Gion Ryokan Karaku

I have stayed in several different ryokan in the Gion area, but this was my first time here and I will be staying here in the future. Out of every ryokan, not only is the price amazing for this area (so convenient for a lot of sights and easy access to several stations), but the staff was so friendly and helpful, the food was delicious, and it was just overall a great experience. I am a vegan, and the staff not only helped me find a place to eat for dinner, but accommodated my breakfast at the hotel; usually I just pick around. Would recommend for anyone, especially the traditional rooms with the futons.

Excellent service from the staff throughout, and one of them even offered to lend me his personal umbrella for the day! Room was nice and clean, and being a budget ryokan, i wasn’t expecting much more. Breakfast was 2000 yen plus tax person, and whilst the setting was pretty nice, the food was mediocre at best. The tofu soup was tasteless (essentially just boiling tofu and vegetable in the water with no seasoning), and the grilled fish was overcooked and cold. Food was pre-prepared and placed (covered with a piece of cloth) on the dining area before you arrived at the dining hall. The soup was heated up when you arrived. Location was near Yasaka Shrine, but ryokan itself was situated more in a residential area with no restaurants and shops around. Surrounding street is very quiet at night. Would recommend a stay if you’re looking for a ryokan experience on a budget, but skip the breakfast.

Excellent location and wonderful service.

The staff and room are great. We enjoy our time at this Ryokan

Wonderful staff, really going the extra mile and the location was perfect

This is a no-frills establishment, but well-run by extremely nice, accommodating staff. They really went above and beyond to be helpful.

Very autentic feel in a modernized enviornment. Loved the staff.

This Ryokan could not be in a better location, the staff were super helpful. The japanese breakfast is served on tatami floors in a communal area downstairs and is very delicious. The public bath is basic, but for those who enjoy japanese bathing, it is a treat to have. This is a great budget option for the real japanese Ryokan experience.

EXCELLENT English-speaking staff. Ms. Yuriko was the best! This ryokan is highly recommended!!

This is the place to stay if you would like an authentic Japanese experience! We were the only "round eyes" in the facility for 2 out of the three nights we were there. Limited English spoken but they are very accommodating and friendly. This is not your classic Western-style hotel. There is a lot of sitting on cushions on the floor in your room and for dining, sleeping on futons on the floor, traditional hot tub. It was definitely a learning experience for us but one with very positive outcomes. It took a day for my husband to get with the program but then he embraced that we were foreigners in a different country used to different traditions- and that is why we were visiting. The location is quiet and very close to the temples, buses, shopping and the main drag in Gion. I am very happy that we chose to stay in a Ryokan for this part of our Japanese visit and Kyoto's Gion district is very traditional in architecture and even Geishas spotting. We chose the traditional Japanese breakfast that was a healthy treat each morning- high in protein with vegetables, rice, soups, fish, etc. (10 bowl meals!) Great way to start an action packed day. Staff was very sweet and premises were spotless. The only reasons I would not recommend a Ryokan style inn is If you have mobility issues (trouble getting up and down from the floor) or are wanting a classic Western hotel experience.