THE GATE HOTEL Kyoto Takasegawa by HULIC

I felt super lucky to snag this hotel in September 2025 on a Friday night for just USD $70 a night (including accommodation tax)—probably about one-third of the usual price. We booked a twin room, and by Japanese standards it was really spacious. I could fully open my 28-inch suitcase without blocking the walkway. The bathroom had a separate shower and bathtub, which was great. Funny thing—the two beds had noticeably different firmness levels, so if you’re traveling as a pair, I’d suggest testing them out first and picking the one that suits you best. The room had a mini-fridge (no freezer), plus a capsule coffee machine and bottled water. If you need more water, the front desk will happily provide extra. On the 3rd floor, the executive lounge offers cookies, candies, and soft drinks from 2pm, along with red and white wine. In the evening, they even have a free marshmallow roasting experience by the fireplace—it was super cozy. The location couldn’t be better—right in the heart of Kyoto’s shopping area, just a 5-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station Exit 1A. In front of the hotel, there’s a big artificial lawn where you’ll often see people hanging out and relaxing.

We had a wonderful 5 night stay here 21-25 July 2025.|Check-in and check out was smooth. We were given a lovely and spacious room on the 7th floor. The bedlinen was excellent, amenities were plentiful and replaced every day. We had robes and Pyjamas. The room servicing was excellent. Our room was immaculate. We had good air con, a fridge, TV and air humidifier.|All of the staff that we encountered were polite and attentive.|Breakfast was good - fresh orange juice, eggs, cheese, ham, fresh fruit. Japanese offerings of soup etc. There are 3 hot choices - Eggs Benedict with ham and Smoked Salmon, French Toast with thick bacon and maple syrup or a Japanese breakfast which was freshly made in limited quantities and huge - We enjoyed it. Other hotels we have stayed in around the world have much larger selections at breakfast, but we had everything here that we needed and it was so fresh - Every hotel does it differently!| The view over the city at breakfast and at night was spectacular.|There was complimentary wine, coffee, iced tea and soft drinks in a chilled lounge every day from 2.00pm - 10.00pm. Fire pit was lit in the evenings, even though it was summer. The hotel was quiet (at least the 7th floor where we were was quiet). |We ate in the hotel on two evenings, because of the view and the possibility to eat on the Terrace (Terrace eating along the river seemed expensive in Kyoto). We had lobster and beef and it was really good.|The best thing about the hotel it location, location, location! It is right beside Pontocho Alley, just 10 minutes walk over to the old side of Gion. Close to Takashimaya Shopping Centre if shopping is your thing. Two minutes from Nishiki market for excellent street food.|We were able to walk to Yasaka Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple (bit of a longer walk) and the preserved sloping streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka where we bought authentic Japanese spices.|The hotel is close to Sanjo Keihan, Sanjo Gion and Kawaramachi station, which will get you just about anywhere you want to go in Kyoto - Trains are easy to use and really cheap!|The hotel was also close to the Gion Matsuri Parade (17 and 24 July).|We LOVED this hotel and all of its staff and couldn't fault it or its service.||(July was mega hot and humid, but probably less tourists, than other times of the year - but worth the heat to see one of the most beautifully authentic cities and people in the world).

The hotel is well located and quite close to the Keihan line for trains, shopping areas and restaurants. It is located on a quiet tree-lined side street with a small stream running besides the street. The room is spacious, nicely furnished, the bed is very comfortable, and the shower room is exceptional. The hotel provides PJs, many amenities, and lends umbrellas for use which is very convenient. There is a lounge with free wine and soft drinks for guest use. There is good building security provided by a secured elevator access system. (You can only access the elevator with a room key.) Staff is very polite, helpful, courteous and speaks good English. This is one of the best hotels we have stayed in and we will definitely return next time we visit Kyoto.

We had a fantastic stay at this hotel, perfectly located in the historic center of Kyoto. It’s on a quiet street, yet close to major roads, public transport, shops, and countless restaurants. Many attractions are within walking distance, others are easily reachable by bus.|Check-in was quick and smooth. The staff were extremely polite and welcoming. Our room was spacious by Japanese standards, very clean, and equipped with everything we needed — including a Nespresso machine and an exceptionally comfortable bed.|Room service was excellent: prompt, professional, and attentive. Breakfast wasn’t very varied, but everything was fresh, delicious, and satisfying throughout our 5-day stay.|We also loved the rooftop lounge with beautiful views of the city. The hotel combines modern design with traditional touches, creating a warm and elegant atmosphere. Highly recommended — great value for money.

Everything was perfect. The staff are so attentive and kind. We actually missed our train back to Kyoto for one night and they refunded our room without issue. The room and amenities were all superb and clean, we would definitely come back again!

Great location, was able to walk to as well as the shopping areas. Right on the little creek and has cherry blossom trees lining the street which is beautiful during the blooming season. Rooms are spacious and nice. I like that they have a lounge area with free drinks and snacks that you can hang out at. Decent view from the rooms, and they have a gym though I didn’t use it. Like most hotels in Japan, they provide slippers and pajamas as well as toiletries. And I was glad they provide lotion as well. They let us drop off our bags before we could check in, and they even delivered it to our rooms before we came back and even hung up our coats in the closet!

The luxurious room, with its cloud-like quilt and contemporary design, provided the best sleep I’ve had during the trip. The room was spotless and beautifully designed with a contemporary touch. |I’m glad we make time to join the 🧘‍♀️ Weekend Morning Yoga session. Held in the spacious Retreat Room, the session was both relaxing and rejuvenating with a skillful instructor. |The hotel is conveniently located approx 5-minute walk 🚶‍♂️ to subway stations. Just a street away from Don Quijote and surrounded by many delectable dining 🍽️ options.

The first impression of this hotel is that it's a soulless corporate place, and nothing really changes throughout our stay to alter that view. Check-in took a while because they couldn't find our reservation, and we were given a fifth floor room on the east side of the hotel. A sleepless night followed because it's also the side where the lively local bars are located, and a woman serenaded us in the middle of the night. Moved to the seventh floor the next day and a different side of the hotel, we were warned that building work was starting at 10pm to 5am. We were given the choice to stay where we were or go back to a room on the bar side. Hobsons choice.|Usually, when things go awry in an hotel, there's a manager on hand to smooth things over. Nothing like that has happened. We are staying in the Gate's sister hotel in Tokyo in a few days time, so let's hope things can only get better.