What an experience. Words won't quite convey how cool this place was. First off, the location. You're in the heart of the Gion district, in a beautiful Japanese style home with a central koi pond. You walk right and you're at Yasaka Shrine, left and you can see Yasaka Koshin-do on your way to Kiyomizudera. Straight on and you're into central Kyoto. Second, there's Hiro, host extraordinaire. Always willing to offer great advice with a smile. We stayed in the Japanese family room and it just elevated the entire trip. Tatami, futons, sliding doors, the sound of running water from the pond - it felt straight out of a movie. It was a welcome change from the very corporate feel of big city hotels. I would stay there again without a second thought.

Remember that it's a traditional home and that means no special soundproofing between floors. It didn't keep me awake or bother me that much (I live in a flat in the UK, so I'm used to it) but I definitely heard the footsteps and roller bags in the room above. There's nothing to be done about though, so it's a minor gripe.

We didn’t get a chance to eat breakfast as we had to be on the move very early but the location was perfect. It was central to a bunch of shops and restaurants and a very close walking distance to bus stops and the famous Ninenzaka street. Hiro was also so nice and welcoming!

I would have liked to have been offered flip flops/indoor shoes because the floor was cold and I couldn’t fit mine in my backpack to bring with me. I believe there were some near the front entrance but I wasn’t sure if we were allowed to use those/wear them inside.

Is clean, feels very historic when i enter the waiting room. It was air conditioned as soon as you step in. Host was very hospitable, I didnt have much chance to speak with him as i only stay for a night. But i read many positive reviews about him. He ask me any questions but i didnt had any question in mind. Location was superb and that was the main reason why i had chosen Gionkoh. Near to all the photographic streets and places of attractions. You can go late at night and early in morning where is no crowd. There is a Lawson nearby. All is good at this place. Highly recommended!

Maybe suggest some alternative white lights in room , it was yellow lights throughout which is still acceptable in view of the ambience, which also add on to the historic feel.

Kyoto is busy and touristy and our room was quiet with access to an interior garden w koi pond. It was so peaceful and quiet and comfortable after the busy-ness of touring Kyoto. The host was friendly, accessible, helpful. Having access to a kitchen is also a plus. It’s walking distance to so many sites and the access to public transportation was good.

Nothing! The room was Japanese style (beds on the floor) and the bath a traditional Japanese style but that was fine with us.

Hiro who runs this property is lovely. We had such a great time here. The property is in Gion just minutes walk from all the places you want to see in Kyoto. We stay 3 days and it was the perfect place. I really can’t recommend this property enough. We loved it.

There is nothing we did not like about this property. I guess if you require your own bathroom. Maybe that will be a problem. But we loved this property. I’m so glad I found it.

The ancestral home is one of the most beautiful I’ve stayed in Kyoto. Every space is ornate wonderfully with details of its past. It is located in Gion which makes it so convenient to explore the area anytime, and especially at night or at dawn when there are few people. Hiro, the host, is warm, accommodating and helpful. My son and I had a restful night here and we’d love to stay longer in the future.

There’s nothing we didn’t like about this property.

This is a quaint, cozy ryokan that feels like a home. The host meets you in the 'living room' to checkin and go over house rules. There's even a fully equipped kitchen if you want to prepare your own meals. We stayed in a tatami mat room, and the futons were very comfortable. Headroom is low, watch the center beam. Be prepared, shoes off at the front door. We also had a view of the garden and koi pond; it felt from another era. I wish we'd booked more than one night to enjoy the lovely experience.

I’ve never written a review here but this stay prompted me to! I’ve stayed in many of the finest hotels around the world, but this (although not a hotel) was one of my favorites. Quiet & Relaxing - It is extremely relaxing and quiet both inside and out. The garden is peaceful and the views from the room are perfect. The Constant flowing water & incense is soothing. Great location - While relaxing it’s is in the heart of Gion a traditional area, which is close to all of the restaurants and bars as well as many temples. I walked almost everywhere from here. It’s also very close to the transit stops. Reading room - I woke up and read in the guest room with tea over looking the fish in the garden. My favorite room. Comfortable - Bed was surprisingly comfortable. Value - You simply can’t beat the value. Hiro should honestly raise the prices - it’s unreal. Host - Is the man. Gave me recommendations on where to visit, what great offs to make, and restaurants to seek out (book your restaurants in advance via phone or go in person. They are usually small and many won’t take you in same day - Hiro can help you navigate them.

Nothing

This place was a highlight on our Japan trip! A charming old-times house in the middle of the most fascinating (and visited) part of Kyoto, and yet it was so peaceful and quiet! The host was super friendly, helpful and welcoming, the facilities were shared but always spotlessly clean, and our room had a view of the interior garden with the pond - it was simply magical!

Lovely old house with lots of little unexpected spaces. This starts already at the entrance. Communal rooms beautiful decorated. We had a family room. Simple but made if beautiful materials and convenient. Hiro made us feel welcome and was helpful explaining the city. Communal kitchen was comfortable and spacious. Nit sure how, but the sharing of the space went perfect. We had family breakfasts without others. If you go, don't forget to check out the slmost hidden tiny space overlooking the garden!

The familyroom is small when all futons are rolled out and we all were in with our bags. That being said, we knew we could expect this as it is an old house in the Gion neighbourhood, where houses are small. So, to me, nothing negative!