I felt this place was a great value, and we were excited to try out a Ryokan. Quite a few of the move expensive ones were booked up, but luckily this one still had room and price was good. The rooms were spacious, so different from our Osaka and Tokyo hotels. Plenty of space to spread out our things. And also the onsen although public, being such a small establishment was very quiet. Additionally, the breakfast was AMAZING! We also managed to take advantage of the washer/dryer. Staff was very friendly and accommodating.

Although the location was convenient to the bus/subway, it felt a little far from the main part of Kyoto. It was a quick <10 min walk from the subway, and <5 to the busy, but it was still a 30 minute bus ride to the shinkansen station.

We really enjoyed our stay. The rooms were honestly HUGE - the biggest we stayed in. The Onsen was nice when we did use it, and everything was very clean. The front staff were very polite. This place was within walking distance for us for many of our main attractions (within 1-3km).

We would have liked to be able to book time privately in the Onsen. As it is currently set up there are 2 Onsens - one for men, one for women. At any point any person staying at the hotel can enter the respective Onsen so you always have the potential of someone joining you. The hotel also would not allow you to leave the property with your room key, you had to give it to the front desk each time you left and pick it up when you return. The staff were always present and friendly it never held us up, it just wasn't expected.

A combination of authentic Japanese accommodation with western style comforts. The rooms were gorgeous; they were large and clean and the mattresses were surprisingly comfortable. The heated toilet was an added bonus. Even though we were at the ryokan early they allowed us to go to our rooms as they were ready for use. The staff were incredibly helpful, organising restaurants and taxis. (Tip tip: ask about the Fire Ramens! “No ramen no life!”) The staffs English skills were great.

A bit of a walk to transport but nothing too difficult. Just need to remember to have cash for buses as they don’t accept credit cards.

Ryokan is situated in a quiet location. It’s a charming place nestled in a modest area. It’s easy to locate and conveniently adjacent to bus and train stations. Staff are greatly hospitable and helpful. Apart from the smooth check-in/check-out process, they eagerly helped us put with our questions and handed out instructions and maps to key food/tourist spots. Entire place is kept very clean. Interiors are amazing and rooms are well prepared. They have everything that you will need (and even more). Our first time staying in a ryokan and they definitely did not disappoint. Added bonus is the onsen which I had to myself that time. Highly recommended! Will definitely come back when I’m in Kyoto. The fam loved the place. ❤️

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It was a very traditional ryokan, which I wanted to share the experience with my US-born children. The staff members were very nice and courteous. They tried their best for everything to accommodate our needs. Rooms were clean and well-kept, It had big bathrooms (one for men and the other for women), although our rooms have their own bathroom. It was a nice touch!

These things were not an issue us at all, but I should mention this to other people: It's not a 'hotel,' and it's a traditional Japanese ryokan. There is no elevator. So, if you have physical issues and trouble going up/down the stairs, Ryokan Sawaya Honten may not be for you. Room keys are traditional, physical ones (not a magnetic card type). You need to leave a room key at the reception when you go out. Because of this, there is a curfew. It may not work for you if you are a bar hopper and want to stay out till wee hours.

Close to Kyoto University, surrounded by lovely small streets and plentiful restaurants. Links to town are not far off and the Palace grounds are mere minutes away. The staff at the ryokan were excellent and helpful, and we especially enjoyed our brief chats with one chap into the FA League (being from the UK, it was something familiar to us!) who offered a lot of useful advice and spoke excellent English. All the staff were friendly and if you needed anything, they were happy to help. Venue has shared public baths as well as private facilities in each room, and there is even a pair of washer-driers available to use without charge to do your laundry. Wonderful place, will be back in future, thank you!

The place was lovely and quiet, although we were keenly aware of other guests not realizing the walls are very thin and we could hear everything when they didn't keep their voices down - thankfully, staff will tactfully inform them if you mention it to the front desk. We will definitely come back in future, there's many wonderful things to see nearby and the usual tourist sites are in easy reach - just be prepared to either familiarise yourself with buses, do a lot of walking, or be braced for taxi fares.

Excellent place for experiencing the traditional ryokan in a calmer place, next to the Kyoto University and hospital, with an easy access to public transport and river walks/runs. Exceptional breakfast (which I think was vegan) and baths. Our room had a private fish pool access, which gave an additional calmness feel. The room had all amenities (Japanese toilet, private bathroom with a shower, internet) to enjoy the tradition with a comfort. Most of the time in Kyoto we spent in other place and one night in this ryokan was a cherry on top of the trip.

Because it is a calmer district, for dinner plans we had to make arrangements elsewhere (while there were good options for lunch nearby).

The facilities were super nice, love the tranquility, the koi pond in the back. The staff was super friendly and 1 man (forgot his name) was so happy and excited to practice other languages with us.

The beds could have used a little more cushioning/thicker mats and the window covering could have been more opaque like blackout shades. The location was a bit far away from places we were visiting, but the train was easily accessible.

The hotel was spotlessly clean and the rooms were extremely comfortable. The breakfast was one of the best hotel breakfasts we have ever had and all the staff were extremely kind and really made us feel at home. The location of the hotel is excellent, it is in a quieter area of kyoto but is only a 20 minute stroll down the canal to reach busier spots, plus it is only a 5 minute walk to the keihan train line.

- The hosts were incredibly welcoming and helpful. Most are English speakers. One of the workers tried to speak both Tagalog and Spanish with us! They really make you feel at home. - The public bath was very clean, no mildew smells or grime anywhere. The temperature of the tub was great. Wonderful after a long day of walking. - Futon and comforter were so cozy. Not uncomfortable by any means.

- The stairs are narrow and steep. Our room was on the second floor so we had to climb about 10-15 steps. If you have any disability or struggle walking, this could be a problem.