Kyoto Inn Gion The Second

We really enjoyed our stay in the Kyoto Inn Gion The Second. The location is fantastic, it's in one of the oldest parts of Kyoto city and literally moments walk from several really spectacular temples. The hotel itself is spotlessly clean and we loved all the little touches in our room. This was the one of the largest rooms that we had on our trip and it felt very spacious, I particularly liked our en suite, the shower was great really hot & powerful. The hotel provided fresh pyjamas, towels, and bottles of water each day, and they had a selection of toiletries you could chose from, as well as a selection of teas. There wasn't breakfast at the hotel, but we had no problems finding cafes close by. The staff were really lovely, so friendly and helpful and they organised for our suitcases to be collected from the front desk and delivered to our next hotel in Tokyo (handy tip for any travellers with big bags! Hotels in Japan have a collection/drop off service) There's lots of restaurants in the area and we were about a 10 minute walk from Kyoto's main food and shopping district. We will definitely stay here again when we're back in Kyoto!

The location is absolutely phenomenal. If you want to stay anywhere in Kyoto, it’s here in Gion. Most of the major sites in Kyoto such as the famous streets seen on the covers of guidebooks (Nineizaka and Sanneizaka); Kiyomizudera; Kenninji; Yasaka Shrine, Heian Shrine; Chion-in and Shoren-in; are practically on the doorstep of this hotel. The fascinating shrine Yasui Konpiragu is right next to the hotel. Other places such as Ponto-cho and Nishiki market are an easy walking distance. The bus stop is 100m away and it’s very easy to catch a bus to places which are further away. It’s a magical location because even walking to your destinations or walking home at night is exciting and you’ll pass so many interesting places. I stumbled upon a lot of beautiful places accidentally. There are also a lot of lovely restaurants and shops a few streets away which is great for a late-night dinner or souvenir-shopping. The staff at the hotel are absolutely lovely and eager to help with anything you need help with. All the requirements you may need to be comfortable are there: clean bathroom with bath and shower and washlet toilet; heating; kettle with free tea/coffee; tv; pyjamas/dressing clothes; necessities such as toothbrush and shampoo; fridge and many other things that may be needed available as asked. The staff are also happy to arrange for things for you such as a taxi to the airport or experiences. I am a tourist who is unable to speak Japanese and I was travelling alone but the staff were so helpful and friendly that I felt very safe and at home.

We had a long stay here as we used it for a base to explore Kyoto, Osaka and Nara. Kyoto's public transport is not as good as Tokyo so getting around was more of a challenge. We couldn't figure out an easy way with public transport from the hotel to Kyoto station so used taxis. This hotel is very close to all the Gion attractions and a 10/15 minute walk from Gion-Shijo station so was a great base for exploring the area. Despite being very central, the hotel was quiet as was on a side road. There was a 7/11 a couple of minutes up the road. Our room was clean, spacious and well equipped. On the days we didn't want our room cleaned they provided clean towels and water. We got extra pillows from reception and bed was a decent size (Kingsize equivalent) They provide a free continental breakfast which consisted of only pastries and toast with juice, tea and coffee. I wouldn't pay for it but as a free breakfast it was fine! Staff booked a couple of taxis for us on request which was extremely easy. They were polite and helpful. Great price for location and service.

My daughter and I enjoyed our stay here. Location was fantastic for being close to restaurants and things to do around Gion. We left at 7:00am to walk the paths and visit Kiyomizu Dera before the crowds. The room was pleasant, clean, quiet. Area felt very safe. Reception was kind and even helped us get a taxi out very early the last day to Kyoto Station.

I loved this hotel, the room was clean and pretty, and more spacious than other rooms I had in Japan. Location was within walking distance to most things I wanted to see and very near restaurants, historical sites etc, but still very quiet at night. The staff were very friendly and I loved the little extras - I even hired a facial steamer one day! Definitely recommend