Higashiyama Shikikaboku

We stayed at hotel hotel Shikikaboku for 5 days and absolutely loved every minute of it. I've stayed at *a lot* of hotels, and this was literally the best experience I've ever had. The hotel, rooms, and onsen are all beautiful and find a perfect balance between traditional and modern Japanese architecture. The location is perfect - right next to the train station and a 5-15 minute walk to pretty much everything notable in Kyoto. Every member of the staff was super nice and attentive. We also got breakfast at the hotel each morning which put a smile on our face every morning we woke up. Thank you so much to the owner, manager, and staff for such an amazing stay! :)

Incredible service from the warmest and most attentive staff I have ever encountered. Breakfast was amazing and the rooftop bath a must try. They helped get a cake for my wife’s birthday, managed my food allergy with great care, and book a dinner reservation and later push it back when we were delayed in arriving all with so much care and boundless enthusiasm. Thank you!

I had an exceptional two-day stay here, truly the best hotel experience I've ever had. Opened in 2019, the hotel is modern and immaculately clean. Its prime location, just a 2-minute walk from Higashiyama Station, makes it incredibly convenient for getting around. The bathroom amenities are top-notch, featuring high-quality brands. The highlight was undoubtedly the open-air private hot spring, which provided a uniquely luxurious experience. The staff, especially Nana and Nanaka, were remarkably helpful, patient, and polite, ensuring that every aspect of my stay was perfect. My only wish is that the hotel would accommodate children, as I would love to bring my kids along for the next visit.

We found this place randomly, it looked really nice online so we thought to give it a try. The rooms were very comfortable, with loads of great amenities and very strategically located, but what struck the most was the concierge! Really sweet and helpful, they really make the hotel. One morning I brought my own matcha powder and a bar person taught me step by step how to prepare a good matcha lending me their tools, I will always treasure this interaction. 100% would recommend :)

From the moment we stepped in to check in, we could tell from the start that this is a truly special hotel. All the staff were very attentive and extremely friendly. We received traditional candies and tea during check-in, along with warm welcome conversations and lunch and dinner suggestions. They provided us with walking and biking routes for scenic sightseeing around the hotel, and they did deliver! The routes were indeed fantastic. They took us on a tour of the hotel, explaining the room features and hotel facilities. The highlight is the rooftop and the open-air bath, which guests can book privately—they have two open-air baths. Don't worry, they only have eight rooms, truly a boutique experience. The design of the room is also very thoughtful and human-centered. The bed is super plush and comfy! They also have soundproof isolation, so even though it's located by a major road, you won't hear anything. Breakfast is really lovely! It is healthy and nutritious, a farm-to-table experience. The most fascinating aspect is definitely the staff. They greet you when you walk in and send you off all the way to the front of the hotel when you walk out. We want to highlight Nana! Nana is truly an impressive staff member, very knowledgeable and friendly, and really goes above and beyond with her work. Overall, a truly recommended experience when you visit Kyoto.

I recently took my mom on a Japan trip for her birthday and we traveled to a few different cities and stayed in a couple of hotels but our stay here was by far the best! The experience was amazing and everyone from the front desk reception to the chef was very helpful and polite. The day we left everyone all came to see us off just like family. Definitely will stay here in future and can’t recommend enough!

Absolutely fell in love with this small boutique hotel in Kyoto. There are only 8 rooms and the roof top with a magnificent view. For me, the word “authentic” is best fit to describe this wonderful place. You feel like you are in a Kyoto ryokan because of its interior design. I also like that they do not serve dinners, because Kyoto offers so many choices of restaurant and bars. The sommelier is at the bar before dinner to suggest a complimentary drink if you book directly at the hotel which was divine. Open air bath is which you could reserve by yourself was so relaxing! I will stay here again in my future visit, probably really soon.

Amazing boutique hotel with extra attentive staff. It’s a contemporary ryokan for which no detail has been overlooked: a welcome tour and green tea upon check-in, a private “onsen style“ bath that can be reserved, fully equipped room (with a kitchenette as well), thoughtful bathroom kits with makeup remover and high end cosmetics. Above all, the customer service is impeccable and everyone made us feel at home. We were always warmly greeted upon arrival and departure by the staff members present. The bartender, besides making a great cocktail (the hotel offers a free cocktail everyday for its guests) also took the time to help me with whiskey recommendations. Finally, Lily, the receptionist/concierge went above and beyond helping us book last minute restaurants, recommending sushi and souvenir places. The service level was on par with The Mandarin Oriental/The Ritz with a much more personal vibe. Highly recommend a stay when you’re in Kyoto.