Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano

We loved coming back to a fresh plate of fruit and sometimes cake in our room each day. The family running the ryokan were very kind and attentive, and there are two adorable Labs to greet you. The rooms were spacious and spotless, though the booking site photos don't really show the place well, so look at the contributor photos. It's right in the middle of Higashiyama's tourist area, within walking distance of Kodaiji, Yasaka Jinja, Ninenzaka, SannenZaka, and KiyoMizuDera. That meant we could skip dealing with crowded buses. There's also a free massage chair in the lobby, where I fell asleep and amused the host, plus laundry machines and service. Hope we can come back!

Our room looked out at a nearby pagoda, which was great. The friendly staff greeted us with warm smiles, and they offered seasonal fruit, free laundry, and a way to get back into the hotel after hours. The golden retrievers in the lobby were playful and very cute. Thanks again, our trip was much better for staying here. We'll come back!

The owners made the ryokan feel warm and family-like, and were very welcoming. The location was excellent, too. They served delicious breakfast every day and washed our laundry for free. If I return to Kyoto, I'd stay here again.

We had spacious rooms for my parents and me, and fresh fruit appeared in the fridge every day. The owners and staff were super friendly and made the place feel welcoming, even though we didn't talk with them much. I'd definitely come back.