Shiraume

We spent our final night in Kyoto at Shiraume Ryokan, and it was the perfect ending to our honeymoon. We stayed in the Umeichirin room, which overlooks a beautiful cherry blossom tree and the peaceful river — truly a breathtaking view.||Everything about our stay was exceptional, from the warm hospitality to the meticulous attention to detail in the accommodation. The kaiseki dinner was an unforgettable experience; each course was beautifully presented and thoughtfully explained, showcasing the chef’s dedication to seasonal ingredients. Breakfast the next morning was equally delightful and comforting.||You can genuinely feel the care and sincerity behind every preparation — everything is crafted with good intent to make guests feel at home. And their homemade plum wine… I still can’t stop thinking about it. 🍶

My wife and I had an amazing time at Shiraume, which we found to be a high end, traditional ryokan. Shiraume is located in the heart of the Gion district, with so many interesting shops and restaurants nearby. However, we strongly suggest that you have at least one dinner at Shiraume as their chef is simply amazing! The team taking care of us at Shiraume were so attentive and ensured that every detail was just perfect. The owner, Tomoko, is a wonderful lady who shared both her family's history of owning the ryokan, her knowledge of Japanese culture and tips on how best to visit areas of Kyoto to avoid crowds. We hope to visit Kyoto and experience the exceptional service and beauty of Shiraume again one day!

This was our second visit to Shiraume Ryokan, as no visit to Kyoto would be complete without the hospitality of Tomoko and her outstanding team. They always go above and beyond, treating us like family, and this time was no exception. Our spacious rooms on the second floor overlooking the canal were spectacular and peaceful, beautifully decorated and filled with thoughtful touches. The kaiseki breakfasts and dinners were incredible, a beautiful presentation of hand-crafted flavors, textures, and artistry. ||We opted to extend our stay by one additional night because we simply could not leave the sheer magic of being at Shiraume. It was an experience that we found deeply restorative and we cannot wait to make a 3rd journey to Shiraume again one day soon. Thank you, Tomoko and team, for an extraordinary stay at your exquisite ryokan.

This is like a home away from home for us.|Tomoko and her wonderful team remember our preferences, offer excellent service and we always have the best sleep here. Even the beds at Intercon and Marriott hotels cannot beat Shiraume's comfortable futons.||We love the western breakfast and their kaiseki dinners. All filling and all delicious. Tomoko puts in a lot of effort to write out the menus in calligraphy and she has so many wonderful snippets of life and i appreciate the chef's effort in incorporating the produce of different prefectures.||The location is convenient. And we so look forward to returning next year.

We had a memorable stay and highly recommend Shiraume for its location, cleanliness and outstanding attention to detail. We enjoyed a traditional kaiseki dinner in our room wearing our yakato's served with a sake tasting and the western style breakfast served in the room overlooking the stream was also delicious. Our hostess who spoke perfect english gave us some sighting seeing tips and a brief history to ensure we saw everything on our list. From the handwritten notes to the hot bath waiting for us when we arrived the personalized attention was outstanding.

A small group of us stayed at this delightful ryokan and had the most wonderful experience. It all began with a friendly check-in accompanied by lovely tea. The rooms were perfect with comfortable futons and cute bathrooms. The ryokan's private onsen is definitely worth booking for an ultimate relaxation experience. The dinners and breakfasts were just perfect. Almost all ingredients / produced are locally sourced. Meal presentation was also amazing. The traditionally-dressed staff were friendly and courteous. This is not a cheap ryokan experience but it is absolutely worth it.

Staying at the Shiraume Ryokan in Japan was a truly unique and wonderful experience. It felt just like being at home, thanks to our gracious host, Tomoko. She served us delicious food, shared fascinating stories about the cuisine and the ryokan itself. She also offered incredibly helpful suggestions on places to visit along with a brief history and stories of these sites. These stories brought the places to life and provided context to our exploration. I would wholeheartedly recommend this unforgettable experience to anyone.

Shiraume is unlike any place I have stayed. It is a gentle pool of calm in busy Gion. Separated by a canal of soothing water, the ryokan is an oasis of attentive and kind service. The rooms are spacious and filled with lovely amenities. We had several breakfasts and two kaiseki dinners. These are not to be missed. All in all, a marvelous place to stay in Kyoto, close to everything and yet worlds away when peace is desired.

This was for our visit in early December 2022 for a night. Our hostess was Ami-san/Amy. We booked the room in front of the river on the first floor for a night. It was very private as we had one of the public bathrooms close to our room. We provided our passports to Ami-san when we first arrived and then filled out a form that let her know where we were staying next in case we forgot our luggage. The room in front of the river was a bit less private as you saw those walking along the street, but we had the option to close the door. We met O-chan, whom was the white crane that was wandering around nearby in the river. We switched into the yukatas and a light jacket and walked around the area during the night time. Then went into the ryokan's bath, which was super nice. There were 2 indoor areas. We went to the one closer to us. Rinsed and washed ourselves well before settling in. We enjoyed having the area to ourselves. Then we had a kaiseki dinner which was VERY filling and tasty. It was enlightening to learn about the chef's creations and we got to take back mementos of what we ate back home. We got to learn about the history and enjoyed the stories along with everyone's company. You also have the option to eat in the communal area or in the dining area of the room. We lit the incense to enjoy the scent while we were dining. The bedding - soft! It was nice and fluffy, and we woke up very refreshed. The bathroom was nicely stocked with wonderful amenities for you to try, as well at the baths. We had breakfast the next morning that was filling and delicious with a beautiful garden for the view. It was bittersweet to leave! Traditional Ryokan, yukatas and pajamas, close location to Gion district and subway, comfortable bedding, and just feeling so at peace. Plus, they can hold your luggage if your next place has not opened for check in. We enjoyed our time here during our honeymoon in Japan, and we can't wait to come back next time we're in Kyoto.

We had a fantastic stay at the Shiraume (white plum) ryokan in Gion area of Kyoto. Since we were traveling with children, we choose to stay in their Baian house annex, which was located one block behind the main ryokan. The house has two separate apartments each with living room, bedroom, and beautiful baths with wooden tubs. We rented both apartments and therefore had the entire house to ourselves. On arrival, there were multiple welcome courses including hot tea service and basket of Japanese snacks, ice tea, beer, and local sake. After a short exploration of Gion, we choose to have our Kaiseki meal served at the main ryokan in one of the private dinning rooms. Lovely courses of traditional hyper-seasonal dishes followed. The entire service took about 2.5 hours and was both a visual and gastronomic delight. A nice soak in our baths followed (infused with Kyoto sake). The next morning we choose to have our breakfast served in our apartment. Again, we we're served beautifully prepared courses in both traditional and western styles. We have been fortunate to have experienced many lovely hotels during our travels, but this was a cut above. Shiraume spoiled us with wonderful hospitality and impeccable attention to detail.

I researched ryokans for DAYS and Shiraume was exactly the ryokan I was searching for. Here are some reasons why: 1. Location: it is located conveniently in the Gion district where you're surrounded by bustling life and delicious foods. It isn't too far from the subway station too. It's such a sweet little area to hang out and be in but serene when you walk through the doors. 2. Traditional Ryokan: it is a smaller ryokan and is rich in history. As we were shown our room, the attendants talked to us about the beauty, history, reasoning, etc. behind this used-to-be-geisha house and now-turned-ryokan. 3. Umemi room: my husband and I stayed in the umemi room. The room is beautifully sized w a mini hallway that leads to two separate rooms. The first room leads to the bedroom where the futons are already laid out, the bathroom (w wonderful amenities), and sliding doors to the garden and the sounds of the river. The other room is the dining area for the suite. You have necessary toiletries, a private bath, mini fridge (everything complimentary), etc. Everything is beautifully thought out. I won't spoil the surprise for you too much, so enjoy. 4. Bath: I wanted a private wooden bath (I know.. so specific), as well as a public one. Hahah. The public bath can be reserved easily by talking to the staff for a period of one hour. The water is perfect temperature! Also, use the special green tea scrub... it's amazing! 5. Service: the service is wonderful!! Everyone is incredibly sweet and so helpful. 6. Happy hour or hours... from like 3-9pm, there's happy hour in the library, where they offer chilled tea, juice, sake, and beer (the cutest tiny asahi beers!!). 7. Food: we did the kaiseki dinner (one w sushi option and the other w beef) and breakfast in room. This in-room dining was a must for me. ;) everything we ate was really good. I'm not just saying that. And the staff came in and explained to us what the food was, how it was prepared, history, and stories. Also, they hand wrote everything we ate so we knew what we were eating. So in Love!!! We also got complimentary drinks since we were on our honeymoon. :) In a nutshell, Shiraume has everything I was looking for: traditional ryokan, yukatas and pajamas, in room kaiseki dining, awesome location, private and public wooden bath, futons, beautiful floors and sliding doors, and rest and relaxation. It is the perfect escape from the busy-ness of travel.

Excellent historic feudal cottage B&B (ryokan) in Higashihara preservation Ward just outside Kyoto. Modern conveniences with old-style traditional living ie: furo. garden setting. Multiple bathrooms, dining rms. Walk the old historic preservation district. Excellent cuisine traditional or Western options.

Amazing hospitality! Amazing way of life! Amazing view! My wife and I received the best treatment we have ever had at Shiraume. Before Shiraume, we were fortunate to stayed 4 nights at the Peninsula Tokyo in the 116sqm/1250sf deluxe suite with a panoramic view of the Imperial Palace Gardens in which we get complementary concierge that drive us around Tokyo 3 hours per day. We have stayed/received treatments at the Ritz Carlton, Mandarin Oriental, Calistoga Ranch, etc...Shiraume BEST them all in many way. Still not convinced? We stayed at Shiraume for 4 nights in the Umekoyomi room which has a romantic view of the Shirakawa stream outside our window and the sound of water flowing beneath our pillows. The bed was confortable. We really enjoyed the refined Japanese breakfast. Our dinner was of great fine dining. We love love Tomoko, Yuna, Yuki, and the staffs at Shiraume. We are truly greatful for their warm welcome and kindness in providing us with the best experience. Tomoko shared with us Japan culture/history, helped us plan our day and Yuna helped us with recommendations/reservations/directions everywhere we go. They were genuine and truly enjoyed their way of life. What sets Shiraume apart from other Ryokans besides the stream? Why are they so amazing at what they do? Here is my guess. Shiraume was once a famous tea house called Dairyū (Big Willow) where famous novelists and poets including Isamu Yoshii goes to enjoy sake with their favorite geishas. Although no longer a tea house, when we stay at Shiraume we are receiving some of the authentic treatments that has been passed down and refined for hundred of years from one of the best Kyoto tea house. Stay at Shiraume and enjoy the magic of ancient Kyoto.

Three nights in the beautiful traditional Japanese ryokan was our little treat for our recent trip to Japan. Yes it was more expensive, but it was worth every cent. If I could give them 10 stars I would! We stayed for three nights, with a kaiseki dinner & all breakfasts included. Everything from enquiring through to booking and our stay was seamless. I was also impressed that they didn't require any payment or credit card details until we were checking out - not bad considering the value of the stay. Shiraume is located upon a beautiful stream in the heart of Gion district in Kyoto. Upon arriving we were given a tour of the ryokan. It sleeps up to twenty people & apparently while we were there, there was another 14 but we would never have known it. We never saw or heard another soul & it felt like we were being given 100% of the staff's attention. The ryokan also has a reading room with internet access (in addition to the in room wifi) and two jacuzzis which are traditional Japanese baths (wash youself before you get in!). Our room overlooked the stream & was large. It included a separate dining area and a separate bathroom with our own private bath and the most amazing body scrub you have ever used. It felt just like we were in Japan hundreds of years ago (which is when it was built!). Every time we arrived back in our room it had been tidied up with a little Japanese treat laid out for us. We were offered tea & shown where our ukata's were (like a cotton kimino that I practically lived in while we were there). The staff were more than happy to make arrangements such as booking bikes for us, taxis, etc And the food.....WOW. The kaiseki dinner on our first night was incredible. 10 courses of traditional Japanese cuisine presented so beautifully. Every mouthful was delectable. Each morning we had a choice of Japanese or Western breakfast - we tried both over our trip and again, were all delicious. We were also shown to a different room for breakfast each morning so we got to overlook a garden one morning, the stream another, etc. I feel like I'm not even scraping the surface with this review. Everything was beyond perfect. I just wish I had more time there!

My wife and stayed there for two nights, in the river room with a private bath. This ryokan is amazing and great history tied to it. The location of this ryokan is just outside of the downtown area but is really close to the Kyoto bus loop and bus/train stations. The owner is really nice, and explains everything that you'd want to know about the place and the food that they serve. Planning the trip through their website was easy and is dependable. A side note, Japanese websites are very different than what's expected in the US, I say this because you need to enter your credit card number. No worries, it is secure. Another note, if you order wine or sake at dinner, it is not included.

Reasons this place is wonderful: location in a restored 120-year-old building, friendly staff that will cater to your needs including dinner reservations, laundry, taxis, travel plans. We had breakfast included every day and and evening meal one night. The food is wonderful. We felt like we were royalty. There were many special touches including a new pair of socks in our drawer every day and an American language newspaper brought to our room. There was a hand carved wooden sink that was remarkable in our room. Our room was a suite with a separate dining area and sleeping area in addition to a nice bathroom. Daily we would enjoy the private Jacuzzi bath on the first floor. Tomoko, the owner, was an absolute delight and almost always present to meet us, greet us, and offer helpful suggestions.

We stayed 2 nights here on a recommendation from a Japanese friend who warned that the Ryokan experience varies a great deal. Shiraume is the real deal and worth every penny. Tomoko Okuda, the proprietor of Shiraume was a fantastic host providing recommendations for sights and itineraries for our short stay. Her English-speaking staff were professional and friendly and courteous in the typical Japanese manner which is to say very very nice. The food was excellent with explanations of each dish for the inexperienced traveller. The kaiseki meal was unbelievable. The Japanese breakfast was delicious. The "western" breakfast was delicious as well if you prefer not to have the Japanese style breakfast but trust me the Japanese breakfast is not to be missed. There are 2 reservable private hot tub rooms, although our room had its own deep soaker tub. The entire inn is 100% old school Ryokan. Tatami rooms, wooden tubs, futon, sliding doors, kimono, kaiseki, all in old Gion town in central Kyoto. The bathroom, and electrical had the necessary modern necessities. The wifi was not the strongest but worked well enough. Newspaper in the morning was a nice touch.

We've stayed at this remarkable ryokan twice, staying three days each time. The warmth and professionalism of the owner, Tomoko san, is exceptional, as is her wonderful staff. If you are seeking a truly unique and amazing experience, and you would enjoy being immersed in Japanese culture in a way rarely experienced, I would heartily endorse a stay. Breakfast is beautiully arranged and can be taken either in one's room or in the downstairs counter with a view of the small river outside. Each has it's own charm, and I would suggest trying both if you're staying for multiple days. The Kaiseke dinner is beyond compare-a true culinary masterpiece. The meal is served over 8+ courses, each coming with an explanation of the history of the dish and it's cultural relevance. A wonderful experience.

Staying at Shiraume has been one of the best experiences of my life, and was one of the highlights on my trip to Japan. Shiraume is located on the Shirakawa Minami Dori in Gion. When you enter Shiraume through the bridge you feel as if you've entered a different epoch. Everything in this ryokan is thoughtfully done and is the perfect place to unwind after a strenuous day of exploring. The ryokan is very well appointed and the rooms are quite large. The staff are exceptional and will go above and beyond in looking after guests. The food at Shiraume was superb, with Tomoko the proprietress of Shiraume explaining the significance and components of each dish. The breadbasket for breakfast contained the best pastries and bread I've ever had hands down, and were made fresh every morning by Tomoko's uncle. Tomoko was very helpful in helping to plan out our day and was able to tell us which sights to visit at what time in order to avoid crowds. Shiraume is an absolute gem in the heart of Kyoto that offers the quintessential ryokan experience. I cannot wait for my next stay!