Hiiragiya

From the outside, the Hiiragiya is unassuming. However, inside the exposed ceiling and wall beams are typical of Edo to Showa-style design. As a traditional Japanese symbol of welcome, the front walkway of the Hiiragiya is splashed with water daily to demonstrate that the hotel has been cleaned and prepped. Corridor slippers are given to guests to help preserve the rice-mat floors. Reed ceilings and hand-carved transoms are found throughout the interior. The restaurant's polished, dark wood tables and chairs contrast with the room's blond wood ceiling and walls. A minimalist relaxing area is furnished with low-rise tables and floor cushions. This is a peaceful, serene property that offers the chance for immersion into traditional Japanese customs.

While the Hiiragiya ryokan appears to be of another time and place, the hotel is in a popular section of Kyoto. The Nakagyo ward is known as the home of several important temples and festivals, making it a prominent tourist destination. The 17th century Nijo Castle, once home to the Tokugawa Shogunate, is 10 minutes from the hotel by car or 20 minutes by subway. Karasumaoike subway station is only a 10-minute walk away. The Kyoto International Manga Museum -- which has over 300,000 manga-related artifacts -- is also about a 10-minute walk away. The famous shopping intersection of Shijo Kawaramachi, where two department stores are across the street from each other, is 10 minutes by foot. Travelers arriving at the Kansai International Airport outside of Osaka will need about 90 minutes to get to the Hiiragiya by car or two hours by train.  

Many design elements of Hiiragiya's 28 rooms are inspired by the 17th century when ryokan-style inns became popular. But rooms also include a handful of modern updates. As was common in the 1600s, guests enter through sliding wooden doors, walk on rice-straw mats, and recline on furniture close to the ground. The same room used for the living area is re-set with new furniture at nighttime for sleeping. An attendant is assigned to each room in case any help is needed. In 2006, Hiiragiya expanded to add a new building to its facilities with seven new rooms. These are still in the traditional style, but they have more modern furniture. Hiiragiya rooms vary in size and decor. Every room has a minibar, free Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom. While bathtubs are built out of umbrella pine wood, the shower and toilet are both comparable to those in luxury hotel rooms. Most of the rooms look out onto a Japanese-style manicured garden with carefully arranged rocks and neatly pruned bushes and trees.

The hotel's restaurant, like the rest of Hiiragiya, is minimalist with clean, polished woodwork. Two meals for each guest are included in the room rates. Many of the small Kaiseki dishes on the menu originate from traditional tea ceremonies. It's not unusual to be served over 30 small plates at one meal. There's a serene public relaxing room with floor chairs and low-rise tables for reading and conversation. The service here is attentive, and the staff maintain centuries-old customs. But the lack of other typical, Western-style features, such as a gym or business center, may be disappointing to some guests. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.