Village Kyoto

“Cool Place. Great Location!”

This place was a fun modern twist on Japanese tradition and my family of 5 was able to share one room for an economical stay. The kids got a kick out of the robot that greets you as you arrive and I loved the cozy Japanese pajamas that are provided to all of the guests during their stay. There’s … more

This place was a fun modern twist on Japanese tradition and my family of 5 was able to share one room for an economical stay. The kids got a kick out of the robot that greets you as you arrive and I loved the cozy Japanese pajamas that are provided to all of the guests during their stay. There’s an onsen on site and the rooms are ryokan style. We had no views – windows faced another building and were really just for ventilation – but the room was comfortable with microwave, electric kettle, refrigerator, and all the basic amenities. There’s a 7-11, cash machine and a several places to eat right outside. My kids loved the gyoza place around the corner, and based on the line, it's popular with many. I recommend exploring the tiny side streets with their fun tiny bars and restaurants at night, too. I wish I had had a little more time for that. Village Kyoto is located right across the street from the Shoji Omiya train station which takes you right to Arayashima. Go! It’s great little outing that offers a variety of activities. We loved the monkeys, the bamboo forest and a chance to visit the shrines and temples there. The hotel is also a 20 minute walk to Nijo Castle, which is also definitely worth a visit.

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“I would not stay again”

The reasons I booked: Allowed 6 of us to stay in one room I wanted to experience Japanese style room, like sleeping on futon. I also like onsen hotel. The reasons I won't book again: The room was outdated. The sofa bed was torn. The cushions didn't appear clean. There was some unpleasant smell i… more

The reasons I booked: Allowed 6 of us to stay in one room I wanted to experience Japanese style room, like sleeping on futon. I also like onsen hotel. The reasons I won't book again: The room was outdated. The sofa bed was torn. The cushions didn't appear clean. There was some unpleasant smell in the toilet when I arrived on the first day and throughout my whole stay. The onsen - I didn't feel like it was an onsen, more like a big bath with hot water. On 2nd day of our stay, the hotel approached us for our missed tax for the 2nd day and 3rd day, hotel staff stated the 1st day tax was paid. (We booked and paid online) We didn't quite understand. We paid. On the day we checked out, the hotel staff said the 1st day tax was not charged, the hotel wanted us to pay. It may not be their fault. It was just very confusing. Anyway, I think I can find somewhere better.

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“Basic and out of the way”

Let me start by saying - there is nothing “wrong” with this hotel. It’s clean, safe, and very basic (like a Motel 6 near the highway in the US, complete with paper thin towels and 70s patterns on the futons). It was fun to try sleeping on tatami mats and using Japanese pjs. However, this hotel w… more

Let me start by saying - there is nothing “wrong” with this hotel. It’s clean, safe, and very basic (like a Motel 6 near the highway in the US, complete with paper thin towels and 70s patterns on the futons). It was fun to try sleeping on tatami mats and using Japanese pjs. However, this hotel was not a great fit if you are visiting Kyoto for just a few days, are a JR pass holder, and trying to make the most of your time. You will burn a lot of time and money “getting around” from this property... and at the price point there are many better located options. As for the JR lines, it about 40 minute walk to Kyoto station and 20 minutes to Nijo station (same time in a bus with traffic, slightly shorter in a taxi). They offer a shuttle to Kyoto station, but it must be reserved 24 hours in advance and doesn’t start till 9am (so if you want to get to top sights before the crowds, this won’t work for you). Similarly, the breakfasts other reviews rave about must also be ordered 24 hours in advance. (Needing advance notice is fine - just would be nice to know that you need that much notice before arriving at the hotel so that you could plan ahead). The bus to Gion takes 30+ minutes depending on traffic. While it is very close to Omiya station, to get from there to most attractions requires several transfers to subway lines operated by different companies - so not cheap or convenient (and no pass that we found made getting around Kyoto cheaper or easier). Our taxi driver described the location of the hotel as a “very cheap area”. It’s not unsafe, but also not nice or visually interesting. Shops and restaurants are similarly very cheap (dive bars, 7-11, etc) and catered for the working class neighborhood - probably not where you want to stay if you have just a few days - there is no popping out the door and just doing something cool without spending 30+ minutes in transit.

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