Gion Ryokan Q-beh - Hostel

We booked four private ensuite rooms for our family, and they worked out perfectly. The rooms were well cared for, peaceful, and designed with both modern comfort and Kyoto tradition in mind. Even with the kids along, the ryokan felt welcoming and calm. We first came to Gion Ryokan Qbeh for our honeymoon in 2014, and finally returned in 2025 with our children. It had aged so gracefully, and the return felt just as meaningful in a different way. Qbeh is now part of our Kyoto story, from honeymoon memories to family ones.

Perfect location, and the showers were clean. I liked having free coffee too. The traditional beds were fine for a couple of nights, though I wouldn’t want them for a whole week. I’d been hoping for a proper bed and curtains.

There’s a roomy kitchen with fridges, and a place to relax on the third floor. My room was clean and had AC, and the bathrooms and toilets were spotless. The staff were really nice and accommodating while I was in Kyoto. Shops, restaurants, and cafes are all close by. Highly recommend it.

The washrooms were clean, and there’s laundry on site. The shared areas felt a little small, though they were usually empty. Overall it was decent, but we ran into a few serious problems. Some private rooms had a slight bad smell. We’d originally booked three bunks in a shared room. At check-in, an attendant kindly moved us into private rooms they had available and said the price would be adjusted, with some money returned. Later, another attendant, who I assume was a manager, told us there’d be no adjustment and they’d keep the full amount as though we were still using three bunks, leaving the beds paid for but empty. After my friend decided to find another hotel and came back for his bags, that same manager told both of us he could no longer be on the property, despite having paid and not received a refund. He grabbed his bags and left. It could have been handled with more professionalism and clearer communication. If you need to change a reservation, move rooms, or get a price adjustment, it may be difficult here. Sharing this in case it helps future travelers.