Shiraume

We just had the most fantastic stay at Shiraume in Kyoto! We stayed two nights in their Umegae room, and everything was perfect.||This charming ryokan sits on the Shirakawa River in the heart of Gion - you can't beat the location. All the best restaurants and shops are just a short walk away, and the historic geisha district is right at your doorstep.||The owner decorated the place with their personal art collection, adding a special touch to the beautiful setting. Our room was spotless and so comfortable. But what blew us away was the service - the staff here is incredible! They left us the sweetest handwritten notes each day, wishing us a great time exploring or thanking us for staying with them. These little touches made us feel so welcomed and cared for.||We tried their Kaiseki dinner, and wow - what a treat! Each dish was beautifully presented and delicious. You can tell they put so much thought and care into every detail of the meal.||The way they take care of their guests is exceptional. Everyone on staff goes above and beyond to ensure your comfort and the best possible stay. You can feel how much they care about making your experience memorable.||If you're looking for an authentic ryokan experience in Kyoto with excellent service, fantastic food, and a perfect location, you can't go wrong with Shiraume. It's more than just a place to stay - it's a highlight of any trip to Kyoto. Highly recommend!

Where do I begin! Our stay at Shiraume was one of the best hospitality experiences we’ve ever had. From start to finish we felt like very special guests, and they attended to our every need. This pocket of Kyoto has become a very special place for us now, and after wanting to stay here for so long, being able to enjoy it on our honeymoon was a real full-circle moment. Tomoko-San and her team were excellent, and taught us so much about Kyoto and Japanese history through the house design and also each ingredient of our meals. ||The stay itself was wonderful, we’ve stayed in many Ryokan and this was absolutely our favourite. The house is so well-kept and beautiful, and you can tell it was due to a lot of careful effort over the years. I hope we have the chance to stay here again someday, as it was just perfect and unforgettable. I’d love to see it in every season! Thank you Shiraume!

Shiraume was the HIGHLIGHT of our 3 week trip to Japan! For those travelers wondering if staying in ryokan is worth it, it is ( especially this one). Kyoto should be on everyone’s list while visiting Japan and the MUST stay is at the Shiraume. Besides being nestled on one of the most romantic historic streets in this beautiful city, Tomoko the owner, is the most incredible host. She is charming and elegant and does everything to make your stay just perfect. The traditional breakfasts and all of her personal touches that goes along with your stay is of utmost quality and care. Her staff was equally as wonderful as her. We stayed for one week in the “Sen” room of the Bian house which I highly recommend. I am in currently in chemo for stage 4 ovarian cancer and staying at the Shiraume literally healed my soul. I cannot express my husband and my gratitude for this time with Tomoko and her staff. Pure JOY.

Shiraume stay is definitely the highlight of our trip in Japan. Everything about this place is close to perfection from customer service to food, and all the amenities. Tomoko and her staff made their best effort to elevate our experience in Kyoto. They paid so much attention to details and tried to address each of our request. The hand written menus are the best souvenirs I’ve had in this trip

This was the highlight of our Kyoto experience. We actually changed our plans to spend more time in the ryokan after seeing how cozy our room was. The Japanese style beds were extremely comfy even as a side sleeper and the pillows and sheets were soft. The room was very well appointed and everything from the minibar and soaps were tastefully and meticulously chosen. The staff was very nice and welcoming. The location was perfect. There’s nothing that I would change about our time here

Our last stay was nine years ago, and it was wonderful to return. The ryokan was well-maintained despite its 100-year-old history. The host provided excellent hospitality, the family rooms were nice, and the kaiseki dinner and breakfast were delicious. It was another memorable stay.

This trip was a much-needed getaway for my wife and me, a chance to slow down, spend time together, and take in Kyoto at a different pace. And there was no better place for it than Shiraume, a ryokan that’s all about tradition, history, and genuine hospitality. When we arrived, Tomoko-chan welcomed us and immediately shared the story behind Shiraume’s design. The zigzag corridors were built as escape routes, and the low ceilings made it hard for samurai to swing their katanas indoors. Every detail had a purpose, and you could tell this place had history. Over the next few days, she shared even more stories. She told us how, in the past, young women weren’t allowed to show their faces and had to rely on their beautiful hair to attract suitors, which is why seaweed symbolizes good hair. A particularly enlightening discussion revolved around the regional differences in preparing unagi. In tokyo region, chefs cut eel from the back to avoid associations with seppuku (ritual suicide), reflecting the profound impact of samurai culture on culinary practices. As for the unagi that we had for dinner, it was “harakiried”. The culinary journey at Shiraume was exceptional. Meticulously prepared kaiseki dinners and hearty Japanese breakfasts showcased Kyoto’s seasonal ingredients, each dish telling a story of local tradition. Then there was Mr. Oh, the crane, named after a famous baseball player known for his one-legged batting stance. This bird apparently follows a strict daily routine, having breakfast at Shiraume, lunch next door, and dinner at a Chinese restaurant. But the story that really stuck with me was Tomoko-chan’s own journey. Shiraume has been passed down from mother to daughter for generations, and growing up, she felt a lot of pressure to take over. She wanted to find her own path and even tried to walk away from it. But over time, her love for Kyoto brought her back, and she eventually took over Shiraume to continue the family legacy. Now, she has a daughter of her own, and instead of forcing her to stay, she’s encouraged her to explore the world and figure out what she wants. But it’s clear that deep down, she hopes her daughter will return one day, just like she did, to carry on Shiraume’s story. Hearing this made me reflect on my own parenting. I realized that holding on too tightly to my kids, especially when it comes to their studies, might not be what they need. Tomoko-chan’s approach showed me that sometimes, the best thing a parent can do is let go and trust that their kids will find their own way. And maybe, just like Shiraume, what’s truly meant to be will always come back. What made this trip even more special was that we got to experience snow. Watching Kyoto slow down under a layer of snow made the whole experience feel even more unique. With its calm, unhurried pace, Shiraume was the perfect place to reset and take a break from the fast-paced life in Singapore. The great hospitality, the interesting stories, and the unexpected snowfall made it an experience I won’t forget.

We are a family of 4 adults who stayed one night in Shiraume to experience a ryokan and kaiseki dinner. One word review? Magical. ||First, the location and building is gorgeous. Picturesque old-style streets filled with kimono-clad families getting professional photos taken. And the crane, Mr O, hanging around the canals waiting for his free sashimi feed. As I said. Magical.||During the stay, the staff were so lovely and attentive. The rooms were spotless and well-appointed. Thoughtful details everywhere. The food was incredible, a visual and tasty delight (arigato, chef!) And the glue of this well-oiled operation is the owner, Tomoko-san. Fluent in English, she helps you, she shares stories and history, she spoils you, and she writes the loveliest notes. We all loved her and her staff. Such dedicated, unassuming and flawless service.||We also appreciated being able to drop off our bags early and leave them late the next day. It meant we could wring every sightseeing minute out of the fabulous Kyoto.||In terms of booking, I called Shiraume direct from Australia. All very easy to do, even though I was worried about not being able to speak Japanese.||So, thank you for the memories. The Shiraume stay was a highlight of our trip. Highly, highly recommend.

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!