Reviews of Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano 3 stars

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

Very hospitable. Perfect location.

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

Very comfortable and lovely place with extremely nice staff in a very good area of Kyoto. Recommended!!

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!

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.

Great location and nice and friendly hosts.

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.

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!!!

I wish i could have stayed longer! 😔

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!

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!

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!!

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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