Hotel Yuraku Kyo-Yasaka

The breakfast is the best I’ve had in Japan, even after staying at some of the best places here. There’s a thoughtful range of tasty specialties from nearby areas. The staff are welcoming and show Japanese hospitality at its best. We’ve stayed twice in three years, and I love how the hotel combines Japanese style with modern comforts and lots of space. My room had a semi-outdoor onsen tub looking out at Japanese maple trees and the Kyoto landscape. It was perfect after a full day of walking, and lovely and quiet early in the morning. The hotel sits on a peaceful private street, yet it’s only a few minutes’ walk from Kiyomizu, Yasaka, the Gion restaurant area, and Nishiki.

The private onsen in every room made this one of our favorite hotels. It’s a boutique place with friendly, accommodating staff, and the traditional Japanese breakfast was a special experience. The rooms come with a lot of amenities, including pajamas, brushes, and skincare items. You’re close to some of the main shrines and the main shopping and food areas, but far enough from the crowds to have some privacy. Treat yourself and stay here if you can.

It’s a little walk to public transit, but the quiet neighborhood was nice at night. You can walk to the big tourist spots around Gion, and there are restaurants closer to the river. There’s also a beautiful park behind the hotel. The service was incredible and the place was immaculate. Breakfast was well worth it, especially with the food and service, and having the onsen made the price feel very reasonable. I’d happily stay again.

Our favorite part was having a personal onsen to unwind in after all the walking we’d done in Tokyo. The rooms were immaculate, quiet, and peaceful. The staff welcomed us kindly in a traditional style, which felt authentic and was a lovely experience. We couldn’t have picked a better place for the middle part of our two-week Japan trip. Highly recommend it if you’re after a calm, relaxing stay.