Japanese Inn YOSHIMIZU

Kyoto Yoshimizu was the 3rd Ryokan I stayed at whilst on my visit to Japan. It stood out from the others in that it's sited in a fairly rural spot at the base of a large forested hill, this hit home when the host mentioned I might get to see some of the local wildlife out of the window (monkeys & wildboars if the signs dotted around are correct). |Whilst being out of the way it's easy enough to get to, and I didn't find it onerous to return after a day seeing the sites (although some might if walking is a struggle for whatever reason). |The facility itself was really very pleasant, the (single?) room was a good size and light+airy in the day, fed light by large French-type windows that look out onto a sort of wooded clearing (felt very private also - I believe it was inaccessible to walkers). |The Host Suga-San was really accommodating, friendly and attentive plus his breakfasts were great. I opted for breakfast which was well worth it, usually a warming miso, bread, fruit, scrambled eggs - whatever was fresh that day. It always really set me up for a days exploring. If you're staying at Ryokan and you're not that confident with Japanese food I'd recommend always opting for breakfast at the Ryokan as you get to sample various Japanese-style foods in a sort of 'safe' environment and you get to have a fulfilling meal to start you off on the right foot. |The facilities themselves were very good: Japanese-style baths were lovely, everything very clean, very ordered. If you like walking location of the place won't be an issue, you can walk to several really interesting temples/Shrines (big temple just next door with a huge bell I only realised was there when I was leaving!), the old Geisha district and bus stops to take you further afield around Kyoto. If you don't like to walk may not be the best location for you, but the mere fact of it being slightly remote means you get a little more sense of peace & nature than perhaps you would further into the urban areas. I'd definitely stay again if/when I return to Kyoto. Thank you to Suga-San and all the staff for making my short stay so pleasant. Top tip would be to walk up the trail to the rear/side of the Ryokan all the way up the hill to the very top, there's a wonderful look-out platform with fantastic views over Kyoto.

A bit rundown but lavishly compensated for that by its location and historic associations. It almost feels as if you were staying with a family.

and apparently I never wrote a review, strange : maybe I wanted to keep it secret ? You love it or you are very disappointed ? Other reviewers are describing it as best as possible : impossible to describe. Very Japanese and yet not traditional Japanese at all. No luxury and yet the luxury that is almost impossible to pay for enough : quietness, gentleness, care. No there are no locks on the rooms : trust the staff and your fellow travellers, a scary thing to do ? No lies, no faking, not wanting to show off, simply be. Be yourself. Looking forward to my 7th visit. Arigato daimas.

Had a fantastic two night stay at Japanese Inn Yoshimizu!! The two gentlemen who run it are so kind and helpful! The ryokan itself is amazing, its not new or modern which is absolutely the best part about it. Upon arrival, I was welcomed with wonderful ginger tea, and since I arrived earlier than check-in they happily stored my luggage until my room was ready so I could go explore Kyoto. I stayed on the second floor and my room has a toilet/sink right outside the door (basically in the room). Then there is a traditional japanese bath with a shower downstairs (they provided all the shampoo, conditioner, soap). The room was absolutely beautiful with tatami mats and the real japanese windows that slide up and down! Breakfast is fantastic, its downstairs in the kitchen sitting area and they make it every morning—left both mornings with a very full tummy! Its walking distance to Gion and Higashiyama, then everything farther is reachable by bus—closest station about a 5 minute walk down the hill. They will give you very helpful directions to everything (which I definitely needed). Highly, highly recommend this spot. I’ll be returning here when I’m back in Kyoto!

We absolutely loved our stay at the Yoshimizu Inn! We wanted to try a traditional Japanese inn, and this spot definitely delivered. The home the inn is located in is absolutely stunning, and perched on a hill above the beautiful park. It’s walking distance to the Gion district, and many amazing shrines, and we thought it was the perfect location for a quiet stay close to the city. The hosts were incredible - so accommodating and kind, even though we don’t speak Japanese. They always had tea ready for us, we’re willing to be flexible with the eating and showering times, and allowed us to leave our bags while we explored the city our last day. The onsen is very nice, and the yakata (robes) in the rooms were so cute and fun. The rooms are cute, and it was a fun experience being in a traditional Japanese room. Overall we loved our stay - only wished it could have lasted longer! Absolutely recommend for a weekend in Kyoto.

We arrived to the Yoshimizu Japanese Inn after spending several days in Tokyo, which was a nice change of pace. This place was amazing from the time we checked in until the time we checked out. We were greeted by 'Sugar' (pronounced Su-ga) who was incredibly hospitable and kind through-out our visit. He provided us water right away, checked us in, and answered all questions we had, including dinner recommendations. The atmosphere is serene and quaint; located in the mountains, but still within walking distance of town, temples, and restaurants. My husband and I spent the evening enjoying the atmosphere of the room (which felt very traditional and authentic) with some wine and food. This stay really slowed our pace and helped to rejuvenate the remainder of our trip. We stayed for only 1 night, but if we would have known how wonderful this would be, we would have stayed longer. Also, I have to mention that the included breakfast was wonderful as well. I would highly recommend, especially for couples!

I could not recommend this place more. First, the location: while it is located at less than 10 minutes walking from Gion, it still feel secluded, on the mountain just behind the Yasake shrine. When you wake up you feel like you are in a little mountain village! Second, the host: the family running this Inn is incredibly generous and hospitable - I almost wanted to be adopted by them. The breakfast is also very delicious, light, with organic food and well brewed tea and coffee. If I should chose one hotel I the world when I want to be back, that would be Yoshimizu.

Absolutely unique stay, in dense forest with authentic experience. The owner was very welcoming, the surrounding look like you stepped into Ghibli movie! Everything was pristine clean, breakfast delicious. If you want authentic experience this is a must do!! The owner even gave us post card of his Ryokan.

Kyoto Yoshimizu was the 3rd Ryokan I stayed at whilst on my visit to Japan. It stood out from the others in that it's sited in a fairly rural spot at the base of a large forested hill, this hit home when the host mentioned I might get to see some of the local wildlife out of the window (monkeys & wildboars if the signs dotted around are correct). |Whilst being out of the way it's easy enough to get to, and I didn't find it onerous to return after a day seeing the sites (although some might if walking is a struggle for whatever reason). |The facility itself was really very pleasant, the (single?) room was a good size and light+airy in the day, fed light by large French-type windows that look out onto a sort of wooded clearing (felt very private also - I believe it was inaccessible to walkers). |The Host Suga-San was really accommodating, friendly and attentive plus his breakfasts were great. I opted for breakfast which was well worth it, usually a warming miso, bread, fruit, scrambled eggs - whatever was fresh that day. It always really set me up for a days exploring. If you're staying at Ryokan and you're not that confident with Japanese food I'd recommend always opting for breakfast at the Ryokan as you get to sample various Japanese-style foods in a sort of 'safe' environment and you get to have a fulfilling meal to start you off on the right foot. |The facilities themselves were very good: Japanese-style baths were lovely, everything very clean, very ordered. If you like walking location of the place won't be an issue, you can walk to several really interesting temples/Shrines (big temple just next door with a huge bell I only realised was there when I was leaving!), the old Geisha district and bus stops to take you further afield around Kyoto. If you don't like to walk may not be the best location for you, but the mere fact of it being slightly remote means you get a little more sense of peace & nature than perhaps you would further into the urban areas. I'd definitely stay again if/when I return to Kyoto. Thank you to Suga-San and all the staff for making my short stay so pleasant. Top tip would be to walk up the trail to the rear/side of the Ryokan all the way up the hill to the very top, there's a wonderful look-out platform with fantastic views over Kyoto.

A bit rundown but lavishly compensated for that by its location and historic associations. It almost feels as if you were staying with a family.

and apparently I never wrote a review, strange : maybe I wanted to keep it secret ? You love it or you are very disappointed ? Other reviewers are describing it as best as possible : impossible to describe. Very Japanese and yet not traditional Japanese at all. No luxury and yet the luxury that is almost impossible to pay for enough : quietness, gentleness, care. No there are no locks on the rooms : trust the staff and your fellow travellers, a scary thing to do ? No lies, no faking, not wanting to show off, simply be. Be yourself. Looking forward to my 7th visit. Arigato daimas.

Had a fantastic two night stay at Japanese Inn Yoshimizu!! The two gentlemen who run it are so kind and helpful! The ryokan itself is amazing, its not new or modern which is absolutely the best part about it. Upon arrival, I was welcomed with wonderful ginger tea, and since I arrived earlier than check-in they happily stored my luggage until my room was ready so I could go explore Kyoto. I stayed on the second floor and my room has a toilet/sink right outside the door (basically in the room). Then there is a traditional japanese bath with a shower downstairs (they provided all the shampoo, conditioner, soap). The room was absolutely beautiful with tatami mats and the real japanese windows that slide up and down! Breakfast is fantastic, its downstairs in the kitchen sitting area and they make it every morning—left both mornings with a very full tummy! Its walking distance to Gion and Higashiyama, then everything farther is reachable by bus—closest station about a 5 minute walk down the hill. They will give you very helpful directions to everything (which I definitely needed). Highly, highly recommend this spot. I’ll be returning here when I’m back in Kyoto!

We absolutely loved our stay at the Yoshimizu Inn! We wanted to try a traditional Japanese inn, and this spot definitely delivered. The home the inn is located in is absolutely stunning, and perched on a hill above the beautiful park. It’s walking distance to the Gion district, and many amazing shrines, and we thought it was the perfect location for a quiet stay close to the city. The hosts were incredible - so accommodating and kind, even though we don’t speak Japanese. They always had tea ready for us, we’re willing to be flexible with the eating and showering times, and allowed us to leave our bags while we explored the city our last day. The onsen is very nice, and the yakata (robes) in the rooms were so cute and fun. The rooms are cute, and it was a fun experience being in a traditional Japanese room. Overall we loved our stay - only wished it could have lasted longer! Absolutely recommend for a weekend in Kyoto.

We arrived to the Yoshimizu Japanese Inn after spending several days in Tokyo, which was a nice change of pace. This place was amazing from the time we checked in until the time we checked out. We were greeted by 'Sugar' (pronounced Su-ga) who was incredibly hospitable and kind through-out our visit. He provided us water right away, checked us in, and answered all questions we had, including dinner recommendations. The atmosphere is serene and quaint; located in the mountains, but still within walking distance of town, temples, and restaurants. My husband and I spent the evening enjoying the atmosphere of the room (which felt very traditional and authentic) with some wine and food. This stay really slowed our pace and helped to rejuvenate the remainder of our trip. We stayed for only 1 night, but if we would have known how wonderful this would be, we would have stayed longer. Also, I have to mention that the included breakfast was wonderful as well. I would highly recommend, especially for couples!

I could not recommend this place more. First, the location: while it is located at less than 10 minutes walking from Gion, it still feel secluded, on the mountain just behind the Yasake shrine. When you wake up you feel like you are in a little mountain village! Second, the host: the family running this Inn is incredibly generous and hospitable - I almost wanted to be adopted by them. The breakfast is also very delicious, light, with organic food and well brewed tea and coffee. If I should chose one hotel I the world when I want to be back, that would be Yoshimizu.

Absolutely unique stay, in dense forest with authentic experience. The owner was very welcoming, the surrounding look like you stepped into Ghibli movie! Everything was pristine clean, breakfast delicious. If you want authentic experience this is a must do!! The owner even gave us post card of his Ryokan.