Reviews for Japan Family-run, Friendly and Cheap Inn

After staying in conventional hotels for our two weeks in Japan, we decided to do the traditional Ryokan while in Kyoto for our last two days. We did the Breakfast and Dinner plan. You have the option of booking the room only, room and breakfast, or bed, breakfast and dinner. You have a choice of three traditional Japanese dinners. We did one night with the hot pot, and one with a more varied, traditional meal. Every meal was absolutely spectacular. Beautiful fresh fish, vegetables, meats, soups, rices and anything you could imagine was served at each meal, truly authentic, at the low table, in a private mat room. They waited on us like royalty, and couldn’t possibly have missed a detail. The trays that they brought out with food just kept getting stuffed with more beautiful dishes than the last. We chose this Ryokan based on the recommendation of our son and his wife, who have stayed and brought guests here before. The service and food was amazing.

The location, near the train station, was ideal in that you didn’t have to go very far to get around, but was situated in a rather commercial location. The other Ryokans that we looked at were probably in more picturesque locations, but they were twice the price. While you were out of your room, they would move the low tea table and bring out the futon type sleeping pads. The bathroom was truly ingenius, but tiny and no more than one person can be in at once. There is a traditional community bath as well. Everything was authentic.

Some parts of the room were a little worn - like the cracked hanging light, and dust on some of the decorations, but you can’t beat the price, service, and food for a truly Japanese stay.

(The review has originally been posted on Tripadvisor and its page will open by clicking the hotel name.)

Jun ‘09
Stayed at Ryokan Wakamiya , Kyoto City

We loved the easy location and the staff were fantastic in helpings arrange the next leg of our trip, they even booked the bus for us. We arrived in the rain but they delivered blue sky and beautiful views of Mt Fuji next morning from the breaky table we watched the clouds literally melt before our eyes. The room was roomy for the 4 of us with a table, cushions and a traditional cupboard of bedding for us Yosef up as we wish. the table had a hot pot of water ready for us to make tea on arrival.

From Australia
Oct‘11
Stayed at Kawaguchiko Station Inn, Mount Fuji Yamanashi Pref.

“Highly recommended”.This traditional inn is at one of the best locations in central Kyoto.Its a few minutes walk from Kyoto train station and surrounded by beautiful temples and family run bars and restaurants.The rooms are of a comfortable size and kept very clean. The staff speak English and are very helpful with information on the area. The curfew is at midnight but this can be flexible if you just tell them before going out. I would stay there again for sure.

From Ireland
Aug. ‘11
Stayed at Chita Guest Inn, Kyoto City

Ok, Kojinmari is a very simple Ryokan. Specially compared to what is around. However since most of the time you will spend in your yukata going from bath to bath, you don’t need more than what they offer. Above all, the service was… how can I put? the best! I usually don’t care much about it, however the owners were such a sweet heart that it made the whole difference. Honestly, I am a frequent international traveler and I definitely recommend this hotel.
(The review has originally been posted on Tripadvisor and its page will open by clicking the hotel name.)

From Switzerland
Aug. ‘11
Stayed at Kojinmari, Kinosaki Onsen Hyogo Pref.