Our review of this charming Kyoto ryokan reveals a genuine slice of traditional Japan. Tucked away in the city center, it’s a cozy inn with Japanese-style rooms, communal baths, and local cuisine.
Just a short walk from the subway and a quick drive from the bullet train, it’s perfectly placed for exploring. The friendly staff, comfy digs, and culture win high marks from guests.
Keep in mind that shared baths might not suit everyone’s taste, and the traditional futon bedding could be a challenge for some Western visitors.
However, if you’re after an authentic Japanese experience and don’t mind trading some modern conveniences for cultural richness, this place is a winner.
It’s ideal for travelers who want to dive deep into local customs and enjoy a peaceful retreat after a day of sightseeing.
Budget-conscious culture enthusiasts and couples seeking a romantic, old-world atmosphere will find this ryokan particularly appealing.
Key Points
- Ishicho is a traditional ryokan located in Kyoto, Japan, offering an authentic Japanese lodging experience within a 5-minute walk of the Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae subway station.
- The ryokan features Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring, air conditioning, private bathrooms, and amenities like refrigerators, TVs, and hairdryers.
- Guests can enjoy on-site facilities such as a traditional public bath, complimentary Wi-Fi, bike rentals, and a souvenir shop.
- The ryokan is known for its high guest satisfaction ratings, with praise for its service, cleanliness, comfort, and value for money.
- Ishicho adheres to COVID-19 protocols, with face masks required indoors and other measures in place to ensure guest safety.
Property Overview
The Ishicho is a traditional ryokan located in Kyoto, Japan.
It’s situated in the heart of the city, just a 5-minute walk from the Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae subway station.
The ryokan has an impressive 8.0 rating based on 491 reviews, with couples particularly praising its location for two-person trips.
Guests can reach the JR Shinkansen Station in a 15-minute drive.
The property offers both Japanese-style rooms in the main building and annex, each equipped with amenities like tatami flooring, air conditioning, and private bathrooms.
Guests can enjoy the on-site public bath, free Wi-Fi, and daily housekeeping services, making Ishicho an attractive choice for those seeking a traditional Japanese lodging experience in Kyoto.
Accommodation Options
Ishicho offers guests a choice between Japanese-style rooms in the main building and the annex. The main building rooms feature 5 futon beds, while the annex rooms have 4 futon beds.
All accommodations come with tatami flooring, air conditioning, private bathrooms, fridges, TVs, hairdryers, and bathroom amenities.
Beyond the guest rooms, the property boasts a public bath, free Wi-Fi, private parking, family rooms, a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and laundry facilities.
Guests can also take advantage of on-site bike rentals, a souvenir shop, and multi-functional rooms.
The ryokan’s traditional ambiance and convenient location make it an appealing choice for travelers seeking an authentic Japanese experience.
Room Amenities
Each of Ishicho’s well-appointed rooms features tatami flooring, providing a traditional Japanese ambiance.
Guests can enjoy the comfort of air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a refrigerator. Thoughtful amenities like a TV, hairdryer, and bathroom essentials are also included.
The property’s rooms offer a comfortable and authentic ryokan experience. Whether staying in the main building or the annex, guests can enjoy the convenience and traditional charm of Ishicho’s accommodations.
The rooms’ traditional elements, modern comforts, and thoughtful touches create a truly immersive and memorable stay for visitors.
On-Site Facilities
Along With the well-appointed rooms, Ishicho boasts an array of on-site facilities catering to guests’ diverse needs.
Visitors can unwind in the traditional public bath, relax with complimentary Wi-Fi, or explore the local area using the available bike rentals.
The property also offers a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping services, ensuring a seamless and comfortable stay.
For those seeking additional conveniences, the ryokan provides a souvenir shop and laundry facilities.
Guests can also make use of the multi-functional rooms, making Ishicho an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers.
Dining and Cuisine
Complementing the well-appointed accommodations, Ishicho offers a delightful culinary experience for its guests.
Guests can start their day with a local breakfast, praised for its variety of both Japanese and Western dishes. The ryokan also provides additional dining services, including a souvenir shop and laundry facilities.
Guests have commended the quality and diversity of the meals, as well as the enjoyable onsen experience.
With its focus on delivering a traditional Japanese experience, Ishicho ensures guests can fully enjoy the local culture through its dining offerings.
Additional Services
Alongside the well-appointed accommodations and delightful culinary offerings, Ishicho provides guests with a range of additional services to enhance their stay.
Visitors can take advantage of the property’s bike rental, allowing them to explore Kyoto’s streets at their own pace. The on-site souvenir shop offers a selection of local crafts and souvenirs, perfect for picking up mementos.
Plus, the multi-functional rooms can be utilized for various purposes, such as small gatherings or private events. For those in need of laundry services, the property features dedicated facilities to cater to guests’ needs during their stay.
Guest Reviews Highlights
Guests have praised Ishicho’s staff, with an impressive 8.6 rating.
The facilities also received a solid 7.9 score, while cleanliness was highly rated at 8.4. Comfort levels were equally positive, earning an 8.3 rating.
Visitors have noted the excellent value for money, with an 8.1 rating in this category. Guests have appreciated the traditional experience, helpful staff, and relaxing atmosphere the ryokan provides.
Policies and Regulations
Travelers staying at Ishicho must abide by the ryokan’s policies and regulations.
Check-in is from 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM, and check-out is from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Children of all ages are welcome, but those 4 and older are charged as adults.
Pets aren’t allowed, and smoking is prohibited.
Quiet hours are observed from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Parking is limited to 10 vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis, and additional charges apply.
To ensure guest safety, enhanced COVID-19 protocols are in place, and face masks are required in indoor areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Shuttle Service to and From the Train Station?
The property does not offer a shuttle service to and from the train station. Guests must take a 5-minute walk to the nearest subway station or arrange for a 15-minute drive to the Shinkansen station.
Do They Offer Any Wellness or Spa Services?
The ryokan offers a public bath, providing guests with a traditional Japanese onsen experience. However, there’s no mention of any additional wellness or spa services being available.
Can I Request an Early Check-In or Late Check-Out?
The property allows guests to request early check-in or late check-out, but these are subject to availability and may incur additional fees. Guests should contact the property directly to inquire about these options.
Is There a Dress Code for the Public Bath Area?
There is no specific dress code for the public bath area. Guests are expected to wear appropriate attire, such as a towel or yukata robe, when using the onsen facilities.
What Are the Nearest Major Landmarks or Attractions?
The Ishicho Ryokan is situated just a 5-minute walk from the Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae subway station, and a 15-minute drive from the JR Shinkansen Station. It’s conveniently located near major landmarks and attractions in the heart of Kyoto.
The Sum Up
When it comes to enjoying Kyoto’s rich cultural tapestry, few places hit the mark quite like this traditional ryokan. We were swept off our feet by its authentic architecture and meticulous attention to detail. The convenient location put us within easy reach of the city’s most captivating historic landmarks.
After a day of exploration, we found ourselves luxuriating in the inviting public bath, letting the day’s adventures soak away. Come morning, we indulged in a delectable local breakfast that set the tone for another day of discovery.
Every aspect of our stay was carefully crafted, leaving us with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Japanese traditions. It’s experiences like these that make travel so enriching.
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