Gion Ryokan Karaku

Star ratings are based on Klook's overview of the property's information (such as services and facilities included, etc.), and are for reference only

Great location near sights and shopping, friendly and helpful staff. Wonderful experience staying in a traditional style lodging. There is an elevator in case your group needs one.

This Ryokan was wonderful. The room we stayed in fit our group of four fairly well, although with the four futons down it was a bit tight walking through if people left stuff on the ground. It was a beautiful room, with a nice, deep Japanese bath The hotel offers Japanese breakfast and dinner for an additional charge - both a bit pricey, but when you see the large variety and the quality of the items served, it is worth that cost. We had one breakfast and one dinner. The dinner is Kaiseki style (not sure if the breakfast fits that category). Both served very small portions of many items that were tasty and artistically presented. On first sight you'd expect to go away hungry because of the small size but there are so many items served that it was filling. The front desk and dining area staff were very helpful and friendly. They seem able to speak some English but we speak Japanese and used that to communicate. We purposely chose a location in Higashi-yama, and it was great for what we wanted - a 10-15 minute walk to two train stations, one of which goes to the main Kyoto station, right next to Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine, and a 15 minute walk from Kiyomizudera my favorite temple of all. Walking the other way Heian Shrine was also in reach. Everyplace we wanted to go outside of Higashi-yama could be reached by the two nearby trains.

If you want an authentic Japanese-style BnB, this is an excellent choice. The rooms were well equipped including the traditional futon mattresses. The staff was extremely attentive and courteous and we're always active to assist guests. Don't skip on the traditional Japanese breakfast... it was a delight. Bonus, the shrine next to the hotel is beautiful and open at night with beautiful lanterns.

Great location and excellent staff and services!

Great location, walking distance to many attractions which means you can get there early before crowds. The staffs are very friendly and helpful. Not sure about the dinner, but traditional Japanese breakfast is awesome.

Staff very accommodating. Rooms was clean and beautiful. Very close to the historic district.

I stayed at this ryokan during my first visit to Japan as a foreigner. I highly recommend this place to others, though there are some things to be aware of. First, I was asked to pay a Kyoto tax when I arrived that is apparently standard for all hotels. It was fine, but I was surprised having booked and pre-paid my stay through Expedia knowing that I had to pay extra. Budget conscious travelers be aware. The manager was very nice and the staff were friendly too! He walked me through a brief room orientation, but I had to learn a lot on my own as a foreigner -- how to bathe in Japan, how to use the iron, etc. Part of what I enjoyed most was discovering those things, so all's well. But that could lead to some frustration for those who aren't as open-minded. The highlight of my stay here was the Japanese breakfast. Some places will "Westernize" the meals or only serve things they think foreigners would like. Not here! They throw you into traditional Japanese foods, served in traditional methods. It felt authentic. They give you a menu each day in English explaining what you're eating. So it's accessible to foreigners. Picky eaters should definitely know what they're getting into. This was a fantastic way to experience Kyoto. There are plenty of tourists in the area, so the restaurants and shops are accommodating.

Clean, spacious nice hotel in a great location

This is a great location with a wonderful atmosphere. We were looking for a place with a traditional Japanese approach and that is what we got. The room had a low table and cushions set out for us when we arrived. Then when we went out for dinner they pulled out the futon beds for us so they were set up when we returned. No shared bathrooms here, so that was another plus. One interesting thing is that when we left for excursions we were asked to leave the keys at the front desk and the collect them when we returned. This never caused us any issues but I have never experienced that before.

Wonderful place to stay in a great location in Kyoto Gion. Room was clean and very comfortable and staff was amazing. Highly recommend