Shirakawa-hotori, Shinbashi-dori, Gionmachi, Higashiyama, Japan | (618) 248-8274
Authentic 140-year-old ryokan with traditional decor
Beautiful setting next
to a stream and century-old trees
Less than a five-minute
walk to train station and riverfront restaurants
Traditional rooms with
sliding doors and tatami mats
Modern in-room features like Nespresso machines and minibars
Private bathrooms with cypress wood tubs
Tasty kaiseki dinners
and Japanese breakfasts included in rate
Common bathroom with
whirlpool bath
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Outside Kyoto city center
Rooms pick up outside
noise
No on-site parking
Located in the Gion Geisha District, in a former ochaya (where apprentice geiko -- women trained in a variety of arts -- lived while they studied), Shiraume is one of the best ryokan (traditional inns) in Kyoto.
This upper-middle-range property offers a beautiful setting, and eight rooms with traditional features like sliding doors, tatami mats, and futons spread out on
the floors. The cuisine served at Shiraume focuses on seasonal ingredients,
and the traditional multi-course _kaiseki _dinners and Japanese breakfasts are guest favorites. Travelers looking for a traditional ryokan closer to the city center might want to compare rates with Ohanabo, a mid-range property adjacent to Higashi Honganji temple.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Gorgeous traditional ryokan in former ochaya
Shiraume is a
140-year-old traditional ryokan that formerly served as an ochaya, the place where apprentice women lived while they studied a variety of arts. Today, guests walk on
a bridge that traverses a babbling stream to reach the entrance of the inn. A
number of trees, including two 100-year-old red and white plum trees, add to the tranquil outdoor setting. Inside, slippers are spread out on the floor for
guests to switch into. Wooden floors and bamboo features create a natural, minimalist ambience throughout the building. In the dining room, multi-course kaiseki dinners are served in a
traditional space with tatami mats, floor cushions, and low wooden tables. Most guests here are couples, and all should expect a different style and comfort than what are offered in Western-style hotels.
Location
In beautiful Gion Geisha District, a five-minute walk from the train
Shiraume is in Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, and an area popular
with tourists for its beautiful traditional buildings. From the inn it’s only a
five-minute walk to the Kamo River with its riverfront restaurants.
The Sanjokeihan train station is a five-minute walk from the hotel, and Kyoto station, in the
city center, can be reached in less than 20 minutes. The city is most famous for its temples, and Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion) takes about 20 minutes to reach by road. The stunning Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is just 15 minutes away by train. It’s a little more than an hour's ride on public transportation to Osaka International Airport, a trip that takes about 45 minutes by taxi.
Rooms
Traditional Japanese rooms, some with stream views
Shiraume has beautiful, traditional rooms with sliding doors, tatami mats,
and futon mattresses on the floors. Woven bamboo ceilings and vases with fresh flowers
add to the natural feel of the space. Rooms
are spacious, and some have large windows overlooking a stream, while
others face a small garden. All rooms have Nespresso machines, electric kettles
with tea, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges stocked with tea,
water, juice, and beer. Rooms have low wooden tables with floor
cushions, and some offer wooden chairs. Bathrooms
are especially attractive, with beautiful carved wooden sinks and fragrant tubs
made from cypress wood. Some rooms do pick up noise from neighboring guests.
Features
Restaurant and bar serving tasty seasonal food
Guests rave about the traditional
dinners that focus on seasonal ingredients, along with the
Japanese breakfast that's included in the room rate. During dinner, the hostess explains each dish, and the ingredients used for each course before guests experience the Japanese flavors for themselves. A common bath with showers and a whirlpool tub is
available for guests to reserve, and there is a library with area guidebooks
and one computer. Small souvenirs are available for purchase. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
