Shiraume

We stayed for 1 night and this was the highlight of our trip! To make a reservation, you have to email them. They were very responsive. From the moment we arrived, the whole staff was very attentive! We opted for their dinner option- some of the best food we had the whole trip. The best part was that the owner of the establishment gave us the history of each dish along with some Japan history. We had breakfast as well and the view was so peaceful and the food sooo good! They also gave us a few souvenirs to take home like a knitted plum flower (their signature symbol), cloth napkins with the plum flower and ryokan name, as well as an envelope with handwritten notes of every dish we had at dinner. There were personal touches everywhere. The price for 1 night during peak season was close to $1,000 but honestly it was worth every penny! The location is unmatched! Right in the heart of gion. When we return to kyoto, we will definitely be staying here again. Highly recommend!

I had an unforgettable stay at Shiraume in Kyoto. From the moment I arrived, I was deeply impressed by the elegant design, warm hospitality, and tranquil atmosphere. The decor beautifully blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with incredible attention to detail, making every corner of the ryokan feel special and full of character.||The experience truly immersed me in Japanese culture — from the serene tatami rooms and peaceful garden views to the thoughtfully prepared meals and attentive service. Every moment felt calm, authentic, and memorable. The staff were exceptionally kind and made me feel genuinely welcomed and cared for throughout my stay.||Staying at Shiraume was not just accommodation, but a cultural experience that I will always treasure. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Kyoto who wants something truly unique and meaningful.

Staying at Baian (Shiraume) was one of the best experiences we had in Japan.|Not only the place is beautiful, rooms are super comfortable, and everything is filled with details; but what makes it even more special is Tomoko, the owner, and the entire team. They are always making sure that you have everything you need, they pay attention to all the details. During dinner and breakfast, Tomoko herself spends time with you explaining everything about the culinary experience you are having, telling the story of the Ryokan and Kyoto. She also provides recommendations for sightseeing and how to spend the day.|We stayed at the Zen room in Baian, the annex. Everything was amazing. The room is extremely clean, peaceful, with little details everywhere. It has an open air bath with view to a traditional Japanese garden. The most relaxing experience to end our 2 week trip to Japan.|We had an in room massage after dinner that was the cherry on top! Incredible...||I only regret not spending more time here, but I will come back for sure when I visit Kyoto again and would recommend this ryokan 100% if you truly want to have a traditional Japanese ryokan experience.

My wife and I stayed at Shiraume Ryokan in Kyoto this November, and it was one of the most memorable experiences of our entire trip. We were served a multi-course kaiseki dinner and a traditional Japanese breakfast in our private tatami room. Both meals were thoughtful and beautifully prepared. We learned that every dish is chosen with intention — even small portions like pickles and miso soup serve a purpose. It made the meal feel meaningful, not just delicious. We also enjoyed a private reserved bath and the peaceful library, which added to the feeling of having our own quiet retreat. The service was exceptional from beginning to end. The owner, Tomoko, treated us with the kind of care that made us feel like honored guests, not customers. Shiraume Ryokan isn’t just a place to stay — it’s an experience. We would absolutely return and recommend it to anyone visiting Kyoto.

We stayed for a night at Shiraume this November, and its one of the most memorable parts of our trip.. The ryokan is located in the charming Shirakawa Lane in Kyoto. Tomoko-san, the owner, and all the staff welcomed us with such warmth and attention that we felt truly cared for. The service was impeccable throughout our stay. The 7-course kaiseki dinner was beautifully presented, seasonal, and full of flavor. The traditional Japanese breakfast was equally impressive. We learned that each dish is chosen with intention, and serves a specific purpose, from the pickles for digestion to the miso soup that warms your stomach. It made the meal feel thoughtful. We also loved our reserved bath, which provided a quiet space to relax.||Shiraume is an authentic ryokan experience. We left rested, grateful, and already dreaming about returning. We highly recommend it.

We had the pleasure of staying at the beautiful Sen room in Baian this November! The ryokan is located in the heart of Gion-Shimbashi. It truly felt like we were transported back in time with how traditional everything felt. The staff was kind and friendly, and the attention to detail and amenities within the room were extraordinary. We loved the garden and open air bath! Such a relaxing treat after a long day of exploring Kyoto. We also highly recommend the kaiseki dinner and breakfast. Each dish was tailored specifically to highlight the season and Kyoto. Truly an experience like no other! Thank you Tomoko san and staff for an amazing stay. Your hospitality made Kyoto the highlight of our trip. We'll definitely visit again!

WOW. Words truly cannot describe how incredible our experience at Shiraume was. My mother and I spent 5 glorious nights with Tomoko San and her team in mid November 2025. It was our first time visiting Japan. From check in to check out, the care, love and kindness we were showed was truly unmatched. The meals we enjoyed at Shiraume were unmatched. Everything extremely fresh and seasonal. From their attention to detail to them remembering our favorite teas, treats, etc was just so perfect. We slept so so well on the luxurious and soft futons and fluffy pillows. The healing water baths were a favorite evening activity. My mom and I left Shiraume with heavy hearts as we felt like we were leaving family. Yet, we know exactly where we will be staying when we come back to Kyoto. The location is also perfect as it’s close to many temples, restaurants and close to the river. If you’ve read this review up until this point, I expect you will be trying to book as we speak! Do book well in advance as you realize this beautiful gem books up very early. ||Thank you Tomoko San and her team. We love you!

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.

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!