Minn Kiyomizu Gojo

This was a great base for us. We liked that it wasn't in a very touristy area, and we used it to head out of Kyoto for hikes, day trips, and meals. We ate most of our meals at home. The room was spacious and clean, with a kitchenette and a washing machine in our room option, which worked really well for a long stay with an infant. It was the most spacious place we'd had in Japan, and we thought the accommodation was top notch. I only wish the cleaning schedule had been every four days instead of going from four days to seven.

We booked two rooms for our family of five, including three teenagers, and it worked out really well. The rooms were modern, clean, and felt new, with a comfortable place to rest after a full day walking around. From the location in Kyoto, we could easily walk to Yasaka Pagoda and even Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which made sightseeing with the kids simple. We stayed just one night and loved it. We'd happily return on another visit.

The washing machine was a lifesaver when my son got sick during our trip and we needed to do laundry. We stayed here in January with my husband and our one-year-old, and the apartment worked well with a small child. It was mostly baby-proof, without dangerous things within his reach except for the knife block under the sink, which is common in Japanese homes. Having a separate bedroom meant we could rest in the evenings without worrying about waking him. The apartment was quiet and clean, and the bathroom had strong water pressure and supplied shampoo, conditioner, and body soap. Just plan ahead for food: there aren't many restaurants in the area open in the evening, so getting dinner can be inconvenient.

The room was spacious, clean, and quiet, and I found the location convenient near Kyoto Station, which made getting around easy. Staff aren't always at the front desk, so getting help can take a little time. Even so, I'd recommend the hotel for short or long stays.