Momijiya Bekkan Kawanoiori

“Magical ryokan up in the mountains”

We stayed one night at Momiji-ya and it was one of the most unique and magical nights of our honeymoon! Although only 20 minutes from Arashiyama by taxi, this ryokan feels quite remote — nestled up many windy roads up in the mountains — like a portal to a different place and time in the best way po… more

We stayed one night at Momiji-ya and it was one of the most unique and magical nights of our honeymoon! Although only 20 minutes from Arashiyama by taxi, this ryokan feels quite remote — nestled up many windy roads up in the mountains — like a portal to a different place and time in the best way possible. The staff speaks some English and is incredibly kind and accommodating. We enjoyed shabu shabu dinner on the river in mid-May and were lucky enough to be there during the night of a special traditional bamboo flute performance on the river, an absolutely enchanting experience. The staff was also very careful to pay close attention to my husband’s food allergies. We booked a first floor room with a private outdoor tub which was lovely and relaxing. We were hesitant to try an onsen during our trip due to skin sensitivity, so this option (an outdoor heated tub with regular bath water) was the perfect solution! You can hear the frogs and cicadas singing at night for miles from the outdoor tab. If you’re looking for a magical night off the beaten path, but still close enough to Arashiyama (20 minutes by car) and Kyoto train station (45 minutes by car) that makes you feel like you’re in a Hayao Miyazaki film, definitely book a stay at Momiji-ya Annex Kawa-no-Iori.

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“Home”

Momijiya felt like home. It was unique and charming, beautiful and comfortable in an enchanting yet humble old-school way. The food was delicious and abundant, and they prepared vegetarian meals for me without question (which is very rare in Japan). The room was comfortable and had everything I nee… more

Momijiya felt like home. It was unique and charming, beautiful and comfortable in an enchanting yet humble old-school way. The food was delicious and abundant, and they prepared vegetarian meals for me without question (which is very rare in Japan). The room was comfortable and had everything I needed. The open-air bath in HOTOTOGISU was a lovely warm embrace on a chilly evening. The bridge to cross onto the property was a perfect welcome entrance. Before the bridge, just a short stroll up the hill was the most beautiful and peaceful hiking trail along the river. Below the bridge, just a short stroll down the hill was an amazing Zen temple. But the best part of Momijiya itself, for me, was my nakai-san. I was traveling solo, and everything was very new to me because this was my first real ryokan experience. My nakai-san helped me feel more comfortable with her kindness. She explained my meals at dinner time. She greeted me on arrival and showed me where everything was and how to use it. She prepared my comfortable bed for me in the evenings. And she was even there to help me when I forgot my towel on the way to the public bath. I never had to ask for anything. Somehow, she just knew. I couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful person to make me feel at home. She was like an auntie, and I am grateful to her for making my stay special and memorable. I could lose myself here. The forest location itself is so breathtaking. I felt so relaxed and taken care of at Momijiya Bekkan. It was a magnificent ending to my solo trip to beloved Japan. I will be back.

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“Serene and relax stay in this ryokan”

The plus point of this ryokan : 1. The environment is superb , very calm and serene , you can walk around the ryokan , it’s surrounded by bridges , rivers 2. The service is very good , they explain every details to you 3. There is a shuttle to bring you from and back to the train station to the … more

The plus point of this ryokan : 1. The environment is superb , very calm and serene , you can walk around the ryokan , it’s surrounded by bridges , rivers 2. The service is very good , they explain every details to you 3. There is a shuttle to bring you from and back to the train station to the ryokan at designated time 4. Small private outdoor bath tub just outside your room The cons : 1. Rooms are a bit dated 2. Room is small , after putting the mattress , no place to walk

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“Traditional ryokan in the mountains - summer is best to book for Maiko/tea ceremony experience (otherwise not included)”

Momijiya Bekkan (not to be confused with Momijiya Annex) was a lovely traditional Ryokan experience. As westerners this was very different to the modern hotel but made a but easier with wifi, power points and many amenities. We chose this place as the private room was tattoo friendly (but we coul… more

Momijiya Bekkan (not to be confused with Momijiya Annex) was a lovely traditional Ryokan experience. As westerners this was very different to the modern hotel but made a but easier with wifi, power points and many amenities. We chose this place as the private room was tattoo friendly (but we couldn't use the public baths) and the outdoor bath was really nice and peaceful. Note!!: the advertisement shows a Maiko and a tea ceremony after dinner! This is not the case, it only occurs on Fri-Sun during summer (July-sept). I did not know this and was the main reason why I booked this ryokan, so just be aware that outside of these times, the included experience is just dinner and breakfast only. The food was adventurous but good to try! The beds were futons and what you would expect sleeping on the floor, but the room was quiet, silent even, and it was peaceful in the mountains. There's shrines to explore nearby, and check in was 1500, not 1800 like other websites listed. All in all, good experience, bit expensive when the Maiko/tea ceremony isn't included but a nice stay in the mountains.

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