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Reviews of Hokkaikan Ohanabo

3.5 out of 5
Hokkaikan Ohanabo
66-2 Shokuya-cho, Shimo Juzuyamachi, Agaru, Akazu-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 240 out of 264 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 264 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 264 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 264 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 264 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Veli

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing staff, super friendly and helpful. Must try Japanese style breakfast. Don't forget the bath.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Braeden

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were so friendly and helpful! They all know English and made suggestions on what to do and see! Excellent! Highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kaetlen

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was an amazing stay!! The staff was unbelievably kind and so sweet! I've never had a better hospitality experience. Super easy to find! The food was delicious!!! The beds/pillow/blankets were so comfortable. Would definitely stay again and again!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Di, Cohasset

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The best Ryokan we have ever stayed and we have stayed in quite a few in the past 20 years. The service is beyond! The day when we arrived and we were recommended to visit the nearby Buddhist temp but it was about to close. The ryokan lady jumped into her car and drove us there. We were able to see the Magnificent 1001 buddha statues. The dinner was food art, fresh, seasonal with amazing taste, it definitely was a memorable experience. The facility was clean, authentic with all the modern day comforts. Staff takes proud in making all the guests feel welcome. Service was first rate. I couldn’t compliment enough
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ty

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property was definitely amongst the best ive been to. The staff made sure to accomodate for all the guests needs and assist in creating a perfect itinerary for the travelers. Staying at this inn feels like home, but keep in mind that they lock the front door at 12am. Otherwise a perfect place to rest between adventures.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This was such a delightful stay. The team was incredibly friendly and the service was warm and genuine. Breakfast was tremendously intricate and beautiful...and different everyday. We're not used to Japanese for breakfast so probably should have just ordered for 1 day. Nonetheless, everyday was a different gastronomical experience. Location is very convenient to Kyoto station. It's a bit noisy as it is on the main road...but the chimes from the temple across the road early in the morning was so calming that traffic noise doesn't bother anymore. Loved every moment spent at the property. 4 of us comfortably stayed in the room with private bath. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

4/10 Poor

Steven

Booked a room for 1-4 people which I assumed would accommodate 4 people, but when we arrived they informed us that we had to pay additional for 2 people for a total of 4. It was another $425 and with city tax was close to $900 usd for a one night stay which was a rip off, definitely not worh it for a 2 star hotel. Would not recoomend and felt they take advantage of tourist families.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Ohanabo on Jan 9, 2024
Thank you very much for staying with us and also for the review.In Japanese Inns, it is common to charge per number of the guests rather than per room. Your reservation was for 2 people, but there were actually 4 people who came to the ryokan. We should have charged you for the additional 2 people, but we charged you less than what you needed to pay as our service. Also, the accommodation tax is 500 yen per person, so we only collected 2000 yen for 4 people total. The reviews you wrote here are not true. We have never take advantage of any tourists.

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great little Ryokan near the temple, the food was amazing and the service was top notch. Would definitely recommend the dinner and breakfast for the full experience.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joshua

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is the absolute best place to stay ever! If you're looking for a ryokan or any type of accommodation in Kyoto, stay here! The best part is the staff. They are some of the friendliest people we've ever met and were so helpful, happy and cheerful. They are also so passionate about their ryokan and their beautiful city! When we were having trouble getting to Fushimi Inari Taisha because of a road closure, one of the staff even drove us all the way there! The rooms are very traditional and spacious with modern comforts (such as AC and a modern bathroom). They even lent us yukatas with many colours to choose from. The baths are traditional and clean with great amenities. The staff also let my wife use the baths even though she has tattoos. The location is also fantastic (right across the street from Higashi Hongan-ji temple and 1 block from Shosei-en Garden) and there is plenty of delicious food and beautiful sights within walking distance! It is also super close to Kyoto station and other buses and trains! We strongly recommend staying here!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The American poet Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” We will never forget the staff at Hokkaikan Ohanabo because they made us feel as though we were the most honored guests they had ever received. From the moment we arrived, the staff treated us with hospitality we have never experienced anywhere else. They enthusiastically greeted us, helped us remove our shoes, carried our bags to our room, showed us the inn, and offered to help us with anything needed. They washed our dirty laundry (for a minimal fee) and arranged for in-room massages for my wife and me. Any mistakes we made—fumbling with our poor Japanese language skills, dribbling water on the tatami mats, coming late to breakfast—were graciously overlooked. The traditional Japanese breakfast was worthy of a Michelin star rating. Items we never would have ordered for ourself were—without exception—delicious. When we finished breakfast, staff insisted we relax in the lobby with coffee that they brought us. We looked at photos of each other’s families on our phones and snapped photos with each other. The okami of the ryokan, Ayako, helped us plot out our next four days of sightseeing on a Kyoto map, and then not only arranged for our luggage to be delivered to our next hotel, but also gave us an impromptu tour of the town in her personal van before dropping us at our first stop of the day. Five stars is not a high enough rating!!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The food and service was amazing
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Truly a special place to stay in Kyoto. I have traveled all over the world and the staff here were among the friendliest and most welcoming I have ever experienced. The breakfast is highly recommended as well. The rooms are large, quiet and traditional Japanese. We stayed during the summer when it was vey warm and the AC was excellent. If you can get a reservation here- book it! Outstanding experience to stay in traditional Japanese hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Ohanabo on Aug 18, 2023
Thank you very much for staying at our place!We had a great time with you.I know you will be busy with your work, but if you have the chance, please come here back again!Please have a safe and great rest of your trip.

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kugwon

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mathew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vicki

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This was an amazing experience the hotel owner/hostess was truly incredible.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Must-stay ryokan
What a wonderful place! One of the highlights of our trip. The (vegetarian, for us) food was fabulous, and the lovely hosts were willing to answer all of our small questions about the ingredients and preparation. They also gave us great touring guidance. Would certainly return. And I wouldn't pay any more for the fancier ryokans--this place was absolutely terrific for a comparatively much cheaper price.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erick

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Arti

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Extremely enjoyable and authentic stay, the staff were exceptional, i’ve never met friendlier staff in any other accommodation. The dinner experience was amazing and the staff were so accommodating to our dietary needs and again just exceptional service throughout dinner also. The rooms were as a traditional ryokan would be, very clean and great location. I would highly recommend this place for an authentic enjoyable experience, all the staff members just made our stay even better due to their amazing service, would love to visit again next time
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Luis Ignacio

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice family run business. I hotel very often and I almost never had the feeling of being in a family as much as I did in this hotel. Great location and super place to stay in Kyoto
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adriano

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay in a traditional japanese hotel - amazing food, welcoming staff, lots of dining options around, and very close to the main train station. Very comfortable room with a view of the temple in front.

10/10 Excellent

Nhung

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really like this Japanese Traditional Hotel because of its history and friendly staff. The location is perfect to everywhere in Kyoto. I will be back soon.

10/10 Excellent

JUNWAN

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great to stay near Kyoto station!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kelly and Lawrence, Keizer

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
While in Kyoto we stayed at this amazing family owned Rōyakan Inn. From the moment we entered the building we were treated as family. We were greeted with excitment and welcomed with open arms. Everyone was friendly and attentive. They anticipated our needs and pampered us throughout our stay. The food was wonderful, prepared for each guest based on their needs and what is available locally and fresh. When we ended our stay they helped us get a taxi and walked us to the car to say good bye, family group hugs and even waved until we were out of sight. The Inn is well situated near popular sights, including the famous Higashi Honganji Temple right outside the front door. The room, building and amenities were georgous and well maintained. We loved everything and were glad we took advantage of the private onsen on-sight. If you are heading to Kyoto we highly recommend. *bonus, most staff spoke English. while this is not something we look for or need (we are in JAPAN after all) it was nice to visit, chat and laugh in English.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Response from Ohanabo Ayako on Sep 30, 2022
Dear Kelly and Lawrence-santhank you very much for kind and warm comments.We were very happy to spend time with you here.We wish you all the happiness,Ohanabo

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful location, delicious food, kind staff. Perfect spot to spend a relaxing stay.
Stayed 1 night in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Justin, Singapore

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Place was beautiful and the hospitality was exceptional. The staff very super friendly and really went up and beyond to help the guests. Would definitely come back again.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020
Response from Ohanabo on Mar 6, 2020
Thank you very much for your stay and a kind message. We are happy to have your compliments and look forward to welcoming you back here in the future.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Amazing breakfast - Japanese or western and both delicious and beautiful. The people were amazingly friendly. Street side room was too loud and bright, and smoke from nearby smokers flooded into our nonsmoking room. The hotel apologized but they should just convert to all nonsmoking like everywhere. Bathrooms need conditioner and more towels. Hot bath room was nice enough.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
Response from Ohanabo on Feb 25, 2020
Thank you for your recent stay and your feedback. Please accept our apologies for your unpleasant time cause by noise and smoke. In order to make your next stay more comfortable in the future, we will strive our service. Thank you for taking your valuable time to write this message for us.

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020
Response from Ohanabo staff on Jan 28, 2020
Thank you for your review!

10/10 Excellent

Emilio, LA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was super friendly and helpful. The room was clean and comfortable and the location is very convenient for Kyoto sightseeing. Also, the breakfast here was easily one of my best meals in Japan. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020
Response from Ohanabo staff on Jan 28, 2020
Thank you for your recent stay and we really appreciate your message! How can we ever thank you!? Your compliments on our staff, room and breakfast made us happy. We look forward to welcoming you again!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A very nice place, in the traditional style, very close to Kyoto Station, which is convenient. Incredibly friendly staff. Amazing breakfasts. We will be back some day.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Response from Ohanabo staff on Jan 8, 2020
Thank you for your review and message! We really appreciate it and we are very happy to have your compliments on our service. Look forward to welcoming you back here some day! Thank you very much. Best regards, Ohanabo

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good stay. Very good breakfast. If you are tall watch the low doorways. The staff are very nice.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019
Response from Ohanabo staff on Nov 26, 2019
Dear guest, Thank you for staying with us and a kind message. Sorry to cause you inconvenience because of low doorways. We are happy to have your compliments on our breakfast and staff. Thank you very much. Best regards, Ohanabo

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was amazing. Very comfortable and welcoming. Breakfast was so delicious, and always service with a smile. Highly recommended
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019
Response from Ohanabo staff on Nov 19, 2019
Dear Karen-san, Thank you for your stay and such a kind message! We really appreciate your compliments. Thank you very much and hope to see you again in the future. Best regards, Ohanabo

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019
Response from Ohanabo on Nov 15, 2019
Thank you for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were exceptional. The dinner and breakfast were truly special - one of a kind experience for those visiting Japan. Rooms were cozy, tatami beds much more comfortable than expected and the late night massage is highly recommended! Location was also great - less than ten minute walk to Lyoto station.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019
Response from Ohanabo staff on Oct 10, 2019
Dear Guest, Thank you for staying at Ohanabo and kind message! It is our great pleasure that you enjoyed your stay here and a lot of compliments on our service and meal and massage:) We hope to see you again. Thank you very much. Best regards,

10/10 Excellent

Brandon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing experience. Nice does not even begin to describe the staff. Excellent people. The breakfast was an experience so I would recommend having it at least once!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019
Response from Ohanabo staff on Oct 1, 2019
Dear Brandon-san, Thank you for your kind message and staying with us at Ohanabo. Our staff really appreciate your compliments on our service and meal. We hope to see you again:) Thank you very much. Best regards,

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019
Response from Ohanabo on Nov 15, 2019
Thank you for your review.

10/10 Excellent

AngelaB, Medford, OR

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a sweet little inn, very comfortable and romantic. The staff was very attentive and friendly. We did not have meals here, so I can't comment on the food. They did bring cold green tea up to us when we returned to our room in the afternoon after being out walking around. Everything is very clean. I would stay here again if I traveled to Kyoto.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019
Response from Ohanabo staff on Sep 27, 2019
Dear AngelaB-san, Thank you for your recent stay and kind message! We really appreciate your compliments on our service and cleanliness. We hope to see you again in the future and why don't you try meals next time: ) Thank you very much. Best regards,

8/10 Good

Alex

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019
Response from Ohanabo on Nov 15, 2019
Thank you for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful stay
Stayed one night and it was great! The staff is super friendly and went out of their way to be helpful to us. It was everything that we expected from the ryokan and more. Conveniently located near kyoto station (10 min walk).
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019
Response from Ohanabo staff on Sep 18, 2019
Dear Guest Thank you for choosing your stay at Ohanabo. We are very happy to read your kind review. Looking forward to welcoming you again :) Thank you very much. Best regards, Ohanabo

10/10 Excellent

Jacquelyn, Washington

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing experience. This ryokan is spotless and comfortable, but the real stars are the staff. Incredible hospitality. Gorgeous breakfast. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019
Response from Ohanabo staff on Sep 12, 2019
Dear Jacquelyn-san, Thank you for your recent stay at Ohanabo.We really appreciate your message! We also enjoyed talking with you about tasty hamburger:) Looking forward to welcoming you back! Thank you very much. Best regards, Ohanabo

10/10 Excellent

Faye

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Love love love this place!
Hokkaikan Ohanabo was a last minute change and we are thankful we did it. Close to the Kyoto Station, about a 10 minute walk. Close to restaurants and cafes. The staff is very friendly - probably the friendliest and most hospitable for our entire trip. Our room was impeccably clean. From our futons, to the table, the bathroom - not a speck of dust. And also smelled so clean. Very comfortable. Loved the experience! My husband and I are grateful we read reviews and quickly switched to Hokkaikan Ohanabo. Arigatou gozaimasu! Oh and Kyoto's best ramen is also a 7 minute walk!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Ohanabo staff on Sep 9, 2019
Dear Faye-san, Thank you for your recent stay and wonderful message! We are very happy to know that you had a good experience at our hotel and satisfied with location,staff and rooms.Your warm words encourage us than anything else.Thank you very much. Best regards, Ohanabo

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was so nice and helpful, the location was very close to the train, and the room was clean, spacious, and quiet. After reading other's reviews, I messaged the ryokan prior to my stay to reserve dinner and breakfast, which did not disappoint! I highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Response from Ohanabo staff on Aug 22, 2019
Dear Guest Thank you for your recent stay with us at Ohanabo. We appreciate your compliments on our staff, location,room and meals. This praise makes us even more enthusiastic to continue to improve our quality of service. Thank you very much. Best regards,

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
An Amazing Experience!
The staff were so friendly and nice! They spoke English really well and had conversations with us, offered to take pictures, and wished us to have fun when we went out. The room was very comfortable and relaxing. Breakfast was very delicious and presented very beautifully. I will definitely stay here again next time I am in Kyoto!!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019
Response from Ohanabo staff on Aug 22, 2019
Dear Guest Thank you for choosing your stay at Ohanabo. It is a great pleasure to receive your compliments on our staff, service and breakfast. We are so happy to hear that you would like to come back here again. Thank you very much. Best regards,

10/10 Excellent

Amos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
wonderful ryokan in an excellent location
wonderfull Ryokan, friendly and helpfull staff and a super tasty and very generous Japanese breakfast. I loved the onsen (used to go 3 times a day) as well. will definitely come again next time I'm in Kyoto. we enjoyed the kaiseki dinner in our room as well, and the house plum wine (with soda!) was the best we ever tried
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019
Response from Ohanabo staff on Aug 1, 2019
Dear Amos-san Thank you for your kind message! We are very happy to know that you had a good experience at our hotel and satisfied with our staff, bath and meals. We hope to see you again! Thank you very much. Best regards

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was the best property we stayed during this visit to Japan. The staff were all very nice and the service was just perfect. The room was also spacious with this traditional Japanese style. One of the favorite parts is the onsen provided both in the morning and the evening. Even though we had a private bath in the room, we still went down to the onsen cause it was so comfortable and relaxing. The Japanese-style breakfast was also very sophisticated. Overall, you can just tell how many thoughts have been put into your stay here. I'd highly recommend this place and we'll certainly stay here again if we visit Kyoto.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019
Response from Ohanabo staff on Jul 16, 2019
Dear guest Thank you for choosing your stay at our hotel Ohanabo. We are pleased and encouraged to have your many compliments on our staff, public bath and breakfast. Your warm words encourage us than anything else. Please come back here again! We truely look forward to welcoming you back! Thank you very much. Best regards