Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [271]
Kyoto Hotel Ōkura (Map; 211-5111; fax 254-2529; www.kyotohotel.co.jp/khokura/english/index.html; Kawaramachi-dōri, Oike, Nakagyō-ku; s/d/tw from ¥21,945/31,185/31,185; ; Tōzai subway line to Shiyakusho-mae Station, exit 3) This towering hotel in the centre of town has some of the best views in the city. Rooms here are clean, spacious and comfortable. There are several excellent on-site restaurants and bars, along with hundreds within easy walking distance of the hotel. If you exhaust the possibilities in and around the hotel, you can walk downstairs and hop right onto the subway. There is LAN cable internet in rooms.
Hiiragiya (Map; 221-1136; fax 221-139; www.hiiragiya.co.jp/en; Anekōji-agaru, Fuya-chō, Nakagyō-ku; r per person with 2 meals ¥30,000-60,000; ; Tōzai & Karasuma subway lines to Karasuma-Oike Station, exit 3) This classic ryokan is favoured by celebrities from around the world. From the decorations to the service to the food, everything at the Hiiragiya is the best available. Rooms in the old wing have great old Japan style, while those in the new wing are pristine and comfortable. It’s centrally located downtown within easy walk of two subway stations and lots of good restaurants. There is LAN cable internet access in the new wing.
Tawaraya (Map; 211-5566; fax 221-2204; Fuyachō-Oike sagaru, Nakagyō-ku; r per person with 2 meals ¥42,263-84,525; ; Tōzai & Karasuma subway lines to Karasuma-Oike Station, exit 3) Tawaraya has been operating for over three centuries and is classed as one of the finest places to stay in the world. Entering this ryokan is like entering another world and you just might not want to leave. The ryokan has an intimate, private feeling and all rooms have bathrooms. The gardens are sublime and the cosy study is the perfect place to linger with a book. A night here is sure to be memorable.
Central Kyoto
BUDGET
Crossroads Inn (Map; 354-3066; fax 354-3022; www.rose.sannet.ne.jp/c-inn; Ebisu Banba-chō- Shimogyō-ku; r per person cash/credit card from ¥3800/4000; ; bus 205 to Umekōji-kōen-mae stop) Crossroads Inn is a charming little guest house with clean, well-maintained rooms and a friendly owner. The entire inn is nonsmoking. It’s good value but a little hard to find: turn north off Shichijō-dōri just west of the Umekōji-kōen-mae bus stop across from the Daily Yamazaki convenience store. Reservations are by email only.
Ryokan Hinomoto (Map; 351-4563; fax 351-3932; Matsubara agaru-Kawaramachi-dōri; s/d from ¥4200/8400; ; bus 17 or 205 to Kawaramachi-Matsubara stop) This cute little ryokan is very conveniently located for shopping and dining in downtown Kyoto, as well as sightseeing on the east side of town. It’s got a nice wooden bathtub and simple rooms. It’s a nice, cosy place to stay and there is LAN cable internet access.
Casa de Natsu (Map; 491-2549; casadenatsu@gmail.com; 27 Koyamamotomachi, Kita-ku; r per person ¥4500; ; Karasuma subway line to Kitayama Station, exit 4) Up in the north of town, this cosy little Japanese-style guest house is a good spot for those who want to escape the hubbub of downtown. There are two rooms, each decorated in the traditional style, and a fine little garden. A light breakfast is served.
Ryokan Rakuchō (Map; 721-2174; fax 791-7202; 67 Higashi hangi chō, Shimogamo, Sakyō-ku; s/tw/tr ¥5300/9240/12,600; ; Karasuma subway line to Kitaōji Station; bus 205, Furitsudaigaku-mae stop) There is a lot to like about this fine little foreigner-friendly ryokan in the northern part of town: it’s entirely nonsmoking, there is a nice little garden and the rooms are clean and simple. Meals aren