Our first time in Japan we wanted to try a ryokan and this one did not disappoint. the most fabulous thing about it was the thoroughly attentive and kind staff who went out of our way to make our stay comfortable and really treated us like royalty. They even held our bags all day.

Very clean, service is on point, close to attractions, and comfy beds. Would def come back.

I'd never stayed at a traditional ryokan before, and this definitely exceeded my expectations! The multi-course dinner was beautifully presented and delicious (though it's a set menu with a lot of fish, so you might not enjoy it if you don't like fish or seafood). Breakfast was equally good. Both were served in a room with a view of a beautiful little Japanese garden. The room was very spacious - it was divided into three chambers (which was great because my husband and I were staying with a friend, and she moved her futon to the third chamber to avoid my husband's snoring, haha). There was also a space in the middle with a table where we were served tea when we first arrived. The bath was delightful as well - it's similar to a mini onsen, but you get your own personal time to soak in the hot bath after showing. The staff were all lovely and catered to our every need. I think we would have been able to manage without speaking Japanese, since everybody spoke some English, but my friend speaks Japanese pretty well, so she made it much easier. Overall it was a very cool stay and I'd highly recommend it!

Ryokan Motonago was a perfect place for us to spend our first night in Kyoto. Location is excellent in the Gion area,it’s a charming neighborhood of winding streets and shops. we could walk to the Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple. We opted for the Kaiseki dinner and found it a great experience. We ate in our room sitting on the floor, and slept on futons they prepared after dinner. For bathing you make an appointment to use the communal bath. It’s a room with showers and a large tub- you clean off at the shower then can have a soak. It’s private to your party. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We took a taxi there from Kyoto station, which was good because not sure we would have found it on our own. In front are sliding wooden slotted doors and he had to show us we could just open them and go in. One night was perfect for us. We moved to a western style hotel for the rest of our stay

It was very cozy and the service was exceptional. I wasn't very familiar with Ryokan etiquette, but they were very helpful in answering my questions. The staff was also very accommodating! All in all a very neat experience. あらゆる点でこの場所をお勧めします 優れたサービス

This small Ryokan is located in the Gion area of Kyoto. Housed inside a very old wooden inn, a single host family runs the establishment. Check in opens kind of late, but the staff were nice enough to allow us to check in a few hours early to drop off our bags, made our trip so much easier. The location itself is a little difficult to find at first, but it is very centrally located within the Gion/neighboring districts with easy access to two of Kyoto's biggest temples. After a long day of exploring, we returned to the ryokan and were immediately greeted and taken care of by the wonderful staff. From the get go they were friendly and went out of their way to accommodate us in our room. The evening began with green tea and establishing a reservation for the private onsen downstairs. The room itself was spacious and filled with personality. From the artwork on the walls, to the meticulously arranged flower setting, to even the small origami left on our bed mats, every detail was exquisite. Although we did not opt for dinner, we did request the japanese breakfast option. All I can say is that it was spectacular. The hostess set the table and brought out a big spread of traditional food and even went as far as to help us with actual serving etiquete and the ideal combinations for plates. I would definitely reccomend purchasing the meals whenever possible. When we finally checked out, the staff helped us with our bags and even took our pictures outside. Wholeheartedly reccomend!

A great example of Japanese hospitality. We only stayed one night, but I felt spoiled from the time we arrived to when we left. The staff are all so courteous and try to fulfil your every wish. When we checked out, they called a taxi for us and wanted to take a picture of us in from of the ryokan before the taxi arrived. The staff will remain with you until the taxi arrives and even help you into the car! I can’t say enough great things about this experience. All the food is wonderful as well. If they give you a choice of continental breakfast or Japanese style, go Japanese, because why wouldn’t you!!!

The staff are super friendly. Wonderful traditional Japanese experience. You’ll have to reserve the onsen/shower room, but it’s worth it! Super relaxing!

Our stay at Motonago was great, from the service to the food, we tried the breakfast, and the dinner, which is kaiseki style, and it was all amazing. It made our stay in Kyoto unforgettable.

Traditional Japanese style bath. Excellent hospitality $ service in traditional zjapanese manner.

I was truly transported to a time of tradition and harmony. The location was spectacular - right in the historic part of town surrounded by heritage buildings, shrines and temples - all accessed by tiny windy streets and stairs. The inn (ryokan) itself was impeccably kept, and every last detail was considered, from the robe and slippers you where, to the traditional breakfast and dinner served in your room. Make SURE you book the bath house every morning and every evening - it was so relaxing and transformative - you could pay half the price of the room just for this experience elsewhere. Here it is included. The staff were attentive and considerate from the very first minute and throughout the stay. Highly recommended.

The hotel was great in the sense of authenticity, service, attention to details and location. We do find Motonago as a good choice of location for whom wants to lnow more about Japanese culture. We are being well taken care by all the hotel staffs. We do enjoy the “private steam bath”

My friends, my husband and I really enjoyed the one night we stayed at Motonago. The area is perfect to walk around and it’s beautiful day or night! The room was very comfortable and we regret not having dinner or at least breakfast with them. The get fully booked quickly so you should book the meal with your room. We loved the bath that the staff prepared for us! We will be back in our next Japan Trip!

Nice Japanese style hotel. Great location. Can enjoy walking on the empty street around Kiyomizu-dera in the morning brisk.

Overall an amazing stay at Motonago Rokyan. Impeccable services provided and very friendly staff. Made my stay an enjoyable and memorable. Ryokan at the Gion area which i consider a traditional location. Will go back again if I am in Kyoto. Only challenge is pulling luggage to the Ryokan on the narrow street.

If you want to experience a ryokan, this one is over priced, and don't do it more than one night, though the location is really great. Ikea futons are more comfortable. When you arrived tired from a long trip, finding a room where there is just a small low table in the room and nowhere to lay down comfortably, this is not exactly ideal. They eventually prepare the bed later in the evening. Room for baths is great, but probably not ideal when you go during the summer and it's already really hot outside. You are not necessarily seeking a room at over 100 degrees F / 37 degrees C. If you are sensitive to outside noise and light in order to sleep, this place is also bot for you as the walls are really thin, and windows are not covered letting light come in. Staff is kind, but probably as all ryokans, you need to follow specific rules. Again, fun for one night but that would be it.

Amazing service and beautiful traditional ryokan room. When we arrived, we received a quick tour of the hotel amenities (shared bath, bathrooms, and wash areas), and then went to our room (clean and comfortable), where we were served hot tea. The hot bath was the highlight of our trip - each guest can reserve 30 minutes in the hot bath room, which has showers, toiletries, and a medium sized wooden pool with hot water. So refreshing and relaxing to experience the day after we hiked Mount Fuji! Motonago is a bit of an older ryokan but the service was excellent and grounds were pristine. Id recommend this to anyone looking for the traditional hotel experience while in Kyoto.

Amazing service and beautiful traditional ryokan room. When we arrived, we received a quick tour of the hotel amenities (shared bath, bathrooms, and wash areas), and then went to our room (clean and comfortable), where we were served hot tea. The hot bath was the highlight of our trip - each guest can reserve 30 minutes in the hot bath room, which has showers, toiletries, and a medium sized wooden pool with hot water. So refreshing and relaxing to experience the day after we hiked Mount Fuji! Motonago is a bit of an older ryokan but the service was excellent and grounds were pristine. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for the traditional hotel experience while in Kyoto.

Great experience. The location was excellent and it was fun being able to wander around after dinner when the crowds had gone. Staff were very helpful and made us feel welcome. The shared bathroom was great for a relaxing bath at the end of a long day. We were only able to book a small room which was fine as we were out all day. However if we were there for more than one night would have wanted a larger room.

This was a great Ryoken experience. The staff was so helpful and amazing. When we arrived we realized we could have had meals as an add on that Hotels.com had not mentioned. The meals would have been nice--especially breakfast just to get the day started more easily. The area was a bit of a food desert as it took us a day to locate the good restaurants that were open past 7 pm. Be sure to reserve the bath and soak for a good long time AHHHHHH!!!

Located in the old town area of Kyoto and 10 mins walk into the busiest shopping/eating areas just over the river. Really authentic place ran by warm and friendly people. The rooms are as you'd expect in a Ryokan and the bathing rooms were as good as a spa we'd paid for a few days earlier, really nice. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.

Located in the old town area of Kyoto and 10 mins walk into the busiest shopping/eating areas just over the river. Really authentic place ran by warm and friendly people. The rooms are as youd expect in a Ryokan and the bathing rooms were as good as a spa wed paid for a few days earlier, really nice. I wouldnt hesitate to stay there again.

Friendly staff, great location, comfortable. A bit pricey, but very worth it if you are looking to get the Japanese ryokan experience.

Great little hotel with amazing staff. Very traditional Japanese which is great fun to experience. The stay was made by the staff, very friendly, always available to help and genuinely wanted to make us have the best stay. Highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Kyoto.

The ryokan is beautiful, the staff is wonderful, the meals are great, the hot baths are great, and the essential modern conveniences are available (wifi, phones, AC). The room was very comfortable, but as the ryokan is traditional guests are required to use futons and low tables- so it's not for everyone. I would love to go back again....

We were amazed with the location of this Ryokan, it makes you feel like you are a part of history! We were welcomed like family when we dropped off our bags. The host even volunteered a map to us with recommended walking routes through the old city of Kyoto until check-in time. When we came back to officially check in, a different host gave us a very friendly tour of the house (garden, baths, toilets, sink areas). She then showed us our BEAUTIFUL room, made us some green tea, served us a traditional green tea candy, explained how to wear our Kimonas for dinner, and reviewed our booking plans (dinner time, night and morning Onsen times, and checkout time). The baths are traditional "Onsen" in which you shower on a stool before entering the wooden bath for soaking and relaxing . You can book the Onsen privately or as a couple's experience. During times that are not reserved, you may use them, but you may have to share the room at that time. We had no issues with booking these baths and in general, had most of the upstairs to ourselves, so it did not feel like a shared experience when we needed to use the bathroom/brush our teeth. Dinner was AMAZING! After dinner, we had time to take another walk suggested by the host before our reserved Onsen. Everything was amazing, and the people treated us like family!

Absolutely the best authentic Japanese ryokan stay you can have. Top quality service.

This was my first experience with a traditional Japanese ryokan style hotel and a great introduction The staff was wonderfully friendly and helpful. And the food was absolutely wonderful.

The Motonago is a lovely inn located in a quiet area in Kyoto near many temples. The staff were very friendly and courteous - they gave me a warm welcome and provided me with many helpful tips on the best way to spend my one full day in the city. I would highly recommend this inn to my friends!