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ShiraumevsHiiragiya
Both hotels are endorsed by travel writers. On balance, Hiiragiya scores significantly better than Shiraume. Hiiragiya ranks #3 in Kyoto with approval from 9 reviewers such as Frommer's, Star Service and Fodor's.
Shiraume
Concierge
Oyster
Lonely Planet
Shirakawa-hotori, Shinbashi-dori, Gionmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
From $0/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Free Breakfast
- Laundry Service
Concierge "Though less rarefied and far less expensive than Tawaraya, Shiraume ryokan...is poised on a picturesque canal. ... It's ridiculously charming--especially in spring."
i
When you reserve, ask for the ground-floor room with the garden view.
OysterUpper-middle-range
"This upper-middle-range property offers a beautiful setting, and eight rooms with traditional features like sliding doors, tatami mats, and futons spread out on the floors." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Looking out over the Shirakawa Canal in Shimbashi, a lovely street in Gion, this ryokan offers excellent location, atmosphere and service." Full review
Hiiragiya
Insight Guides
Travel + Leisure
Time Out
Star Service Oyster
Hideaway Report
Condé Nast Traveler
Frommer's Lonely Planet
Michelin Guide
277 Nakahakusancho, Huyacho Anekoji-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 604-8094
From $904/night
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Concierge
- Restaurant
- Multilingual
Insight Guides "A well-known and timeless ryokan, dating from the mid-19th century. Expensive, but a Kyoto experience."
Travel + Leisure "Among Kyoto’s most illustrious ryokan... this 145-year-old staple includes a kaiseki dinner served in your room." Full review
Time Out "Much has been written about Hiiragiya since it opened in 1861, usually rich with superlatives. Along with its cross-street neighbour Tawaraya, it’s considered the city’s greatest ryokan." Full review
Star Service "This hostelry is widely acknowledged as one of the best traditional ryokan in Japan, a claim shared with the Tawaraya directly across the narrow street." Full review
i
Room 14, a favorite of Kawabata, is among the most requested.
Oyster4.0
"With a history dating back to 1818, the luxury Hiiragiya is a Japanese inn ("ryokan") located in the middle of Kyoto that takes pride in upholding traditional customs." Full review
Hideaway Report96.0
"Classic family-owned inn set in a traditional wooden house dating from 1818, located on a charming side street in the heart of the city." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Creaky floors, cypress tubs with hot steam water, and tatami mats heighten the senses at each turn. You feel incredibly special every minute you are here." Full review
Frommer's "Hiiragiya represents the quintessential traditional Japanese inn...it has all the design characteristics of a fine old inn, with simple yet elegant tatami rooms decorated with art and antiques. " Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"This elegant ryokan has long been favoured by celebrities from around the world. Facilities and services are excellent and the location is hard to beat." Full review
Michelin Guide "While all twenty-eight rooms are different...utterly traditional, constructed with first-rate skill and decorated with arts and crafts (stained glass, woodwork, kakejiku scrolls) by master artisans." Full review
