Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma

I ended up checking out a day early because I couldn’t put up with the room conditions any longer. It was humid and smelled unpleasant, to the point that sleeping there was uncomfortable. The building next door was under construction and so close that I couldn’t open the curtains and feel I had any privacy. It was hot both inside and outside, and the cooling wasn’t enough. The corridors felt especially hot. One of my worst stays in Japan.

The room had plenty of useful space around the sink and toilet for putting things down, and the bathroom was a highlight, with a tub and a separate shower. Everything was clean, comfortable and thoughtfully laid out. We stayed five nights in November 2025. It was handy to check laundry room availability on the room TV. The dryer needed two cycles and still left our clothes damp, though the dry air in Japan finished the job overnight. Near the entrance, an updated board listed the best places for fall foliage each day, which was a thoughtful touch. Service was decent. Train stations, bus stops and popular shopping areas were within walking distance, with lots of places to eat and convenience stores right outside.

It’s right by the Tran station, so getting there with luggage is easy. The rooms are small and basic, and there’s nothing especially fancy about the place. Slippers are provided, and downstairs you can pick up things like razors and cleanser. There are also magnets to put outside your door if you want towel changes or light housekeeping. Fine for an average stay, just don’t go in expecting anything amazing.

Newly renovated, and the price felt well worth it. It’s in a good location, and there’s a designated parking area beside the hotel for 1600 a day. I liked that the coffee machine was available from 1pm to 9pm.