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Gion Ryokan Karaku

3.5 star property

Photo gallery for Gion Ryokan Karaku

Front of property – evening/night
Karaku Suite, Non Smoking
Karaku Suite, Non Smoking
Japanese Tatami Room with Twin Beds, Non Smoking
Lobby

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View map
499 Minamigawa Gionmachi,Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0074
  • Place, Yasaka Shrine
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Shijo Street
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Kiyomizu Temple
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Osaka (ITM-Itami)
    ‪59 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room, Non Smoking

Standard Room, Non Smoking

Standard Room, Non Smoking

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Futons

View all photos for Superior Room, Non Smoking

Superior Room, Non Smoking

Superior Room, Non Smoking

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(12 reviews)
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Futons

View all photos for Japanese Tatami Room with Twin Beds, Non Smoking

Japanese Tatami Room with Twin Beds, Non Smoking

Japanese Tatami Room with Twin Beds, Non Smoking

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Karaku Suite, Non Smoking

Karaku Suite, Non Smoking | Bathroom

Karaku Suite, Non Smoking

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 40 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Futons

View all photos for Japanese Style Twin Room, Non Smoking

Japanese Style Twin Room, Non Smoking

Japanese Style Twin Room, Non Smoking

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Twin Beds and 3 Twin Futons

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About the area

Kyoto

With a stay at Gion Ryokan Karaku in Kyoto (Gion), you'll be steps from Yasaka Shrine and 13 minutes by foot from Kiyomizu Temple. .This ryokan is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Shijo Street and 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Pontocho Alley.

What's nearby

  • Yasaka Shrine - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Gion Corner - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Kiyomizu Temple - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Pontocho Alley - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Nishiki Market - 15 min walk - 1.3 km

Getting around

  • Gion-shijo Station - 10 min walk
  • Higashiyama Station - 13 min walk
  • Kansai Intl. Airport (KIX) - 95 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Hario Cafe Kyoto - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪家傳 ちりめん山椒 やよい - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪カフェレストラン やよい - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪長楽館カフェ - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪長楽館 - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Gion Ryokan Karaku

Ryokan with a 24-hour front desk, steps from Yasaka Shrine
Gion Ryokan Karaku offers 19 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and slippers. This Kyoto ryokan provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations, bidets, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Housekeeping is offered daily and in-room massages can be requested.
Public bath/onsen services include a yukata (Japanese robe).
Make yourself at home in one of the 19 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and bidets. Conveniences include safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Make use of convenient amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access, gift shops/newsstands, and a ballroom.
Japanese breakfasts are available daily from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee.
Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Japanese breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site (JPY 2,000 per day)

Food and drink

  • Daily Japanese breakfast available 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee: JPY 3,630 per person

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Spa

  • In-room massages
  • Yukata (Japanese robes)

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • 1 building
  • 4 floors
  • Ballroom
  • Banquet hall
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Bidet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children up to the age of 6 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • A city tax may be collected at the property. The city tax ranges from JPY 100–10,000 per person, per night based on the nightly room rate. Please note that further exemptions may apply. For more details, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for Japanese breakfast: approximately JPY 3630 per person
  • Self parking fee: JPY 2000 per day

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ); additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file

Property is also known as

Gion Karaku
Gion Karaku Kyoto
Gion Ryokan Karaku
Gion Ryokan Karaku Kyoto
Ryokan Karaku
Karaku
Gion Ryokan Karaku Kyoto
Gion Ryokan Karaku Ryokan
Gion Ryokan Karaku Ryokan Kyoto

Reviews

Gion Ryokan Karaku Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 192 out of 266 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 49 out of 266 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 18 out of 266 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 266 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 266 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lubov

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Outstanding service. Hotel is very well maintained, location is great. Would definitely recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel is nicely tucked away on a smaller side street. It was very clean and quiet. I highly recommend the breakfast they offer, as it’s very good and filling. Walking distance to the Yasaka Shrine and a few JR/subway stations.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Alireza

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
They charged me for 2 Nights but gave us one night of stay for same Price
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nichole

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I like the Gion area around this hotel. There is a famous shrine nearby and a charming shopping district around the corner. The futons are comfy and the room doesn't feel cramped. The staff is super nice and helpful. We liked this place so much this is our second stay there.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

ryan

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Armand

Travelled with family
Liked: Amenities
This is one of the best hotels we’ve ever stayed at. Our room was elegant and beautiful, and everything was spotless clean. The staff was super friendly, and were extremely helpful arrange restaurant reservations for us. I would strongly recommend this hotel to anyone staying in Lyoto.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Susan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our family loved the cultural experience this ryokan provided. Quiet spot but in an excellent location - a huge plus for our family. We wanted to experience some historic sites but also have a more local experience. Bikes on the property were hands down our favorite amenity. We biked to so many incredible off-the-beaten path gems - this cemented Kyoto as one of our top two local experiences in Japan. You need to park the bikes in designated areas. Breakfast was deliciously authentic but we definitely would have appreciated a more reasonable time (8:30am was the latest) since we are technically paying for it. Our family really enjoyed the sophisticated servings of fresh Japanese. Portions are small with many side nibbles for each person. Menu is fixed. Those who are picky or big eaters may not like this format. This was our first ryokan. We all loved the whole experience of staying together in one open room and being provided with yukatas. As a ryokan this is an older property which gives it its charm but modernized to make it a simple, comfortable stay. This ryokan will be loved by those want to experience the more traditional no-frills simple Japanese way of dining and lodging. It was part of what made Kyoto so memorable for our family, including my kids.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

CELINA

Travelled with family
Whiie the property is in a good location, it is a bit old. The room has some old smell and it might be coming from the mattress. When we checked into our room, the air conditioning is not turned on making the air more stuffy during the summer heat. The line of staffs are generally nice and helpful but they seem a bit reserved.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Jason, Brookfield

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jose

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was such a great experience in an incredible part of Kyoto. We were greeted the moment we stepped through the front door by amazing staff who took our bags and kept them secure until our room was ready. The breakfast the next morning was incredible, it was one of my favorite meals in my short visit in Japan. If you are looking for a peek of Japanese tradition and amazing service, this is your place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Cheryl-Lee

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness
Mixed thoughts on this stay
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Traditional ryokan in the heart of Kyoto. Even the bath tub is traditional
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cora

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff. Excellent location.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Norkis

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
You can’t ask for a better location. Easy walk to many temples, shrines, parks and popular streets full of restaurants and small shops. We wanted to experience the authentic Kyoto vibe and
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Loved Location, Food and Room Size!

Stayed here with my family (2 adults / 2 kids) And we loved the experience! Rooms are big and comfortable for a family of 4. Highlights: GREAT LOCATION & Traditional Japanese Breakfast. Staff were very helpful, room was clean, comfortable and “modern” compared to other Ryokans. And water pressure is awesome. We’d definitely come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Carolann

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
We were expecting a true ryokan from what we saw on the website, but this was a ryokan style hotel. Check in was quick and easy. The room was very clean. The front of the space was humid, but the sleeping room was cool enough. The futon beds were comfortable enough, but could have used extra pillows. Internet was intermittent, but not a problem for us. Hardly any amenities. The breakfast was interesting and enjoyable. The staff at breakfast were very accommodating, as were the staff in general. The area we were in was beautiful and right near a lovely downtown area. Very touristy, but enjoyable. We did get the checkout time wrong…totally my fault…but when we arrived back at the hotel 15mins late, it was very clear that we had to evacuate the room as soon as possible, which stressed me out. They did hold our luggage for us for a few hours. Overall, the experience was okay.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gilliane Mae

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Barbara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

REBECCA

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were awesome, they helped us cut up melon that we bought from the store. Perfectly portioned. Beautiful place to stay, very peaceful. Breakfast is a must! Delicious Japanese style, feeling full with energy for the day of exploration.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Seungsik

Liked: Room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Sally

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Check in, breakfast and room was very good. Pillows were no good.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nidya

Travelled with family
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Beautiful experience
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Greg

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Just completed a three night stay, and overall had a very good experience. The staff made all the difference - they are simply wonderful. We stayed in a traditional room with futon mattress beds on the floor - a first for us as middle aged Americans used to standard Western bedding - but they were comfortable. The wet room with handheld shower and tub was great. I must confess, though, that the room had a slight musty smell probably from too much damp air and not enough ventilation. Even still, we were pleased with our time at Gion Ryokan Karaku. The location is superb. The gorgeous Yasaka Shrine is basically next door, along with all the shopping, restaurant options, and culture Gion has to offer.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025