When we entered the Ryokan we were greeted with the stench of cigarette smoke. The hotel staff we encountered did not seem to know much English. Our rooms luckily were deodorized as promised and did not smell but the hallways were filled with the stench. Dinner was another huge disappointment. Worst meal we have ever had in Kyoto and perhaps... More

First time in a Ryokan and I'm so glad it was Ishicho Shogikuen. Beautiful and traditional facilities. All the time clean, well organized and attentive. Front desk personnel were always polite, welcoming and spoke good english. The Ryokan has a dinning room, an onsen, souvenir shop, a resturant/bar and its also well located. Just 15 minutes walk away from Gyon... More

We wanted a Japanese-style hotel, with some modern conveniences, in Kyoto and this hotel was perfect. It was clean, service was excellent and the Japanese breakfast, served in the room, was very good. We did not take the hotel dinner or western-style breakfast; both were available. The Japanese-style rooms had a full bathroom and hot public baths were also in... More

While business brought my husband and I to Japan for our first visit here, we were lucky enough to take an extra week in the country for additional sight-seeing. We had read about the ryokan experience and figured, "When in Rome (Kyoto), do as the Romans" and set out to book a room at one of these traditional-style inns. Even... More