Yoshikawa Inn

Do NOT stay here if you want a good night's sleep! The 2-2inch thick mattresses on the very hard floor are impossible to sleep on and the room is sparse. We checked in expecting to stay 3 nights, but after 1 sleepless night, we were forced to find other accommodations. They refused to refund the 2 nights we did not stay ($2000) and then had the nerve to try and charge me for a $5 beer from the tempura dinner the night before!! Very rude and non-appologenic. We could not wait to get out of there and to a friendlier, more comfortable hotel. I would NOT recommend this establishment. Two other couples at the Tempura dinner said they would never stay there, they just dine there. Don't believe the rave reviews! You're welcome.

This review is for the restaurant that is part of the hotel. In a city replete with special dining experiences this one stood out. The restaurant and dining room are beautiful, and the service was very traditional and excellent. The tempura was the bets I've ever had, so delicately prepared. Excellent Sake list, and the meal was presented beautifully across many courses. After dessert I was allowed to meditate in the zen garden. I highly recommend making this a prioirty to experience in Kyoto.

We stayed at Yoshikawa for our first night in Kyoto. It is in a stylish part of the city, about 10 minutes from Nishiki Market. We felt very well taken care of, the hospitality is one reason to stay at a traditional Japanese inn. We were showed up to our room after a welcoming cup of tea in the lobby. There were traditional Japanese sweets waiting and we were shown around the room. It was huge and very traditionally appointed. We had windows overlooking a small courtyard and another overlooking some rooftops. Very romantic. We had dinner at the Tempra restaurant next door which was excellent and felt very formal. The next morning we were shown to a large dining room overlooking the most gorgeous garden we've ever seen. We were the only ones in the room. The food was exquisite and delicious and plentiful. The room matron took our photos in our yukatas. The whole experience surpassed our expectations and we would stay again. We communicated with the owner before coming about dietary restrictions and they were very helpful and able to meet our needs. Wonderful ryokan.

It's hard to put to words what a beautiful experience our stay was. If you are hesitating or any reason I say JUST GO! You will be in such good hands. Food is out of this world. The cappuccinos they brought to our room after dinner were the best we had in Japan. The wooden tubs are such a treat! I was in there twice a day. The room does taking a bit of getting used to. No shoes in the Ryokan at all, slippers through out the common space, but not in the room. Kimonos for breakfast. Curfew between 10:30p - 12a. You are transported back in time so go in with ease and open mindedness. It's quite the journey. I've never been emotional over a place that I've stayed at before, until Yoshikawa.