Arashiyama Benkei

“Great modern ryocan experience”

We stayed in modern residential suite which is remote from main lobby and other rooms, also from busy street. Huge private hot tub made with hinoki wood was the most exciting part of this room. Two rooms were in good size and beddings ,mattress and futons were in excellent condition. Staffs were v… more

We stayed in modern residential suite which is remote from main lobby and other rooms, also from busy street. Huge private hot tub made with hinoki wood was the most exciting part of this room. Two rooms were in good size and beddings ,mattress and futons were in excellent condition. Staffs were very helpful and fluent in English as well. Great service, great breakfast (as we did not choose dinner option) and more than great bath.

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“Highlight of my trip ”

I wanted to experience traditional ryokan when visiting Kyoto and I’m glad I found this place. Firstly, I wouldn’t have visited Arashiyama area of Kyoto simply because it is on the other side of Kyoto from the regular tourist attractions are (Gion). This absolutely serene area has a lot to offer a… more

I wanted to experience traditional ryokan when visiting Kyoto and I’m glad I found this place. Firstly, I wouldn’t have visited Arashiyama area of Kyoto simply because it is on the other side of Kyoto from the regular tourist attractions are (Gion). This absolutely serene area has a lot to offer and by far succeeded my expectations of traditional Japan. Temples, gardens, bamboo forest, monkeys, shops and restaurants. I highly recommend visiting Arashiyama area and I greatly regret I didn’t buy a postcard with images of this beautiful area. The hotel itself is a luxury version of traditional bed and breakfast (ryokan). It is located at the end of the main strip with shops and restaurants, by the river with stunning views of the mountains, making it a perfect location to relax and at the same time close to the main area. The main strip of shops and restaurants are around the corner. I wanted a room with a private bath, which was the most expensive type of room they had. But there is no need for a bath here. They have an onsen - either communal or you can order a private one (for extra $20 or so). I didn’t use communal onsen (which I now regret), which looked amazing. I ordered a private onsen after dinner - absolutely loved it and highly recommend. It is truly a serene and relaxing experience. I had 12 course traditional dinner and traditional breakfast here. It’s not type of food a Westerner would eat every day, but as an experience it was worth every penny. From table service, food presentation and quality, to conversations with the server, amazing views out the window to overall experience - it was definitely worth it. They do have an option of Western breakfast, but scrambled eggs and a toast just don’t fit into this atmosphere. The room had garden view with a lovely sitting area on the den. Where I really got to understand and enjoy what Japanese call “Zen”. I had an exhausting day traveling from Tokyo and it all went away so quickly just by sitting on the den and looking at carefully made landscape of the garden. The only downside - it is very expensive. If I’m ever in Japan again - this is the place I would definitely want to visit again.

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“Excellently located ryokan”

This homely ryokan exudes a warm welcoming feeling with its super comfortable futons, yummy breakfast and friendly staff. Prices are steep but worth every cent. We walked to all the major scenic spots in Arashimaya and enjoyed the crisp fresh morning air. Will most certainly come back here when we … more

This homely ryokan exudes a warm welcoming feeling with its super comfortable futons, yummy breakfast and friendly staff. Prices are steep but worth every cent. We walked to all the major scenic spots in Arashimaya and enjoyed the crisp fresh morning air. Will most certainly come back here when we next visit Kyoto.

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“Didn't meet our expectations”

If you haven't stayed in a ryokan or other traditional Japanese space before, Arashiyama Benkei might be ok. However, we came to Arashiyama Benkei after staying in a machiya, and it was hard not to compare the two. The private bathroom we had in our room could definitely have used an update, and th… more

If you haven't stayed in a ryokan or other traditional Japanese space before, Arashiyama Benkei might be ok. However, we came to Arashiyama Benkei after staying in a machiya, and it was hard not to compare the two. The private bathroom we had in our room could definitely have used an update, and the room wasn't very cozy -- we knew upon seeing it that we weren't going to spend much time there. Additionally, the location of Arashiyama Benkei is far from the city center of Kyoto, so for those looking for easy access to the city, this might not be for you. It was convenient for visiting the bamboo forest and some nearby shrines, but restaurants close early in the area, so we would take the train into the city for dinner. We had higher expectations for this place, and perhaps it just didn't suit what we were looking for. The private onsen was enjoyable, and we'd look forward to that.

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