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Gion Hatanaka Ryokan

Gion Hatanaka Ryokan

Kyoto, Japan

Gion Hatanaka Ryokan

Right on the edge of Gion, the Hatanaka is on a quiet street close to Kiyomizu Temple and next to Yasaka Shrine. The complex is spread over the wooded hillside, making it a peaceful retreat from the frenetic downtown area. Very much a combination of old and new, the ryokan is an elegant mix of traditional Japanese hospitality set in a modern idyll of beauty.

There are 17 rooms in total, with five traditional-style cottage rooms (for larger groups) in the small garden and the remaining 12 rooms are in the main building. There is a wonderful bathing 'onsen' wooden bath facility as part of the compound. This is a sophisticated establishment, hallmarked by exclusivity and superb service. Meals are served in your room, and you sleep on futons laid out on the tatami mats. Mr Tanaka took over this family-run property from his father in 2006 and is immensely proud of his inn.

OUR RATING: Opulent

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Tour ideas in Kyoto

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Gion Hatanaka Ryokan as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    • Exterior, Four Seasons Kyoto
      Responsible Choice

      Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

      Kyoto
      Deluxe

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

    • Dinner with Maiko Performance
      A Maiko and a Geiko during the Geisha Night at the Gion Hatanaka

      Dinner with Maiko Performance

      Dinner with Maiko Performance

      Maiko are trainee Geisha (Geiko in Kyoto dialect) who train for six years before becoming fully fledged Geisha. They learn skills such as dance, singing, instrument playing as well as how to entertain guests with conversation.

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    • Geisha District Walk
      Romon Gate, Fushimi Inari, Kyoto

      Geisha District Walk

      Geisha District Walk

      Explore around the Gion district and other parts of Kyoto to help shed some light on the exclusive and mysterious world of the Geisha and other aspects of Japanese culture.

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    • Kyoto Cultural Experience
      Ikebana flower arrangement

      Kyoto Cultural Experience

      Kyoto Cultural Experience

      Take the opportunity to learn more about a traditional Japanese pastime of your choice. These courses are instigated and run by the Women's Association of Kyoto and you will visit the home of one of the members.

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