Junpu Shirafuj An

Breakfast is a must try here, at least once. You can choose Japanese, with an Ochazuke plate of different delicacies, or Western, with jams and sausages. Both were tasty, and it’s the first hotel where I’d recommend breakfast so strongly. The staff were lovely and attentive too. When my dad said he liked umeboshi, they doubled his portion the next morning, and they called a restaurant to help adjust one of our reservations. There was sometimes a language barrier, but my parents and I felt looked after. We stayed in the Hana room, which worked for my parents and me. It’s a two-floor setup, with a futon and sitting area upstairs and the bigger bed, toilet, and bathroom downstairs. Space is tight, as is common in Japan, but there are plenty of cabinets, and lucky me had the top floor to myself. The private semi open air onsen was wonderful, and we used all the complimentary bath salts. The rooms are gorgeous and very comfortable. I first spotted Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St. on instagram and thought it looked so pretty, so I convinced my parents to book it, and we all enjoyed the stay. It’s in a quieter part of Kyoto, about a 30 minute walk from the main tourist hub. That gave us a break from the city center bustle, though we mostly took taxis or Uber. I’d recommend a couple nights here. I’ll be thinking about that breakfast for a while.

Rei took care of everything from check-in through dinner, right down to our late night egg sando. The staff were attentive and wonderful. We had such a lovely time at Nazuna Tsubaki St., and will always remember Rei’s care and service. The rooms were spacious and spotless, and the semi-open air onsen was a great way to relax after a busy holiday. The beef at dinner was some of the best we’ve ever had. We’ll be back.

The alley is lovely and quiet, with an authentic feel, and the accommodation is close to activities and public transport. After a day of sightseeing, the onsen was pleasant, as were the complimentary lounge and minibar treats. Honestly, a bathtub could do the job too. I’m not sure I’d recommend it. The houses aren’t very practical, with steep stairs and the toilet downstairs from the bedroom. I nearly fell badly once or twice. We paid EUR 2,750.00 (YEN 504,000.00) for 3 nights, which feels steep for a 4 star place with small, cheaply furnished houses and some missing services. It doesn’t live up to the hype some social networks advertise.

A good option if you want to treat yourself or someone else. The Japanese breakfast set is my pick, though there’s a Western option too, and ours was fresh and delicious. There’s a lounge upstairs by reception with snacks and light refreshments, nice for a break before going out or turning in. Our cozy room felt spacious, was spotless, and had lovely bedding, sleepwear, and a private bath. The machiya style, lantern-lit paths, and calm atmosphere are beautiful and make for great photos. The townhouse has two floors, so carrying heavy bags upstairs to the sleeping area could be awkward, or difficult with mobility issues. There’s room downstairs in the small lounge to leave luggage. Staff were warm, attentive, and spoke excellent English. The location is convenient but tucked away enough to feel peaceful. It’s pricey, but I felt the service and experience justified it. A great blend of traditional style and quiet luxury.