Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Downtown Kyoto
| RYOKAN
TAWARAYA¥¥¥
OFFLINE MAP
(
俵屋旅館
; 211-5566; fax 221-2204; Fuyachō-Oike sagaru, Nakagyō-ku; r per person with 2 meals
¥42,263-84,525; ; Karasuma-Oike Station, exit 3, Tōzai or Karasuma subway lines)
Tawaraya has
been operating for more than three centuries and is one of the finest places to stay in the
world. From the decorations to the service to the food, every thing at the Tawaraya is
simply the best available. It's a very intimate, warm and personal place that has many loy-
al guests. It's centrally located within easy walk of two subway stations and plenty of
good restaurants.
| RYOKAN
HIIRAGIYA¥¥¥
OFFLINE MAP
person incl 2 meals ¥36,750-81,900; ; Karasuma-Oike Station, exit 3, Tōzai or Karasuma subway lines)
This elegant ryokan has long been favoured by celebrities from round the world. Facilities
and services are excellent and the location is hard to beat. Ask for one of the newly redone
rooms if you prefer a polished sheen; alternatively, request an older room if you fancy
some 'Old Japan'
wabi-sabi
(imperfect beauty).
STAYING IN A RYOKAN
Due to language difficulties and unfamiliarity, staying in a ryokan is not as straightforward as staying in a Western-style
hotel. However, it's not exactly rocket science, and with a little education it can be a breeze, even if you don't speak a
word of Japanese. Here's the basic drill.
When you arrive, leave your shoes in the
genkan
(entry area/foyer) and step up into the reception area. Here, you'll be
asked to sign in. You'll then be shown around the place and then to your room where you will be served a cup of tea.
You'll note that there is no bedding to be seen in your room - your futons are in the closets and will be laid out later.
You can leave your luggage anywhere except the
tokonoma
(sacred alcove) that will usually contain some flowers or a
hanging scroll. If it's early enough, you can then go out to do some sightseeing.
When you return, you'll change into your
yukata
(lightweight Japanese robe) and be served dinner in your room or in
a dining room. After dinner, it's time for a bath. If it's a big place, you can generally bathe anytime in the evening until
around 11pm. If it's a small place, you'll be given a time slot. While you're in the bath, some mysterious elves will go
into your room and lay out your futon so that it will be waiting for you when you return all toasty from the bath.
