Gion Ryokan Karaku

Explore Gion Ryokan Karaku
9.4
Exceptional
From 381 reviews
Cleanliness

9.6

Room Comfort

9.0

Location

10.0

Service and Facilites

9.6

Traveler Reviews Gion Ryokan Karaku

Number of reviews per page
20
40
Top reviews
Scott
icon-Friends and Family Family
Friends and Family Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 15 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

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.
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Justin
icon-with Partner
with Partner
10.0
/10
Reviewed 15 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

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.
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Pofen
icon-Family
Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 16 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Great location and excellent staff and services!
Yiming
icon-with Children
with Children
10.0
/10
Reviewed 17 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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.
Jan Thea
icon-with Children
with Children
10.0
/10
Reviewed 17 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Staff very accommodating. Rooms was clean and beautiful. Very close to the historic district.
Chike
icon-
10.0
/10
Reviewed 18 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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.
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Pedram
8.0
/10
Reviewed 18 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Clean, spacious nice hotel in a great location
John
icon-Family
Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 18 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

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.
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Jennifer
icon-with Partner
with Partner
10.0
/10
Reviewed 20 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Wonderful place to stay in a great location in Kyoto Gion. Room was clean and very comfortable and staff was amazing. Highly recommend
CECILIA
icon-Family
Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 20 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

The breakfast is a culinary delight with all sorts of samples from Kyoto. The hotel is in a great spot with all sorts of shops, temples and shrines all in walking distance.
Glenn
icon-Friends and Family Family
Friends and Family Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 21 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

The perfect Ryokan experience that we were looking for. Nice tatami family room, small bathing area and extremely elaborate multi-course dinner. Breakfast was interesting, as well. We were a family of four and there were two extra mattresses in the cupboard which we were able to put under two of the futons for extra comfort. Great location in a very touristy part of town.
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Michael
icon-with Partner
with Partner
10.0
/10
Reviewed 21 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Very cool Ryokan hotel. Exceptional breakfasts. Exceptional location
Katarzyna
icon-with Partner
with Partner
10.0
/10
Reviewed 22 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

There was nothing we didn't like. It was as perfect as we imagined. The service was excellent! Very nice and kind people.
Loren
10.0
/10
Reviewed 22 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Amazing experience
LUIS
10.0
/10
Reviewed 23 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Perfect place to explore Kyoto
Mei
icon-with Partner
with Partner
6.0
/10
Reviewed 23 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Traditional experience… but not for everyone We stayed one night at this Kyoto ryokan to experience the tatami-style stay. The room felt a bit dated (likely by design), but everything was very clean—what you’d expect in Japan. The biggest surprise was the bedding. Futons are set up on the floor while you’re out, and although beautifully arranged, we both woke up with stiff backs and necks. If you’re young or used to it, it might be enjoyable—but for us, it’s a one-time experience. Service was mixed. Checkout staff were warm and friendly, but arrival felt a bit awkward. We had dropped off our backpacks earlier, and when we returned, I was asked for the claim tags. I couldn’t find mine right away and spent a few stressful minutes searching—only to then be told the bags were already in our room. That could have been handled better. At $363 USD for one night, it felt pricey for the overall experience. Bottom line: Glad we tried it for the cultural aspect, but comfort-wise, it may not suit everyone.
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arun
icon-with Children
with Children
10.0
/10
Reviewed 25 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Great location and friendly staff who are English speaking . Daughter left her air pods in the taxi when we reached and they were kind enough to call the cab company and get it back . The morning japanese breakfast was excellent. We had a great stay .Thanks !
Jennifer
icon-Friends and Family Family
Friends and Family Family
10.0
/10
Reviewed 25 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

Exceptional location (truly, the best area to be if you want to feel the charm and beauty of Kyoto)), incredibly warm and attentive staff, excellent breakfast. Rooms are not very fancy, but they are comfortable and spotless and showers are excellent. We would absolutely stay there again and highly recommend.
Richard
icon-with Friends
with Friends
8.0
/10
Reviewed 26 week(s) ago

Expedia Group verified review

Amazing breakfast! Staff was very friendly, and very accommodating. Room was quite hot though. We were informed our room had only a heater (which we obviously turned off) and evenings were very warm.
Jason
icon-
10.0
/10
Reviewed 27 week(s) ago

Hotels.com verified review

Wonderful from start to finish. Great staff who were very attentive and couldn’t do enough to help. From the kaiseki dinner to traditional Japanese breakfast they were always on hand to help. Lovely traditional rooms and having a Yukata in the room to wear was a really nice touch. A wonderful unique stay in a fantastic location in Gion.
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