Stay SAKURA Kyoto Gyoen East

We were sorry to have only booked two nights. A local bar owner had recommended the place, and it worked well as a base for outings, with easy access to city buses. Our twin room was on the third floor and had a kitchenette with a fridge and stovetop, plus a washing machine. The bed area could be shut off from the kitchenette, and I used the little couch for my suitcase. The shower was behind frosted glass, separate from the toilet and sink. Shoes stay in the small entryway. The train station wasn't walkable for us, so we took a cab with our luggage for under ¥2,500. After that I got around by bus and light rail. Around the corner there's a great hamburger place, next door a pastry shop with locals queued up in the morning, and a New York-style slice pizza place on the next block.

Takeuchi-san was a huge help when we left our belongings on a bus. We couldn't reach the bus operator with our roaming phone, so Takeuchi-san contacted several operators for us, found out where our things were, and confirmed the pickup spot. The room was clean, spacious, and had enough amenities. The hotel is within walking distance of Kyoto Gyoen National Garden and the stepping stone, and there's a small mosque and halal eatery nearby for Muslim travelers. A bus stop is right outside, with Kyoto city buses coming about every 10-15 minutes, I think. Jingu Marutamachi station on the Keihan Line is about a 10-minute walk. Reception is available, but staff aren't always at the desk, so you need to call if they're in the back room.

The hallway carpet was stained and smelled, and there weren't many amenities compared with other hotels we stayed at. There were no views, either. The room worked for three or four people, though with just two you can use the futon couches, otherwise the couches are made up as beds. The beds and pillows were comfortable. The shower had strong water pressure, and each room had a washer with a dryer function in the shower area. Clothes dried in a couple of hours. Bus stops within 50m served all parts of Kyoto, and restaurants and the main shopping area were walkable. The emperor's palace was just a five-minute walk.

The neighborhood is peaceful and handy for Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, and you can leave your luggage after checkout. For the price, the room's size and comfortable beds are strong points. It also has a TV in the bathroom and a washing machine in the room.