Kyoto Ryokan SAKANOUE

Staff is very friendly. Some speak English fluently. Even those who don't speak English well do their best to communicate. The building is old so can't fault it if certain things look old and dated. Part of the charm. The rooms are kept spotlessly clean. Ryokan is in a quiet location and a short walk to the popular Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park. Dining is still accessible along the road leading up to the shrine. There's also the option to have a kaiseki meal right inside the Ryokan.

The location was unbeatable - turn left and you’re footsteps away from a great temple walk past Kodaiji all the way to Kiyamizu-dera. Turn right as you exit the ryokan and you’re a few blocks away from shopping, restaurants, and convenient train lines, as well as the famous streets of Gion. But most impressive were the staff who were very attentive, kind, and obviously cared deeply about the experience of their guests. The room was beautiful. And the breakfasts were delicious.

Would have appreciated a mini tour of the grounds and bath house. We didn’t even realize there was one there until it was too late. Excellent service, very quaint. The dinner was just okay... not our favorite meal. We enjoyed our 1 night stay here for the experience.

Excellent service and staff. Ideal location, close to major temple and shrines.

I visit Kyoto every year and this was the best Ryokan I’ve at reasonable price and services. I’ll recommend this place to everyone from couple to family.

Great location for this authentic Japanese ryokan. Staff were friendly and one was American so spoke fluent English. Walking distance to several temples and shrines as well as many restaurants. Great spot for couples or families with teenage children.

We loved the Sakanoue. The location in Gion can’t be beat. The staff was lovely and helpful. The traditional Japanese accommodations were fabulous and we loved soaking in the tub each night after lots of walking each day.

Hotels.Com as misinforming the property is NOT smoke free there were people smoking in the lobby. Nice people at hotel though but incorrect description of property.

Wonderful stay with friendly staff. Even though they spoke limited English, they were so sweet. Very cool experience to stay in a traditional ryokan and enjoy a gourmet kaiseki dinner and breakfast. Neighborhood is quiet and mostly residential.

Stay here one night to get the traditional Japanese experience, make sure to book with meals so you can try Kaiseki multicourse dinner, and Japanese style breakfast. It’s in the heart of Gion so you can see old style town homes (machiya). I recommend after one night in ryokan, change to a regular hotel for the rest of your time in Kyoto for a more comfortable stay and closer to downtown amenities. It’s not a very comfortable stay, but I think that’s typical of traditional Japanese ryokan experience. For example, the summer futon is very thin/hard so I didn’t sleep well. Lots of sitting on the floor or low to the ground (hard for my 60 year old mom). The traditional architecture means many changes in floor height, so going to the bathroom at night is a toe stubbing experience. Lots of rules- changing of slippers, curfew, being careful not to damage tatami with your suitcase or rain jacket, etc. my understanding is this is typical of all Ryokan, just set your expectations accordingly. The staff at Saka no Ue are really nice and it’s well kept, I’m glad I did it once but also was glad to get a comfortable bed somewhere else the next night.