Daiya Ryokan

Everyday new clean towels and every couple of days new yukata (to sleep in: nemaki), clean bathroom. I liked the Japanese style room with tatami and futon (with clean sheets), but that's what I wanted. It's a very low budget accomodation, so it comes with that expectation. I had a TV with Japanese programs in my room and some hangers, a table and two cushions to sit on (I stayed in the old main building). The hosts were very nice and helpful, even driving me to a sento when it was a bit difficult to find in the neighbourhood at night, I had nice chats with them and felt really welcomed. I didn't mind, but be aware: the house is old! It comes with little holes/scratches in the wall and stained paper doors, used furniture/ rusted/calcified tapware/ sinks. It's not like a top-notch ryokan from flashy magazines/guide books about Japan, but more a guesthouse. There is only one toilett for everyone in the main house (but they replaced the broken seat, so it's better now) and a separate shower downstairs, and of course a big Japanese bath, where 2-3 people could wash up at the same time (but it's lockable). I liked the hot tub in the bath, very good to relax, but don't forget to shower and clean up first as it's shared with everyone. Btw, no idea why there are so many pictures of eggs from other travellers (on tripadvisor) ...weird. There is a vending machine next to the bathroom with hot and cold beverages, very good! Also there is a fridge, but I didn't need to use it, as: There is a convenient store just opposite, a kombini, which is great (Family Mart), you get everything there. Overall I'm happy because I didn't expect much more for that good prize and I didn't spend much time except for sleeping there. Just within 5 min. walking I could reach Kyoto station (I walk quickly).

The location was great; it was easy to find and easy to get to (short walk from the train station). The room we were allocated had ample space for a family of four! I was impressed at how clean the toilets and bathrooms are, given it's a shared facility. No one in my family had to 'wait' for the toilet, and I love the fact that they had the slip-on shoes when using the toilets.

We had the family room and it had sufficient space for our luggages, our mattresses which were double layered, and our regular bags. The staff were all so lovely. They were moments when people were checking in which might raise the noise levels a little but much quieter than we expected. We enjoyed the privacy of the family room and the convenience of the toilet just across from us. It was well serviced with a washing machine, dryer, hairdryer and large bathrooms with good pressure water showers. The pillows and mattresses provided very good and sweet sleep for us and the pricing is hard to beat. We will be back.

Very friendly & helpful service. Made sure my stay will be comfy and convenient. Showed me to my room in the new building right next to the main one. Family mart is only a few steps away. Air-conditioning was great at keeping the room warm in winter.

Friendly staff, excellent service (for a ryokan/hostel). I needed to borrow an iron and they were very helpful. Very reasonable price for a private room in Gion neighborhood. Staff spoke some English. I loved the location and hearing the nearby Buddhist temple bells in the morning. The convenience store across the lane had tasty rice balls (onigiri). Bidet in both toilets. I appreciated the tatami mats and traditional futon. The manager made a point of taking me to see the one street where the cherry blossoms were already blooming!