Gion Ryokan Karaku

3.5 star property

Photo gallery for Gion Ryokan Karaku

Traditional Japanese architecture meets modern design in this multi-level building with a wooden entrance and serene garden.
Experience the tranquility of a traditional Japanese-style room with tatami flooring and shoji screens, featuring a low table and television.
Experience a serene space with a traditional Japanese aesthetic, featuring a long central aisle, wooden benches, and a communal dining area.
Traditional Japanese-style room with tatami flooring and shoji screens offering a serene view of the outside.
Two beds on tatami mats, with a wall-mounted light fixture above.

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
499 Minamigawa Gionmachi,Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0074
  • Yasaka Shrine
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Kiyomizu Temple
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Nishiki Market
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Osaka (ITM-Itami)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, Non Smoking

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Futons

Karaku Suite, Non Smoking

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 40 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Futons

Japanese Tatami Room with Twin Beds, Non Smoking

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Superior Room, Non Smoking

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(9 reviews)
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Futons

Japanese Style Twin Room, Non Smoking

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Twin Beds and 3 Twin Futons

Similar properties

About the area

Kyoto

With a stay at Gion Ryokan Karaku in Kyoto (Gion), you'll be steps from Yasaka Shrine and 13 minutes by foot from Kiyomizu Temple. .This ryokan is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Shijo Street and 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Pontocho Alley.

What's nearby

  • Yasaka Shrine - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Gion Corner - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Kiyomizu Temple - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Pontocho Alley - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Nishiki Market - 15 min walk - 1.3 km

Getting around

  • Gion-shijo Station - 10 min walk
  • Higashiyama Station - 13 min walk
  • Kansai Intl. Airport (KIX) - 95 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪ジュヴァンセル祇園店 - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪カフェレストランやよい - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪リストランテ キメラ - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪AWOMB 祇園八坂 - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪ラ・ボンバンス祇園 - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Gion Ryokan Karaku

Ryokan with a 24-hour front desk, steps from Yasaka Shrine
Gion Ryokan Karaku offers 19 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and slippers. This Kyoto ryokan provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations, bidets, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Housekeeping is offered daily and in-room massages can be requested.
Public bath/onsen services include a yukata (Japanese robe).
Make yourself at home in one of the 19 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and bidets. Conveniences include safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Make use of convenient amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access, gift shops/newsstands, and a ballroom.
Japanese breakfasts are available daily from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee.
Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Japanese breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM.

Languages

English, Japanese

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site (JPY 2,000 per day)

Food and drink

  • Daily Japanese breakfast available 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee: JPY 3,630 per person

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Spa

  • In-room massages
  • Yukata (Japanese robes)

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • 1 building
  • 4 floors
  • Ballroom
  • Banquet hall
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Bidet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children up to the age of 6 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • A city tax may be collected at the property. The city tax ranges from JPY 200-10,000 per person, per night based on the nightly room rate. Please note that further exemptions may apply. For more details, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for Japanese breakfast: approximately JPY 3630 per person
  • Self parking fee: JPY 2000 per day

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ); additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file

Property is also known as

Gion Karaku
Gion Karaku Kyoto
Gion Ryokan Karaku
Gion Ryokan Karaku Kyoto
Ryokan Karaku
Karaku
Gion Ryokan Karaku Kyoto
Gion Ryokan Karaku Ryokan
Gion Ryokan Karaku Ryokan Kyoto

Gion Ryokan Karaku Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 171 out of 243 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 47 out of 243 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 18 out of 243 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 243 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 243 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Pamela

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Great experience

Had a wonderful time here. Beautiful rooms, very comfortable. Loved the yukata they had for us to wear. Also loved the traditional Japanese breakfast. Great experience we had!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Meera

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room is very clean and quiet, comfortable , and beautifully kept traditional Gion room. The staffs are very kind and polite. Their dinner course meals were amazing! The Gion Ryokan is located in the center of the old Gion neighborhood , and the hotel was above than my expectations.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gabrielle

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
They were the most beautiful souls. They gave absolutely great service. I can't wait to go back there.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Homan

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
5 Stars – A Truly Magical Stay in Kyoto! We absolutely fell in love with Kyoto, and staying at Gion Ryokan Karaku made the experience even more unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like family—the hospitality was warm, genuine, and deeply thoughtful. One of the sweetest touches was that our 3-year-old was given a different kimono to wear each night at dinner, which she absolutely adored. Every detail of our stay felt authentic and lovingly curated. It was the perfect blend of traditional Japanese charm and heartfelt care. We can't wait to return!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

elisabetta, new york

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great experience and staff
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location to tourist attractions. Most places are walkable.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic stay, perfect location!

My son and I had an absolutely wonderful stay. The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly, and the breakfasts were epic! We also loved the location on a quiet street, but very close walking distance to so many interesting things!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

randall

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I can only say good things about this ryokan. Everyone was very nice and accommodating. They cleaned the rooms daily. They offer razors, toothbrush, and a couple other things for a very small fee which i did not mind paying for at all because theyre trying to encourage people to bring their own to eliminate waste and with the amount of convenience stores nearby you could always pick one up there if you dont want to buy one of theirs. We stayed in the karaku suite and it was absolutely amazing. Spacious with a fridge, kettle and an absolutely beautiful view in the private onsen. There is a laundry mat within a 10 minute walking distance that made washing our clothes very easy. We did not get any of the food offers as we planned to go out and explore the absolutely beautiful area it is located in. They called a cab for us when it was time to leave and waited with us until we were on our way. Definitely going to be staying with them for our next trip.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lilia, Alhambra

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our stay was great. The staff was very friendly and extremely helpful. The breakfast option and use of Yukata is a must. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

William

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice traditional ryoken with a good breakfast and helpful staff
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maria

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful breakfast! Very kind staff.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Larissa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very good experience. Worth a night there
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vishal, East Garafraxa

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Amazing property, great service and breakfast. The only minor downside is the location from transit, it’s 15 minutes walk to this location.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Excellent location, helpful staff, quiet location in the magical Gion precinct. Good size traditional Japanese style room.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diego

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I had an amazing time definitely worth coming back
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Douglas, Shoreline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Askold

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Low

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tanyatorn

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chona

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This was a wonderful hotel… BUT, the pictures on Expedia were NOT ACCURATE. It did not have a bed as pictured and it did not have a bath or onsen. We enjoyed the stay but were disappointed about the way it was presented.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

chandrani, beaverton

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful and comfortable Ryokan. Super comfy beds, serene rooms, great water pressure and thoughtful japanese breakfast. Easy walk to main part of Gion, and well connected by taxi/uber to all of Kyoto. Highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Duncan

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ka, San Marino

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024