Tanakaya Kyotokarasuma

The free sake tasting with Tanaka-san was a highlight. He runs the sessions to share knowledge about sake, and I learned how rice polishing percentages affect taste and alcohol levels, along with the different kinds of sake. I left Kyoto Station with a bottle of Saito Shuzo, the brewery he recommended. The hotel also offers mobile Wi-Fi rental, a free pudding from a nearby shop, and in-room kaiseki meals for an extra charge. Tanaka-san helped deliver our luggage to our next hotel, and Yukiko-san explained the neighborhood map and showed us to our room at check-in. After a hot, humid day out, she kindly offered us cold green tea. Hotel Tanakaya Kyoto Karasuma is a small family-run hotel, opened in 2019, with 7 rooms and a beautifully considered design. We regularly saw the owners, Tanaka-san and his wife, Yukiko-san, and I looked forward to passing through the lobby each day in hopes of exchanging a friendly good morning with one of them. We stayed in a Superior double room, decorated in a blend of traditional and modern Japanese styles, with tatami and beds. The kitchenette was spacious for a hotel room. As a coffee lover, I appreciated the %Arabica beans and all the gear for making drip coffee. It was my first time trying %Arabica. There were lovely little details too, like the ‘Red Maple Trees at the Tsuten Bridge ((Autumn Leaves at Tsuten Bridge)’ painting by the lift, a beautiful work by a renowned artist above the bed, and handcrafted burgundy ceramic cups and saucers. The information book in the room is useful and written in English. It explains key things, like not opening the bath salt packet because it can clog the sink, and when the entrance is locked and which pin code to use. I recommend guests take time to read it. Getting around was easy from the nearby Karasuma Matsubara and Karasuma Gojo bus stops and Shijo, Gojo, and Karasuma train stations. We reached Arashiyama, the Philosophers Path area, Fushimi Inari, Uji, and Gion without trouble. Nishiki Market shopping district is a 15-minute walk away. Gion is farther, about 30 minutes on flat ground, but we enjoyed the nighttime walk along the Kamo river, in the autumn breeze, through Gion's crowds and into the quiet of Matsubara Dori. Ending the day with a soak in the Shigaraki yaki tub in our room was a lovely reward. At dawn, I enjoyed watching warm light come through the 'shoji' Shoji Japanese window as I lay on the tatami and watched early risers on Matsubara dori. The beauty of the city made it easier to get up at 6.30am and greet the day, like a good cup of coffee. We had an excellent stay and visit to Kyoto. I'll remember our time at Hotel Tanakaya Kyoto Karasuma fondly.

The traditional yet modern room was a real plus, especially the tatami mats and sleeping on a tatami/futon. We were there in July 2025 as a family of 3, and the owner made our 4 year old daughter feel very special. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the hotel is in a great location. I'd definitely recommend it to a small family.

The rooms are much bigger than most in the city and put together beautifully. You can do laundry right in your room. Service was great, with staff being really helpful and showing you to your room. Most places are walkable, or about a 15-minute train ride away.

They were so attentive, warm, and helpful. They even walked me all the way to the door, then sat with me and helped search for another hotel, checking options one by one. Thanks again so much. Staying here feels like being at home with family.