Unfortunately we didn't get to stay here. There was a mix up in our booking date and when we arrived it was full. They weren't that welcoming, but we got to use the wifi in the lobby to find a new place to stay. The condition of the lobby wasn't very nice. No air con and no one was there to welcome us.

We actually didn't get to stay here because there was a mix up in our reservation dates and they ended up being full. Upon walking in there was no one in the lobby to welcome us and no aircon on. It is warm these days so it made the hotel seem like it wasn't really prioritizing welcoming the guests properly. Overall, the place is a 3 star hotel type of vibe. The rooms were full booked but we got to check it out. We ended up going down the street and found a place that also gave free tea and coffee which is a good touch. Similar traditional style. For the price though this hotel is slightly cheaper.

The hotel locked us out after we went out in the evening. At no point did they state that they lock the front door but they left a note on the door saying they will be back at 05:40. It was pouring with rain and we had decided to have dinner and then went to a club. If the hotel plans on locking guests out they should at least inform us in advance so we can make plans to be back in time.

This ryokan is located less than 10 minutes walking distance from the bustling Nishiki Market and other fun shopping streets, so it was a great choice in terms of access. I thought the staff was nice and polite, and they let us be, which I like. However, it was difficult to communicate due to the language barrier. We were not sure if there was any dinner included in our hotel price, or if we would have the option of purchasing upon check-in. We read different things about whether this ryokan has dinner on several sites, but there was no way to confirm until we got there. When we asked about it, they just kept saying, "no dinner, no dinner, eat outside," with no further explanation, so I was disappointed and frustrated. In the evening, we saw other guests leaving to get dinner too. For those who are obsessed with hygiene, they didn't seem to assign guests their own slippers (shoes are not allowed inside). A bunch of random identical slippers that everyone has previously worn just sit at the front. So when you enter, you take off your shoes, and then put on random slippers; when you leave, you take off the slippers and put on your shoes; when you return, you just have to wear a random pair of slippers. That made me so uncomfortable, and I feel like scrubbing my feet everytime I think about it. As for the rooms, they are large and you definitely get that traditional feel with the tatami mats, green tea set, and yukatas. I quite enjoyed it, and I appreciated the much needed A/C. I also like the large tub and the option of showering standing up or on a stool (like you would in an onsen). There is also a TV, and we watched J-pop concerts before we went to bed. :)

I would only stay in a ryokan if you could get the dinner experience, too. Otherwise, it is just a different room setup, and, for Americans, it is less comfortable.

I cannot say enough good things about this place but what really makes it are the owners. Great people and vet accommodating, great location and great value.