Nanzenji sando KIKUSUI

What kind of stylish ryokan is Nanzenji sando KIKUSUI?

This is a spectacular place in Kyoto, especially a beautiful traditional garden and building. Also, this is one of the gourmet ryokans in Kyoto. There are only 5 rooms. Each of them has a view of this wonderful garden. This is a long-established ryokan with a high threshold, but it is well worth staying at.

From the moment I stepped through the magnificent gate, I could feel the expectations of the ryokan rising. As I walked through the well-kept garden and opened the front door, I was greeted by the elegant staff.

During our stay, we had the luxury of strolling through the tranquil garden and dining with a view of the garden. The garden from our room and the restaurant were beautiful, but when you actually go out into the garden, you can feel its magnificence firsthand.

From the wooden terrace, it is exceptional to savor a glass of champagne while admiring the historic garden and the colored carps swimming gracefully in the pond.

We stayed here during the rainy season, so it rained all the time, but the sound of the rain and the wet, glossy fresh greenery was so pleasant that it made me want to gaze at it forever. I slept with the windows open at night, and the occasional frog’s call provided nice background music. Even though it rained the whole time I was in Kyoto, I was more satisfied with my trip than when it was sunny, because I had a wonderful stay here.

The location is in the Higashiyama area, a 15 to 20-minute cab ride from Kyoto. The surrounding area is dotted with many historic temples and gardens and is a quiet environment just a few minutes walk from the famous Nanzenji Temple. The area is home to many mansions where aristocrats used to live.

It is a 5-minute cab ride from the Gion area or a 20-minute walk. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to take a stroll around Nanzenji Temple and enjoy Kyoto in a relaxed atmosphere. Or, if you are a Kyoto connoisseur, it is a great place to visit.

If I had to say a drawback, it would be that it takes about 10 minutes to walk to the nearest station. However, if you like Kyoto, there is no need to use public transportation. You will be able to fully enjoy the sights within walking distance.

  TOP5  Hotels and Ryokans in Higashiyama area

Is the location easy to access?

The location is near Nanzenji Temple.  It takes 10min on foot from Keage Station.   Alternatively, it takes around 20min by TAXI from Kyoto Station and costs around 2,000JPY.

Most of the cab drivers wouldn’t know about this ryokan. Please show the address and TEL No. in the below Japanese as they can enter the phone number into the car navigation system to confirm the destination.

南禅寺参道 菊水
〒606-8435 京都府京都市左京区南禅寺福地町３１
電話番号 075 771 4101

Then it is a little distance from the parking lot to the ryokan. If you have a lot of luggage, you may want to unload your luggage in front of the ryokan and then park it in the parking lot.

Where is the best accommodation for anniversaries in Kyoto?

If you are looking for a good place for a special occasion, the property is one of the best.  The staff arranges flowers and cakes to celebrate an anniversary at additional charges if you request in advance.
  TOP5  Romantic Hotels and Ryokans in Kyoto

Rooms I would recommend?

If you are going to stay here, I would recommend a room with a small terrace and a garden view on 1F.  *Room No.101  It is truly charming, comfortable, and luxurious.  You can chill out at the terrace while viewing an amazing garden.  Also, the garden illuminated at night creates a solemn and mysterious atmosphere.  Words cannot describe this place.

How about toiletries & in-room amenities?

All of the amenities are taken care of including enough toiletries, bathrobes, pajamas, yukatas, chocolate, English tea bags, green tea bags, a Nespresso machine with capsules, etc. In addition, there is a complimentary mini-bar with a wide range of blissful items such as beer, champagne, Perrier, Evian, oolong tea, and bottled water. Skincare products, blankets, and humidifiers, etc., are available if you request. The free WiFi reception was good in our room.  Room service is available. An Android TV is available. The bathtub in the room was made of granite and Japanese cypress, which was really comfortable and soothing. I took a bath three times in one night. There is no convenience store within 5min walking distance.  You may want to buy your necessities before coming here.

Then Nanzenji Sando KIKUSUI is child-friendly.  Staff provides amenities, yukatas, and tableware, etc., for small children.

How about In-house Facilities?

The ryokan including the restaurant is almost a universal design.  Wheelchairs are available for borrowing.  There is a lift.  If you bring someone with weak legs, you may want to inform the staff in advance as they can arrange a room near the entrance.

Then there is no communal bath, no hot spring, and no library lounge, etc. The facility is a beautifully renovated traditional building, but there is no pool, no gym, no spa. If you want full facilities during your stay, a typical hotel would be a better choice.
TOP5  Accessible Hotels in Kyoto

How about meals?

This is one of the auberge-style accommodations in Kyoto.  If you are a gourmet, you may want to try it.   French and Japanese kaiseki food is top-notch, one of the best in Kyoto.

For dinner, we had French cuisine. It was very tasty and used rare vegetables. For breakfast, the rice cooked in an earthenware pot was so delicious that I couldn’t help but have another bowl. Overall, the taste is elegant and refined.

It was a really luxurious time to have a French dinner with a view of the illuminated Japanese garden. There are probably very few places in Kyoto where you can stay and enjoy a wonderful garden and delicious food.

After dinner, you can chill out at the dining bar.  Dinner is between 17:00 and 23:00.  Breakfast is between 7:00 and 10:00.  All meals are served in a dining area.  *Inform staff when you book a room with meals if you have any food allergies.  They probably wouldn’t be able to prepare alternative food if you request on that day.

Then there are few restaurants around here.  If you go out for meals, you may need to get a taxi.  It takes just 5min by taxi to the Gion area and costs around JPY700.
  TOP5 Gourmet Ryokans in Kyoto

My impressions

There are many different things to look for in Kyoto, but I think this is definitely one of the best places to stay in the Higashiyama area.

The property has many events all year round, such as wedding parties, tea parties, season festivals, and banquets, etc.  If you are lucky, you may be able to see brides and grooms in Japanese-style bridal dresses on the weekend.

The best season to stay here would be in spring or fall.  It is a very busy period. If you want to stay during this period, we would recommend booking early.

At last, don’t forget to visit the quiet Nanzenji Temple in the early morning. The atmosphere is calm and serene, different from daytime.

Have a nice trip!  Welcome to receive any questions about Nanzenji sando KIKUSUI from the below space.  Check Availability and Pricing for the ryokan on Agoda or Booking.com

Info about Nanzenji sando KIKUSUI

Style	Luxury Stylish Ryokan
Check-in and out times	15:00/12:00
Estimated Price	65,000 JPY for 2 adults per room
Contact E-mail	Fill the form in
Internet Connection	Free wifi in the ryokan
Facility Information	Wheelchairs are available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available
Location	Nanzenji sando KIKUSUI’s MAP
Access	20min by TAXI from Kyoto Station 10min walk from Keage Station
Address and TEL	31 Nanzenji Fukuchichō, Sakyō-Ku, Kyōto-shi Kyōto-fu 606-8435  Tel +81 75-771-4101
Official Homepage	Nanzenji sando KIKUSUI’s HP

*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.

Still not sure where to stay in Kyoto?
Browse through my TOP5 Ranking Lists of all the best places to stay in Kyoto?
Or you could leave a message at the below space for advice.