the Room. The lighting controls were easy to understand, with thoughtful touches like an individual bedside light and options for indirect lighting throughout the Room. The bed was very comfortable—even with sensitive skin and being sensitive to smells, I slept soundly. The linens—especially the pajamas—were high quality and perfectly laundered; cleaning standards were excellent overall, including towels for the large public bath. Water came in stylish Ito En bottle-type containers that were replenished again on the second day and convenient to carry around. Tea, coffee, and black tea were also restocked, and I was happy they even provided wine glasses. At the entrance to/fromthe large public bath area there were two types of vinegar drinks that helped me stay balanced during summer heat. As for views: you can see mountains inthe distance,but right next door is an apartment balcony,and below is temple cemetery grounds,s oI keptthe blinds downand used indirect lighting.(I usedto livein Teramachi,s o cemeteries don’t bother me.)Since windows are frosted glassin springand autumn too,I think it won’t be an issue unless you wantto open them fully.The hospitality at this Hotel more than made upfor it.I didn’t add breakfast,but usedthe attached grillfor lunchand cocktail time,and enjoyed both.I’d love to stay at this Accommodation again.