The room was spacious and very clean. We could fully open both of our 28-inch suitcases with ease. The soundproofing was great, so we had a quiet and restful sleep. The front desk staff were very friendly and helpful. Even though we don’t speak Japanese, we were able to communicate in English and Chinese without any issues. We arrived early before the check-in time, and they kindly let us store our luggage. When we returned in the evening, our suitcases had already been placed in the room for us. The service was thoughtful and attentive — we really appreciated it!

The location was fantastic. The neighborhood was exactly what I'd hoped for: on a side street, right next to the canal/river, and close to temples, museums, etc. It was a very quiet neighborhood, easy to walk around in. We could have rented bikes if the weather was cooler, but it was in the middle of summer and was really hot. But the subway access is very close (just about a block away). There were plenty of a variety of restaurants that were very walkable. In fact, there were 4 within a block. We didn't get to try those, but if we go back, we definitely would. They were obviously well-liked by locals. The staff was SO helpful and accommodating. They held our luggage after checkout and even called us a cab to Kyoto Station when we picked up our luggage. So very kind and helpful. The rooms were relatively spacious, with a great bathroom/shower/bath. We didn't use the laundry on-site, but it was available. And tea was available near the lobby. Great security.

Honestly, it was exactly what I hoped for and was such a nice landing spot from our daily outings in Kyoto. Highly recommend.

I was shocked by how clean and big was the room and bathroom. We also booked a stay just for 4 nights but we still got a cleaning room service in the middle of our stay which was very nice. The beds were exceptionally big and comfortable! Also some recognition for staff because they were really helpful and always greeted us with a smile! The location was also great - a quiet area with a river outside a window, but still very close to stores, restaurants and tourist attractions. We loved everything about our stay here. Highly recommend!

There wasn’t a single thing that we didn’t like.

Location was fantastic. Next to the river, quiet, no noisy tourists, lack of busy bars. Next door to Higashiyama train station so easy to move around. Hotel was very clean, room was spacious and tidy. For a winter stay, it was quite atmospheric. Fast lift too.

Beds were a bit short and there was no daily cleaning. Staying over eight nights so cleaning was done twice. Laundry and drier is self service but the drier is pretty weak, a common thing for 3 stars hotel. Not sure why this one is rated four stars. There is no breakfast, restaurants or toiletries (you have to get those yourself from the lobby). Also as a small hotel, you have to use your card to enter after hours. Felt more like service flats. Might stay there again but I would like more amenities considering the price, but then again Kyoto is very expensive overall!

My entire family absolutely loved Waka Heian Shirakawa Hotel, primarily because of the exceptional staff who worked tirelessly day and night. They were always friendly and attentive to our needs, and the hotel team was eager to answer any questions and assist with all our requests. Traveling as a family of four in Japan can be challenging, but they made it easier. When it was time for us to check out, the lady at the reception went above and beyond to arrange a taxi that could fit both us and our luggage. She had to make several attempts because the first cab couldn’t accommodate all our belongings. She even insisted on loading our heavy suitcases into the cab herself, and in the end, she apologized for not being able to help more quickly. (To contrast, when we got back home, our Uber driver simply pointed to where I should place my bags in his car, as they were too heavy for him to lift.) As others have mentioned in their reviews, the hotel’s location was fantastic. It was close to several metro stations, many tourist attractions, and stores, making it perfect for anyone. The fact that our windows overlooked a small river channel made the experience even more peaceful and serene. We truly loved it.

We had Superior Twin Room, which sometimes felt a bit cramped for 4 of us, but that is to be expected from hotels in Japan. My only extra wish would be for a softer sofa bed.

The staff were very friendly and helpful. The location was very good, with easy access to public transit and walkable (weather depending) to several major landmarks. The room was very clean. There were lots of small touches that were much appreciated i.e. coffee/tea/ lots of little comforts available at the desk outside the elevator (lotions etc). We noticed too late into our stay - but there seemed to be a coin operated laundry available.

What we didn't like was minor compared to what we did like. The room was small (we were staying 6 nights). It was pretty dark with a window onto a wall. We would stay here again, but would request the room on the main floor that had 2 beds and a view. There really needed to be a hook in the bathroom to hang up clothes or robe. There is no english programming on the TV and no ability to cast to the tv from a mobile device. Small inconveniences - but would have been appreciated as we were staying more than just a couple of nights. We DO recommend the hotel and would stay again if we return to Kyoto

VERY quiet location, 200 m to subway. Small, newish, boutique hotel with less than 20 rooms. Hotel rooms are spacious, face East (a canal and pathway) or West (another building wall). The best rooms are 303 and 305, top floor, with the view of the canal and the sound of rushing water. Good to excellent restaurants within 50 m distance, as well as a couple avant-garde galleries next door. For lunch, the obanzai at Usagi No Ippo (200 m away) is a great value.

Confusion when ordering a taxi to the Kyoto station. Staff has little experience

The hotel is located in a quiet neighborhood in the northeastern part of Kyoto. It is located fairly close to a train/subway station in one direction and near a small river/canal with a quiet walking path in the other direction. It was a perfect launching point to explore the quieter parts of Kyoto. The room was very clean. The staff was exceptionally kind and friendly. Staying here made our stay very pleasant. If you are looking for a more peaceful experience away from the crowds, I highly recommend this hotel.

Nothing. Perfect.

The room was very spacious, comfy and the staff were a standout very helpful and kind - much appreciated. Very closely located to the metro or a walk to the more central shopping areas, shrines, Saturday market, convenience store, food etc. Eco hotel do they don’t do cleaning everyday and you can collect additional amenities outside the rooms, there’s also laundry facilities.

The garden outside the rooms is lovely but there’s no where to sit and enjoy it.

Their customer service go far beyond the norm. I was in Nara when I message them via booking app because I do not have a local number. I needed their assistance to call a dental clinic because my travelling partner suffered a really bad toothache. I gave them one dental contact in Tokyo to help us to make an appointment the next day, while we returned to Waka Heian on that night from Nara. Not only they call that clinic, they took initiative to contact a handful of English speaking clinics near my tokyo hotels and called on our behalf while we are still in Nara. I only saw their reply 1 hour later. They knew where we stay in Tokyo as we arranged yamanto service through them. Such Customer service is really commendable and I highly recommend u stay at this hotel for their efficient and helpful service. Excellent location and 3mins walk to the train station with mulitple bus stops too.

Pillows was not comfortable