The Villa Nene-no-Michi Kazeno Heritage formerly HOTEL VMG RESORT KYOTO Nene

I can’t remember how I initially came across this hotel, but I’m VERY happy that I did! This is a genuinely hidden gem of a hotel 💎 VMG as I’ve learned, is a Japanese boutique hotel group that takes historically significant buildings (and castles!) in Japan and turns them into modern, incredibly well designed boutique stays. They have multiple room types across multiple historic buildings in Kyoto (so *make sure you know which property/location you’re booking* to avoid any dissappointment!), but we were fortunate to book a room in the “NENE” ryokan where there are only 3 rooms and they’re HUGE by Japanese standards. Our room on the ground floor was impeccably designed, and kitted out with Western beds – be aware they are large twin beds, as in Japan couples prefer to sleep separate it seems – but a nonetheless traditional Japanese ryokan aesthetic, its own little zen garden and a wooden (but automatic) bathtub looking into said garden. Furthermore it’s located right in the heart of historic Kyoto, on Nene-no-michi which is one of the nicest streets in the area, literal steps away from Ninnenzaka/Yasaka pagoda and Kodai-ji Temple. 

The staff were absolutely incredible! Super polite, all extremely helpful and patient with our requests at all hours, and very approachable. They definitely made our stay from check in, to waving us goodbye as we left! Also I need to mention about their breakfast. They'll arrange a free shuttle to Heian Jingu temple where you'll have a private room for breakfast overlooking the expansive lake. It's SO stunning and absolutely worth your while if you're staying here 🤩

This has been one of the best hotel stays of all time for me. If one day we ever make our way back to Kyoto we would absolutely stay here again.

No complaints whatsoever.

La chambre était immense, superbe au cœur du vieux Kyoto. Le personnel au petit soin, le cadre du petit déjeuner féerique. C’était tout simplement parfait

The hotel is in an excellent location, very close to several major attractions, making it extremely convenient for sightseeing.

Just no onsen