Kyoto Japan : Guesthouse Kazariya

10th December 2010. Written by Xin Li.
Kyoto, Japan
Guesthouse Kazariya opened its doors in 2009 and it is housed in a traditional Japanese house sandwiched between a construction side and a modern building located along Gojo Street.

Its location is definitely a plus point as the Gojo Subway Station is just minutes away and it provides access to Higashiyama, Nijo Castle and most importantly Kyoto Station located about 15 minutes away (by foot). There are also buses to take along Karasuma Gojo located near the junction between Karasuma Street and Gojo Street. 101 provides access to the Kinkakuji and Nijo Castle. Bus 5 brings you to Higashiyama Sanjo. However, a bus trip can take more than half an hour if you get stuck in a traffic jam that often occurs along Karasuma Street and Shijo Street. The ryokan sells a One-Day Bus Pass for 500 Yen.

Notable landmarks located near Ryokan Kazariya include Nijo Castle, Higashi Honggan-ji Temple, Shosei-en Garden, Nishii Honggan-ji Temple. The Kamo River, Kawaramachi Shopping District is located within walking distance as well. The ryokan also offers bicycle rental service at 500 Yen per day. Kiyomizudera is located at the eastern end of the Gojo Street.

The Japanese Style Twin Room that we lived in cost us 7000 Yen per night (room rate), measuring only 18 square meters I can get rather cramp. However we had a rather comfortable stay with the futons and the room was nicely decorated too. There is a heater provided.

What I like most about this ryokan is the rustic, homely kitchen that was stocked with spices, herbs, condiments and complimentary coffee and tea for the guests. There is also a pleasant and well-tended garden at the back of the ryokan. Free internet access was provided (Japanese keyboard) for the guests.

The toilet bowl is not equipped with a heater and it can get rather cold. Similarly, the corridor is semi-indoors so it could get rather drafty during the winter and autumn seasons.

Service wise, it was excellent, the owner was very friendly and helpful. She also helped us to book a reservation at Sakurada because we do not know how to go about doing it.

Currently there is some construction going on next doors and the subway lines runs underneath the ryokan. The resulting noise wasn’t a major concern for me but it is something light sleepers should take note of.

What We Liked About the Ryokan:
- Homely and traditional setting
- The rustic kitchen
- Comfortable futons
- Friendly and helpful owner
- Pleasant garden.
- Free internet access
- No curfew
- Bicycle rental service and sale of 1-Day Bus Pass
- Subway and bus services nearby
- The owners speak English

The Downsides:
- Subway line underneath the ryokan
- Toilets does not have warmers
- Rooms are a little cramp
- Heater creates a bit of smoke.

Ryokan Kazariya 錺屋
〒600-8107京都市下京区五条通室町西入南側東錺屋町184
184 Higashi-kazariya-cho,Gojo-dori,Muromachi-nishiiru,Shimogyo-ku,KYOTO,JAPAN