Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [273]
B&B Juno (Map; www.gotokandk.com; Jōdo-ji-Nishida-chō; r per person ¥5000; ; bus 17 to Shirakawa-mae stop) Located close to Ginkaku-ji, on the east side of Kyoto University, this large B&B-home, in an old private compound, has three bright Japanese-style rooms on the 2nd floor. It is run by a charming international couple with a wealth of inside information on Kyoto. Reservations by email only.
Kaguraya B&B (Map; kaguraya@me.com; Yoshidakaguraoka-cho 8 banchi, Sakyō-ku; B&B per person double occupancy ¥5000) Kaguraya is a 100-year-old traditional Japanese house, with a garden and panoramic views of the eastern hills of Kyoto. Two large rooms are available. A Western breakfast is provided by the helpful owners. Reservation is via email only.
MIDRANGE
Kyoto Traveller’s Inn (Map; 771-0225; fax 771-0226; www.k-travelersinn.com/english/index.php; 91 Enshō-ji-chō, Okazaki, Sakyō-ku; s/tw from ¥5775/10,500; ; bus 5 to Kyōto Kaikan Bijyutsukan-mae stop) This small business hotel is very close to Heian-jingū. It offers Western- and Japanese-style rooms. The restaurant on the 1st floor is open till 10pm. It’s good value for the price and the location is dynamite for exploring the Higashiyama area.
Three Sisters Inn Main Building (Rakutō-sō Honkan; Map; 761-6336; fax 761-6338; 18 Higashifukunokawa-chō, Okazaki, Sakyō-ku; s/d/tr ¥10280/15,014/22,521; ; bus 5, Dōbutsuen-mae stop) This is a good foreigner-friendly ryokan with a loyal following of foreign guests. It’s well situated in Okazaki for exploring the Higashiyama area.
Three Sisters Inn Annex (Rakutō-so Bekkan; Map; 761-6333; fax 761-6338; 89 Irie-chō, Okazaki, Sakyō-ku; s/d/tr ¥10,810/18,170/23,805, s/d without bathroom ¥5635/11,270; ; bus 5, Dōbutsuen-mae stop) In the same neighbourhood, this is run by another one of the three eponymous sisters, and is a good choice. The features are similar to the main building, but it’s somewhat more intimate and the garden walkway adds to the atmosphere.
TOP END
Hotel Heian No Mori Kyoto (Map; 761-3130; fax 761-1333; www.heiannomori.co.jp, in Japanese; 51 Higashitennō-chō, Okazaki, Sakyō-ku; d/tw from ¥17,325/18,480; ; bus 5 to Tennōchō stop) This large, pleasant hotel is located close to Ginkaku-ji, Nanzen-ji and the Tetsugaku-no-michi (Path of Philosophy). Rooms are average size for the class and there are some on-site restaurants. The rooftop beer garden has a great view of the city in summer. Wi-fi is in the lobby.
Yachiyo Ryokan (Map; 771-4148; fax 771-4140; www.ryokan-yachiyo.com/top/englishtop.html; 34 Fukuji-chō, Nanzen-ji, Sakyō-ku; r per person with 2 meals from ¥23,100; ; Tōzai subway line to Keage Station, exit 2) Located just down the street from Nanzen-ji temple, this large ryokan is at home with foreign guests. Rooms are spacious and clean, and some look out over private gardens. There is an excellent on-site restaurant with a choice of tatami (woven floor matting) and table seating. For convenient evening strolling, this is a good bet. Wi-fi is in the lobby.
Westin Miyako Hotel (Map; 771-7111; fax 751-2490; www.westinmiyako-kyoto.com/english/index.html; Keage, Sanjō-dōri, Higashiyama-ku; s/d/tw from ¥26,600/33,500/33,500, Japanese-style r from ¥53,000; ; Tōzai subway line to Keage Station, exit 2) This sprawling complex is perched atop the Higashiyama area, making it one of the best locations for sightseeing in Kyoto. Rooms are clean, well maintained and tastefully decorated, and the staff is at home with foreign guests. Rooms on the north side have great views over the city to the Kitayama mountains. There is a fitness centre, as well as a private garden and walking trail. Rooms have LAN cable internet and wi-fi is in the lobby.
Northwest Kyoto
BUDGET
Utano Youth Hostel (Map; 462-2288; http://web.kyoto-inet.or.jp/org/utano-yh/index.html; 9 Nakayama-chō, Uzumasa, Ukyō-ku; dm ¥3300; ; bus 10 or 59 to Yuusu-hosteru-mae stop) This is the best youth hostel in Kyoto. Bear in mind, though, that while it is conveniently located for touring sights in northwest Kyoto, it’s something of a hike to those in