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Ryokan · Kyoto · Kyoto

Gion Yoshiima

A family-run ryokan in Kyoto's Higashiyama district, offering 17 traditional rooms, a Japanese garden, and an acclaimed breakfast.

  • Traditional Japanese rooms with tatami and futon bedding
  • In-room kaiseki dinner and garden tea ceremonies
  • Central location near Sanjo station and Yasaka Shrine
9 Perfect 1036 reviews Booking.com 9 · 1036 reviews

About

Gion Yoshiima

Gion Yoshiima is a 3-star hotel with a traditional facade, located in the heart of Kyoto's Higashiyama district. The property features a Japanese garden and offers 17 rooms, creating an intimate, family-run atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities including a garden area, massage services, and special diet menus.

The hotel's location is a highlight, with Sanjo train station and various shopping belts within easy reach, and Yasaka Shrine a short walk away. The attentive staff and authentic experiences, such as tea ceremonies in the garden, make it a popular choice for travelers seeking a culturally rich stay.

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Safe deposit box
  • No pets allowed
  • Luggage storage
  • Currency exchange

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

5 reasons to book
  • Exceptional facilities — Guests rate the facilities an outstanding 9.9, with the Japanese garden and massage services adding to the appeal.
  • Highly rated staff and service — Both staff and service score 9.6 and 9.2 respectively, with multiple reviews praising the helpfulness and friendliness of the team.
  • Central location — Within walking distance of Sanjo train station, shopping areas, Yasaka Shrine, and a historic wooden castle, making it easy to explore Kyoto.
  • Authentic Japanese experience — Guests can enjoy traditional kaiseki dinners served in-room and participate in garden tea ceremonies, adding cultural depth to a stay.
  • Positive guest reviews — With an overall rating of 9 from over 1,000 reviews, the hotel has a strong track record of guest satisfaction.

Worth weighing

5 to weigh
  • Limited room options — The hotel offers only one room type (Japanese-Style Room), which may not suit travelers seeking variety or Western-style beds.
  • No on-site parking — Parking is not mentioned in the policies, and the hotel is in a central area where parking may be limited or costly.
  • Strict check-in window — Check-in is only from 16:00 to 23:59, which may be inconvenient for guests arriving earlier in the day.
  • No pets allowed — The hotel does not permit pets, which could be a drawback for travelers with animals.
  • Comfort rating below other categories — While comfort scores a solid 8.3, it is the lowest rated category, suggesting some guests may find the traditional bedding or rooms less comfortable than expected.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Japanese-Style Room

  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Safe deposit box
  • Luggage storage
  • Currency exchange
  • Garden area

Services

  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Massage
  • Fax/Photocopying

In-Room Amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Free toiletries
  • Electric kettle

Dining

  • Special diet menus

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

9
Perfect 1036 reviews

Guest-rated 9/10 from 1,036 reviews

Booking.com · 9 · 1036 reviews
9Verified guest

“Lovely atmosphere and a tasty breakfast spread.”

9Verified guest

“We were welcomed with warm tea and a delicious Japanese breakfast. The staff went out of their way to make us feel at home.”

9Verified guest

“The hotel was in a central spot close to Sanjo station and shopping areas, with sightseeing, parks, temples, and shrines all nearby. We popped into Gyoza Bar Anzukko for a nightcap, about a 10–15 minute walk away.”

9Verified guest

“Beautiful place with courteous staff; everything was perfect. The rooms were spacious and authentic, and the location was excellent, close to everything.”

9Verified guest

“All good – we really enjoyed this traditional hotel. The food was outstanding, the staff very helpful, and the location perfect, within a 25-minute walk of a historic wooden castle. The hotel sits in a shopping area.”

9Verified guest

“We were in an absolutely perfect location, not far from Yasaka Shrine. The staff were very helpful and extremely friendly.”

04 — Location

Getting around Kyoto

The property sits in Kyoto.

Getting Around: Gion Yoshiima is located in Higashiyama, a short walk from Sanjo train station, making it easy to explore Kyoto by public transit. Many attractions like Yasaka Shrine and a historic wooden castle are within walking distance.

Shopping and Dining: The hotel is set in a shopping area, with various shops and restaurants nearby. Guests have noted a gyoza bar about a 10–15 minute walk away for a late-night snack.

Local Culture: The surrounding neighborhood is rich in tradition, with temples, shrines, and gardens to explore. The hotel itself offers cultural experiences like tea ceremonies and kaiseki dining.

229 Nishino-Cho, Shinmonzen-Dori, Yamatoohji Higashi-Iru, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0088, Japan

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05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 16:00-23:59
Check-out
By 10:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
17 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 16:00 to 23:59, and check-out is by 10:00.

Is parking available at the hotel?

The hotel does not list parking in its policies, and given its central location, guests may need to use nearby public parking or alternative transport.

Are pets allowed?

No, the hotel does not allow pets.

What room types are available?

The hotel offers a Japanese-Style Room with traditional amenities, including shower, bathtub, heating, and air conditioning.

Does the hotel serve breakfast?

Yes, guests consistently praise the Japanese breakfast, and special diet menus are available. The breakfast is often highlighted as a highlight of the stay.

What cultural experiences are offered?

Guests can participate in tea ceremonies in the Japanese garden and enjoy kaiseki dinner served in their room, as mentioned in reviews.

The bottom line

Gion Yoshiima is a top choice for travelers seeking an authentic Japanese ryokan experience in the heart of Kyoto. With outstanding facilities, praised staff, and a central location, it delivers on culture and convenience. The main trade-offs—limited room types, no parking, and a strict check-in window—are reasonable for the traditional style and price point.

9A traditional gem for cultural immersion, with excellent facilities and service.

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