Stay at a Ryokan - This is a Nice One”

From Kyoto station, the taxi ride is kind of expensive and goes through some crazy and confusing streets, and we were totally overwhelmed. However, as soon as you figure out how Kyoto works it's quite easy to navigate to/from the hotel using the subways and buses. I'd really recommend taking a taxi the first time (bring the address, Kyoto is a big place!) Still, far from the station though it may be, there are also some very active markets and some even more active night life spots nearby. Ask the staff for recommendations and you'll realize the location is actually really fabulous. The staff speaks more than enough English, making the stay for foreigners very easy. They even include a how-to book as a guide for staying at a Japanese style hotel. The hotel itself is pretty good at giving you the real Japanese ryokan experience. It may be a little more streamlined and touristy than the most traditional ryokans, but I think it's best for tourists that way. The futons were very comfortable so none of our party had soreness sleeping on the floor. We also really liked the daily complimentary sweets and tea, and though the morning breakfast was a little bland for our palates, it was a really cool thing to try. The welcome formalities were a nice touch for our arrival too. I didn't like the air conditioning much, it worked fine but randomly throughout the night it would get pretty warm before the air conditioning kicked in again. Also the bathroom had kind of a weird smell, but by and large the rooms were clean and nice. Overall, the ryokan experience is a very neat thing to try. If you're diehard and have cash to blow, maybe you'd try one of the $400/night ryokans in the oldest districts of Kyoto, but I think the Hirashin was pretty realistic but not too realistic so as to cause trouble for an average tourist.

Wonderful!”

We stayed at Hirashin for four nights during cherry blossom season in April 2010. We had such a wonderful time there and would definitely go back. Please note: this is not a ryokan such as those that you might see in a movie, with extensive gardens and multiple private rooms. Those types exist, but they are extremely expensive and out of the way. We opted for Hirashin because of its convenient urban setting, reasonable price, and fabulous location. There is some wear on the paint, etc., as noted by some reviewers, but it is minor and in no way detracts from its charm. Our room was very large and comfortable, and the tatami mats were beautiful. The futons and traditional pajamas were extremely comfy and cozy too, which was great since the weather was a bit chilly. The breakfasts were my favorite part. They were very big, and everything was just delicious. It was great to fill up before heading out to see the sights. Another highlight was the onsen (bath), which was so relaxing after a day of walking around viewing temples and shrines. Nishiki Market and Gion are both within walking distance, and the subway is very close too, making it easy to get around to other neighborhoods. Finally, the staff was extremely friendly and helpful, and several spoke excellent English. I will definitely choose Hirahin if I am ever in Kyoto again.

Excellence experience staying at a Ryokan”

We wanted to stay in a Ryokan to experience the Japanese way of living. Hirashin is located in a superb location, near two subway stations (5 min walk), near Nishikin Street (3 min walk) and near Gion district (7 min walk). It allowed us to visit several destinations conveniently. It cost us about 1000 yen to reach the Ryokan from Kyoto train station. In terms of the accommodation, we enjoyed the experience thoroughly and customer service was excellent. One word of caution though, because the space is an open-concept, it gave my one-year old a lot crawling freedom. He got too excited with his new-found freedom and could not go to sleep early.

Nice ryokan with friendly staff”

We stayed at the Hirashin for 1 night. We wanted to get a feel of ryokan atmosphere so this place was the best for us cause we could not afford the more luxurious ryokans. However this does not mean the Hirashin is not nice. The room was very clean and they provided a pair of Yukatas for us too. That was nice. And if you feel like trying the public baths, they also have them at the basement. We did not have the breakfast at the hotel but there was a very nice bakery just round the corner. Overall, it's a nice place located just 2 blocks behind Daimaru department store and a few bus stops away from most tourist attrations like Gion.

Affordable Ryokan in Kyoto”

We wanted to experience staying at a ryokan and Hirashin is the affordable option. It's not disappointing at all. The staff are accommodating. They prepared our room quickly. No hassle during check in and check out. The staff also helped us find our way through Kyoto (showed us how to get to the tourist spots). We'll consider staying in this place again when we go back to Kyoto.

Great base”

The Hirashin Ryokan is in a great place for reaching most areas of Kyoto. The transport links are fantastic and you will save a lot of travel time. In addition the area is good for a stroll and shopping. It is very clean and welcoming and a good choice to experience a Japanese-style room. The Japanese breakfast is substantial and sets you up for a day's sightseeing/business.

Great location, lovely rooms”

Hirashin Ryokan is a lovely spot, located in close proximity to the most interesting neighbourhoods in Kyoto. The rooms are very nicely appointed, in traditional tatami style, and the price was very reasonable for the high-season. We very much enjoyed our stay.

A lovely friendly hotel”

We were a little worried about our stay at the Ryokan as we had read a couple of unfavourable reviews online before our stay. However when we arrived and had an extremely warm welcome including a cup of green tea, we were pleasantly surprised. The reception staff were friendly, welcoming and couldn't have done more to help us. The rooms were a traditional style with paper screens, low tables, futons amd a lovely deep bath. They were clean, warm and comfortable. In the basement of the hotel were hot baths which were clean and well organised. The breakfasts were traditional Japanese style and served on tatami mats by lovely smiling ladies! The computer in the lobby had internet access and it was free to use. The hotel itself was very convenient for shops and things to do although it was about a 30 minute walk to Kyoto main station where we arrived and departed. We would certainly stay at the Hirashin again

Highly Recommended”

The Hirashin Ryokan is perfectly located for exploring central Kyoto on foot and is very close to transport links for longer trips. A Japanese-style room with bathroom but also with the option of using the large Japanese style bath gives the best of both worlds. The Japanese breakfast is superb - much better than the western one.

Excellent Inn, beautiful rooms and lovely staff”

Hirashin Ryokan Hotel was one of the best parts about my stay, the rooms are clean, beautiful and cozy. The full Japanese breakfast is worth the money and the hotel has an Onsen in the basement which is worth using. The staff are very accommodating, speak a little English and are always looking to make your stay just a little bit better. The location is brilliant, especially in July, when you are around the corner from the center of the Gion Matsuri festival. Excellent value for money and is highly recommended. The only downside is no wi-fi access in the hotel rooms, however they do have 2 computers in the lobby for customers (which are free).

Cosy ryokan with good service”

When we arrived at Hirashin ryokan, we were served traditional green tea and snack while waiting for our room to be ready. In a short while, we were ushered to our room where the futons were laid out for us. There were hot water and more traditional Kyoto snacks in the room for us too. The hotel manager also showed us the different areas/ features of the room, and the onsen service available in the hotel. We were happy to learn that the last breakfast seating has been extended to 9am instead of 8:30am. The traditional japanese breakfast, which was non-impressive compared to the one we had from a non-ryokan hotel, was served on the second floor dining area.

Great location, good service”

Fine stay, lovely service. A manager put on his coat one night to walk around and help us find an open restaurant at 8 pm! You'll love the quietness of the rooms, though you pay for it with no view. For the 5 daylight minutes you'll look out the window, it's worth it! Public baths were satisfactory and I loved the deep soaking tub and warm toilet seats. Hot water for tea is available by calling the front desk (though an electric kettle would be nice). Our 3 kids appreciated the nonsmoking room they shared, and it was an adequate size for them. My husband and I were two doors down in the back hallway, which was quiet also. You'll also like the Boulangerie around the corner to the west, delicious to have French pastry and coffee after one too many dried breakfast sardines and pickles ; ) We took advantage of the massage studio across the street and up on the 3rd floor: they do a fine shiatsu session at typical US prices. There is wi-fi in the lobby only, but lots of seating there. Also two internet-connected computers. There is only one washer & dryer in the basement, but the hotel was not crowded even though it was Christmas-New Year's week, so we were able to use it right away. All told, we enjoyed our stay at the Hirashin Ryokan Hotel

Wonderful Experience”

On my first trip to Japan I was so thrilled to find the traditional Japanese experience at the Hirashin Ryokan. The rooms were clean, comfortable and fun. The breakfast was phenomenal. I would recommend this experience to anyone traveling to Kyoto.

Ryokan Hirashin for a Kyoto Experience”

My friends and I on a trip to Tokyo decided to overnight in Kyoto, and thought a traditional Japanese experience would be nice. First and foremost, Ryokan Hirashin Kyoto is a "hybrid" ryokan, meaning it's a hotel with ryokan style rooms. The staff was remarkably helpful and friendly, and kudos for that. In addition the location was very good being located near a major department store in the city center and literally a 3 minute walk to the entrance to the renowned Nishiki Market in Kyoto. A very and I mean very traditional Japanese breakfast was served consisting of miso soup, rice, dried salmon, and a mixture of vegetables in a broth served in a metal pot and flame. The price was reasonable for it's location, and experience. However, I did find some of the facilities to be a little run down, with some noted odors in public restrooms, and just things like worn carpet, chipped paint, and the communal onsen "bath" did also suffer from some of the same run down facility. I guess the service and friendliness of the staff made me overlook some of the appearances of the property.

Nice traditional Japanese Ryokan for a good price”

Wanted to experience the traditional Japanese Ryokan and got Hirashin for $ a night, last minute deal. Great value. Staff speak English and there's wifi in the lobby. Subway is a few minutes walk in the heart of downtown and only a few minutes walk from Nishiki Market.

Hirashin Ryokan”

The Hiromin Ryokan in Kyoto City provided me with a cheap Stay in a typical Ryokan room ambiente. The hotel is centrally located near Between Sanji and Shijo Street. Within a 3 minutes walk you can take the metro directly at the crossing of the 2 metro lines at Karasuma Oike Station. The breakfast as well was served in typical Ryokan style, eating sitting on tatami flooring. I would highly recommend this hotel. Two thumbs up.

Good priced ryokan at the heart of Kyoto”

The ryokan is so conveniently located to all major attractions in Kyoto. I was glad to find out once i had arrived since i only booked this ryokan based on cheaper price. My room had no view what so ever. The foodnwas great, and so were the green tea services thruout the day. Highly recommended for a budget traveler who wants to experience ryokan.

Comfortable and affordable hotel”

we had a very pleasant stay in hirashin. the reception staff were professional and friendly. the public bath on the basement was simple but retained minimum comfort. the room was twice as big as a hotel room of comparative price. we also liked the breakfast, which we tried little bit of many things in kyoto-style plate.

Very relaxing, great location and amazing staff”

The room was great. Really spacious and the futons were comfortable. We had a view of the park just outside, which delighted my toddler every morning when she woke up. The staff were super friendly and spoke great English most of the time. If not, someone else was called to help us out. Various things happened during our stay - I hurt my ankle, I lost my bag, we wanted different times for the beds to be laid for our toddler to nap. All situations were helped greatly by the staff and the hotel. They even heated food up for us that we had bought from the supermarket. The location is fantastic, just a few minutes walk from the station and the market. Lots to do and see in the surrounding areas. We took cabs as it was low season and I had a injured ankle and small child and most places were within 1000 yen. Trains were great for longer distances. I would recommend taking a taxi to the Ryokan from Kyoto station if you have lots of bags. It can be challenging on the subway and then the short walk if you have young children and luggage. All in all, a great stay and we will definitely be back.

Urban oasis”

We had some trouble finding a room in Kyoto, as our visit happened to coincide with the largest festival of the year. We happened upon this lovely ryokan and were very pleased with our stay. The staff were extraordinarily helpful, and were able to give lots of recommendations about the area. They even drew a little map on their white board to explain one of the festival parades, its route, and what times it would arrive at various locations. The Japanese breakfast was lovely but certainly not for the less adventurous palate. Also worth noting that the traditional rooms had futon mattresses, which were very nice but might not be the best choice for a guest with back or neck problems. Would definitely stay here again. Close to several subway and bus stops, within comfortable walking distance of numerous attractions - Nijo castle, food market and shopping, Gion, and the Manga Museum, among others.