We travelled to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and this place was our absolute favourite stay of them all! My sister unfortunately needed medical care on our arrival, and Shin promptly arranged an appointment at a clinic and accompanied us there. He spent hours with us, translated for us and helped us to fill out forms. We were so thankful to have been taken care of by Shin who went above and beyond. We'll always be grateful for the level of empathy, care and attention that Shin and Shohei gave us and words are not enough to describe how thankful we were. Without their help, we would not have been able to continue our Japanese adventures! Despite returning late to the ryokan, we were still given our welcome refreshments and Shin then spent over an hour helping us plan our Kyoto itinerary and showing us his favourite restaurants. We recommend booking the ryokan for the first stint of Kyoto travels before going to a hotel, to make the most of the itinerary that Shin helps you plan! We truly loved our stay at the accommodation which was incredibly clean, and the level of attention to detail was phenomenal. Everything had meaning here. We also had both the breakfast and dinner at the ryokan which was delicious and filling. Shin and Shohei made our stay extremely special and we were so well looked after, we felt like princesses! The beds were super comfortable (had the best night's sleep I've ever had) and all of the amenities were 5 star. We felt super lucky to have stayed here, and now we have left with 2 new friends in Japan. We missed Shin and Shohei after we left - they are the kindest people we met in Japan!

Nothing at all, we only wish we could have stayed longer! Book for 2 nights if you can to really immerse yourself and enjoy it :)

Please don’t make the same mistake we did and only stay here for one night. My husband and I are celebrating our honeymoon and really wanted to experience a traditional Japanese inn before leaving. After much research, we found Kyonoyado Gekkoan and booked immediately based on the raving reviews and photos. However, even with that, nothing could’ve prepared us for our experience here. This was the most unforgettable stay. From the communication before our arrival to the thoughtful check-in, where we learned more about the property, Kyoto, and nearby recommendations, Shohei and the team made us feel right at home — they even had a small present for our honeymoon. We had just arrived and were already thinking of when we could come back. What makes this place so special is the attention to detail and the history behind it. The house is over 100 years old, and you can feel that sense of history in every corner. The rooms are beautifully decorated with local artwork that reflects the culture and craftsmanship of Kyoto. There’s a real sense that every piece was chosen with care. Another thing that really sets Kyonoyado Gekkoan apart is that it’s been certified for good sleep — which isn’t an easy certification to get. The beds, the atmosphere, and the quiet surroundings make it one of the most restful nights of sleep we’ve ever had. The garden is absolutely beautiful — peaceful and perfectly maintained. Sitting there in the morning or evening with a cup of tea was one of the most relaxing moments of our trip. And the private onsen? Incredible. Soaking in the warm water after a long day of traveling/exploring Kyoto was pure bliss. I’m writing this on our way out of Kyoto, hoping it reaches others who might be considering a stay here. If you’re thinking of booking just one night — stay longer. They’ve created something truly special here, and the warmth and care from the staff make it even better. We will see each other again! Thank you endlessly.

Nothing at all.

I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks for the incredible hospitality we experienced during our stay with you. Every detail, from the warm welcome at check-in to the thoughtful evening teas and delicious sweets, made our time truly memorable. A special thanks to Shohei for going above and beyond with recommendations for exploring Kyoto. Your insights added so much to our trip and led us to discover some amazing places. Our check-in experience was exceptional and unlike any we’ve ever had—it truly set the tone for an unforgettable stay. Please pass along our gratitude to the entire team for their outstanding care and attention to detail. We hope to return in the future and will definitely recommend your hotel to anyone visiting Kyoto.

It was stunningly beautiful with a careful balance between luxury and homeliness that made us feel so welcome and comfortable. Exactly what we needed to feel relaxed after each day of exploring Kyoto. The Shojin Ryori breakfast was great and gave us plenty of energy for our adventures, we missed it after we left. Shin, Shohei and Emi went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and helped us to plan our itinerary, with some recommendations for some quieter but culturally important shrines. We highly recommend Gekkoan to anyone wishing to visit Kyoto, you won’t regret it.

Nothing.

Shin & the team went above & beyond to provide an unforgettable experience in this traditional Kyoto Ryokan townhouse. Very comfortable bed in a split-level apartment, complete with private stone onsen, zen garden, tatami mat flooring in the living / dining room, plus all the mod cons. Original artwork and complimentary skincare was a bonus. We splurged & opted for traditional kaiseki dinner & breakfast which was brought into our room fresh from the off-site kitchen (veg options available). Unfortunately our budget only allowed us to stay for one night, but would have loved to stay longer.

Our recent stay at this charming machiya was nothing short of magical. From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the warm hospitality and attention to detail that made our visit so memorable. One of the highlights of our stay was the exceptional service provided by our host. I have specific dietary restrictions, and while I mentioned them during the booking process, I didn't expect much. To my surprise, our host went above and beyond to accommodate my needs, providing delicious and suitable meals that made me feel truly cared for. This level of consideration and effort was incredibly heartwarming and added a special touch to our experience. We arrived during a heavy rainstorm, which could have dampened our spirits, but instead, it turned into a beautiful part of our stay. The machiya itself is a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern comfort, and watching the rain from the comfort of the bathtub was an experience we will never forget. The sound of the rain and the view of the garden created a serene and calming atmosphere that made us feel like we were in a different world. Speaking of the garden, it was simply beautiful. The meticulously maintained greenery provided a picturesque backdrop to our stay, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the machiya. The beds were incredibly comfortable, ensuring we had restful nights and woke up refreshed the next morning. Overall, our stay at this machiya was a perfect blend of relaxation, beauty, and exceptional service. We highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable experience. Thank you Shin for making our stay so special!

While our stay at the machiya was wonderful, we encountered an issue upon arrival during a heavy rainstorm. We were soaked and my husband was already unwell. The host immediately conducted a two-hour Kyoto briefing while we were still in wet clothes, which was very uncomfortable. We suggest allowing guests time to dry off, change, or rest for an hour before starting any lengthy briefings to enhance comfort and prevent similar issues in the future.

The host was an absolute pleasure, he gave us so many recommendations and walked us through all the amenities of the house. The beds were very comfortable, the food was excellent, and the artwork and decorations in the home were beautiful. This was a luxurious stay and I wish we could have stayed longer!

The service was amazing. Two young men in suits met us at the end of the small street and helped us with everything. The food was excellent. The spa tub was incredible overlooking the small courtyard garden and the shower was also excellent - had multiple jets and shower heads. The bed and lighting situation including the automated window blinds were also incredible. The washer/dryer combo also came in very handy. We had dinner and breakfast served in the room and both were outstanding in terms of quality and freshness. Highly recommend this place!

Kyonoyado Gekkoan was the most beautiful place to stay. The beds were comfortable. The moonlight bath was amazing. The outdoor garden was serene. All the decor was just amazing. The work that has gone into this place really speaks for itself. The hosts were phenomenal. They gave us so much help and really looked after us. Nothing was too much trouble and were able to help us with anything we needed. They made our stay extra perfect. The location is great too. Away from all the hustle and bustle but close enough to public transport to make getting around easier. We’d love to be able to have another meal at the PakuPaku curry place around the corner. We weren’t sure what to expect when Shin suggested the place but my gosh he was on the money.

Not a single thing. It was all perfect.

This was an absolute gem of a stay and a highlight in our trip to Japan. We were very late arriving back into Kyoto, and had to rush off to a tea ceremony. We hadn't even told our hosts which ceremony we'd booked, but they'd phoned a few and managed to find ours and tell them that we were running late, so they held on for us. Even though we only stayed one night, the attentiveness and helpfulness was second-to-none, and we are very grateful. On the accommodation, it's really rather lovely, with its own Japanese garden overlooked from a large, Kyoto-made pottery bath/hot tub. The amenities are superb, the room was comfortable, cool and quiet and the way that modern and traditional were so expertly fused was a delight. Would happily stay here again and definitely recommend it to anyone looking to stay in Kyoto.

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