Ryokan Motonago

Exactly the traditional ryokan experience we were looking for. Kind and attentive staff tended to our every need. The accommodations are clean, comfortable, and quiet with the beautiful smell of cedar permeating the ryokan. Scheduling the bath was done at check in. The shower and bath were fantastic. Very relaxing. Dinner was a phenomenal experience. What a wonderful way to try new preparations and flavors we would typically not know to order. The whole broiled fish was a favorite, along with the one pot course. Skillfully prepared and presented. We chose the traditional Japanese breakfast to round out a traditional Japanese experience and despite it being a very different breakfast than what we would typically have, we loved it! One night was sufficient for us but well worth it. We would gladly come back again!!

An exceptional first-class traditional Japanese ryokan in the heart of picturesque Gion district. This ryokan clearly works hard to maintain its traditional details and keep everything in excellent condition--from the immaculate shoji with yukimi (snow-viewing) panels to the freshly pressed yukata and coat in your room. We stayed one night in a room for four and then in two rooms for two--all were very comfortable and spacious tatami rooms with pretty views, air conditioning, and low tables and cushions for taking tea that appeared in the room in the afternoon. The common o-furu is reserved for your room and has a wonderful deep wooden soaking tub. Breakfast was available at 7:30, 8:00 or 8:30 am and matched the exquisite detail of everything, both the Western breakfast (with egg, ham, toast, salad, a cute little cereal, and coffee) and the Japanese breakfast (with grilled fish, hot pot tofu, tamago rolled omelet, rice, miso soup, and tea). We did not have dinner at the ryokan so I can't comment on it. The staff and owner are extremely friendly and helpful--appearing as if by magic when they are needed, such as to take your shoes when you arrive and make them appear when you about to go out.

We decided on Montonago after browsing TripAdvisor and other travel sites very thoroughly. We arrived a few hours before check in, but the kind host welcomed us with a nice iced hand towel, and was ready to take our bags as well as guide us to a great lunch spot nearby. Their English is limited, but we were able to communicate very easily. When we returned after check in time, we were greeted by multiple staff, who led us to our room, gave us hot tea, sweets, and immediately scheduled the baths for the evening and the next morning. We chose the Aoba room as our accommodation, which had its own toilet and bath, as well as a spacious and warm traditional Japanese styled room. It was slightly pricey, but 100% worth it as we had a view of the garden, and lots of space and a private toilet. We also opted for the traditional Japanese breakfast every morning of our trip which is definitely the way to go, as we had no other Japanese breakfast options during the rest of our 16 days in Japan. The breakfast was great, I recommend it to anyone who wants a full immersion of Japanese culture. The hotel’s location was also in an amazing spot as well, we were able to walk everywhere and only needed a taxi once! We also chose the traditional Kassegi dinner which was prepared by the hotel, we had a beautiful dinner room with amazing food! If you have picky eaters in the family, that may be a little difficult, but we felt it was worth it and delicious. We slept on the traditional Japanese beds as well, which was the best nights of sleep we had the whole trip! Don’t be scared of trying something new, it was always worth it. We left the ryokan longing to go back. Staff was amazing, helped us the whole way. We couldn’t recommend this place more. Go to Montonago!!!

Fantastic service and lovely facilities. We had the Kaiseki dinner and it was a wonderful and memorable experience despite the many Japanese flavors that honestly did not suit our tastebuds. The plating was beautiful and the service so kind and gentile that we still loved the whole experience.