In our top 3 hotels worldwide. The in-room heated self-refilling bath was one of the most special things we have ever experienced in Japan. The bed was firm but super comfortable, and our view was the best we've had at any hotel (two cherry trees in full bloom, a tiled roof, and a cemetery climbing the side of the Higashiyama mountains, lit beautifully by sunset every night). Gorgeous subtly luxe furnishings, shoji screens (be gentle!), a lovely tea set, books full of haiku poetry (thank goodness for my translator app!) - and not only comfy pajamas but also authentic yukata robes AND purple/gold overcoats to be worn around the hotel. The staff were so attentive, professional, and were happy to assist with whatever we needed - be that dinner reservations, spa bookings, storing luggage before and after our stay, or serving us house-made gelato at 9:30pm in the lobby (a definite highlight - try the pistachio). There is a guests-only lounge where you can sample little local-made treats and snacks, drinks galore, even a latte machine (matcha included). Not only that, but almost every mini bar item (yuzu soda, beautiful wagashi dessert and Kyoto Tsujiri green tea, etc.) in the room is free. Aromatherapeutic toiletries as well. And we didn't even have to ask for a humidifier, there was already one in the room! We recommend (if you're adventurous) reserving the traditional breakfast in advance via email - very memorable. The value is unbeatable here, especially since you're a few stone steps away from every landmark and attraction we consider worth seeing in east Kyoto. Please consider staying here - it's on par with the most famous hotels in Kyoto and exceeded our expectations dramatically. Arigatou gozaimashita to the staff - it was a pleasure to stay here during sakura season, and we hope to visit in every other season someday!

We loved everything. Just book it. (:

Fantastic hotel with exceptional staff. We were really well looked after during our stay. The Japanese breakfasts were delicious. We also booked a Kaiseki dinner at the group's sister hotel with included shuttle transportation. Definitely worth it. The onsen in our room was stunning and the room in particular was much larger than your standard Kyoto hotel room. The hotel is still new and having only 20 odd rooms made for a very boutique experience. We loved the location and the main Gion area is only a 8min walk away.

Not many things we didn't like. The only thing is possibly the onsen temperature is a little too high for non-Japanese tastes. This was rectified very quickly by the hotel staff after asking for the temperature to be turned down. But this is being really nit-picking - we had a wonderful time at the hotel.

Hotel Yuraku was the highlight of our trip! The in-room onsen was amazing and we took advantage of it multiple times a day. We also got the breakfast daily and it was delicious each time. The staff were very kind and helpful with our needs. The closest train station is about 19 min walk so keep that in mind when considering location. However, it is walking distance to Todaji temple and about 15 min walk to Sannezaka street. The area was peaceful and beautiful during cherry blossom season so worth the farther train station in my opinion.

15+ min walk to nearest train station

Everything. The food, location, onsen, spa and staff were all amazing. It was in a very peaceful part of Kyoto and a stones through away from so many shrines. All the staff were incredibly nice and helpful. The masseuse was so sweet and did an excellent job getting rid of all my soreness. The chef is extremely talented and prepared delicious food for us daily. The rooms were very spacious and much nicer in person, the pictures don’t do them enough justice! There was even air conditioning that we could control ourselves so the room was always nice and cool, perfect after a long day in the sun. And the private bath in the room was the perfect thing to melt away all the stress and heat from the day. The only downside is the cemetery next door but honestly you don’t notice it unless you’re staring directly out the window, and there are two windows so you can just keep that one closed if it creeps you out. But please don’t let that stop you from staying at this amazing gem of a hotel.

Nothing.

Absolutely phenomenal stay in Kyoto! From the moment we arrived, everything about our experience at this hotel was exceptional. The staff welcomed us with such warmth and genuine hospitality—it truly set the tone for the rest of the visit. Every team member we encountered went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and well cared for. The meals were nothing short of outstanding. Japanese style breakfasts each morning were beautifully presented and full of rich, authentic, local flavor—clearly prepared with care and seasonal ingredients. We also had a western style breakfast one morning that was delicious as well. It was the perfect way to start each day. Our room was immaculate. Spotlessly clean, thoughtfully arranged, and incredibly comfortable. We especially loved our onsen and tatami. This hotel struck the perfect balance between traditional charm and modern comfort in a peaceful, quaint area of Kyoto. We left feeling relaxed, inspired, and already planning our return.

N/a. no notes. Everything was perfect.

1- location it is in the perfect location, close to temples, shrines and the Gion district. 2- The hotel has an authentic Japanese style, with all the modern convenience and craftsmanship! 3- They offer a breakfast that is authentic Japanese style and is excellent in quality, taste and presentation. 4- Our room had a private onsen that was the best, after walking roughly 10 plus miles a day! 5- We enjoyed their happy hour which was a nice touch. To many things to list, We definitely would stay there again and would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to visit Kyoto.

We didn’t stay longer, and take advantage of all that they have to offer.

Staff were very friendly and helpful. The facility was super clean, no shoes were allowed beyond the reception desk. The lounge area with tea and coffee and a little nibble was really nice to have. The location was also excellent.

This was the most wonderful experience that myself and my husband have had at a hotel. We traveled to Japan for the first time for our anniversary this year. I really wanted a more traditional style hotel, and hotel Yuraku Kyo-Yasaka did not disappoint, in fact, they exceeded every expectation! The room was spacious with the most beautiful in room onsen filled with mineral water. The hotel was pristine and beautiful. The breakfast was incredible and really gave us a nice introduction to Kaiseki cuisine. The location was also wonderful, just behind Yasaka shrine and within a nice walking distance to the bustling parts of Gion. If you are in Kyoto, stay at hotel Yuraku Kyo-Yasaka, you won't regret it. From the kind staff to the gorgeous rooms, this hotel made our trip so magical. お世話になりました

Breakfast was absolutely amazing. Everyone’s first breakfast is a traditional Japanese breakfast. Everyone’s 2nd morning is a western style breakfast. The next day flips back to Japanese but the items are different. The breakfast was multi course and it felt like fine dining!

Everything was absolutely amazing. It’s a no shoes hotel- you can be barefoot, wear socks, or the provided slippers. You put your shoes in a little cubby by the front desk. I thought having to wait for the staff to provide the shoe box key was going to be slightly annoying but they were always super fast, helpful, and it was really nice to have a clean hotel with clean floors!

We love every single thing about Hotel Yuraku Kyo-Yasaka. Location, staff, quality of facilities, amenities, in-room onsen, and unwavering commitment to the highest standards of Japanese hospitality. We will be back.

Only tiny issue: we were asked to sit down in the dining area for welcoming/check-in etc. This could have been the perfect start to a perfect stay, however, no one explained this was the process and the staffer assigned to us for this spoke zero English, was very anxious and did his best given he was put in this rough spot with inadequate training and supervision.