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What kind of accommodation is Seikoro Ryokan?
This is a small authentic ryokan with a long history near Kyoto Station. If you are a connoisseur of Japan, I would recommend it. Everything, such as interior, furniture, and architecture, etc. is amazing.
The long-established ryokan “Seikoro” stands along the Kamo River in Kyoto. The entrance is located in an alley on Tonyacho Street. Its appearance is surrounded by Inuyarai, which reminds us of Kyoto. *Inuyarai is a bamboo fence under the eaves of a traditional townhouse in Kyoto.
From the front gate, you can see that the ryokan has carefully preserved the ancient architecture, and expectations are high for the furnishings and the hospitality of the staff.
The exterior of the building looks purely Japanese. The interior is a retro blend of Japanese and Western styles, with stained glass windows, Western-style lighting fixtures, and signs.
After a while, tea and sweets were served, and we were greeted by the staff in charge of our room.
If I had to give a drawback, it would be that the ryokan has a long history, so the overall facilities are old-fashioned, but I feel that the owner wants to maintain the traditional facilities as much as possible. Those who need the latest appliances and facilities may find it stressful.
Then the ryokan is conveniently located in the Higashiyama area, close to Kyoto Station, but it may be a little less Kyoto-like than the Gion area, with its traditional Kyoto-style buildings and intricate narrow alleys and cobblestone streets. The Gion area is a 25-minute walk away, though.
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Is the location easy to access?
The location is near Kyoto Station. It takes 7min by TAXI and costs around 800JPY. A free shuttle service is not available. Alternatively, it takes 2min on foot from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station. A free parking lot is available.
Then most of the taxi drivers would know this ryokan, but if not, show the address and TEL No. in the below Japanese as a cab driver can enter the phone number into the car navigation system to confirm the destination.
晴鴨楼
〒605-0907 京都府京都市東山区問屋町通五条下ル 三丁目西橘町４６７
電話番号 075 561 0771
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Rooms I would recommend?
Seikoro Ryokan has 2 buildings, one is called the new building, and the other is called the main building. The latter would be much more classy, charming, and quaint. If you are going to stay here, you may want to stay in a room in the main building.
Then all rooms have no western element. If you don’t want to sleep on Japanese mattresses called futons on tatami mats, you may want to find other properties.
Then, the property has no latest soundproofing system but unexpectedly it was quiet in our room. If you are a light sleeper, you may want to request a quiet room when you book. *The free WiFi reception was available in the main building only.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including minimum toiletries, yukatas, and a Japanese tea set, etc.
Then there does not seem to be a mini-bar in each room. According to the proprietress, they don’t have a minibar because it doesn’t fit in a traditional Tatami room, like Seikoro Ryokan. Also, there are no vending machines. If you need a drink, you can either order it from room service or buy it at a nearby convenience store.
How about In-house Facilities?
There are small communal artificial hot springs with bathtubs made of Koya-maki wood with floating cherry tree motifs. They are open from 6:00-8:30, 16:00-24:00. *If you have tattoos, you may not be permitted to use the public bathing area.
Then this is not a universal design. If you bring someone with weak legs, I wouldn’t recommend it. There are some steps in the buildings. TOP5 Best Accessible Hotels in Kyoto
Then this is dog-friendly. The ryokan is famous among dog lovers as an inn where you can stay with your small dog. Moreover, there is no charge for pets to stay here.
Only small dogs (up to 7 kilograms) that are potty trained and do not bark are allowed in specific rooms. For those who are interested, contact info@seikoro.com Your dog’s meals and restroom use are your responsibility. When you are in a public area, make sure your dog is either leashed or caged.
How about meals?
It was an exciting time because it was authentic Kyoto cuisine. Each dish was elaborate and very tasty. You can enjoy Kyoto cuisine that makes the most of the flavors of the season. The tableware was also very particular. It may be challenging for the western palate, but it’s worth a try.
All meals are served in your room. *Please note that inform the staff when you book a room with meals if you have any food allergies or dietary needs. They probably wouldn’t be able to prepare alternative food if you request on that day.
Then you can go out for meals as there are many restaurants near the property.
My impressions
The building was built more than 100 years ago, and I felt very much at home, surrounded by an indescribable sense of nostalgia as if I had come to visit my grandparents’ house.
The staff tends to be not sophisticated but attentive, elegant, and courteous. Please be mindful and respectful of the Japanese traditions here as it’s a very traditional accommodation. If you want to get much of an immersive traditional lifestyle experience in Kyoto, Seikoro ryokan is one of the best.
Lastly, if you stay at this hotel, don’t forget to do some early morning sightseeing around Kiyomizu Temple. It is about a 20-minute walk from the hotel or less than 5 minutes by cab. The Temple is open from 6:00 in the morning. As you know, the temple is always crowded in the daytime, but before 8:00 AM, there are hardly any people there. You can see “True Kyoto”.
Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about the property from the below space. If you check-in after 19:30, you need to inform the staff in advance. Check Availability and Pricing for the ryokan on Booking.com or Agoda
Info about Seikoro Ryokan
| Style | Authentic Japanese Ryokan |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/10:30 |
| Estimated Price | 50,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact E-mail |
info@seikoro.com |
| Internet Connection | Free wifi in the main building only |
| Facility information | Wheelchairs are not available Pets are allowed The free parking lot is available |
| Location | Seikoro Ryokan’s MAP |
| Access | 7min by TAXI from Kyoto Station 2min walk from Kiyomizu Gojo Station |
| Address and TEL | 605-0907 Kyoto, Higashiyama-Ku Tonya-machidori-gojosagaru 3 Nishitachibana 467 Tel +81 |
| Official Homepage | Seikoro Ryokan’s HP |
*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.
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