Gion Ryokan Karaku

8.0
Excellent
(174 reviews)

499 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan

+81 75-541-2525

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Hotel Description

Gion Ryokan Karaku, located at 499 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan, is a tranquil haven offering picturesque views of the Higashiyama mountains. Situated in the heart of the traditional Gion district, the hotel places guests at the doorstep of cultural treasures such as the Yasaka Shrine, a mere one-minute walk away, and is only a 12-minute walk from Gion-Shijo train station. The surrounding area is a vibrant blend of fine Japanese cuisine, upscale shops, and the immersive atmosphere of Yasaka Shrine festivals. The property exudes a relaxed ambiance with a fusion of classic Japanese ryokan style and modern comfort. The rooms are simple yet elegant, featuring tatami floors, futons, and traditional short-legged tables, creating a warm and inviting space for relaxation. Guests can enjoy mountain or city views depending on room choice, alongside amenities such as Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and safes, ensuring a comfortable stay. The hotel also boasts a casual restaurant, where guests can savor authentic Japanese dishes, and a peaceful garden, ideal for unwinding. Gion Ryokan Karaku offers convenient amenities, including both parking and breakfast, providing a seamless experience for guests. The staff is known for their exceptional hospitality, and the front desk operates 24/7, a rarity in this area, ensuring personalized service at any hour of the day or night. The hotel is also one of the few in the vicinity to have a restaurant, which adds to the convenience of staying here. With its prime location and homely atmosphere, Gion Ryokan Karaku is a perfect choice for guests seeking to immerse themselves in Kyoto's rich cultural heritage while enjoying modern comforts. Nearby, guests can visit popular attractions such as Kiyomizu-dera, a famous Buddhist temple with stunning views, and the scenic Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, among others. The hotel’s proximity to major transportation hubs such as Kyoto Station and Gion-Shijo Station makes it an ideal base for exploring Kyoto and beyond. Whether you're here for a short stay or a longer visit, Gion Ryokan Karaku offers an exceptional blend of tradition, comfort, and convenience, ensuring a memorable Kyoto experience.

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. Guests praised the bathrooms for their cleanliness and modern amenities.

2. Walking distance to Kōdai-ji and the historic Gion district.

3. 12-minute walk to Gion-Shijo Station, offering easy access to Kyoto's attractions.

4. One of the few hotels in the area with a 24-hour front desk for convenience.

5. Offers a rare on-site restaurant serving authentic Japanese cuisine.

6. Traditional ryokan-style rooms with tatami floors, futons, and short-legged tables.

7. Stunning mountain and city views available in select rooms.

8. Peaceful garden area perfect for relaxation.

9. Wi-Fi access in rooms and public areas for guests' connectivity.

10. Smoke-free property, ensuring a clean and fresh environment.


9.8 Exceptional

Location rating

Top sights

Kiyomizu-dera
15 min
Fushimi Inari Taisha
17 min
Gion
4 min
Nishiki Market
11 min
Nijō Castle
17 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Location rating9.8
Nearest airportOsaka International Airport (Itami Airport)
Travel time to airport56 min

Nightly price (Only for reference price for sample day)

Check-in: Sun, Nov 17
Check-out: Mon, Nov 18
    Official Hotel

    $430

    Vio.com

    $338

    Agoda

    $342

    goseek.com

    $338

    Booking.com

    $371

    Dinogo.com

    $343


Location

499 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan

Airports:

Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport)

Taxi: 56 min

Transit: 1 hr 30 min

Nagoya Airport (Komaki Airport)

Transit: 1 hr 50 min

Taxi: 1 hr 54 min

Kobe Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 25 min

Transit: 1 hr 57 min

Chubu Centrair International Airport

Transit: 1 hr 53 min

Taxi: 2 hr 4 min

Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Taxi: 1 hr 32 min

Transit: 2 hr 16 min

Transit:

Kyoto Station

Taxi: 15 min

Walking: 47 min

Gion-Shijo Station

Walking: 12 min

Nijo Station

Taxi: 18 min

Walking: 58 min

Yamashina Station

Taxi: 17 min

Walking: 1 hr 14 min

Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station

Walking: 15 min


Nearby locations

9.8

Exceptional Location

Gion

Traditional geisha district with fine Japanese cuisine, upscale stores & Yasaka Shrine festivals.

Top Attractions


Amenities and Facilities

Activities

Banquet hall

Languages spoken

English

Japanese

Accessibility

Not accessible

Wheelchair rental

Food & drink

Restaurant

Table service

Breakfast

Vending machines

Wellness

No fitness center

Massage

No spa

Pools

No pools

No hot tub

Rooms

Air conditioning

Refrigerator

Pets

No pets

Parking & transportation

Parking

Services

Front desk

Elevator

Wake up calls

Gift shop

Housekeeping

Turndown service

Policies & payments

Smoke-free property

Credit cards

Cash

Business & events

Meeting rooms

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Bathtub

Shower

Children

Kid-friendly

Internet

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi in public areas


Reviews

100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo

8.7

6 reviews

Wonderful
4
Excellent
0
Good
2
Below Average
0
Not Good
0
Cover Image for Madeline Barnes

Madeline Barnes

5/5
We had a wonderful stay here. I was surprised by some of the negative Google reviews and am only leaving one because I think their score should be much higher. We stayed 3 nights and really enjoyed it. I felt the price was reasonable and comparable to our normal hotel experience for that price. The staff were extremely nice and accommodating, especially given our limited Japanese. Our only issue was that the breakfast was very filling, and we felt bad for not finishing all our food since it was very good just too much for us personally. Thank you to the staff!

Cover Image for Rohit Rai

Rohit Rai

3/5
Highly overpriced for an outdated building. Pathetic beds and rugs. I am sure you can find better accomodation options in nearby areas.

Room 2

Service 3

Location4

Cover Image for 山内文太

山内文太

5/5
I used it with my family.The location was good, it was clean, and the food was delicious. There was a shortage of rice, so I bought some rice at a rice shop I found in a hurry, but even though I had already checked out, they didn't give me any bad looks and let me keep it for them. Thanks to them, I was able to travel around with peace of mind. I would definitely like to stay here again when I visit Kyoto.

Cover Image for Michael McClain

Michael McClain

3/5
We tired staying at our first Ryokan at Gion.- Location: It is in a pretty area right next to a temple. So cool to be that close to history.- Room: The room was very clean. The AC worked really good. I would stay the room seems a bit dated. Perhaps some modernization would help. I understand it’s a ryokan but just my thoughts.- Service: Checking in was a great experience. They greeted us at the door and help get our luggage to our room. The service at dinner and breakfast was high quality and very personable.Cons: My gripes are at the price of the ryokan I expect top notch service.- The brochure advertises massages are available until 11pm. We called at 7:00pm to schedule one and they said no availability. I did call late but they offered no other options (perhaps next day, or call someone else in) and said no.- The brochure also mentioned luggage transfer from the ryokan to our next location. We asked the front desk before breakfast and he gave us some details. As we were checking out a different attendant was there and he said “sorry not available”.I want 5 star treatment for the price we paid.Overall: For those looking to experience a ryokan I would recommend this one. Location is my number one perk along with excellent food. My one suggestion would be to button up service to ensure top notch service.

Cover Image for J L

J L

5/5
Good japanese ryokan 4th floor with bathtub room. Good location.

Room 5

Service 5

Location5

Cover Image for MAKOTO誠

MAKOTO誠

5/5
I like the atmosphere inside.The dining hall in the tatami room is also stylish and nice. Also, the staff are easy to talk to and approachable.