Hiiragiya Ryokan

Hiiragiya Ryokan, located in heart of Kyoto, takes great pride in preserving the tradition and culture of Japan. It offers modern-day amenities, without disregarding the aesthetic considerations of the past. Founded in 1818, this exquisite ryokan is as fine an example of a traditional inn as you'll find in Japan. Situated in the heart of old Kyoto, it offers the ultimate in Japanese-style living, with a very kind and accommodating staff that's helpful in initiating foreigners unfamiliar with Japan to the joys of a ryokan.

Each designed with its own unique motif, the 30 rooms display quintessential Japanese elegance and sophistication. Some rooms feature lacquered bathrooms and others are fitted with marble or tile. Tokens of the past are represented by works of art, such as painted screens or ink paintings. It really is like stepping back in time.

Hiiragiya Ryokan opens onto a side street charmingly evocative of Kyoto, yet is within the heart of the city. A couple of minutes' walk takes you to a dazzling variety of trendy shopping and nightlife streets. Noteworthy former guests include princes of the Japanese royal family, Charlie Chaplin, and Pierre Cardin. If you're going to splurge just once in Japan, this is one of the top choices.