Ryokan Yoshida-sanso - Kyoto

We had a nice stay at this ryokan, but it was extremely "touristy" as opposed to genuine. Service was good and food was ok but nothing was excellent. The house is beautiful and in a great spot for visiting some nice temples and the philosophers walk along the small river branch. Nice for couples that the bath is private and thus can be gender shared. Everything very clean. However, in total, this was extraordinarily priced (both the lodging and the food) for what it was.

Yoshida sanso is a magical place and the proprietors are wonderful people. Also, you can walk to the Philosophers Path which is one of the most beautiful walks in Kyoto. The food was incredible, I highly recommend trying their dinner and breakfast, though we only had the breakfast. Be sure to arrive on time to allow yourself plenty of time to experience and enjoy the property.

Calm, peaceful and relax, warm welcome, friendly and good service.

This 'hotel' is not like anywhere else I have ever stayed. The service was so personal, with private dining rooms etc., that most of the time it felt like the entire focus of the place was on you alone. Altogether a unique experience.

It was truly an amazing experience for the 2 of us and our 7-year old kid. This mansion used to be the home of a prince and was mentioned in one of the documentary books of Kyoto. It should be one of those top-serviced Ryokens in town. We were assigned for literally a "house" with 40 years of history and own front garden and gate, spacious living of about 2,000 sq. feet of room, comfortable trad. Japanese futon style, all necessary amenities (even come with iron & ironing board and kimono dressing). A special gratitude to all the smiling staff & their hospitality at the mansion, especially Tomoko, who explained everything well to us. At breakfast time, we were treated a private room and a full set delicious trad. Japanese style breakfast, and Japanese times daily newspaper, which was supplemented with complimentary coffee/tea in their relaxing tea shop, caused us certain delay in activity schedule because it was just so luring to stay a little longer in the mansion for the good mood and ambiance.... There are parking space as well in case you drive. The only thing you need to be aware is that since the surrounding is nature, you just can't avoid the chance of having "special" visitors such as the naughty spider which was attracted by our room lights and came visiting on the first night of arrival.... therefore my kid's comment would be different from us because he would opt for no insects in the future.