The American poet Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” We will never forget the staff at Hokkaikan Ohanabo because they made us feel as though we were the most honored guests they had ever received. From the moment we arrived, the staff treated us with hospitality we have never experienced anywhere else. They enthusiastically greeted us, helped us remove our shoes, carried our bags to our room, showed us the inn, and offered to help us with anything needed. They washed our dirty laundry (for a minimal fee) and arranged for in-room massages for my wife and me. Any mistakes we made—fumbling with our poor Japanese language skills, dribbling water on the tatami mats, coming late to breakfast—were graciously overlooked. The traditional Japanese breakfast was worthy of a Michelin star rating. Items we never would have ordered for ourself were—without exception—delicious. When we finished breakfast, staff insisted we relax in the lobby with coffee that they brought us. We looked at photos of each other’s families on our phones and snapped photos with each other. The okami of the ryokan, Ayako, helped us plot out our next four days of sightseeing on a Kyoto map, and then not only arranged for our luggage to be delivered to our next hotel, but also gave us an impromptu tour of the town in her personal van before dropping us at our first stop of the day. Five stars is not a high enough rating!!

The food and service was amazing

Truly a special place to stay in Kyoto. I have traveled all over the world and the staff here were among the friendliest and most welcoming I have ever experienced. The breakfast is highly recommended as well. The rooms are large, quiet and traditional Japanese. We stayed during the summer when it was vey warm and the AC was excellent. If you can get a reservation here- book it! Outstanding experience to stay in traditional Japanese hotel.

Excellent stay at this wonderful ryokan. We have been here before and looked forward to coming back and it didn’t disappoint. Loveliest, sweetest staff with attention to detail, superb breakfast, a very authentic feel and excellent cleanliness.

This was an amazing experience the hotel owner/hostess was truly incredible.

What a wonderful place! One of the highlights of our trip. The (vegetarian, for us) food was fabulous, and the lovely hosts were willing to answer all of our small questions about the ingredients and preparation. They also gave us great touring guidance. Would certainly return. And I wouldn't pay any more for the fancier ryokans--this place was absolutely terrific for a comparatively much cheaper price.

Extremely enjoyable and authentic stay, the staff were exceptional, i’ve never met friendlier staff in any other accommodation. The dinner experience was amazing and the staff were so accommodating to our dietary needs and again just exceptional service throughout dinner also. The rooms were as a traditional ryokan would be, very clean and great location. I would highly recommend this place for an authentic enjoyable experience, all the staff members just made our stay even better due to their amazing service, would love to visit again next time

Very nice family run business. I hotel very often and I almost never had the feeling of being in a family as much as I did in this hotel. Great location and super place to stay in Kyoto

Great stay in a traditional japanese hotel - amazing food, welcoming staff, lots of dining options around, and very close to the main train station. Very comfortable room with a view of the temple in front.

I really like this Japanese Traditional Hotel because of its history and friendly staff. The location is perfect to everywhere in Kyoto. I will be back soon.

Great to stay near Kyoto station!

I love everyting in this hotel. I really appreciate your help and consideration. Thank you, Arigato!!

While in Kyoto we stayed at this amazing family owned Rōyakan Inn. From the moment we entered the building we were treated as family. We were greeted with excitment and welcomed with open arms. Everyone was friendly and attentive. They anticipated our needs and pampered us throughout our stay. The food was wonderful, prepared for each guest based on their needs and what is available locally and fresh. When we ended our stay they helped us get a taxi and walked us to the car to say good bye, family group hugs and even waved until we were out of sight. The Inn is well situated near popular sights, including the famous Higashi Honganji Temple right outside the front door. The room, building and amenities were georgous and well maintained. We loved everything and were glad we took advantage of the private onsen on-sight. If you are heading to Kyoto we highly recommend. *bonus, most staff spoke English. while this is not something we look for or need (we are in JAPAN after all) it was nice to visit, chat and laugh in English.

Wonderful location, delicious food, kind staff. Perfect spot to spend a relaxing stay.

Place was beautiful and the hospitality was exceptional. The staff very super friendly and really went up and beyond to help the guests. Would definitely come back again.

Amazing breakfast - Japanese or western and both delicious and beautiful. The people were amazingly friendly. Street side room was too loud and bright, and smoke from nearby smokers flooded into our nonsmoking room. The hotel apologized but they should just convert to all nonsmoking like everywhere. Bathrooms need conditioner and more towels. Hot bath room was nice enough.

The staff was super friendly and helpful. The room was clean and comfortable and the location is very convenient for Kyoto sightseeing. Also, the breakfast here was easily one of my best meals in Japan. Highly recommend!

A very nice place, in the traditional style, very close to Kyoto Station, which is convenient. Incredibly friendly staff. Amazing breakfasts. We will be back some day.

Good stay. Very good breakfast. If you are tall watch the low doorways. The staff are very nice.

It was amazing. Very comfortable and welcoming. Breakfast was so delicious, and always service with a smile. Highly recommended

The staff were exceptional. The dinner and breakfast were truly special - one of a kind experience for those visiting Japan. Rooms were cozy, tatami beds much more comfortable than expected and the late night massage is highly recommended! Location was also great - less than ten minute walk to Lyoto station.

Amazing experience. Nice does not even begin to describe the staff. Excellent people. The breakfast was an experience so I would recommend having it at least once!

This is a sweet little inn, very comfortable and romantic. The staff was very attentive and friendly. We did not have meals here, so I cant comment on the food. They did bring cold green tea up to us when we returned to our room in the afternoon after being out walking around. Everything is very clean. I would stay here again if I traveled to Kyoto.

Very nice and friendly small hotel

Stayed one night and it was great! The staff is super friendly and went out of their way to be helpful to us. It was everything that we expected from the ryokan and more. Conveniently located near kyoto station (10 min walk).

Amazing experience. This ryokan is spotless and comfortable, but the real stars are the staff. Incredible hospitality. Gorgeous breakfast. We will be back!

Hokkaikan Ohanabo was a last minute change and we are thankful we did it. Close to the Kyoto Station, about a 10 minute walk. Close to restaurants and cafes. The staff is very friendly - probably the friendliest and most hospitable for our entire trip. Our room was impeccably clean. From our futons, to the table, the bathroom - not a speck of dust. And also smelled so clean. Very comfortable. Loved the experience! My husband and I are grateful we read reviews and quickly switched to Hokkaikan Ohanabo. Arigatou gozaimasu! Oh and Kyoto's best ramen is also a 7 minute walk!

The staff was so nice and helpful, the location was very close to the train, and the room was clean, spacious, and quiet. After reading others reviews, I messaged the ryokan prior to my stay to reserve dinner and breakfast, which did not disappoint! I highly recommend!

The staff were so friendly and nice! They spoke English really well and had conversations with us, offered to take pictures, and wished us to have fun when we went out. The room was very comfortable and relaxing. Breakfast was very delicious and presented very beautifully. I will definitely stay here again next time I am in Kyoto!!

wonderfull Ryokan, friendly and helpfull staff and a super tasty and very generous Japanese breakfast. I loved the onsen (used to go 3 times a day) as well. will definitely come again next time I'm in Kyoto. we enjoyed the kaiseki dinner in our room as well, and the house plum wine (with soda!) was the best we ever tried

Very pleasant and jouful experience.

It is nice and clean with good service. The only down side is the wall is too thin to block the noise.