Ryokan Tori

The hosts spoke fluent English and gave us helpful suggestions for sightseeing and places to eat, which made things easy. Our arrival was lovely too, with incense, tea, and a matcha cookie waiting for us. The ryokan sits by a main city road and a bus stop, yet it was quiet and peaceful inside, and the directions in our reservation were spot on. We slept comfortably in this traditional Japanese inn, and the Japanese breakfast the next morning was great. The tea ceremony felt a little disconnected to me: we were expected to stay silent, and there wasn't much explanation of what the different steps meant. They provide yukata, not kimono, to wear for the ceremony and breakfast. There is WiFi, though the connection isn't strong enough for uploading HD photos or videos.

We appreciated how peaceful the ryokan was, away from the busy streets, though that could be tricky with a packed schedule. After days of walking 20,000 steps, the bath was just what we needed. Breakfast was delicious, and our hostess looked after us so well, with great nearby restaurant suggestions. The tea ceremony gave us a lovely connection to Japanese culture, too. Everyone was incredibly accommodating. This was easily our favorite place to stay, and we'd happily come back.

Coming back to this quiet part of Kyoto after a full day in the city felt grounding. Ryokan Tori is run by the warm, attentive couple Satako-san and Ryo-san, and that personal care shows throughout. The rooms were spotless, comfortable, and a relaxing place to recharge. The hot bath, in an onsen style, was a real treat each day after walking and sightseeing. Satako-san's tea ceremony was calm, beautifully presented, and informative, and we learned a lot about Japanese culture. Breakfast was freshly made each morning, tasty, healthy, and clearly prepared with care. It's a serene, authentic place to stay in Kyoto. We had a deeply memorable visit and would recommend it to anyone looking for that kind of experience. 🍵♨️

The staff made sure I was accommodated as a vegetarian, and they also pointed us toward good restaurants and nearby sights. Their care showed in all the details, from breakfast to the public bath and tea ceremony. We had a phenomenal stay, and I hope to be back soon!