The staff at Higashiyama Shikikaboku were absolutely exceptional - their attentiveness and genuine kindness made our stay truly memorable. Every morning we looked forward to the delicious breakfasts, and we were so grateful that they could accommodate our specific dietary requirements without any fuss. What impressed us most was how thoughtfully every detail was curated, from the warm welcome during check-in to the carefully selected amenities in our room, the evening drinks service, and especially the serene open-air bath experience. The traditional architecture and peaceful atmosphere in the Higashiyama district created the perfect authentic Kyoto experience.

Honestly, it's difficult to find any significant faults. If anything, we wished our three-night stay could have been longer to fully savor this exceptional experience.

This is by far the best city hotel I have ever stayed in in my life, and that means a lot since I’m an airline Pilot/Captain since 2010. Interior design - the hotel has a beautiful tranquil traditional Japanese style interior with the dining/breakfast area on the ground floor and the reception area on the first floor. The check-in process is private and unique with welcome drinks, hot towels and even a handwritten welcome note in the room including your name. The room is beautiful with similar styling, comfortable beds and a tatami room to eat/drink/relax. The bathroom is fully equipped with high end finishes and all amenities your can think of, plus the always enjoyable Japanese toilet! On the top floor of the hotel is the semi outdoor Spa/Onsen area, where you can enjoy 45 mins of quality time with views of Kyoto’s Gion district. Staff and service - the hotel staff and their hospitality was of the highest level I have ever experienced. They were extremely helpful throughout the entire stay. From gathering dining options in Kyoto and arranging reservations, to assisting with tickets for Osaka’s Nintendo World, to advising on things to do throughout the area, how to get there and get the best experiences! Every evening/night when we arrived back from a day out, the staff asked at what time we would want our breakfast to be served the next morning so they could prepare it accordingly! They set a standard that every hotel around the world should take notes from! The breakfast was served fresh every morning by the chef, consisting of a mixed variety of healthy fresh vegetables, salmon or chicken, boiled eggs, fresh juice, a selection of bread and Japanese tea. The location is perfect next to Kyoto’s Gion district with all sightseeing and dining at walking distance. There’s multiple subway stations at walking distance and a bike rental shop nearby.

The breakfast was almost perfect but could be a little bit less focused on vegetables, with more bread/pastries/oatmeal (carbs) options.

Very modern and high quality facilities. Room was on the smaller side compared to the image but well laid out. Staff spoke English well and showed excellent hospitality. Loved the outdoor bath on the rooftop (have to be booked in advance). Free minibar, green tea/coffee and unlimited water bottles were a nice touch. Microwave in the room. Freshly washed and ironed pajamas were provided daily. Natura Bisse amenities were an extra plus. Location is right next to Higashiyama subway station and within 2 minutes from bus lines that go through the main tourist attractions.

Not much storage/closet/drawer space in the room. No hooks or hangers to dry used towels. Breakfast was top quality, healthy and painstakingly prepared but not enough to feed a hungry teenager.

This was by far our favorite place that we stayed at in Japan. It was a beautiful, quaint, serene ryokan with an incredibly friendly and helpful staff that felt like family during our stay there. We were served an exquisite breakfast every morning, they were even able to accommodate my request for gluten free. The onsen was so relaxing after a long day of walking. The location was fantastic. I can't recommend this place enough! 100/10. Nana san, Hiro san, and the entire staff made our experience so memorable.

Truly there was nothing we disliked. It was incredible.

this is one of the most beautiful boutique hotels you could stay in in kyoto!!! exceeded our expectations! our room was super spacious, with a living area, private japanese garden, comfortable beds, a kitchenette... we also used the onsen which you can book for private use and it was a nice way to relax after a long day of sightseeing. The breakfast is mostly plant based (salad and vegetables) which may feel a bit strange for some people, but we absolutely loved it - especially with its locally sourced and seasonal ingredients!

nothing!

This is a fine, quintessentially Japanese boutique hotel close to everything. It is distinctive and memorable, in a way that larger luxury hotels sometimes are not. Japan is justly renowned for its professionalism and hospitality, but the staff here were extraordinary even by high Japanese standards. To a person they were professional, sincere, warm, helpful, and thoughtful. Nanaka san, who captained the front desk, was especially kind. We also appreciated the cocktails crafted by the handsome, immaculately dressed bartender in the cozy lobby bar, and the skilled chef who prepared us wonderful breakfasts each day. The interiors of the entire hotel have a beautiful, minimalist, and thoroughly Japanese aesthetic that evokes a modern ryokan. There is a roof-deck on the top floor offering views of the city and surrounding mountains, and two open air private outdoor baths can can be booked for free by guests. Our large room had a tatami living area, sliding shoji screens, a small Japanese garden on the outdoor terrace, a huge square bath tub, and a vast cloud like bed on a low futon-like platform.

The hotel fronts on a rather busy street. Ideally we’d rather it were it a tad more secluded. That said, it would be unfair to over emphasize this point. Our room was silent at night. The hotel is also located in an interesting and convenient part of Kyoto, within an easy walk to many notable places in Higashiyama and Gion, including fine dining, parks, shrines, museums, and temples.

I would take a year's sabbatical to stay at this inn. The serenity, the privacy, the thoughtfulness of the staff were all exemplary. Then there are the amenities to be considered--the onsen baths (one with a mountain view, the other with a city view), the roof sitting area which is a candlelit oasis at night. The breakfast is a well-thought out blend of Western and Oriental foods. Coffee is excellent. So is the house gin. There are a couple of izakayas within a very short distance which are terrific. No English spoken but the food and staff are wonderful. One should not leave the inn without buying a set of the very soft and comfortable lounge pj's. Japanese sandals are also available. This beautiful ryokan defies expectations.

Can't imagine any such thing!

This is a beautiful modern meets traditional Ryokan. The couple who owns the property are an architect and interior designer and this is reflected in the quality of the rooms. The lighting and amenities are immaculate. It has everything you could need. The location is fantastic - 10 mins walk to Sanjo station and you are right at the foothills of the forest with many amazing temples. Relaxing hub amid a city of a thousand things to do. The staff are extremely polite and friendly - a special shout out to Nana who helped us arrange transport and suggested some impeccable restaurants for us to try. We highly recommend you ask them about local recommendations. Everyone who looked after us - Nana, Ikema and the rest of the team - went above and beyond. You cannot experience this level of attentiveness even in some 5 star hotels. You will be well looked after here. If you can book it you should stay here.

this property is on a busy road although I was able to sleep very well.

We loved our stay here. The best part was the staff. They were the nicest people, so kind and so helpful. They were ultra prepared and thinking ahead (for example, I’d mention I have dinner plans somewhere, and without asking they would print directions and different means of getting there and give those to me next time they saw me). The breakfast was amazing. After only eating pancakes, crepes and brutal touristy food for a couple of days, their healthy delicious breakfast was exactly what my stomach needed. They also make amazing drip coffee. Overall 10/10 exceeded my expectations!

Wonderful staff and lovely property in an area well served by transit. Enjoyed the spacious room, ability to cook, outdoor bath, and traditional tatami area. The pajamas, slippers, socks, and bath baskets were a nice, welcoming touch. Above all, the staff was the most amazing and attentive that I have ever encountered. If I could give a half rating, I would rate this inn a 9.5.

If you plan to work, the Wi-Fi strength is not great. Also, my room was directly below the outdoor baths and you could hear water swishing around during bath hours. A few other nits--one blind in the room did not stay open due to a frayed cord and the hair dryer handle did not lock in the open position.