Kirakuan Kyoto Station North

If you want to stay away from the busy area, this place is a good fit, and it's close to Kyoto tower. Nishikin market was about ten minutes away by bus, which we used both ways. Gojo station and a bus stop were around five minutes away. The room was a small apartment, clean and pleasant, with a little pantry, kettle, fridge, hair dryer, and towels. The room I chose also had a washing machine and liquid detergent. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash were provided, but bring the rest of what you need. Check-in was digital and self-service, with a room PIN instead of a key card. The staff were friendly and helpful.

The room was spotless and set up like an apartment, with a good-sized fridge, toaster oven, stovetop, and washer/dryer. I hadn't stayed in an aparthotel before, but I can see how convenient it would be for someone staying several weeks. My only hassle was figuring out the washer, since the instructions weren't in English. Google Translate helped, though the machine was still quite different from the ones I'm used to in the United States. For my first visit to Kyoto, this Minn location worked really well. It was fairly close to Kyoto Station and some of the attractions we wanted to visit, and it was quiet at night and early in the morning. I'd recommend Minn for a stay in Japan. There are many locations, and this one made me wish I'd booked with them for Tokyo too.

We slept like rocks in this very quiet area. The rooms were huge and modern for the price, so the value felt incredible, and the location was good too. Check-in was a little odd, but staff should be able to help if you arrive at a normal time during the day. There's a strong smoke smell on the first floor. Also, don't switch on the humidifier, it smells. If you need to clear smells from the room, use the kitchen fan.

The rooms are a good size and have a kitchen and washing machine, though the location is a little far from the center. Taxis can't stop right outside, so you have to get dropped on a larger street and walk back. The room had a Refa hair dryer and shower head.