Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Ryokan Hanaikada

“Your mom didn't treat you as good as the staff here will”

At the top: We sprung for the private bungalow with an outdoor onsen and the included breakfast and dinner service, so an experience may be a little different in a smaller room. That pic of the cedar hot tub at the top? That was our room. A few reviewers mention that this is an older onsen ryokan,… more

At the top: We sprung for the private bungalow with an outdoor onsen and the included breakfast and dinner service, so an experience may be a little different in a smaller room. That pic of the cedar hot tub at the top? That was our room. A few reviewers mention that this is an older onsen ryokan, and I think that is apparent in the main building. The bungalows are newer, so I can't speak directly to that criticism. Our room ruled. But make no mistake, you come here for the service. Hospitality is off the charts. Especially if you're American, like me, even if you've been to Japan before, and I had, the care and attention here had me literally tearing up at one point. Even with some language barrier - our hostess spoke passable English and I spoke baby Japanese - EVERY single thing we inquired about was done, without being reminded, at the time they promised. Maybe that sounds basic but PLEASE think about how often that happens to you in your daily life. They offered a bag transport service to our next hotel which we did not even know existed, for example, and came to the room on our day of departure to handle everything. Hanakaida's attention to detail was flawless. Each day we were ushered into a perfect traditional breakfast with grilled fish, tamago omelletes, fruits, jellies, rice, fresh eggs, etc; each evening, dinner was brought to the room in a series of spectacular courses that was all it's own event. Mildest of criticisms: I think most of the dishes are prepared earlier in the evening regardless of when you order, so anything fried may be soft if you take a later dinner. There were few dishes this affected and quite a few dishes made or heated at table so that this was irrelevant. The variety of foods was astounding and the presentation was beautiful. Some standouts included a shelled, richly buttered lobster, a tofu actually made in a ceramic pot at table, and an entire hot pot course following several other courses which could have been it's own meal. This will vary, as the style of dining is heavily seasonal. There are so many dishes. Too many, it is very luxurious, and while I wouldn't say each one was a star on it's own, many were stunning and there was more than enough food for everyone. Our private onsen was excellent as we had a mixed sex group and some tattoos among us, so we could use it anytime without concern. You can get about four good friends in it. The bungalow included two more permanent western-looking beds, which were basically raised luxury futons, and up to four more futons can be set up in the main room. The staff take care of all transitions from mealtime to bedtime. It's completely unobstrusive and they make it look effortless. The location is directly on the river. There's no criticising that. I felt so cared for by the staff. I know it's their business, but I'd never been anywhere that went to such obvious lengths to anticipate and provide for my every need. They are doing it God-tier over there. Especially if you can budget for the bungalow, I can't recommend it enough if you are looking for a traditional ryokan experience.

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“Ryokan of my dreams”

Everything I hoped to find in a ryokan. Splurged on annex room 601, with private outdoor onsen. Signed up for dinner and breakfast. The staff were wonderful...attentive, patient, responsive to our questions. I had done research and was prepared for ryokan practices. Adored room service meals. Every… more

Everything I hoped to find in a ryokan. Splurged on annex room 601, with private outdoor onsen. Signed up for dinner and breakfast. The staff were wonderful...attentive, patient, responsive to our questions. I had done research and was prepared for ryokan practices. Adored room service meals. Everything spic and span with room, comfy western beds. Location literally next to monkey park, boat cruise takeoff, and at foot of famous Bridge, yet so so quiet. Worth. Every. Yen. With thanks and gratitude to hospitable staff

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“Awesome authentic Japan experience!”

We had lunch here and it was fabulous! Everything was so delicious and the setting was so authentic including the best service I have ever experienced. We also booked the private bath that was a perfect water temperature for our rainy afternoon and left us relaxed and warmed throughout our day.

“Such an amazing experience”

Such an amazing experience. Lovely room, not fancy, just serene. Be sure to admit if you are comfortable in a "outdoor camping kind of mattress". I wasn't, but every night we laughed about it. It may be possible that they have "normal beds/mattresses. The wonderful meal served in our room, the … more

Such an amazing experience. Lovely room, not fancy, just serene. Be sure to admit if you are comfortable in a "outdoor camping kind of mattress". I wasn't, but every night we laughed about it. It may be possible that they have "normal beds/mattresses. The wonderful meal served in our room, the absolutely amazing Japanese Breakfast in the dining room...and the onsen was perfect. Loved being across the river and so close to the wonderful town center. Be sure to take a leisurely boat ride....

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