The place was a bit tricky to find on Google maps to which I ended up in another hotel who said they have a lot of guests mistaking it for this one jokingly. Not the fault of this hotel mind you that's a deficiency of Google maps. There was a curfew to return back to the hotel which was understandable as they wanted to lock the front gate and ensure guests were safe at night. For me not an issue but for those looking to stay out late into the early hours of the morning need to take this into consideration.

The staff were so friendly it was line staying with family. Every day they would always leave fresh fruit and something extra in the fridge for me in the evenings which was a welcome surprise after exploring during the day. The room was a good size and comfortable with plenty of tea, coffee and a few snacks outside the room free for guests to help themselves to. Location was very central to a few tourist sites and I was lucky enough to have the honour of meeting a Maiko along with other guests. The Maiko explained why she had taken that path, taught us about the steps and training she had gone through up to that point, showed us some traditional games which we took part in and performed a traditional dance which she then on went to explain the symbolism of the movements and use of the paper fan. There were a few dogs roaming around the main reception area but oh so friendly and inquisitive, you could tell they were comfortable around strangers and would greet people as they came through to the reception.

Stayed in May 2025

All of the reviews are true. Staff was incredibly friendly. The location was perfect. We spent three nights here, and it was all absolutely worth it. I would stay here again. It was my kids favorite place. We stayed in all of Japan. The snacks they offered at night and in the morning were such a bonus. They even did our laundry for us.

Stayed in June 2025

Loved this place. Super convenient location, and the staff provided all these little niceities to make you glad you picked them - including a Saturday night maiko show! Five stars, would absolutely stay again!

Stayed in June 2025

If you are a clean, considerate traveler, there is nothing not to like!Just be ready to respect the property and their customs. Its their home, afterall.

I loved the rooms, which felt incredibly authentic and cozy. It was the perfect way to experience our first time in kyoto. The hotel is extremely well located, just a 10 minute walk to most places in Gion or a bus that can take you elsewhere. The staff are lovely and their pet dogs are absolutely adorable. Its easy to get advice and to access the rooms. We loved the daily room service of sweets and the futon were quite comfortable, however if you are mobility limited getting up from the floor may be a challenge. I really enjoyed getting up in the morning to see the clouds rolling over the hills and a peaceful rain fall complimenting the nearby temple steeple. I would absolutely recommend this property.

Stayed in June 2025

The family that runs Gion Sano were so friendly and helpful and we loved their adorable dogs!

Stayed in June 2025

Very hospitable. Perfect location.

Stayed in June 2025

An amazing stay! Everyone was so nice and helpful. They even put on a free amazing traditional Maiko show.

Stayed in May 2025

Go Taxi app kept trying to drop off and pick up on wrong side of the entrance. We finally used the address across the street to get proper pickup.

The staff was super friendly. Everyday we were provided fresh fruits and pastries. They did our laundry on our last night. They were extremely friendly and the dogs were the perfect touch!

Stayed in May 2025

Great location and nice and friendly hosts.

Stayed in May 2025

Excellent location that was within steps of several popular temples and within easy walking distance to public transportation, the shopping district, and lots of restaurants. Also very quiet. The staff and their three dogs are the real selling point, though. We had fruits and cakes delivered to us or waiting for us in the room each day, and there was a completely free geisha show one of the evenings that all guests were encouraged to attend. This was the most personable place we stayed.

Stayed in May 2025

I wish i could have stayed longer! 😔

The ryokan-style room was truly beautiful, very clean, very quiet and well equipped. The bonsai outside the window and pretty view were also an extra. The futon was very comfortable. The host family did everything they could to make my four night stay special. And they truly delivered. I loved the fresh fruit and lovely cakes every afternoon. Also the minibreakfast provided was a bonus. I really appreciate it that they did my laundry free of charge. The unexpected evening with a maiko and free sake was real fun and very interesting too. I can only recommend!!! ありがとうございました!!!

Stayed in May 2025

Google maps took me to a parallel street which was the street that the back of this building is on. There is no entrance there so initially it was a little confusing walking with my bags, trying to find the entrance when my phone insisted I had arrived. Once I realized I was probably at their back door and found my way around the building (which is far more than just their building), all was fine. The actual entrance does have a sign (in English!) and is well marked. The gate simply slides to the left, btw. I found the instructions to be overly complicated. :) And this is a tiny part of the overall experience. I would still recommend it 10/10!

This place is amazing! The location is a very short walk to shrines and temples and stores galore. The staff are the absolutely kindest, most outgoing people I met in Japan. They went above and beyond to help me with directions to attractions, to speak to me in English (although I tried to speak to them in Japanese), and to connect with me in general. The welcome tea and sweets I was served were gorgeous and delicious, they did my laundry while I was exploring town, and they provided a daily snack (maybe two a day, I honestly forget but I was never hungry!). Not to mention, there are constant snacks and tea available in a communal area. Absolutely stay here, the room, the place, the people, the location, the everything is superb!

Stayed in May 2025

N/A

Staff was so nice and sweet! Very welcoming and treated us like family. They have the cutest dogs and let us pet them any time. Room was very nice and the shower has amazing water pressure. Comfortable beds and very traditional Japanese room design. They give you a nice little dessert with fruits for free each morning and also have a selection of Ramen ,coffee and snacks for free to grab anytime. They also invited us to have a drink and enjoy a tea ceremony show with a maiko and it was a highlight of our trip. They also will do your laundry for free if needed. Best service I've ever experienced and the nicest family I've ever met. 10/10!!

Stayed in May 2025

I loved my stay here! The owners were so kind and always offered a greeting when we returned or left. Lots of snacks available all the time which was nice because that meant sometimes we’d eat the bread as breakfast before we set out for the day. Got to see a geiko show on our first day and that was such a wonderful experience! If I’m ever back in Kyoto, I’d 100% stay here again! The rooms are also REALLY big! And super comfortable

Stayed in April 2025

Such a sweet place, family run with two big and friendly dogs and so many little surprises. Coming back every night I found a plate of beautiful fruit and cake waiting for me in the fridge with a little note. And the location is absolutely perfect.

Stayed in April 2025

The room was lovely, every day I had fruits and cake, the hosts were very kind.

Stayed in April 2025

We traveled as a family of 5 and stayed in this lovely quest house. The owners were absolutely wonderful. The place is clean and conveniently located. We especially loved the Tea and treats they brought to our room upon arrival to welcome us!! We would stay here again.

Stayed in April 2025

Very good location and a comfortable stay! Room is nicely decorated with classic Japanese style. The owner and staff are very helpful. There are afternoon tea served every day, and we are just lucky to see the Maiko show in the hotel on the first day.

Stayed in April 2025

Everything about this ryokan was amazing! The hosts were very friendly and welcoming-- as were their dogs! They greeted us with tea and treats! The snacks/breakfasts were perfect and much appreciated. The beds were comfortable. The evening with the Meiko was wonderful surprise!! We brought home many happy memories from that night-- and a game which we have taught our family-- and will continue to play! The location was perfect-- walking distance to sites, shopping, restaurants, etc. The massage chair was wonderful to sit in at the end of a long day. We will recommend this stay to any family and friends who visit Kyoto-- and hopefully we will be back someday!

Stayed in March 2025

I chose this ryokan for the adorable dogs, and I was not disappointed! My traditional Japanese room was spacious, my bed was extremely comfortable, and the treats and sweets were an added bonus. The owners were so kind, and every time I left and came back they would call the dogs over for me to pet.

Stayed in March 2025

My stay at this charming traditional inn (ryokan) in Gion was absolutely unforgettable. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with genuine warmth and kindness by the incredible staff. Everyone went above and beyond to make me feel at home, and their hospitality was one of the highlights of my visit. The inn itself is a beautiful example of classic Japanese accommodation — quaint, peaceful, and full of character. Sleeping on tatami mats and futons added an authentic touch that made the experience feel uniquely special. Everything was impeccably clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully arranged. The location couldn’t be better — just a short walk from some of Kyoto’s most iconic temples and historic streets. It’s the perfect base for exploring the cultural heart of the city. And to top it all off, there are adorable dogs on the property that made my stay even more heartwarming! If you’re looking for a peaceful, authentic, and welcoming place to stay in Kyoto, I can’t recommend this spot highly enough. I’m already looking forward to my next visit.

Stayed in April 2025

Staff is extremely nice and offer free Maiko show with drinks. Futon beds are also extremely comfy. Best sleep I got while on vacation.

Stayed in April 2025

Exceptional and beautiful experience! The hosts were so nice and welcoming. They really treat you like you're a guest in their own home. The best parts were the adorable pups and free laundry! The location was perfect! We were able to walk everywhere we wanted to.

Stayed in March 2025

Really charming traditional accommodation, comfortable to sleep, absolutely amazing and generous staff, perfectly located for sightseeing in Kyoto. We missed nothing.

Stayed in March 2025