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Reviews of moksa 5 stars

601-1255 Kyoto, Kyoto, 左京区上高野東山65, Japan

#126 of 699 hotels in Kyoto

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 152 hotel reviews

9.4

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.8

  • Comfort

    9.8

  • Location

    8.7

  • Facilities

    9.6

  • Staff

    9.6

  • Value for money

    9.0

  • Free WiFi

    9.8

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 27 August 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Twin Room - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Booked through booking . com, half board should advertise drinks included as we nearly didn't book it as it seemed expensive for food alone. However it was well worth it. All of the rooms have been refurbished beautifully, personally I would remove all of the warning stickers from sinks and clothes hangars etc.

    Stunning location, great rooms, restaurant was exceptional. Staff very accommodating with a great relaxed atmosphere. We would highly recommend half board.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 20 August 2025

    8.0
    A perfect place to unwind from the busy everyday life.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Twin Room - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Wished the facilities like the sauna was included in the stay.

    The place was very comfortable and peaceful even though it’s only 30 minutes from the city. Immediately felt zen when we arrived at Moksa.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 10 August 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Standard Twin Room - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We had an exceptional stay. The only piece of feedback id suggest is the price of the sauna/onsen. Given this is included in comparable properties we stayed at, the very steep extra charge wasn't palatable for us. Having it included (even for extra $ in package) would really round out the 'retreat' feel of the stay. Maybe you can include for guest who are already purchasing board package (or create another?). It looked beautiful and shame for it to go un-used.

    We had a phenomenal stay at Moksa. We used the place as a retreat from the hustle of Kyoto and hoards of tourists and it was perfect. We decided to indulge with the half board option and the food was phenomenal, particularly dinner. Very high quality ingredients executed by skilled chefs, well worth the price we paid (albeit early bird rate). Breakfast was great but stick with the Japanese, it's head and shoulders above the other options (when in Rome...) The room facilities were top, and the private garden with its pond, fish and turtle were a real delight. Included drinks were a welcome addition. We enjoyed the location in the mountains, adventuring up the cable car and ropeway were a highlight of Kyoto!

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 3 August 2025

    10
    Amazing property with extraordinary Diana’s in a natural settings in the mountains
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Twin Room with River View - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Saunas

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 20 June 2025

    10
    Tranquil Stày
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Twin Room with River View - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was a narrow road leading to hotel. Need to drive through a flight of steps.

    Tranquil environment. You feel calm and relax upon entering the hotel. Beautiful garden. Friendly reception. Room is modern and bed is comfortable. Nice trails near the hotel for you to explore. Dinner is excellent with chef preparing dishes in front of you.

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 13 June 2025

    10
    If you’re looking for your fantasy trip in Japan, stay at Moksa.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Twin Room - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing.

    Everything. We can’t wait to come back!

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 4 June 2025

    10
    Wonderful stay, a real treat
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Twin Room - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 3 nights

    It would be nice if the breakfast changed a little each day. It's very delicious and you can have a western or Japanese option but we would have liked to have Japanese each day with variety of dishes. It would be nice if some fruit was included. It would be nice if there were teapots in the rooms and dining room as Kyoto is an important tea region.

    The hotel is really gorgeous. I wish I had planned some time to just relax and enjoy it more. The location isn't super central but that is part of the hotel's charm. The breakfast was delicious and we ate at the restaurant twice as the food was so delicious. Gorgeous gardens and the service was impeccable. They also give inari sushi each day as a snack and there are complimentary drinks in the fridge in your room. We would love to stay again.

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 30 May 2025

    9.0
    Very enjoyable
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Twin Room - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing really

    Great staff, great food, great sauna experience!

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 May 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Standard Twin Room - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything was perfect, loved the area, the hotel, the staff and was the highlight of our 12-day trip in Japan ❤️

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 24 May 2025

    10
    Amazing, will come back when in Kyoto
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Signature Suite - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Service is hit or miss. Some staff dont speak English or very little and seem a bit rude (language barrier) but they are trying their best.

    Secluded location, architecture, quality, cleanliness, great bar, amazing rooms and sauna. Asumi was a gem, treated us incredibly well and we had great conversations at the bar.

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 22 May 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Twin Room - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Not much to dislike. Top end of our budget but worth it.

    Exceptionally good hotel. Relaxed, comfortable. Great location for a trip up the cable car for the views and temples. Easy to Kyoto centre by train with a short cut from the hotel to the station. Evening meal option was great. Free drinks too.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 15 May 2025

    9.0
    Good for getaway
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Superior Twin Room - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Location and entrance, also no onsen

    Nicely decorate in the nature totally worth the stay, free flow everything

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 11 May 2025

    10
    Wonderful personnel, always helpful with our requests for bathrobe, bar is unlimited, we got bottle of champaigne for fr
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Twin Room - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    No downsides

    Location, personnel, scenery, nature, transport nearby - buses, trains. We got to Nara park and Bamboo forest easily.

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 3 May 2025

    8.0
    Relaxed
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Twin Room with River View - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Can’t get a taxi for 6 people

    Zen-like Big spacious rooms Replanned breakfast Local train - very nice and safe

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 April 2025

    8.0
    Beautiful hotel in a tranquil setting
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Executive Suite - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There are no food options in the area and the restaurant at moksa only serves a very expensive set menu. They do themselves a disservice in this area. With an ala carte Japanese offering the place would be perfect.

    The minimalist design was beautiful and the tranquility of the garden and location generally was perfect.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 April 2025

    8.0
    Nice !
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Twin Room - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Pillow

    Atmosphere

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 27 April 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Twin Room - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The breakfast had so many options and my partner is vegetarian which they catered for which was fantastic. The dinner experience was incredible. The location of the hotel is beautiful.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 25 April 2025

    10
    Can’t wait to go back
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Junior Suite Twin - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I loved everything about Moksa. But I am a proponent of boutique five star hotels. I don’t like a corporate feel and Moksa is the antithesis of corporate. It’s warm, inviting and feels like a spiritual place. I will warn other travellers though that if you are travelling from other parts of the country that the locals in Kyoto can be seemingly rude compared to Tokyo for example. I think the tourist experience for them is overwhelming and they’re just completely over it. Be prepared for some coldness and rudeness compared to other parts of the country. Moksa by comparison has very warm and wonderful staff.

    Although others have complained I loved the location of the property. In the Yase district of Kyoto nestled between several shrines Moksa feels ancient and modern all at once. The ancient garden is stunning and it’s so fun to feed the fish! The hotel’s Kami - Moksa Jin is dotted around the place and gives off a playful presence. I loved the junior suite with tatami again, modern and ancient. The breakfast is amazing - many have complained that it is too small but I didn’t find this at all. It’s a light breakfast meant to start you out feeling fresh instead of weighed down. The local train station looks like something from a Miyazaki movie which makes the trip into Kyoto fantastically romantic.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 22 April 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Junior Suite Twin with Garden View - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The beautiful Sakura trees just outside of our balcony from the bedrooms.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 18 April 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Twin Room with River View - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 16 April 2025

    10
    Great experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Executive Suite - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    7/10 for Breakfast that could have been a bit more generous in terms of options. Daily cleaning should also be offered by default.

    Hospitality of its people was superb. The room and the premises amazing overall.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 16 April 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Twin Room - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Serene location, just outside the busy city to slow down. The small train nearby just takes around 20 min which takes you to the city. Would recommend the japanese breakfast in the morning and have a drink in the evening at the bar. We loved our stay here!

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 15 April 2025

    9.0
    A wonderful and restful stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Standard Twin Room - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The beautiful onsite restaurant setting does not offer lunch. To make this more of a resort stay it would be nice to have additional food service onsite aside from the set breakfast or 7 course dinner as there really are not other food options within walking distance (aside from 7-11). There is no onsen and the bookable saunas are expensive extra cost. As a "wellness hotel" it did not offer any onsite spa services such as massage.

    The location is on the outskirts of Kyoto alongside a river and in an area that offers opportunities for walks in nature away from the tourist mobs yet just a short train ride from central Kyoto. The space is beautiful. The saunas can be booked and the one we used was excellent, although expensive. If it had been somewhat more affordable it would have been very nice to use it more than once. Similarly the dinner option was excellent quality but VERY expensive - not Michelin star yet Michelin star price and so we opted for only one dinner during our two night stay. The lobby lounge and included beverages was a very nice feature and the staff at the front desk were extremely kind and helpful.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 11 April 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Twin Room with River View - Non-Smoking
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    A perfect stay in a modem Japanese style hotel surrounded by a steam and gardens.

    Stayed in April 2025

Showing 1 – 25

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