Ishibekoji Ryugin

Location: Shimogawara town 463-12, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0825, Kyoto, JP

Star Rating: 4 Stars

Property Type: Guest houses

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 03:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Check-out: 10:30 AM

Instructions: There is no front desk at this property. This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions. The host will greet guests on arrival.

Amenities & Facilities

• Free WiFi
• Luggage storage
• Wheelchair accessible
• Multilingual staff
• Smoke-free property

Rooms Available

• Twin Room With Two Semidouble Beds

  2 Twin Beds

  Individually furnished room

  
  

  Layout - Living room and dining area

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - 46-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels

  Food & Drink - Kitchenette with refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, and cookware/dishware

  Sleep - Premium bedding and a down duvet

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, separate bathtub and shower, bathrobes, and a toilet with electronic bidet

  Practical - Safe, wardrobe or closet, and dining table

  Comfort - Climate-controlled air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heated floors

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 5 (5 Adults)

  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Hair dryer
  • Kitchenette
  • Bathrobe
  • Refrigerator
  • Microwave
  • Private bathroom
  • Slippers
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Stovetop
  • Dining table
  • Shampoo
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Premium bedding
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Separate dining area
  • Free WiFi
  • Down comforter
  • Separate living room
  • Toilet with electronic bidet
  • Heated floor

• Twin Room With Four Semidouble Beds

  4 Twin Beds

  Individually furnished room

  
  

  Layout - Living room and dining area

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - 46-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels

  Food & Drink - Kitchenette with refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, and cookware/dishware

  Sleep - Premium bedding and a down duvet

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, separate bathtub and shower, bathrobes, and a toilet with electronic bidet

  Practical - Safe, wardrobe or closet, and dining table

  Comfort - Climate-controlled air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heated floors

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 6 (6 Adults)

  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Hair dryer
  • Kitchenette
  • Bathrobe
  • Refrigerator
  • Microwave
  • Private bathroom
  • Slippers
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Stovetop
  • Dining table
  • Shampoo
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Premium bedding
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Separate dining area
  • Free WiFi
  • Down comforter
  • Separate living room
  • Toilet with electronic bidet
  • Heated floor

Guest Reviews

• Yun (10/5): - Very good, maybe they can share WhatsApp info ahead of check-in. We didn’t have Japan phone number so it was not possible to call them.
• Megat (10/5): - Really nice
• Daniel (10/5): - It was as expected/advertised. Beautiful accommodation and area from which to walk to many sites and restaurants. Laundromat around corner (1 min walk). Nice break from hotels. Variety of Toiletries in lobby if needed. Very quiet area at night which suited us. Very bright in the morning given historical nature of property (no black out blinds) but that was also fine with us. If you like a brief intro to property then being left alone for your stay this is for you. I tried to contact proprietor by text on first day re problem with the safes (both broken) without a response. However I did not follow up further by telephone as we found our own option for security.
• Tat Man (10/5): Amazing Amazing Place in Kyoto - Oh my god it was SO NICE! We got the four semi-double bed room upstairs and it was so large - two separate bedrooms. a nice living and dining room area and then a separate traditional tatami room with low tables for dining or games or just sitting around to talk and spend time with each other. The bathroom suite with the modern jacuzzi deep tub was amazing - it may be the biggest room in the entire place. The overall design is a mix of Scandinavian and Japanese design elements with light blond wood. So zen. My kids were so excited when we got there. The place is situated in the most beautiful neighborhood of Kyoto - it’s a historic preservation district and you have to go through entrances to get into that two or three block radius area. A lot of tourists go there to walk around though they say pictures are discouraged. The hosts were wonderful, lovely and responsive. Definitely a highlight of our trip to Japan and staying there is an experience that stays with you for a long, long time. If I was living in Kyoto I would definitely want to live there.
• Madeleine (10/5): - Amazing apartment, great service and really good location
• caryn (10/5): Wonderful - Wonderful! Great location,and service. I would highly recommend this inn.
• peterdeane47 (10/5): Luxury Ryokan stay in wonderful Gion - We stayed for 4 nights in the Bousen Suite and it was perfect Ryokan stay. The suite is suitable for 5 persons but there was only 2 of us which meant we had plenty of room to relax ( have a glass of wine) after the days exploring Kyoto, Irani,Nara and much more. Tomomi Hazama (Ms) was the perfect host (concierge) as she gave us excellent details on the best local restaurants and the best ways to explore Kyoto. Breakfast each day was fanastic. We had 3 days of Japanese (all different) and a western breakfast. We also had dinner 1 night at the in house KAMIKURA restaurant ( just the best meal) The Ryokan is in the middle of the winding alleys streets of Gion. It is close to Yasaka Shine, Shijo Dori (the Main Street to Nishiki Markets) and 10 minutes by taxi to Kyoto station (1500 yen) This Ryokan is expensive but offers the luxury, comfort, food and location for a perfect stay in Kyoto.
• Ken (4/5): 人的サービスが残念なホテル - 客室はやや掃除が不十分な箇所も散見され、ベッドは寝具やマットレスの質に問題あるものの、広く快適です。京都らしい風情の立地は最高です。問題は人的サービスで、コンシェルジュと称する女性も常駐しますが、夕方早々に帰ります。その後は誰もスタッフはいなくなります。残念なのは、コンシェルジュも担当者によりサービスにムラがあり、チェックアウト後は、スーツケースも含めて雨の中、荷物は自分で運ばされました。お見送り、ご挨拶もありませんでした。価格相応のサービスを期待すると、やや不満な滞在になる可能性がありそうです。
• takkt (8/5): Beautiful, luxurious ryokan apartment - The rooms are so well appointed and beautiful we lusted after the decorations that were in the room. We could have lived there. Very comfortable and spacious, with a zen garden outside and a jacuzzi tub in the bathroom. The breakfast at the restaurant below was one of the best ever, and don't even get me started on the dinner. Two of the best meals we had in Japan. I also think this is the best neighborhood to stay in Kyoto. On a little walk street filled with classic buildings. The concierge was very helpful, if not always the most friendly.
• Friedrich (10/5): Superb - it was Absolutely amazing and we (my sister and I) loved it. The Ishibekoji Ryugin is an exquisite Ryokan not to be missed. Not a single complaint!!
• YunHee (10/5): 하룻밤 묵었던 숙소지만 정말 좋은 기억으로 남았어요 - 여자 5명이서 갔는데 화장품에 팩까지 있고 여성용품도 인원수대로 준비해줘서 너무 좋았어요. 위치도 청수사 바로 밑이라 기모노 체험하다가 힘들때 들어와서 쉬기도 하고 정말 좋았네요. 숙소에서 입을 수 있는 옷과 양말까지 제공해줘서 정말정말 좋았고 깨끗하고 아늑하고 또 이용하고 싶을정도로 만족입니다.
• Paul (10/5): Classic, elegant Riyokan - Located right in the historic area. This lovely Riyokan lets you experience a classic, elegant Japanese environment with all the luxuries of a modern home.
• Thomas (8/5): Modern comforts in old Kyoto - Comfortable and fully equipped room, within walking distance to the ancient temples of Gion district. We would stay here again.
• sdfoodie2016 (10/5): Unbelievably fantastic, luxury stay - Ryugin is located in the heart of the beautiful, atmospheric, historic Gion (geisha) district of Kyoto. Centrally located to many train and bus stops, beautiful shrines and temples, and modern shopping and wonderful restaurants, all within walking distance. (Basically all of East Kyoto/higashiyama is within walking distance of here). Ryugin is the sister building of the ryokan Gion Hatanaka, so we got to wander over to Gion Hatanaka in our onsen attire to go to the hot baths there which were lovely, modern, and free. We had the lower apartment which was enormous, with a living room, sitting room, little garden, bathroom, and bedroom with western beds. It was modern, luxurious, and extremely comfortable. Service was fantastic. We would most definitely stay here again when in Kyoto!
• ambJax (10/5): Exquisite experience! - Located on a neat little old pedestrian only street in the heart of Gion. This Ryokan has only 2 suites. We stayed in the first floor suite which had a small kitchen, living area with western style seating, a dining room with Japanese seating, a second smaller sitting room overlooking a little outdoor garden, a nice size bedroom and a huge bathroom with a fantastically giant bathtub! The ryokan provided us with neat little extras, such as the Japanese style loungewear which was quite fun to try! In the bath, we were given very luxurious Mikimoto cosmetic products including a face mask that was simply awesome. One of the best aspects - the breakfast. We were stunned every single day with the creativity and beauty of the Japanese style breakfasts. Be sure to take this option if you stay with them. Their staff is top notch, super helpful, pleasant and always welcoming.
• ScubaDiver-Traveller (10/5): Best ryokan experience in Kyoto... and by far - We stayed at this Ryokan for 3 days. We had picked the suite Bousen in the "main house" of this roykan I highly recommend it. I think the 2 suites in the main house are more interesting than their Annex. The experience in this room is fabulous. It is designed to be a mix of tatami rooms and a western room. This is ideal for westerners who are not 100% sure if they can sit on the floor for 3 days... This is a high-end Ryokan experience; eveyrything is great -- including the bathroom. The concierge person (Kazue Kozaki) is amazing. She is "kyoto". You must take the breakfast option when you go. The breakfast is traditional kyoto style; multiple dishes; great presentation. I believe thisrtraditional Ryokan and their breakfasts are more interesting than all the shrines and temples in Kyoto. If you wish to taste Kyoto, you need to pick this room and their breakfasts.
• Blue (6/5): 가족단위 또는 두 커플이상 이용 시 적합 - 호텔외부공간 이나 부대시설이 전혀 없고 심지어 료칸도 5분이사우걸어가야 하며 하루에 1회 이용가능한 공동 목욕탕이므로 참고하세요
• Irene (8/5): Tradition boutique hotel in character area. - Warm welcome to a tradition hotel that enhanced and added to the experience we had in the old capital Kyoto.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - 京都の隠れ家的高級旅館。 京都らしい京都を感じられるとてもいい宿でした。 是非、また利用したいと思います。
• Verified traveler (8/5): Wonderful room, but ryokan is lacking in service - Our family of four stayed here for three nights. The apartment itself is fantastic: comfortable beds, modern and spacious bathroom, lovely traditional Japanese design. The location is also perfect: the neighborhood is quiet and scenic and walking distance to several temples. However, we didn't feel that the service was worthy of the property. We were looking forward to our stay based on reviews that raved about the warm welcome and exceptional service, but we didn't experience this. There was rarely anyone on the property despite there being a concierge desk in the small lobby, and our limited interactions with the concierge were not warm (we felt awkward, like we were an imposition, when we checked in, made a few requests, and checked out). In sum, when a hotel/ryokan is so expensive, you expect an impeccable room and exceptional service. Unfortunately, though the property merits the price, we found that the service did not.
• 3PhilippeG (10/5): Immaculate - Ryogin is located at the heart of Gion at the end of a very narrow historic path The building makes use of raw concrete and wood in a very elegant way and reunite the past and modern japan Our room was located at the second floor and calling it a room does not give justice to the place, it was actually the whole floor which constitute a two bedroom suite The decoration is sharp, refined without any style glitch The place is very roomy but also conducive of warmth and comfort The 2 two beds bedrooms are very simply designed with an abundance of light colored wood The bathroom is vast and contains a Jacuzzi The tatami room is magnificent with a textured wood area next to the window There is small kitchen too The dining room and living room made me thought of Swedish furniture with Japan interpreted through the massive wood tables The ceiling is supported by massive wood beams which participate to the special atmosphere of the place The room is very quiet at night The breakfast is served downstairs below the building at the counter of a beautiful kaiseki restaurant like room The food is excellent and particularly refined Overall it is an immaculate place which comes at a price of course
• Adele (8/5): Luxurious ryokan in scenic historic district - I was traveling with my mother and originally had reservations at another amazingly reviewed ryokan in Gion. However, my mother balked at the idea of a shared bathroom, so I eventually found the Ryugin and am SO DELIGHTED with our experience there. I wanted the experience of staying at Ryokan with the details of a traditional Japanese inn (the tatami mats, the art, the tiny private gardens), but also wanted modern amenities like a luxurious modern bathroom and wifi. The Ryugin surpassed all our expectations. First of all, if you're looking for an authentic/historic/picturesque experience, its location can't be beat. It's in one of the oldest parts of Gion, accessible only by foot (but a car drop-off is only a short walk away - less than a block), through lovely stone paved lanes lined with gorgeous traditional homes. It's next to historic pathways, lined by traditional shops and Shrines and tea houses of note. And ninnenzaka/sannenzaka (the picture postcard winding streets chockful of sweet/ceramics/fabric shops leading up to Kiyomizudera shrine), is a short, pretty walk away, The rooms themselves (you get several - a far cry from the usual small quarters of a ryokan) are beautifully appointed, with art nooks and traditional, but comfortable furnishings. The bathroom is luxurious and modern, but the aesthetic is still in keeping with the rest of the ryokan. I
• Wei (10/5): True Japanese experience - This is the place if you are after a true Japanese experience, everything is perfect, bit pricey tho
• 976christineq (10/5): Wonderful hotel with great service and location! - Kozaki is a great host who made our stay in Kyoto as smooth and comfortable as possible. The room is very traditional and well designed, and the small details such as the skin care sets that were provided are extraordinary. The location is wonderful as well. We enjoyed our trip in Kyoto and will come back again soon.
• Herare (10/5): Fabulous ryokan - Second visit to this great ryokan in th Gion districts. Only two rooms (or rather large appartments) in this ryokan. Fantastic rooms with huge beds. Downstairs is a great small restaurant. I am surprised that it has not been awarded one or two Michelin stars yet.
• william (10/5): The best Ryokan ever! - A terrific Ryokan with excellent accomodations and personal service. The manager is very special.
• Jung-ho (8/5): 옛공간에 온 미래의 타임캡슐 - 좋아요 위치도 좋고 옛날로 돌아간기분인데 시설은 최신식이어서 기분이 좋았어요
• indianlady (10/5): Luxury with a taste of the traditional - We had a two bedroom apartment with a western living room, dining room and pantry , a Japanese living room and window area, a mediation room and two bedrooms. The bedrooms had very comfortable beds but there was one large bathroom to share. The bath area had a lovely Jacuzzi. One could use the Onsen in the adjoining parent hotel Hatanaka. The hotel is in a quiet private neighborhood and yet close to the heart of the city. Only downside is that the sliding windows do not block out the sunlight and so it would be handy to keep an eye mask handy. The hotel serves an excellent breakfast. The hotel will also make a reservation at a close by Japanese restaurant which is excellent.
• SoCalSDGal (10/5): Fantastic stay in Kyoto - Oh what a pleasant and traditional stay. Loved the Japanese ryokan experience, view of the the little garden from the room, sleeping on the floor, sightings of geishas & rickshaws on the streets. Restaurant downstairs was exceptional. The modern automatic Japanese toilet (with light inside, no kidding) was also exceptional. We stayed as a family and loved exploring the old Gion neighborhood by foot. There's a touristy shopping area nearby, a temple up the hill, a more modern Kyoto neighborhood with a Starbucks, all accessible by walking. Can't recommend this place enough. Oh, and we also had our "okami", i.e. landlady come every morning to help us with any requests and to help plan the walking route, make reservations, answer other questions we had.
• Phileas_Blog (10/5): Entry level Ryokan experience - Ryugin is affiliated with the Hatanaka Ryokan and located about 100 m from the south entrance to the Yasaka shrine in the Gion area. It contains two studios, a smaller on the main floor that sleeps four, and then a larger one on the upper floor, and there is a small restaurant in the basement (more about that below). Guests can use the hot bath at Hatanaka free of charge. Our room on the main floor had a small sitting area and kitchenette, a large bedroom with a western style king sized bed, and a tatami room with two futons. There was also a small sitting area facing the garden, and a large bathroom that had a jet tub, rain shower and a high tech Western style toilet - the latter had a built-in motion sensor that automatically lifted and closed the toilet lid, along with all the other typical Japanese toilet seat features - I want one of those....Japanese style lounge/sleep ware provided for all guests, and replaced with a fresh set daily. A set of high end cosmetic products was provided for guests to use and to take home. Ryugin is really a mix between a luxury hotel room and a traditional Ryokan, and is thus ideally suited for people who want a taste of the Ryokan experience while having ample space and privacy. Our room was expensive because of new years festivities (approximately 400$ per person per night), although cost dropped considerably on our second night. Unlike in the Hatanaka Ryokan, we were free to decline meals - we did however opt for a Kaiseki dinner on our last night, and this was a most amazing dining experience. We sat at the dining bar while the three chefs prepared an array of exquisite dishes, including fugu and the best uni that I ever had. The composition of the dishes was thoughtful and based on cultural references - overall, this was one of the highlights of our Kyoto stay. The location cannot be beaten - Ryugin lies in the heart of Gion with access to numerous top notch traditional restaurants, is in easy walking distance to the main shopping area in Kyoto, and is very close to Kiyomizu temple - the walk from the hotel to the temple is a must as the streets are lined with all sorts of interesting restaurants and shops. Altogether, we highly recommend Ryugin for its location, luxury and tranquility.
• じぇり (8/5): ひっそりと京都を満喫できる宿 - ５人で、一体感をもちながらプライバシーも保て、みんなが満足した。ミニキッチンのカトラリーがよかった。「トンネルを抜けると…」という感じで別世界へいざなわれた観があり、京都旅行を満喫できた。
• Herare (10/5): Suberb ryokan - An outstanding place to stay in Kyoto. Two large suites in classic japanese style but with large "western" style beds. Excellent restaurant in the basement. There should be an extra sixth star for this place.
• SGjo1960 (10/5): Hidden Gem in Charming Kyoto - Our family of 6 had a most wonderful experience at Ryugin around Christmas 2013. From the arrival to checkout, it was nothing short of spectacular! Every encounter with a staff was positive - English was spoken and understood, any query answered promptly and helpfully, including the best izakaya late supper recommended by the friendly concierge. Breakfast was sublime with personalised service from the master chef and okami san. This uber luxurious modern yet traditional ryokan is beautifully furnished. Conveniently located within walking distance (if you enjoy walking in the lovely weather) to many tourist spots, we even came across fully 'made-up' kimono-clad ladies preparing to go to the temples just outside Ryugin along the alley - one big photo op for us!. Ryugin. A gem indeed! Thank you for the memories...
• 985claral (10/5): Better than 5 stars hotel chain - We were upgraded to a suite when they did not have non-smoking room and the place is so comfortable that I would recommend to anyone. Heated floor in the modern ryokan made the place very cosy. I am able to watch English channels for local hotel is definitely a bonus. Location is perfect and is walking distance to various temples and must go tourist spots. The lady (I think is Katsuze) was so helpful when my friend did not feel well around the check out time and she offered that we could stay back when she felt better and offered other assistance. Her personal touch could hardly be found in the 5 stars hotel chains.
• Christine-228-W (8/5): Excellent stay at Kyoto - My fiance and I choose to stay in Kyoto for celebration of our engagement，Ryugin didnot let us down！ Beautiful interior decoration with fusion of East and West！Very spacious rooms capable to host a family up to 6people！ Very good location，close to 八版神社！ Very thoughtful hotel with great services served！Use only the most expensive and fresh ingredients for cuisine making！ Will choose to stay at Ryugin again if we are visiting Kyoto again！
• notoriouslyFat (10/5): An ultramodern luxury ryokan - We stayed in Ishibekoji Ryugin as a couple in December 2013. The hotel is located in the Gion area, practically adjacent to the Yasaka Shrine and about a 15 minute walk from the Gion-Shijo subway station. This conveniently locates it in one of the more "unique" and traditional neighborhoods in Kyoto, within walking distance of both the touristy and commercial parts of town. Ryugin is easily reached from the Kyoto JR station via taxi by telling the driver "Ishibekoji", which is a small but old and well-known pedestrian-only district of Kyoto. There are only two rooms in this tiny property-one smaller, one larger-offering you (to my knowledge) unmatched serenity and exclusivity in Kyoto. This "ryokan" is a second property of the owner of Gion Hatanaka, which is located just down the street (less than 5 minutes on foot). Whereas Gion Hatanaka represents a more traditional ryokan on larger scale, Ryugin is a tiny property featuring ultramodern luxuries you would expect in a typical 5 star+ hotel plus more. Very notably, the room features both a typical western bedroom (beds) AND a tatami room with the futon option. As this would suggest, the rooms are sizable - Ryugin makes no compromise in layout and features both a full-sized traditional tatami setup plus a full-sized western suite-style living room and bedroom combo. The room additionally includes a small kitchen and modern bathroom geared with the top-line Toto washlet and a massive shower room plus jacuzzi tub. For those who want a more traditional Japanese bath experience, given the hotels relationship with Gion Hatanaka, you have the option to don a Yukata and stroll down the street to utilize the Hatanaka's small but quality public bath. Overall, the hotel's room quality and service were nothing short of excellent - as someone who has done the traditional ryokan several times in the past and doesn't find sleeping on the floor exciting (though I recognize it is part of the Kyoto experience), you have an option if you're there for multiple nights. The hotel is very new hence condition is excellent. Decor is appropriately modern while simultaneously does not compromise zen ideals. As should be expected for the price point, you get complimentary drinks and fruits stocked daily. We did not try the hotel's Kaiseki unfortunately (too many notable restaurants in Kyoto), but the concierge was critically valuable in helping arrange the bookings for all restaurants we visited. They also provided a printout of maps, photos, and contact information. They were also helpful in offering advice regarding transit. No issues with communication whatsoever - Kozaki-san spoke perfect English. One thing to note is that given the hotel features only two rooms, staff is not always present at the hotel reception, but they provide a small cellphone so you can contact staff at anytime you would need. Overall, an Ryugin was an excellent experience. This was not my first time in Kyoto but easily the best, and Ryugin played a key role. Would be happy to visit Kyoto in the future just to enjoy the hotel amenities and neighborhood.
• haroldg95 (10/5): A modern ryokan in a traditional setting - a unique way to experience kyoto - Great location, tucked away in the small streets of old Yasaka. It's walkable to several shrines and bus lines. The suite has every amenity you could ask for. It's a huge, modern interpretation of a ryokan so you get the best of both worlds here. The only drawback - the room is so nice - you don't want to leave! You also get 24hr concierge service and ours spoke excellent English. She gave us recommendations for attractions and local restaurants. We had a great time in Kyoto thanks to her. There's an incredible restaurant downstairs and we had breakfast twice and one of the most unique and amazing dinners we've ever had. The food is a reflection of the region, the culture, and the seasons. Food tasted great, crafted with care and presented playfully-a very cool experience. Kyoto was our second stop after Tokyo, in comparison the city was a quiet respite and the luxury and privacy we enjoyed at Ryugin was a big part of that.
• St8ples (10/5): Great location, great room, great service - Stayed here in October and got upgraded to this suite. The room was amazing-comfortable beds, heated floors throughout, big sitting area with a large tv and a luxurious bathroom with a jacuzzi. The area around the hotel has a lot of temples and other sights all within walking distance. Overall was a brilliant experience and would definitely recommend.
• sveytia (10/5): 5-star experience - We were upgraded to Ryugin by the Gion-Hatanaka, owners of both properties. We'd stayed at Gion Hatanaka last year and were looking forward to another excellent experience. The manager of Gion-Hatanaka contacted us prior to our arrival to offer the upgrade to this new ryokan. We weren't disappointed. Ryugin has only 2 rooms - both of them suites. We stayed on the top floor in a traditional ryokan room although the beds were not placed on the floor. The bathroom, shower and tub were luxurious. The suite has a small kitchen, eating table and a large sitting area that was perfect for reading and relaxing. The hotel is situated on a small pedestrian only walk way with very little traffic. We used the onsen (mineral bath) at Gion-Hatanaka, which was a short walk.

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