Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo

Dinner one night; breakfast two mornings, all delicious. Staff was very, very warm and accommodating. Ryokan was very clean. Location is in a calm neighborhood and very close to Nanzenji temple and Path of Philosopher.

The rooms were not 100% clear when booking- western beds are shown for the family annex and there were photos of a table setting and a bedroom- which appeared to be a suite; however, it was actually one room and the staff moved the table and laid out futons every night. I wish that had been clearer in the room descriptions because that is a tight squeeze for a family of four adults to share for 6 nights.

I really enjoyed the historical and 'betina of a bygone era' vibe. I had a room with a open air tub. Room Number 1. It was fantastic, beautiful wooden and bamboo interior with tatami mats. It felt authentic and exciting to stay and immerse in. Sure its a bit worn - but I just think that adds to the character. The Husks pillow and futon were also authentic and I enjoyed the experience. If you want memoryfoam and modernity - a Disney style history and don't like the signs of aging this is not for you. But if you enjoy character, charm and a great cultural experience then go for it. Super amazing modern classical music playing toilet and Dyson hairdryer. I had a Bento dinner and the breakfast was sublime! the view out to the back garden was truly exquisite. Sure it is pricey - but it is a once in a lifetime experience and in a very tasteful part of Kyoto. I think the two extremes of reviews on this pace show who gets it...

Ok the road outside is a bit noisy - but you are in a city! Sure there is also a little mould here and there in the open air bath area - nothing to go crazy about - it's a humid country. Don't let that dampen your experience of something that hasn't been whitewashed.

- Staff is very friendly - Beautiful entryway - Room is cozy and includes all the amenities you would expect - Yukata included with the room - Able to book private session for the bath, which is good for mixed genders or if you're like me and have tattoos - Location is great, within walking distance of many gorgeous temples

- You're paying a premium for staying in a Ryokan

We stayed at the biggest room available on the 2nd floor, with the private bath. It was a good traditional experience with tasty japanese food and peaceful location which is a bit away from the central area. Be prepared to take a taxi or walk a lot. We appreciated walking in this area as it's very calm in the evenings.

Sleeping on a futon isn't for everybody. It can be uncomfortable if you're a side sleeper, for example. It can get very loud in early mornings due to thin walls and ceilings. We were woken up a few times by noise from downstairs. Bring earplugs.

The location is amazing, right next to the Nanzenji Temple. The Ryokan is beautiful with a stunning garden next to the restaurant area. It was an incredible experience. We stayed for two nights in the newer part of the Ryokan but in the traditional Japanese tatami floor room with futon bed. Staff were helpful and spoke English that we had no issues. The private onsen is a great way to get the experience of one, without the worry. For an extra special treat we did the Shabu Shabu meal, which is worth the money for the food and the experience. It is on the high price side, but the quality and experience matches the cost. Glad we did it.

We only stayed one night but the stay was exceptional. It felt traditional, not allowing shoes inside slippers only. Checking in was simple and the gentlemen spoke English well enough to help us. The room wonderful. It had the modern amenities like wifi but still held to our expectations in the cultural aspect. The room felt spacious and the onsen was already filled and ready for us when we arrived (around 15:00). They had yukatas for us to wear and the view of the garden was gorgeous. The Onsen was a bit hot for me but was perfect for my girlfriend. They were also very accommodating, we had a last minute meal request that they were able to accommodate. The meal we chose was the kaiseki box, which I loved the culinary journey! My girlfriend was less satisfied but still appreciated trying all the different flavors. If you are very particular about tastes and textures do not order this, but if you love trying different things absolutely recommended! We will absolutely reconsider this property on a return trip.

The price seemed high, but I believe all onsens were in this price range. The location was not terrible but not great. It was only about a 5-10 minute walk from the train station but there are no views besides the property's garden.

I loved everything about it. It was peaceful, traditional and cosy. The staff were hospitable and always helpful. Breakfast and dinner was exceptional. I had no problems with it. Our room had a private bath and having a soak at the end of the day was always a plus.

I didn't realise the city tax was cash only. Make sure you have enough yen on you to cover the city tax upon checkout. One of the rooms (the room that has a basin to wash your hands/brush teeth) appeared to have mould on the ceiling. Not sure if it's intentional, I suspect it is not.

Breakfast and dinner were very luxurious and surprisingly reasonably priced. Great variety of regional food with a lot of effort put into presentation. Service was also excellent as well as the setting, which included a delightful Japanese garden with a Koi pond and bonsai. The cadence of life in a Ryokan includes the futons magically and silently disappearing after breakfast and reappearing before bedtime. The staff is always present but never underfoot, supplying respectful, cheerful, efficient and professional service. The bathroom was essentially an en-suite onsen overlooking a beautiful bamboo and maple grove. On our last night it rained and having a warm bath in that large tub with the storm raging outside was very comfy and relaxing.

Experience of Ryokan Onsen

Staff can be unintentionally rude

Genuine Japanese atmosphere. Everyone was very polite and helpful at this Ryokan. We had Japanese breakfast which was healthy and had plenty of different foods which I did not know before. The beautiful Japanese garden is just outside the dining room. We liked the private onsen especially when the day sightseeing had been very cold. We enjoyed walking to the centre, 30 min, and did not mind the distance at all.

The mattresses we quite thin. We found extra ones in a closet.