Ethnography Gion Furumonzen

We stayed for three nights with our one-year-old. The staff were warm, friendly, and always available to make sure we had what we needed. Most spoke English, and translation was an option too, so communication was easy. The room was spacious and very clean, with plenty of space left even after adding a baby bed. It had all the necessary amenities, and we really appreciated the coffee. The hotel itself has only a few rooms, so it felt peaceful after long, busy days out. It's on a quiet street, about 10-15 minutes from Kyoto's bustle. There are convenience stores within walking distance, including a Lawson just across the street, plus a coin laundry nearby, which was handy since we were travelling light. We'd definitely recommend it.

The Wi-Fi didn't work, so plan around that. We had a really bad experience here. Rooms on the first floor open directly onto the common area, so you can hear everything. One night, staff held a private party there, with people singing and clapping until very late. Surely there's a better place for a party than right outside guest rooms.

The staff were great, and everyone spoke excellent English. I'd stay here again and recommend it to others. It's a quaint hotel on a quiet street near Gion, with traditional Japanese-style rooms that are quite spacious by local standards. We liked the location, though most Kyoto attractions outside Gion are about a 15-minute walk away. The bed is pretty firm, and the pillows are truly awful, as other reviews have said. It wasn't a big deal for me, but it's worth knowing.

It does the job, but I found the room dim, with no decent lighting, and the service and amenities just average. The location wasn't great either. I'd personally pay more for somewhere more convenient.