This wonderful ryokan provided the perfect Japanese-style hospitality while we visited Kyoto. Upon arrival we were created by several staff who welcomed us and got us into our slippers and the yukatas they provide all guests (a casual Japanese garment generally worn around the home). The onsen (communal spa) downstairs was a warm treat for our tired tourist bones and again, an interesting Japanese experience. The hotel was actually very quiet and we didn't run into any other guests at the spa or shared bathrooms. The hotels.com website says that there is one futon mattress per room, which caused me some pause when booking but that really should say one mattress per person. Our teenage son wanted a bit more softness so he actually took several mattresses from the room's cupboard and created his own version. We are vegetarians so sometimes meals are a challenge in places like Japan where folks use a lot of meat and fish sauce in most dishes, but their breakfast was a delicious work of art that everyone (including two super picky teenagers) loved (many pictures were taken!). The area is perfect; there are several sites within 5 minutes along with great restaurants and we used the hotel as the starting point for a number of walking tours. When we left, four staff followed us outside to see us off and wish us a pleasant journey. Overall, a really delightful and uniquely Japanese experience for the entire family!