Yamamoto Ryokan

The location was really convenient, near subway and bus stations and within easy walking distance of impressive temples and shrines, the main shopping area, and some very good restaurants. We had a great time in the traditional Japanese-style rooms, and breakfast was delicious. I'd definitely stay here again.

Our group of three adults and a baby arrived early after sightseeing, hoping to leave our bags and change the baby's diaper. The staff kindly let us use their facilities before check-in, and they adjusted our add-on dinner and breakfast for our religious dietary restrictions after we told them at check-in. The food was delicious for the price, especially the traditional Japanese kaiseki served in the dining hall. The location is very good, between a train station and Kiyomizu-dera, and about a ten-minute walk from the Gion-Shijo area. For the price, it's hard to beat nearby, unless you're willing to stay in a capsule hotel. The ryokan has that 50-plus-year-old feel, a great old Kyoto look if that's what you want. The building does show its age and needs repairs or renovation. The toilets are shared, as you'd expect in an old-style ryokan, and the floors squeak. They provide earplugs for light sleepers. The sento shower halls are new, though. The condition really can make you feel like you've gone back 100 years in old Kyoto. I enjoyed our stay enough to write this long review, and I'm a little worried customers aren't finding the place after the pandemic. Please consider it for your next Kyoto stay.

Staying at a traditional Japanese Ryokan was an awesome experience, and the clerk was very kind. But the stairs up to the guest room were so steep that there could be a fall on the way between the room and the toilet.

A very authentic stay, with kind people working there, great service, and good value for money. Recommended.