Gion's Hidden Gem: Kikutani Ryokan - Your Kyoto Escape Awaits!
Kikutani Ryokan: My Kyoto Escape (and My Sanity's Escape?) - A Blisteringly Honest Review
Okay, folks, let's be real. Kyoto. It's a dream, right? Temples, geishas, the whole shebang. But finding a good hotel that doesn't feel like you're paying rent for a shoebox AND is actually accessible can feel like searching for a unicorn wearing a kimono. Enter: Kikutani Ryokan. "Hidden Gem" they call it? Well, I stumbled upon it, and let me tell you, "hidden" feels more like "blessed discovery." I'm talkin' Kikutani Ryokan. Kyoto. Book it. Just do it.
Accessibility: The Real Deal (Yay!) & Some Quirks
First things first: Accessibility. Seriously, shout-out to Kikutani for actually thinking about it. Elevator? Check. Facilities for disabled guests? Yep, they've got them. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I did observe some guests with mobility challenges and they seemed genuinely comfortable navigating the place. That's a HUGE win in a city that's notoriously… challenging in that department. The website says they're ready. If I'm honest, I did notice some quirks in the design. I think maybe the stairs were a little narrow and the doorways in a few of the hallways felt a little… cozy. But overall, they've put in the effort, and that's what matters. I give them an A for effort, and a B+ for execution.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe… Mostly (and a Little Obsessed?)
Right, vital in these Covid times. Kikutani Ryokan takes this seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas? You betcha. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Absolutely. Anti-viral cleaning products? Probably. I'm not a scientist, but the place felt clean. I may or may not have spent a concerning amount of time sniffing my sheets. No regrets. They also got rooms sanitized between stays, and the staff are definitely “Staff trained in safety protocol”. Felt safe.
The whole smoke detector thing is important to know. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t sometimes worry about fire.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (and a Mild Panic Attack)
Okay, this is where things get interesting, and maybe a little… chaotic in a good way. Restaurants? Yes! Asian cuisine in restaurant? You got it! International cuisine in restaurant? Also yes! My stomach, my body, my soul… all of it was happy. The breakfast buffet was… legendary, actually. Seriously, I ate enough miso soup to fuel a small nation. The buffet in restaurant itself was a sight to behold. I went in wanting to try a little bit of everything and came out feeling satisfied. They also had an a la carte menu in the restaurant for, y'know, the discerning diner, and I have to say the Western breakfast was a welcome change.
Now, confession time. One morning, I had a mild panic attack trying to juggle the omelet station with the perfectly-arranged sushi. It was a buffet with the best of both worlds, yet I could not seem to find my way to both at the same time. It felt like a metaphor for life. Thankfully, the incredibly patient staff saw my internal struggle and helped me to make sure I could get to everything. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Check. Coffee shop? Probably not, I didn’t see it and I only drank my coffee with breakfast, so perhaps I just missed it. Room service [24-hour]? YES! Because sometimes, jet lag hits you hard, and all you want is a bowl of noodles in your pajamas. Snack bar? Hmmm, I don’t remember seeing a dedicated snack bar. BUT! They had a bottle of water in the room, which saved my life at one point. Vegetarian restaurant option? Looked like it! I didn’t personally partake, but I saw several happy-looking vegetarian diners.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (That Make a BIG Difference)
Alright, here’s where Kikutani Ryokan really shines. Daily housekeeping? Absolutely. Laundry service? Thank the gods. Luggage storage? Saved my back (and my sanity) on multiple occasions. Concierge? Incredibly helpful, even with my broken Japanese and frantic hand gestures. They helped me with everything from booking taxis to finding the best matcha ice cream in town. Wi-Fi [free] in the rooms (and everywhere else, practically)? Praise be! They had air conditioning in public areas and in the room which was a life-saver. Convenience store? Not on-site, but trust me, you're never far from one. The best part was, the front desk [24-hour] meant I could grab a snack or a drink at any hour. The only thing I wasn't sold on was the smoking area. It's there, but it's tucked away and smelled like… smoke.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Spa Day? Yes, Please! (But Pack Your Priorities)
Okay, let's talk relaxation. They have a Spa, a spa/sauna, a Steamroom, and even a foot bath. Yes! Yes! And yes! I swear the massage melted my stress away. But, here's the thing… They got some fitness center and a gym. I didn't have the time, nor did I care. I was too focused on the food and getting around the city. I will warn you, the pool with view is a thing of myth, so don’t go thinking you’re going to be sunbathing poolside. Sorry, but it's a Japanese Ryokan, not a Sandals resort!
My One Big Thing: The Terrace
Okay, this is it. This is the moment. I'm talking about the Kikutani Ryokan's Terrace.
The moment I stepped out onto that terrace, I genuinely thought I might have hallucinated. It's small, it's intimate. It's perfect. Picture this: soft light, a gentle breeze, the sound of… nothing but the gentle sounds of the Kyoto night. I'm a sucker for a good terrace. And the Kikutani Ryokan's didn't disappoint. It was a place to sip on the complimentary tea (yes! Complimentary tea!). It was the place to reflect. It was the place to just… be. I did lose track of time and sat there for a while. I actually have a photo of the sunset, and I may have shed a tear for its beauty. It's a simple space, but it felt… magical. It’s something they don't mention that often. Let me tell you, I had the perfect, quiet evening there.
Rooms: Cozy Comfort (and the Blackout Curtains are a Godsend!)
The rooms were… cozy. Let’s go with that. They're not massively spacious, but they’re comfortable, impeccably clean, and have everything you need. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Oh, THANK YOU, blackout curtains! These were crucial for fighting the jet lag (and the all-consuming urge to eat more sushi). Free bottled water? Absolutely. The slippers were a nice touch. Bathrobes? Yes! The seating area was actually a nice place to sit and reflect with a tea and enjoy just being there. The window that opens made me happy.
Getting Around: Convenience and Car-Free Bliss
Taxi service? Readily available. Walking around everywhere? Well, I really enjoyed it. Bicycle parking? Yes. The city is largely walkable.
For the Kids: Family Friendly (but Check Your Expectations)
Okay, I didn't travel with kids, but the vibe felt family-friendly. They have babysitting service, Family/child friendly. Honestly, it felt like the kind of place where everyone can chill.
The Quirks, The Imperfections, and the Whole Truth
Look, Kikutani Ryokan isn’t a perfect hotel. It has its imperfections. It’s not some gleaming, super-modern, glass-and-steel monolith. It’s a Ryokan. It’s a space for a more thoughtful pace of life. It’s a place brimming with character. It’s not the biggest hotel, but it has a certain charm. And that’s what makes it so special.
My Verdict & Booking Recommendation: Go, Just Go!
Kikutani Ryokan: I LOVED IT. It's a fantastic base for exploring Kyoto. It's got everything you need, it's accessible (mostly!), it's clean, it's friendly, and the terrace is pure magic. It’s more than just a hotel; it's an experience.
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're not just visiting Gion Oyado Kikutani in Kyoto, Japan. We're inhabiting it. And trust me, this ain't gonna be some perfectly curated Instagram feed. This is…well, this is me, in Kyoto. Ready? Let's go… (Deep breath)
The Gion Oyado Kikutani: My Chaotic Kyoto Diary
(Day 1: Arrival - Total Chaos, But in a Good Way)
- 10:00 AM (ish) – The Arrival Fiasco: Landed in Kansai International Airport. Thought I was being all savvy, pre-booked a "Haruka Express" train to Kyoto Station. Reader, the line was miles long. My carefully crafted plan crumbled like a stale senbei cracker. (First lesson: Always have backup plans, even if they involve aggressive pointing and broken Japanese. Which, spoiler alert, I did). Eventually, and with the help of a surprisingly patient airport worker who looked like he'd seen it all, I made it to Kyoto Station.
- 12:00 PM – Taxi Terror (and Triumph?): Kyoto Station is…massive. Lost for an hour, muttering under my breath, questioning my life choices. Finally snagged a taxi. The driver, bless his soul, seemed to understand my desperate "Kikutani, please!" despite my mangled pronunciation. The ride itself was a blur of narrow streets, cherry blossoms (thank you, spring!) and this tiny fear that I was going to be taken for a looong ride. Turns out he was a sweetheart, played traditional music, and got me to Kikutani in record time, maybe a little too fast…
- 1:00 PM – Check-In Nirvana (Almost): Kikutani itself…wow. Okay, first impressions: It's not just a hotel, it's…an experience. The lobby, with its tatami mats, paper lanterns, and the scent of cedar, nearly knocked me over with sheer beauty. Check-in? Smooth as silk. The staff, incredibly gracious, probably used to dealing with flustered tourists like me. The room? Oh-my-god, the room. Traditional, elegant, with a tiny private garden. Just when I thought the travel gods hated me, they totally blessed me.
- 2:00 PM – Laundry Emergency. (Because, of course.) Realised I hadn't packed nearly enough socks after my Kyoto Station debacle. Tried the in-house laundry service. Failed. Asked a staff member. She took my clothes with a polite smile, probably thinking, "Another lost soul."
- 3:00 PM - First Glimpses: Wandered the streets around Kikutani. Gion is breathtaking. Cobblestone streets, tea houses, glimpses of geishas (maybe? Probably not. But a girl can dream!). Spent ages just wandering, getting lost (again), and feeling blissfully, hopelessly out of my depth. Bought a matcha ice cream that dripped everywhere. Ate it anyway. Zero regrets.
- 6:00 PM – Bathing in Bliss: Took a long, luxurious bath in my room's soaking tub. The water was perfect. The silence, heavenly. The exhaustion from the day? Melting away. I started to think everything was working perfectly.
- 8:00 PM - Dinner Disaster (and Delight!): Pre-booked dinner at a restaurant called ( I think) Gion Karyo. (I'm terrible with names). Got utterly, completely and totally lost. Ended up in a ramen shop. Best. Ramen. Ever. The broth was pure, unadulterated umami. (Ok, so the fancy dinner failed. The ramen? Chef's kiss). My first authentic Japanese experience? Ramen from the random shop around the corner. I am totally ok with this.
(Day 2: Temples, Tea, and Existential Crisis)
- 9:00 AM – Zen and the Art of Not Getting Lost (Attempt One): Tried to visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Found the correct bus. Managed to get on the right bus. Failed to get off at the right stop, walking the extra mile made me appreciate the streets even further.
- 10:00 AM – Kiyomizu-dera: Finally arrived. The view from the temple platform is astounding! The scale of the place, the detail…you could get lost for hours. I nearly did. Wandered aimlessly, soaking it all in, feeling incredibly small and insignificant, but in a good, "Wow, the universe is massive!" kind of way.
- 12:00 PM – Tea Time Trauma (and Triumph): Went to a traditional tea ceremony. It was lovely. But let's be honest: Sitting seiza for an hour is torture on my Western knees. Struggled to keep up with the polite small talk in broken Japanese. Ended up spilling a bit of tea. Mortification level: Maximum. But. The tea was delicious. Lesson learned: Always bring a cushion for my knees.
- 2:00 PM – Bamboo Forest Bliss and the Mosquito Massacre: Took a bus, and went to Arashiyama. The bamboo grove was everything I hoped for. Magical. Mystical. Utterly beautiful. Also, apparently, a haven for bloodthirsty mosquitos. Got bitten approximately seven times. Worth it? Possibly.
- 4:00 PM – Street Food Frenzy: Devoured way too many takoyaki. And dango. And mochi. Kyoto is a foodie paradise. And my waistline is definitely feeling it. Zero regrets again.
- 6:00 PM – Back to the Bath: Soaked in my tub for AGES, applying a strange insect-repellent lotion I bought from the store, praying the bites didn't leave scars.
- 8:00 PM – Late Night Ramble: Wandered, and rambled, around Gion. Felt a sense of quiet belonging. Even with all the chaos.
(Day 3: The Kikutani Farewell (and a Promise to Return)
- 9:00 AM – The Breakfast Buffet (A Moment of Pure Joy): This hotel had THE best breakfasts. Small, perfectly prepared. So much quality food.
- 10:00 AM - Shopping (and Another Laundry Run): Went to Nishiki Market, a true wonderland. Bought WAY too many souvenirs. Also, collected my perfectly laundered mountain of clothes.
- 12:00 PM – Final Gion Stroll: One last, lingering walk through Gion, trying to memorize every detail. The scent of incense from a local temple. The shadows of the paper lanterns. The whisper of the wind in the bamboo.
- 1:00 PM – Goodbye, Kikutani: Checked out of the hotel. Saying goodbye was surprisingly emotional. This place…it's special. The staff, the atmosphere, the way it made me feel… I already miss it. Got a taxi. This time, I could direct it, I felt like a local.
- 3:00 PM - The Journey Onward: Headed back to Kyoto station. Ready to head to my next destination.
- Epilogue: This trip was a whirlwind of chaos, beauty, and unexpected ramen adventures. Kyoto, and especially my experience at Gion Oyado Kikutani, has completely stolen my heart. I came here expecting a vacation. I got something much more profound. I found myself, and my new favorite ramen shop, and more importantly, a place that felt a bit like home. The memories, the frustrations, the moments of pure joy…they're all woven together, and I wouldn't trade a single, slightly imperfect, second. Until next time, Kyoto…and Kikutani, thank you for the memories. I already miss you. And I'm already planning my return.
Okay, Seriously, Is Kikutani Ryokan *Really* A Hidden Gem? Everyone Says That.
Alright, alright, I get it. "Hidden gem" is thrown around more than cherry blossoms after a typhoon. But, and this is a big but, with Kikutani Ryokan... it's kinda true. I mean, it's not *secret*, you can find it. But it's tucked away, and it's NOT the polished-to-within-an-inch-of-its-life Kyoto experience. It's… real. Picture this: I arrived exhausted, jet-lagged to hell, and the little old lady (bless her heart, she's the owner, I *think*?) pointed vaguely in a direction, mumbled something in rapidly-spoken Japanese, and handed me a key. No grand entrance, no bells and whistles. Just… the key. And you know what? That's precisely what I needed. It’s not perfect, mind you (more on that later... a LOT more), but it’s… authentic.
What's The Room Like? Is it… Shoebox-Sized?
Okay, let's be honest. Space isn't their strongest suit. My room was... cozy. Let's call it that. Think tatami mats, a low table, and maybe enough room to *slightly* swing a metaphorical cat. I wouldn't recommend trying to cartwheel. The futon? Oh, the futon. It's comfortable enough, but be prepared to feel *every* floorboard. I swear one night, I distinctly heard the floorboards whispering in Japanese. (Okay, maybe that was the sake talking.) But there's something undeniably charming about it. It's minimalist in a way that forces you to *be* present. Plus, the views (if you get a room facing the right direction) are worth the slight claustrophobia. You're in Gion, the *epicenter* of Kyoto magic!
The Food! Tell Me About The Food! Breakfast, Specifically!
Breakfast. Oh, breakfast. This is where things get interesting. Forget your sad hotel buffet eggs... this is a proper, traditional Japanese breakfast. Fish (sometimes with bones, be warned!), rice, miso soup, pickles... the works. Now, I'm a pretty adventurous eater, but the first morning? Let's just say my face did a series of contortions. I *think* I ate a pickled plum. It was… potent. But after that, I was hooked. It’s all part of the experience! The flavors are *amazing*, the presentation impeccable (despite the occasional… surprise). And the sheer *ritual* of it all! It’s a masterclass in slow living. I loved it. I actually *craved* it by the end of my stay. (Okay, maybe not the pickled plum.)
Is The Location Good? (Seriously, How Far Is It From Everything?)
Location? Gold, baby. Pure, unadulterated gold. You are *slap bang* in the heart of Gion. Think geishas gliding past in the twilight (yes, it's real!), teahouses with hushed secrets, and the scent of incense hanging heavy in the air. Okay, walking everywhere is tempting and is easy but not always practical. Remember a full belly, the right footwear, and the weather. It’s not always a gentle saunter. But you can absolutely walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple (the uphill part is killer, though), the Yasaka Shrine, and grab a matcha latte every 50 steps if you want. Seriously, the location is *everything.* It's why you're paying a premium, and it's worth every singe penny. Absolutely.
What's The Bathroom Situation? Shared? Cramped? Please, be honest!
Okay, this is where things get… “character-building.” Yes, the bathroom is shared. But it's *clean*. Spotlessly clean. And I mean, seriously clean. The water pressure? Let’s just say it’s adequate. The shower? Well, let’s get to that...I had a shower where the temperature decided to go from boiling lava to arctic glacier... it was a full-body shock treatment. My blood pressure was all over the place! It’s an experience. It’s a *memorable* experience. Bring your own shampoo and conditioner (and perhaps a small towel that doesn't disintegrate after one use, learn from my mistakes!). But honestly, it’s not a deal-breaker. You're not there to spend all day in the bathroom, are you? (Unless you need time to emotionally recover from that temperature rollercoaster, but trust me it's something that becomes a funny, and good, memory.)
Is It Expensive? Because I’m on a Budget…
Compared to a "business hotel," yeah, it's a bit spendy. Compared to some of those ridiculously luxurious ryokans with private onsens? Actually, Kikutani is a *relative* bargain. Factor in LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION... and that authentic Gion vibe... it's worth considering. Now, remember the shared bathroom thing? That helps keep the price down. Think of it as an investment in a unique experience, in memories you'll be talking about for years. And, hey, you can always scrimp on the souvenirs! ...and let's face it, it's *better* than staying in a soulless chain hotel outside the city center. Trust me on this one.
What About The Staff? Do They Speak English? Are They… Helpful?
Okay, this is where I’m going to be brutally honest. English proficiency is… variable. The little old lady? Let's go with "enthusiastic" rather than "fluent." There *might* be someone who speaks a little English. But honestly? Embrace the language barrier! Use Google Translate. Learn a few basic Japanese phrases ("Konnichiwa!" "Arigato!" "Sumimasen!" - you know, the essentials). It's part of the adventure! They are unbelievably kind and patient (especially when I was fumbling with my chopsticks and accidentally launching rice across the table). They're genuinely trying to make you feel at home, even if most communication hinges on a lot of smiles and pointing. And that, in itself, is beautiful. I'd give them a ten out of ten for effort. The genuine effort.
Any Warning Signs? Anything I Should *Really* Know Before Booking?
Okay, so, the unvarnished truth:
- Thin Walls: You will hear your neighbors. And they will hear you. Consider earplugs. I once woke up to the gentle snoring symphony of theStay While You Wander
