Traditional guesthouse offers peaceful surroundings with modern WiFi convenience, creating a perfect balance of authentic Kyoto charm and practical connectivity
Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano is conveniently near Kawaramachi Street and Kiyomizu Temple. Travelers enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and practical amenities like free newspapers, laundry facilities for mid-trip refreshes, and luggage storage for easy neighborhood exploration.
Higashiyama Ward, a neighborhood in Kyoto, is home to Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano. Shijo Street and Pontocho Alley are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Biwa and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Kyoto Municipal Zoo and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden are also worth visiting. Visit our Kyoto travel guide
Check-in start time: 1 PM; Check-in end time: 8 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10:30 AM
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - 10 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets not allowed (service animals welcome)
Children and extra beds
Children 17 and younger are not allowed at this property; All guests older than 17 are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available
Property payment types
Important information
Fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:
A city tax may be collected at the property. The city tax ranges from JPY 100–10,000 per person, per night based on the nightly room rate. Please note that further exemptions may apply. For more details, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
Children 17 years old and younger are not permitted at this property
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ); additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file
Property is also known as
Ryokan Sano
Kyoto Gion Sano
Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano Kyoto
Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano Guesthouse
Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano Guesthouse Kyoto
Frequently asked questions
Is Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much does it cost to stay at Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano?
As of Mar 11, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano on Mar 29, 2026 start from ₩355,613, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
This guest house doesn't offer parking.
What time is check-in at Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano?
Check-in start time: 1 PM; Check-in end time: 8 PM.
What time is check-out at Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano?
Check-out is at 10:30 AM.
Where is Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano located?
Located in Higashiyama Ward, this guesthouse is within a 5-minute walk of Kodai-ji Temple, Yasaka Shrine, and Shijo Street. Pontocho Alley and Kiyomizu Temple are also within 15 minutes. Higashiyama Station is 14 minutes by foot and Sanjo Keihan Station is 16 minutes.
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
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Reviews
Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.8
Cleanliness
10
Location
10
Staff & service
9.6
Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 47 out of 53 reviews
10 - Excellent
47
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 53 reviews
8 - Good
5
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 53 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 53 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 53 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Robert
Nov 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great location. The hosts were terrific. As a small lodging within a memorable area of Kyoto, one experiences a very unique and memorable stay.
Such a perfect, small hotel to have an authentic Japanese stay. Wonderful staff,who provided sweet treats and extra help. Loved this quaint place and people. manybwprsonqln
Amazing location, amenities, free perks, we even have our very own maiko show with free drinks, and the owners were very nice and happy to help with any questions.
Amazing property right in Gion. Hosts are super amazing, helpful and the rooms are clean and spacious. Definitely recommend this place for a stay in Kyoto
An amazing ryokan with top-notch hospitality. Situated in Gion we were in walking distance to many beautiful areas, shrines, and restaurants. My only regret was not staying in Kyoto longer.
An amazing authentic Ryokan experience. I would happily come stay again if I come back to Kyoto. Incredible service and friendly hosts. I felt welcome and at home.
Our stay at gion sano was truly above and beyond every expectation. We have stayed at many hotels big and small all over the world and this was one of the friendliest, loveliest and most hospitable experience we have had to date. The staff in particular is so warm and generous in their hospitality. I would recommend this location to anyone visiting the Kyoto area.
This Ryokan is so lovely. Upon checking in they served me tea and waffles in my room and then left snacks in addition to the free tea and ramen in the hallway. The room was extremely clean and it was so nice to put on the yukata they provided and sit on the cool tatami floor at the end of the day blow drying my hair. The futon bed was also very comfortable. I will definitely stay here again if I return to kyoto.
This property is very close to Kodai-ji, which was very convenient. Also, the host washed, dried, and folded our laundry (a family of 5) while we were out seeing the sites. This was incredibly helpful. Another highlight of our stay was the wonderful welcome tea and tasty breakfast provided during our stay. Although it was a bit more expensive than other options, these benefits were well worth the additional cost.
Excellent area to stay in and above all, the service was absolutely exceptional. The hosts were very friendly and welcoming from the very beginning and went above and beyond to ensure that our stay went as smoothly as possible. They even provided us with snacks and treats during every day of our stay. We felt at home throughout the entire stay and would definitely plan to stay here again along with recommending it to friends and family whom intend to visit Kyoto.
A very traditional guesthouse with basic facilities. I wouldn’t fault it because service was good, room was clean and spacious but it’s too basic and tired looking for my liking. Good for people who wants a good location but on a budget.
I loved my stay here. The staff were so kind and friendly and helpful. The room was beautiful, very clean, and had a great view of the mountains! On my last night I was treated to a Maiko performance with a Q and A session which was wonderful. They provided coffee and fruit here, and the location was excellent, near restaurants, Maruyama Park and the Yasaka Shrine. I would absolutely stay here on my next trip to Kyoto!
I was in Kyoto for work and was only able to stay for 1 night. I wish I could have stayed for longer! Sano-san and the staff made me feel right at home from the moment I walked in the door. The room was beautiful with a nice view. The futon was clean and very comfortable. It was the best nights sleep that I had all week. It is not the fanciest place, but it is most certainly the most friendly and hospitable. They were VERY helpful with suggestions and helping with any directions that were needed. I look forward to staying here again when I come with my family. Thank you Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano!!
The staff are so friendly. We were treated with such warm hospitality. Great location. Comfy beds. Big, traditional rooms. Thoughful service. We loved it
I was offered a free dinner and a sake rice wine.People were very friendly The only thing I regretted was that I booked for one single night instead of some more.
I do not have enough words to express how much of an amazing experience it was to stay in Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano. This is a small but beautiful ryokan, family run, and I felt as if I was home. It is perfectly located, minutes away from the main old town. The hosts went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable, the room was really nice and clean, ryokan style, and with a real bonzai on my window!! They even organize a night show in the hotel with a Maiko, so we got an opportunity to interact with her, and ask her questions, which is quite exceptional in Kyoto. All in all, a fantastic experience.
Loved this place - can’t say enough good things about my stay here! Beautiful property in the historic and quaint area of Gion; very nice traditional features such as tatami mats, sliding doors, futons, low furniture, tea set, etc. but with modern conveniences such as an elevator, TVs, private bathrooms, electric water kettle, etc. The bedding is so soft (with two ultra fluffy duvets) it’s like sleeping on a cloud. Love the sleeping clothes/hotel clothes that they leave in your room - a long cotton robe and a shorter vintage silk jacket with a long cotton belt - really special.
The owners and staff here really go the extra mile - they were so kind and nice the minute you walk in and every encounter that I’ve had with them it’s just been so pleasant and welcoming! I don’t want to leave! (And considering the rate I got, this in extremely good deal.)