Yoshi-Ima

The Japanese breakfast in my room each morning was the best, and fresh flowers appeared in my room daily as a lovely surprise. The staff were kind and helpful, arranged a tea ceremony in the exquisite backyard teahouse, gave me a tour of the property, and helped with my luggage transfer. My last morning, I enjoyed matcha in the peaceful courtyard among the plants and fountains. Ryokan Yoshi Ima was the best stay of my Japan trip. It's perfectly placed for exploring Gion's beautiful historic streets, on a quiet lane with art galleries and great food, shops, and sights within walking distance. Public transit is about a 10-minute walk away if you want to go farther. I look forward to returning.

The meals were wonderful and beautifully presented, and having them served in my room felt like a real luxury. Dinner was such a huge amount that I was stuffed every night. They have Japanese and Western breakfast options, and the Japanese one I chose was delicious. Book a turn in the traditional wooden tub, it feels like having your own private sento. There was some visible wear and tear in my room, but it was a small thing and didn't take away from how much I enjoyed my stay. Everyone I met on staff was welcoming and friendly. The Gion location is handy, a few blocks away from the busy streets but still close to everything. I also loved the nearby antique shops. Staying here was the highlight of my time in Kyoto, and I'll definitely return if I'm back. Highly recommend it for a traditional, homey stay.

The garden view from our room was so serene, and all the staff were lovely. We chose the Japanese breakfast and dinner package, which made trying all the different dishes a fun experience. There was so much food that we could never finish it all, but everything was delicious. We also attended the ryokan's tea ceremony in its teahouse. The next day we went to the Maikoya tea ceremony and made tea ourselves, so I'm glad we first got to see a true tea ceremony here. We really enjoyed our time and would recommend this for a traditional ryokan stay. Definitely worth it!

From the moment you enter, the place feels like stepping back in time. Staying here was a cultural experience, and the staff were wonderful. It was a pleasant, tranquil visit that I'll remember.