Ryokan MOTONAGO

Motonago was perfect in every way. It was probably the most memorable 'hotel' I've ever stayed in....a true Japanese experience. The staff were EXCEPTIONAL. They were super friendly and helpful. The location of the ryokan is perfect too situated close to many great places to eat and within quick walking distance of plenty of temples.

One of the most memorable parts of our recent trip to Japan was staying at this Royokan. Definitely take part in the dinner (and come with an empty stomach!) and reserve private time in on of the public baths. We stayed in some top western style hotels during our trip, but none as memorable as this.

We felt so welcome and well taken care of Motonago. The staff was warm and inviting and the room was serene. Ours even had a tiny garden out a side door and the futon cushions on the tatami floor were snuggly and comfortable. The highlight by far was the bath. The moment we walked into the steamy room where a cedar tub was filled to the brim with hot water was nothing short of magical. The inn helpfully provides a booklet in the room on how to enjoy a Japanese bath. We were appreciative!

This was a gem of a Ryokan right in the heart of Kyoto close to the Gion and many temples and restaurants. We were treated warmly and the experience was one of a kind!

Positives - This ryokan has a great location but is badly let down by the bathing facilities. Negatives - These were not the quality we would have expected from a ryokan. Shared sinks in the corridor, and not toilet in the rooms. The baths themselves required booking for slots in the evening and were moldy in places, and the whole place could do with a big face lift.

Our stay at Motonago was a fantastic experience. The guide books describe the location of this ryokan as "couldn't be better" and it was no exaggeration. From the ryokan, it was only 3 minutes' walk to Yasaka Shrine and 15 minutes' walk to Kiyomizu dera. This Gion neighbourhood is characterised by beautifully preserved traditional houses (many ryokans and restaurants) and narrow lanes. By sheer luck, we arrived in the mid of Hanatouro, when the whole area - including Motonago and all the temples / shrines nearby - were lit up by lanterns at night. To top it up, the meals served in the ryokan was the best I've ever had in Japan. We stayed there for four nights, and we had kaiseki, shabu shabu and seafood hotpot - the quality of the food there definitely rivals any top-rated Japanese restaurants I had tried. Although some of the staff at the hotel only speak a little English, they were extremely helpful and attentive. Sometimes it feels a bit like we were staying with a very caring Japanese host family, nothing commercial at all. And it is lovely. The room we stayed in had a beautiful view of a pink cherry blossom tree (grown in the courtyard of a high-class traditional restaurant across the road) which just started to blossom upon our arrival! Some nights I would see from our window geishas walking out of the restaurant waiving their guests goodbye. I really wish we would have the chance to go back to Kyoto and stay in that room again.

overall it's worth $330 for our stay (for two ppl incl. breakfast and dinner). the bath was terrific and the staff were very courteous.

For an authentic Japanese experience, montonago did a great job. It was in a great location near many temples and historical landmarks.

Perfectly located modest ryokan. Decent meals, attentive staff. No laundry services, in or arranged.

The service at Motonago was excellent, and the location was great for sightseeing in Kyoto. Meals were also very good. I wish I could have stayed longer.