Everything! The staff were incredibly kind and engaging conversationalists. My husband and I both agree that this was one of our top hotel experiences. The layout of our space was spacious with the two floors and had many details that made us feel special: the beautiful stone tub that looked out on a little garden, the delicious coffee and juice in our mini kitchen, simple wholesome breakfasts and an overall feeling of an oasis in busy Kyoto.

Stayed in July 2025

Nothing at all – everything was amazing!

It feels like home. A perfect blend between a cozy house and a boutique hotel, with an amazing staff. From the beautiful décor to the relaxing sauna and the delicious breakfast, every detail adds so much value. Can’t wait to come back again!

Stayed in May 2025

A beautiful, boutique and personalised experience in a very convenient location in the heart of Kyoto. Minutes from a metro station, and a short walk to the centre of town whilst peacefully removed from the more overcrowded spots. The hotel itself is excellent - immaculate, comfortable, cool in Summer, large rooms with a great bath. Included breakfast was a perfect start to the day. Access to the small but clean and modern gym across the road was great. Service was impeccable, thank you Naly! We recommend Tamao highly, and will be back without hesitation.

Stayed in July 2025

We were surprised that the breakfast was rather small with no options. You get a small soup and toast, plus coffee (which tastes delicious), tea, or a small glass of juice. Every day, although soup and toast change. That should be improved for a place like this. Additionally, it would have been nice if the sauna were included in the price.

We had a very pleasant and enjoyable time. Very nice and helpful staff. Quite ryokan that is very close to Subway station Gojo, and close to the city center (Nishiki market, etc.). Nice courtyard, located in a small and calm side street. Our apartment was overall nice with everything we needed (although rather dark with little daylight and not a nice view).

Stayed in July 2025

Beautiful peaceful accommodation in the centre of Kyoto. Caring friendly staff.

Stayed in May 2025

What a gorgeous place to stay — I desperately wish we had more time at Tamao! We’ll be back next time, for certain. We felt so welcomed from the moment we arrived, and the design/spaces are just lovely — so charming, elegant, comfortable and relaxing. The location is excellent, just steps from the Gojo train station (in turn just one stop from Kyoto station), so very central but also very quiet and secluded. Breakfast in the dining room was also a lovely way to start our day. I would recommend Tamao in a heartbeat, and do hope to be back some day!

Stayed in May 2025

Honestly stunning! Every detail feels so intentional, the rooms are super cosy, and the garden is beautiful. I would definitely recommend the sauna which was a real highlight. The location is perfect. You'll feel so well looked after — the staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Stayed in May 2025

Love the spacious rooms and the warm hospitality

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing

Loved it. The rooms were so beautifully curated. Our room had a little reading nook that I enjoyed. Aya and the guy with the beard were so helpful and friendly. The breakfast was really light but delicious. Wish we stayed longer!

Stayed in May 2025

A wonderful quiet space from which to explore Kyoto. Ideally located one subway stop from Kyoto Station, with several good restaurants nearby. Seven blocks (or a one-stop subway ride) from Nishiki Market. Excellent English (if this is a concern). I would happily stay here anytime I'm in Kyoto.

Stayed in May 2025

Beautifully designed , the property is a real gem amidst a busy Kyoto. The staff are absolutely amazing-and nothing is too much trouble.

Stayed in May 2025

That we had to leave so soon !

The owner Nely and her staff made us feel like we were in her home - charming! The breakfast was delightful and just perfect to begin our day. Nothing was too much to ask for. For example, about the sights of Kyoto or just arranging for a taxi. I would highly recommend this property, and we will return here!

Stayed in May 2025

Confort, room traditional style with great materials (Wood), calm, kindness of staff

Stayed in May 2025

Right away the staff were friendly and helpful, they made us feel right at home and throughout our stay nothing was too much trouble. The rooms were comfortable and stylish with great facilities and amenities. We enjoyed the greenery in the courtyard and how light and airy the rooms were. Ours had shutters to blackout if you needed. The location was good, quiet but not too far from anything, right next to Gojo subway station. Lots of restaurants in walking distance. The breakfast was light but it was well balanced and thought out, the coffee is very nice, they use a local provider which you can visit. This is one of the most memorable places we've stayed, in Japan and in our home country.

Stayed in April 2025

Nothing

It’s beautiful. So elegant and chic. Quiet and clean with everything laid out perfectly. The staff really love the place, this was obvious. They were so kind and chatty. Breakfast is great

Stayed in April 2025

We had a beautiful and very comfortable stay at tamao. The studios are all of modern Japanese style, elegant, big size and very practically decorated. Very much appreciated the washing machine, the small garden in living area. The whole team is very friendly and service minded. It feels like home staying at a friends place. Thank you so much for making our stay wonderful ! Also Naly thank you for helping us with sending our luggage directly to Tokyo! Highly recommend tamao !

Stayed in April 2025

Nothing!

Serene and charming little hideaway in Kyoto. The rooms, breakfast, sauna and staff were all delightful.

Stayed in March 2025

The living room was a little uncomfortable with no comfy chairs or couch, but that is probably normal for ryokan accommodations.

Central location, very nice bath, comfy beds, quiet location, wonderful owners, staff, and restaurant suggestions.

Stayed in March 2025

Nothing.

Excellent room, very clean and cozy. The staff were incredibly friendly and happy to recommend places to visit and restaurants. The breakfast was simple, but a perfect meal to start the day.

Stayed in March 2025

I really love this place, managers were so nice to me, beautiful light breakfast to start your day. Rooms are super nice, it gave exceptional Japanese culture vibe. Staff knows a lot of places and really recommended me to visit some. Will definitely stay in future trips in Kyoto

Stayed in November 2024

A bit to to much empty space. And too expensive.

Very clean and luxurious. The garden inside was beautiful.

Stayed in February 2025

Small hotels are my favorite. This one had everything we needed, we loved our room, personal attention and an atmosphere of the hotel

Stayed in November 2024

Nothing!

Cozy, clean, inviting. Beautifully designed. The staff was so kind and accommodating, and loved the included breakfast every morning.

Stayed in November 2024

N/A

Tamao is a truly special place. The rooms are so beautiful and the folks working there take excellent care of you. We felt like we were guests in someone’s home. Great location. Loved breakfast every morning too.

Stayed in November 2024