Arashiyama Benkei

Location: 34 Susukinobanba-cho Saga-tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 616-8385, Kyoto, JP

Star Rating: 4 Stars

Property Type: Ryokans

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 03:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Instructions: This property offers transfers from the train station. Guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. There is no front desk at this property. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation. If you are planning to arrive after 7 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions. Guests can access their accommodation through a private entrance. For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation. All restaurants at the property require guests to pre-book breakfast service 1 day in advance, and pre-book dinner service 3 days in advance. Meal requests for guests without restaurant reservations cannot be accommodated.

Amenities & Facilities

• Electric car charging station
• Free WiFi
• Terrace
• Garden
• Luggage storage
• Wheelchair accessible
• Breakfast available (surcharge)
• Safe-deposit box at front desk
• Multilingual staff
• Free newspapers in lobby
• Smoke-free property
• Wedding services
• Free train station pickup
• Free area shuttle
• Parking (limited spaces)
• Free self parking
• Free train station drop-off
• Electric car charging station
• Well-lit path to entrance

Rooms Available

• Modern Premium Suite, Garden View (90sqm)

  2 Double Beds

  876-sq-foot room with garden views

  
  

  Layout - 2 bedrooms, living room, and dining area

  Relax - Private hot tub

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - 55-inch flat-screen TV with premium channels and first-run movies

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

  Sleep - Premium bedding, a down duvet, blackout drapes/curtains, and bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, spring water bathtub, and separate shower with a rainfall showerhead

  Practical - Washer/dryer, yard, and safe

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and climate-controlled heating and air conditioning

  Need to Know - No cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available

  Non-Smoking, renovated in March 2017

  Room is accessed via exterior corridors

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Microwave
  • Private bathroom
  • Slippers
  • Kitchen
  • Electric kettle
  • Stovetop
  • Bottle of water
  • Shampoo
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Yard
  • Premium bedding
  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Separate dining area
  • Free WiFi
  • Down comforter
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Private spa tub
  • No rollaway/extra beds
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Spring water bathtub
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Toilet with electronic bidet
  • Griddle
  • Soap
  • Window screens
  • Heated floor
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste available
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste not available

• Japanese Room (12 tatami mats)

  4 Twin Futons

  215-sq-foot room with courtyard views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator, electric kettle, and free bottled water

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, deep soaking bathtub, and separate shower with a rainfall showerhead

  Practical - Safe and window screens

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and climate-controlled heating and air conditioning

  Need to Know - No cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available

  Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bathroom
  • Electric kettle
  • Bottle of water
  • Shampoo
  • Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Free WiFi
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • No rollaway/extra beds
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Smoking
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Toilet with electronic bidet
  • Soap
  • Window screens
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste available
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste not available

• Japanese Room (12 tatami mats, 2F)

  2 Twin Futons

  215-sq-foot room with courtyard views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV

  Food & Drink - Electric kettle and free bottled water

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, a toilet with electronic bidet, a hair dryer, and towels

  Practical - Safe and window screens

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and climate-controlled heating and air conditioning

  Need to Know - No cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Electric kettle
  • Bottle of water
  • Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • No rollaway/extra beds
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Toilet with electronic bidet
  • Window screens
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste available
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste not available

• Japanese Room (15 tatami mats)

  3 Twin Futons

  480-sq-foot room with garden views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator, electric kettle, and free bottled water

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, spring water bathtub, and separate shower with a rainfall showerhead

  Practical - Safe and window screens

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and climate-controlled heating and air conditioning

  Need to Know - No cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available

  Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bathroom
  • Electric kettle
  • Bottle of water
  • Shampoo
  • Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Free WiFi
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • No rollaway/extra beds
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Spring water bathtub
  • Smoking
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Toilet with electronic bidet
  • Soap
  • Window screens
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste available
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste not available

• Modern Premium Suite, Maisonette Type, Garden View (90sqm)

  2 Double Beds and 2 Large Twin Futons

  969-sq-foot room with garden views

  
  

  Layout - Bedroom, living room, and dining area

  Relax - Private hot tub

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - 55-inch flat-screen TV with premium channels and first-run movies

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

  Sleep - Premium bedding, a down duvet, blackout drapes/curtains, and bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, spring water bathtub, and separate shower with a rainfall showerhead

  Practical - Washer/dryer, yard, and safe

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and climate-controlled heating and air conditioning

  Need to Know - No cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available

  Non-Smoking, renovated in March 2017

  Room is accessed via exterior corridors

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Microwave
  • Private bathroom
  • Slippers
  • Kitchen
  • Electric kettle
  • Stovetop
  • Bottle of water
  • Shampoo
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Yard
  • Premium bedding
  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Separate dining area
  • Free WiFi
  • Down comforter
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Private spa tub
  • No rollaway/extra beds
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Separate bedroom
  • Spring water bathtub
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Toilet with electronic bidet
  • Griddle
  • Soap
  • Window screens
  • Heated floor
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste available
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste not available

• Japanese Room (12 tatami mats, 1F)

  2 Twin Futons

  215-sq-foot room with courtyard views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV

  Food & Drink - Electric kettle and free bottled water

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, a toilet with electronic bidet, a hair dryer, and towels

  Practical - Safe and window screens

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and climate-controlled heating and air conditioning

  Need to Know - No cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Electric kettle
  • Bottle of water
  • Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • No rollaway/extra beds
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Toilet with electronic bidet
  • Window screens
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste available
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste not available

• Japanese Suite with Private Open-Air Bath, Garden View

  5 Twin Futons

  365-sq-foot room with garden views

  
  

  Layout - Bedroom

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator, electric kettle, and free bottled water

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, spring water bathtub, and separate shower with a rainfall showerhead

  Practical - Safe and window screens

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and climate-controlled heating and air conditioning

  Need to Know - No cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available

  Smoking And Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bathroom
  • Electric kettle
  • Bottle of water
  • Shampoo
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Free WiFi
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • No rollaway/extra beds
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Spring water bathtub
  • Smoking and Non-Smoking
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Toilet with electronic bidet
  • Soap
  • Window screens
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste available
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste not available

• Japanese Suite with Private Open-Air Bath, River View

  5 Twin Futons

  543-sq-foot room with river views

  
  

  Layout - Bedroom

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator, electric kettle, and free bottled water

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, spring water bathtub, and separate shower with a rainfall showerhead

  Practical - Safe and window screens

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and climate-controlled heating and air conditioning

  Need to Know - No cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available

  Smoking And Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bathroom
  • Electric kettle
  • Bottle of water
  • Shampoo
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Free WiFi
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • No rollaway/extra beds
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Spring water bathtub
  • Smoking and Non-Smoking
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Toilet with electronic bidet
  • Soap
  • Window screens
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste available
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste not available

Guest Reviews

• Verified traveler (10/5): - 早朝嵐山で撮影があり利用しました。 食事の予約をしていませんでしたが、到着が20時と遅く相談したところおうどん二人分用意してくださいました。 貸し切り露天風呂にも入れて、サービスもよく、嵐山竹林にもすごく近いのでおすすめです！ 今度は2泊くらいしたいです。
• Verified traveler (10/5): - It was a fantastic traditional experience. Made me feel very comfortable experiencing traditional hospitality. Was able to take advantage of a private Onsen.
• Verified traveler (4/5): Great disappointment - This was the most expensive stay in my trip to Arima Onsen, Kyoto and Osaka. Expectation was high. The start was good, the reception was nice, everything fine until the keiseki dinner. The first few courses were excellent. Then the quality if the following courses dropped. Waiting was long. We had ti sit for 20 minutes to have rice. Dessert was a joke, assorted fruits and ice cream had no traditional Japanese feeling. Not ended yet. When we returned to the room, the bed was not prepared as initially promised, to prepare while we had dinner. Next morning, no staff come to lead us to breakfast so we broke into a wrong room. A staff asked if he should remove our bed, and we said no need. When we returned to the room, the bed was removed. We have a feeling of privacy being intruded because we did mot prepare to let someone in. Overall is huge disappointment especially out of the high cost.
• hidemi (10/5): 京都なら嵐山 - 丁寧な対応と、一つ一つが十分に良いコンディションで食事を提供して頂きました。景色も素晴らしく、なぜ京都の嵐山が評価されるのか良くわかりました。
• CS (6/5): - Great location and views. Restaurant is incredible. Property is feeling a little aged, needs some serious refreshing. Concierge service was mixed.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - It was an older building which could have used some updating. All the same it was well maintained and the staff were phenomenal. We took the kaiseki dinner in the evening and it was IMMACULATE. Same goes for the Japanese style breakfast in the morning. I wasn’t allowed to use the public baths as I have visible tattoos but the private bath was adequate. They use a small amount of chlorine in the water which I wasn’t expecting but I suppose it makes sense. If you’re looking for a traditional style ryokan look no further. A lot of places tout themselves as “international” ryokans to foreigners and they’re just regular hotels with a bathtub - don’t be fooled. The high price is worth the night for the experience.
• ying (10/5): - Great location and friendly staff. The dinner and breakfast meal are delicious.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - This is a beautifully and perfectly located property and the food was excellent too
• Lyri (10/5): - 女将さんをはじめ、スタッフの皆さんが笑顔で丁寧に接してくださり、娘も私も大変寛げ満足しています。 桂川と向かいの山々を眺めながらの美味しい朝食は最高です。 また露天風呂から山の紅葉も見られ、素敵なひとときを過ごすことができました。
• Susan (10/5): - The nine course, two hour dinner in a private room was amazing! The location was exceptional as well—close to the bamboo forest, temples, and Monkey Park. A great coffee shop on the corner (ryokan only serves tea!) A fabulous experience. Highly recommend.
• Ms.Wang (10/5): - We were travelling with a 3 month old baby and appreciated the excellent service from the staff to accommodate our requests. Great location with scenic views from our room.
• WANJU (10/5): 完美的蜜月 - 在辨慶的這個夜晚，是京都蜜月行最美好的一段~~~ 期待下次再度回到辨慶
• Verified traveler (10/5): - The service here was amazing. The fantastic staff make you feel welcome from the moment you step in the door and ensure you are well looked after throughout the stay. The onsen was great and kept in very good condition.
• Kuan hsun (10/5): It was very wonderful for the quality of service - Overall, hotel was so good for my family to stay With. I would like to choice this hotel again:)
• Peichun (10/5): - 這是個很好的住宿經驗，早晩餐都很美味，此次住宿剛好遇上小孩生日，飯店人員很貼心的準備小禮物，細心程度好的沒話說。
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Excelente atención y servicio.
• Yeung (10/5): - Wonderful experience! Will come back again
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Great location! Great food! Great people! Great!
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Amazing experience, traditional Japanese experience, beautiful view, hot spring in the room and staff is just great.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Loved the Ryokan, loved the atmosphere, loved the ambience, loved the staff friendliness, loved the dinner menu - but will stay away from seafood for a while after this as we had an extensive seafood menu which was excellent, but we over-indulged
• NAEUN (10/5): 또 가고싶어요~~ - 가격때문에 망설였지만 어느곳보다 너무나 편안하고 근사했던곳이예요 한국직원분이 너무 친절해서 좋았구요 객실에 딸린 개인온천장은 너무나 천국같았어요 밖에 나무냄새가 너무나 좋더라구요~ 이불에 눕자마자 몸이 빨려들어가서 기절하고 잤네요 하루가 너무 짧았던...다시 갈 기회가 되면 또 가고싶네요~~
• SCJ (10/5): - I cannot say enough good things about this place. Everything from the service, food, ambiance is exceptional. The staff go above and beyond to meet your needs. I hope I will be fortunate enough to have the opportunity to come back someday. Truly the highlight of my family’s recent trip to Japan.
• Man Wan (10/5): - 服務員的態度十分好，令人如沐春風，努力解決問題。晚餐及和式早餐都美味精緻，份量足夠。但在溫泉方面，雖有室內及露天風呂，但形式較單調，若加些按摩丶不同溫度的池便更好了。因客房不多，很清靜。
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Good food. Good location and excellent service. Highly recommended to stay!
• McArthur (10/5): - A beautiful setting along the river (try and get river view), with very attentive staff. We only had breakfast which was very nicely presented, and both Japanese and Western were excellent. One slight drawback is that there is essentially nothing open outside the Ryokan after 6pm. No restaurants and very few shops, so plan to eat early. There is a train stop very convenient.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Very personable and polite staff. Beautiful river view from room. We got the large room. The beds were comfortable. Room was always clean. The food was great. This is a real traditional ryokan experience. Great part of Kyoto. Close to monkey park, shops and restaurants.
• YIU TAK (8/5): 嵐山醉人景致，配佳餚美食，值得一試 - 旅館坐落位置非常方便，鄰近多個景點，旅館屬於舊建築物，能感受到日本傳統文化的氣息，房間內窗外景致醉人能飽覽嵐山水光山色，旅館內有提供的晚餐及早餐，食物質素水準之高，每一道餸菜都是精心之選，唯一的缺點是房內沒有浴室及私家湯等設施，比較不方便，但也非常推介山景房間，值得一試
• M.L. (10/5): - Amazing stay at this lovely ryokan. The staff were welcoming and accommodating. I had a lovely, memorable, and relaxing experience here during my one-night stay. Thank you!
• Ya Huei (8/5): Friendly staff ! We love the japanese tatami room - It's a very nice hotel for the whole family. They even provide Yukata to young kids. Hotel is in prime location and staffs are friendly and easy to communicate in English ! There is no garden open to the public but our river view room is amazing !
• Leo (10/5): - Without a doubt, this ryokan was a highlight of our two-week trip. Immaculate, traditional, with an unimaginable attaention to every detail. Real experience of traditional luxory.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - The staff was beyond amazing, the food they serve was unique and amazing. I took my mother on her first trip to Japan and she was so happy to stay here.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - The staff and meals were excellent. The view from our room was amazing, too. We were very happy with our stay here. Would have liked coffee that we could make in the room early since the kitchen does not open until 7 :)
• Verified traveler (8/5): - 女将始めスタッフの皆さんに細やかなお気遣いをいただき気持ちよく滞在することができました。
• Jennifer (10/5): Amazing Japanese experience - We stayed two nights in the room with the private onsen and massage chair. The staff was so amazingly attentive to our every need and accommodated our request for an in-room dinner to celebrate our anniversary. They even gifted us a set of tea cups to celebrate. The onsen was amazing to have in the room and the room had a peaceful and quiet view of the riverfront. The traditional Japanese breakfast experience in the provided socks, pajamas and robes was also a must-do. The floor beds were not a problem and quite comfortable and the staff was very quick to set up and take down the room each morning and night in a way that did not disturb your day. The location is in walking distance to the bamboo forest and other nearby tourist sites but far enough away from the crowds. We recommend staying here if you want a truly relaxing and traditional Japanese experience that is convenient to the sites and shopping/eats in the area.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - 员工态度很亲切，很有礼貌。感觉这是一家时刻有惊喜的旅馆。从入住后的日式茶道（抹茶）品尝到室内浴衣及外出浴衣的准备，还有晚餐吃怀石料理时旅馆自制的酒和老板娘手绘的画都十分的不错。很开心的一次旅行。
• Verified traveler (6/5): Not terrible, not great. - Room was nice and people were friendly. I was expecting a little more in the way of service and quality of food. Getting charged for a bottle of beer from the mini fridge feels excessive on a $900 a night room that we had access to from 6pm-10am
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Location and services are excellent. Friendly staff. Good view for breakfast and dinning area.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Nice ryokan with super nice staffs and service. Im not a public bath person but their hot spring water made my skin silky.
• Por (10/5): - Perfect location Premium accommodation Luxury sense of service Very nice breakfast and dinner Kid friendly Shuttle bus pick up service
• Lap Tak (10/5): Great ryokan by the river - It was Arashiyama in the maple season, so every hotel was full and fortunately there was one suite available. The suite was huge with a lot of amenities, and a half-open hot water bath. Service was perfect, the staff was sensitive and very helpful, and fluent in English. We did not try the kaiseki dinner but I believed it would be good. The breakfast was generous in portion and decent looking as expected. The only drawback is that one had to struggle between going out or spending more time in this comfortable ryokan. Highly recommended and hoped to come back again in the sakura season!
• Amazingryokan! (10/5): - A five star experience —From the minute you walk in, to the minute they bow as you walk down the street at the end of your trip, this is an amazing ryokan experience! It was even my birthday and my son’s birthday and they gave us a birthday present and a beautiful homemade birthday cake! This was the biggest treat during our three week trip in Japan.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - We had a magical stay in this hotel. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The room and area is perfect. We booked it last minute and was sad to leave. I really recommend this hotel.
• Verified traveler (6/5): - Expecting better quality at this price. Room is not up to standard.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Fantastic authentic experience - Fantastic authentic experience in a beautiful spot Easily accessible from Kyoto by train
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Excellent stay. Everything was great. Close to everything. Staff was wonderful.
• Tracy (10/5): - We loved everything about our stay!! Our private onsen was wonderful! The food was delicious! They made us feel like royalty!!
• Maria Esther (10/5): - Great!
• Diane (10/5): - The traditional Japanese experience was wonderful. The hotel was spotless and quiet and the location on the river is perfect. Excellent staff as well. The food was delicious and beautifully prepared.
• jac (10/5): Amazing place - It is so near to the attractions. The place is fantastic, the kaiseiki dinner was excellent n the breakfast too. The view from the breakfast room was really astonishing
• Brian (10/5): - Great hotel. Outside of our usual budget but the staff was gracious and friendly.
• Verified traveler (8/5): Great stay, great service. - The staff were very welcoming, we called to inform the reception to have the driver to come over to the station to pick us up and when we reached the hotel, the staff already open the umbrella (it was raining when we arrived) and wants to shelter us into the benkei. We reached slightly early and they allowed us to check-in to our ryokan early. The room was very clean and we were even served a welcome drink and mini snack. They guided us on how to go and visit the nearby attractions when we wanted to head out. In the morning, the staff came to our room to get us for breakfast on the preferred timing, shoes was even set ready for us! We are very pleased with our stay here! Very highly recommended. Only complain is that you need to call only on the day of stay for the driver pick up when you are already at the station. We didnt have a simcard that can make a call and the station staff wouldnt help us to call so this part is really annoying. Alternatively, you may walk for about 20mins to the benkei with your luggages if you do not mind. Roads there are small and narrow, watch out for cars!
• Bridge (10/5): Meets expectations for the price - Excellent service from the moment you get within visual distance of the hotel - your name will be on a whiteboard outside, the staff were all very polite and helpful. Private onsen was delightful, breakfast and dinner were both delicious (one salmon dish looked beautiful but was a but dry, this was a minor gripe) The location is great - on the river but just far enough from the main road so it was peaceful with easy walking access. Overall wonderful experience with a custom experience as expected for the price.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - great stay
• Chloe (10/5): Superb - This hotel is at a very good location with beautiful view. We enjoyed our stay much not only from nice staff, room and food are perfect as well! It’s a surprise to receive a birthday gift from them:)
• Verified traveler (10/5): Great stay - This is a really wonderful ryokan. The facilities are superb, and the service is excellent. I’ve asked myself where the inn fell short or what could be improved. I cannot think of anything. It’s great!
• Ana (10/5): Highlight of our trip! - We had the best time at Benkei, ate the most delicious meals, and loved every minute of our time there. You won’t regret staying here.
• Priscilla (10/5): First Ryokan Experience - This was my first ryokan experience, and it was amazing! Now I understand why this ryokan was practically sold out - which was why I had to book the stand alone guest house. It fit about 4-5ppl. Very spacious and clean. Wish I did spend more than just 1 night there. Location is amazing, it’s right on the river. The private onsen was so relaxing and peaceful. They have 2 bikes free to use during your stay! There’s definitely modernized accents to the house, but overall it still maintained the Japanese culture within the place.
• Ana (10/5): Amazing traditional stay in Arashiyama. - Disclaimer: My long time boyfriend proposed to me while we stayed in Arashiyama, so my experience may be a bit biased towards the positive and lovey-dovey. :) ---- First off, Arashiyama is a great, tourist-y little city that sits next to the gorgeous Oi River. It's a national historic site because of it's temples and other landmarks (bamboo forests, preserved villages, etc.). Arashiyama Benkei is located on the river and about a 30 minute walk from the Saga-Arashiyama station. My fiance and I decided to walk which was nice. We got to see the main drag of Arashiyama, with all its shops and restaurants. When we got to Benkei, we were about an hour early. Thankfully they let us check in and leave our luggages behind while we explored the city and waited for our room to be prepared. We returned to see our room and the super friendly staff led us to our accommodations. We splurged and got the larger tatami room, with private bath. It was worth every penny! The room itself was very spacious and the staff set up our futons every night for us. The private bath had a rooftop view of the surrounding neighborhood and the nearby mountain (where the monkey park is). We actually never used the public baths because we just ended up using our private one instead. Also, we paid for the half-board (breakfast and dinner provided by Benkei). The dinners we had are easily the best meals we had during our trip. Dinners were served in room and breakfast was in a dining hall.
• Shirley (10/5): Amazing stay at Arashiyama benkei - Amazing. Simply amazing people. The staff is courteous and kind. Their ryokan facility was nice and food was impeccable. Lasting impression on our family and many great memories made there.
• C (10/5): Simply the Best! - Great staff, great service, great food, great location, great great great!!!
• SF (10/5): Charming ryokan experience - We loved our stay - a charming inn in a beautiful location by the river. Spacious rooms, charming service, wonderful kaiseki meals and a great experience. Great rooftop onsen baths looking out to the mountain. A short walk to the electric tram, cute shops, cafes and restaurants, shrines, monkeys and bamboo forests!
• Cory (10/5): Definitely worth a stay~! - We had an amazing time. It was only for one night and I actually kind of wish we stayed longer. It was a different experience than the usual stay at a hotel or motel. The traditional Japanese style of the inn was captivating and the staff worked hard to maintain that feeling. I cannot recommend it enough and I hope to go back again some day!
• Julee (10/5): totally awesome - So many unexpected extras. A Geisha was brought on site for us to take photos with. Room amenities and welcome treats were awesome. Many little gifts were left for us. The onsen experience was really nice. The dinner was exquisite.
• Chip (10/5): lovely hotel just next to the river - We were a little disappointed upon arrival. It was drizzling when we got out of the taxi and no staff came to our assistance. We had to lug our luggage up the flight of stone steps in front of the hotel. However, what we experienced after that more than made up for it. We like the personalised service of Benke staff, treating us like royalty. Those who served us (Lu, Nao, Akari, Yuki) made us feel at home immediately.
• Verified traveler (8/5): The staff is attentive, the setting is amazing. - We stayed 2 nights - it's hard to believe this is in a city the size of Kyoto, as the setting is peaceful and beautiful.
• Strad (10/5): Authentic Japanese Ryokan - Great traditional Japanese ryokan experience with public bath / onsen.
• Trey (10/5): Fantastic! - The staff did an outstanding job accommodating our special travel needs! The hotel itself is beautiful, and the service was outstanding. Be sure to get the kaiseki dinner and breakfast - very fun, delicious, and traditional. The Arashiyama area has LOTS of fun stuff to do - hike up the hill to see the monkeys (and feed them!), then come back down and wander the streets to see the cute shops and restaurants. A great time!
• Verified traveler (8/5): Relaxing stay at Arashiyama - It was our first time staying at the benkei and the overall experience was good. Before our stay, whenever I have questions regarding to the room booking, they reply us promptly and has been very helpful. Hospitality was great. Their staff are nice and will try their best to arrange things for you as requested. One of their staff who can speak mandarin helped us a lot during the stay.
• Jeff (10/5): Lovely Ryokan in Arishayama area of Kyoto - My wife and I wanted to stay at a traditional Ryokan while in Kyoto and were thrilled with our experience at Benkei. It is expensive, but you get what you pay for. The costs include full breakfast and dinners and unparalleled service. There must have been half a dozen, really sweet and smiley, Kimono wearing servers delivering food, making the beds etc. The grounds are lovely. We enjoyed the private hot springs tub. The greater Arishayama area on the outskirts of Kyoto is great for sightseeing. We went to a bamboo grove, a monkey park and a unesco temple site. We would stay here again if we found ourselves again in Kyoto.
• eric (10/5): One night in Arashiyama Benkei - Highly recommended. vicinity is premium, on the quiet side of the river which is great - near to all the sights. The Onsen is outstanding
• Jing (8/5): - Excellent location and good service
• Chanel (10/5): - Lovely ryokan with very kind and considerate staff members and the food is good
• Vivian (10/5): A++! One of the best! - I can say this was one of my best hotel experiences at one of the best locations. This is a full, traditional Japanese hotel experience - very different from a Western one. So if you haven't, please google "Ryokan" before/after booking and get excited! Expect to stay and relax in this hotel, you will be served dinner and breakfast (lunch you will have to figure out yourself). There is a shared hot bath on the ground floor in which I didn't see anyone else while I was there. This hotel is small with only a handful of rooms and they put in 100% to being attentive to your stay and meals. The location is amazing. It sits by one of the big rivers and is on the resort-section of Kyoto. I went there at the end of fall and the foliage by the mountains (across the river) was breathtaking. FYI - wifi is weak here, but you're supposed to be relaxing, right? :)
• Brad (10/5): Lives up to the hype of a Japanese Ryokan - The staff would not let us touch or do anything...in a good way. They are committed to relaxation and were ready to assist at the drop of a hat. Super traditional all around - service, room, layout, spas, and food.
• Eugene (10/5): An Excellent night I'll never forget! - We arrived around 20 minutes earlier than check-in time but they were very kind. The room was perfect! Especially the view out of big window was very peaceful and makes me feel comfortable. It was like a beautiful painting. At night, we were served the dinner, Kaiseki ryori. The staff served every food at exact time that we'd just finished the former one.(How can they know it!) Of course the dinner was so delicious. Very neat and nicely presented. Also very pretty. After dinner, she prepared our bed and we went to the onsen, the hot spring. It wasn't very large but enough to enjoy. The water was soft and quite slippery so that it was good for our skin. The next morning we have Japanese style breakfast, it was also amazing!

Photos