Kyoto Ryokan The Kinoe

“A beautiful oasis in Gion”

We had no idea what to expect, but nothing disappointed us. Exquisitely prepared, artfully presented breakfasts all three mornings of our stay (different menus). The lovely garden just outside the lobby made going downstairs to prepare my wife's morning coffee a serene pleasure. The staff was g… more

We had no idea what to expect, but nothing disappointed us. Exquisitely prepared, artfully presented breakfasts all three mornings of our stay (different menus). The lovely garden just outside the lobby made going downstairs to prepare my wife's morning coffee a serene pleasure. The staff was gracious and did not fail to fulfill any request. The room was lovely, Sleeping on the floor presented some challenges to my wife (dealing with arthritis in one knee), but nothing that would prevent a return stay (she would, however, request one of the suites which had Western-style chairs versus the round wicker stools we had in our alcove). It truly was a wonderful introduction to Kyoto.

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“Loved this hotel! Great location”

This hotel is right in Gion, excellent location and beautiful small garden kyoto style. Spacious japanese style rooms with sitting area and fridge. Helpful friendly staff. Pricey but may be the holiday week. Even has men and womens japanese bath with snall garden area. Would definitely return as lo… more

This hotel is right in Gion, excellent location and beautiful small garden kyoto style. Spacious japanese style rooms with sitting area and fridge. Helpful friendly staff. Pricey but may be the holiday week. Even has men and womens japanese bath with snall garden area. Would definitely return as long as prepared to sleep on comfortable tatami mats w japanese barley stuffed pillows!

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“Perfect place with perfect location”

The Kinoe was an absolute delight to stay at. From the moment we arrived and were greeted we felt at ease. The staff is absolutely wonderful and the room was excellent. This Ryokan lived up to and surpassed every expectation. Super clean and comfortable and the Japanese beds were surprisingly comfo… more

The Kinoe was an absolute delight to stay at. From the moment we arrived and were greeted we felt at ease. The staff is absolutely wonderful and the room was excellent. This Ryokan lived up to and surpassed every expectation. Super clean and comfortable and the Japanese beds were surprisingly comfortable. The location is perfect and very close to Gion. Were were very lucky to have seen not one but TWO Geiko’s. Just a wonderful experience!!

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“Kinoe Stay: How a Foreigner can experience Japan”

Kyoto has changed much since my last stay more than 40 years and this Ryokan is a representative example. On entrance one places their shoes in a locker, all labelled and all seemed to be foreign guests. We were three, and we changed rooms over our short two day stay, largely because we could no… more

Kyoto has changed much since my last stay more than 40 years and this Ryokan is a representative example. On entrance one places their shoes in a locker, all labelled and all seemed to be foreign guests. We were three, and we changed rooms over our short two day stay, largely because we could not figure out how to enjoy only a single night of dinner/breakfast service during a two-day. (I personally think a two night stay with board would be a bit much even for the average American unless a very serious fan of Japanese food with a very big appetite.) Both rooms could accommodate three mats with a private bath with separate toilet and bath/hand shower. We had no view from either room given the growth of housing in the area. We were served dinner in our room and breakfast on the second floor, seated at a table. Our friend visited the bath in the Inn and felt it not warm enough. Coffee is available in the lobby and can be enjoyed by a view of a small Japanese garden. A stay here would give the inexperienced foreign guest a good feel of Japanese traditions of the past.

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