I can't recommend this property highly enough. From check in to check out the experience was exceptional. Location was ideal right in the middle of the Gion district with Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist Temple were minutes walk from the front door. While we arrived by taxi its only about a 500-600m walk from Gion-Shijo station. Breakfast was traditional and while not all of it weren't necessarily to my tastes I tried everything. The chef was a wonderful man who would go out of his way make sure you were accommodated; we had a celiac in our party and they were happy to support their dietary needs. Similar with check in and front counter staff they were extremally helpful. Rooms were spacious and wonderfully set up.

We found nothing wrong with this property, its location or the general area of Kyoto

The ryokan was perfectly placed in the heart of the Gion Geisha district, but still tucked away from all the tourist crowd lanes and noise. It was the perfect introduction to what a ryokan stay should be like. Luxury yet at a pocket-friendly price if you are not travelling in the peak periods. Overall, I will stay here again when I visit Kyoto next.

We had requested the Kaiseki-style breakfast at check-in, but unfortunately, the staff informed us that it was no longer possible. Given that everything is prepared fresh, I was surprised that a one-day advance notice wasn’t sufficient. The ryokan was not fully booked during our stay, so it felt like there could have been some flexibility. That said, the alternative breakfast provided was still enjoyable.

The room was exquisite! Perfect mix of traditional & modern, really large room with tatami mats, shoji screens on windows, giant soaking tub but tiled with metallic tiles, organic bath oils, huge comfy beds, & bar fridge stocked with complimentary beer & sake! Location is fantastic, easy walk to restaurants along Pontocho Alley, close to shrines & temples, geisha walking around … I can’t stop raving about this place. Staff were super friendly & helpful & it was a lovely surprise to find breakfast included. Highly recommend this accommodation (& have already recommended it to family coming to Japan later in the year!)

I have no issues removing shoes & wearing slippers indoors but found these to be impossible to keep on my feet, the insides were smooth & slippery & slid off, making it difficult & dangerous on stairs.

The hotel is located in an awesome location. I was very stunned by the comfort of this hotel . The was very spacious, the beds very cozy . The best Roykan and was worth the money . The staff took very good care and was helpful. The bathroom was the highlight of this hotel with a bathtub in onsen style . I would definitely stay here again if visiting Kyoto . The hotel also offers free wine tasting occasionally . The welcome drink , green tea and pastries was very delicious. The room also had very good amenities .

Goin historical location surrounded by high end restaurants and temples. Lovely place with super helpful staff. We especially loved the onsen inside the room. I understand if one expects the old tatami bed would get disappointed because the rooms are all new and modern. But beautiful made.

Our room was very newly done and sill have a slight smell of new rooms. With window open during the day it is totally fine. By winter smell would be gone so no problem.

I can’t say enough good things about this beautiful place. It is built in the traditional Japanese style and you can either request futons or western beds. Location is impeccable. It’s within a walking distance to all the major attractions. The room is clean and comfortable. The staff is so amazing that no other hotel comes close. We were always helped by a truly wonderful man from the reception, Kodera-sun. What an exceptional human being! He bent over backwards to make sure all our needs were met and that we were satisfied. But not only that! He did it with a smile and a kind word, happy to be helpful! It truly brightened up our day to see him in the morning and made returning to the hotel, after a long day of touring, feel like home. I had a knee injury and all the staff at the hotel was doing everything to help me. Additionally, we bought a lot of items and the hotel was extremely helpful organizing shipping to the US. We received a world-class service at this hotel, and I will never forget it. I will definitely return. Thank you again, especially to Kodera-sun for making our trip to Kyoto especially memorable!!!!

Nothing

Our room was very spacious and full of everything we could ever need and more for a relaxing and comforting stay. The tub and the shower were both great to have. The bed is big and super comfy. The workers at the ryoken SAKANOUE were the best and were able to help answer any questions we had. The breakfast in the morning was a great start to our day. The location is very convenient for getting around all of the best parts of Kyoto that we wanted to explore. It’s on a quiet and relaxing block, but a quick walk away from all of the best shopping and restaurants in Kyoto.

Very well located. The room was spacious, clean and comfortable and offers a genuine Japanese ryokan experience. The large bathtub is a real treat! Very quiet and calm which makes it ideal for resting. The male staff were adorable and very welcoming, so was the land lady, Yumi.

Breakfast is a bit light. I also felt female staff were a little bit judgmental, especially regarding a moment when I walked bare feet in the entrance lobby. All 3 women gasped and stared at me with appalled faces as if I’d done something truly terrible. I am a European solo female traveler and though I am not used to the “shoes on/off” rule in Japan, I always try my best to learn new cultures and be respectful. I would have appreciated them to tell me what I’d done wrong instead of just standing there staring at me with a look of disgust. That incident made me feel real bad!

I loved every single detail at Sakanoue. The room, the bed, the amenities, the breakfast, the location—everything was truly wonderful. The staff were incredibly kind and attentive. I recommend this place without hesitation. A special thank you to Mr. Kodeja (apologies if I’m mispronouncing your name)—it was so thoughtful of you to communicate with us in our native language. Your kindness made our stay even more memorable.

The hotel is located in a beautiful location, in the Gion district. Easy to access with public transportation. We were welcomed with delicious green tea and some sweets. The staff is very friendly and always happy to help! The rooms are HUGE and spacious, as well as very simple and beautifully decorated. The coffee and mini croissants for breakfast was a nice little detail we didn’t expect to get. The beds were comfortable and we also enjoyed both our own bath and the public one. It was always nice to come back to such a peaceful space after a whole day of exploring busy areas.