On a lovely street in the heart of Gion, Yoshiima is a reasonably priced and very traditional ryokan. It’s a good spot for your first ryokan experience. Sadly, children aren’t allowed.
Gion Yoshiima garden
Gion Yoshiima At A Glance
- Great for: couples and solo travelers
- Strong points: Gion location, reasonable rates
- Sample rates: from US$270 to $340 per night
Gion Yoshiima guest room
If you’re looking for a traditional ryokan but your budget doesn’t run to the famous (and pricey) spots downtown, then consider the Gion Yoshiima. It’s a very traditional ryokan on an amazingly scenic street in the heart of Gion.
Gion Yoshiima exterior
Breakfast is served in your room, which is a nice way to start the day (dinner is not served). Rooms look over a small garden. You’ll sleep in futons instead of beds, as you’d expect in a traditional ryokan. All in all, considering the great location and reasonable rates, this is a good choice for a night or two in the old capital.
Name in English:
Gion Yoshi-ima
Name in Japanese:
祇園吉今
English address:
229-2 Nishino-cho, Shinmonzen-dori-Yamatooji-higashiiru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan 605-0088
Japanese address:
〒605-0088 京都市東山区新門前通大和大路東入ル西之町229-2
Price range: moderate
Nearest Transport:
4 minutes’ walk from Sanjo Station (exit 2) of Keihan Line or Sanjo Keihan Station of Subway Tozai Line
Telephone: 81-75-561-2620
Website: yoshi-ima.net
:: Check availability and pricing for Gion Yoshiima on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
