Kanamean Nishitomiya Ryokan

“Truly memorable experience!”

An extraordinary and memorable experience! We had the Kashiwagi room, which was basically a one-bedroom apartment. It had a spacious and elegant sitting room (with a tokonoma alcove!) that was converted into a bedroom at night, a small office with a desk, a sitting room with an armchair, a small to… more

An extraordinary and memorable experience! We had the Kashiwagi room, which was basically a one-bedroom apartment. It had a spacious and elegant sitting room (with a tokonoma alcove!) that was converted into a bedroom at night, a small office with a desk, a sitting room with an armchair, a small toilet room, and a large bathroom—literally just for bathing—with a huge onsen tub made of hinoki wood. This tub was filled with hot water when we arrived, and the staff explained that the hinoki had insulating properties that would keep it warm for a long time. An added bonus was that the wonderful fragrance of the wood permeated the area like incense! Just make sure not to use any soap in the onsen, we were told, because it could damage the wood—there was a separate shower area next to the tub for washing off, and the onsen was just for soaking. There were also lovely yet private views of little courtyard gardens from several of the different rooms. I loved that the TV was hidden away in a cabinet, totally unintrusive, yet available if, for some reason, you really need to watch TV in a space like this. I see some previous reviewers complain about "camping on the floor." In keeping with the old-fashioned Japanese aesthetic of the place, the sleeping arrangements consist of futons on the floor, and there is also a low sitting table with a choice of a low chair or a floor-height chair. If you have mobility issues or don't feel comfortable with Japanese-style furniture, maybe choose a more Western-style hotel! But if you want to experience a more traditional Japanese-style living and sleeping space, pretend you're in an Ozu movie and enjoy it. ;) We also had a wonderful kaiseki meal in a private dining room. The owner appears to be quite a wine connoisseur, and had an amazing cellar, which contributed to fabulous pairings! Lots of books on art, architecture, and haute cuisine, both in the room and the public areas, contributed to the overall ambiance of sophistication and elegants.

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“Fabulous Ryokan in Kyoto”

What a fabulous stay at this hidden gem ryokan in Kyoto. The room size was surprising large, with separate areas for living, dressing and relaxing. The tatami mats and futons provided for the authentic ryokan sleeping experience were comfortable. Products in the room for washing were all top o… more

What a fabulous stay at this hidden gem ryokan in Kyoto. The room size was surprising large, with separate areas for living, dressing and relaxing. The tatami mats and futons provided for the authentic ryokan sleeping experience were comfortable. Products in the room for washing were all top of the line. Service was exceptional; always someone available to help. I am saving the best for last; the food at this ryokan was beautifully prepared and presented. We had both the Kaiseki and Kaname dinners and each was a wonderful dining experience accompanied by excellent wines. As long as you arrive expecting a ryokan experience rather than a more typical hotel experience, you will not be disappointed. This was a 5 star experience for us.

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“Perfect- a traditional feel but with modern touches and 5-star service”

The property was beautiful and immaculate, the service was perfect, and the owner was a fabulous, generous and warm host whom we enjoyed meeting, very much. His selection of incredible fashion and art books in the rooms was an added bonus. And the Kaiseki tasting menu experience was superb. Highly… more

The property was beautiful and immaculate, the service was perfect, and the owner was a fabulous, generous and warm host whom we enjoyed meeting, very much. His selection of incredible fashion and art books in the rooms was an added bonus. And the Kaiseki tasting menu experience was superb. Highly recommended!

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“Captured My Heart”

Our first time in Japan (family of 4 adults), staying at this lovely Kanamean Nishitomiya ryokan was a big reason why Japan captured my heart. I didn't know what to expect -- and surely, there were lots of surprises, all of the wonderfully pleasant kinds! I loved the private gardens that were ten… more

Our first time in Japan (family of 4 adults), staying at this lovely Kanamean Nishitomiya ryokan was a big reason why Japan captured my heart. I didn't know what to expect -- and surely, there were lots of surprises, all of the wonderfully pleasant kinds! I loved the private gardens that were tended just for your view, the whimsical figurines discreetly placed here and there, the food!, and more... The hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Nishida was unparalleled to anything we've ever quite experienced before -- their generosity, excellent taste, individual attention, and elegant manners inspired us and showed us what superior hospitality looks and feels like. It is no wonder they earned a Michelin star in service! I VERY, VERY STRONGLY recommend reserving to eat in-house their traditional Japanese breakfast AND kaiseki dinner! And we just loved coming and going from here as we explored Kyoto... soaking in the hot hinoki bath every night, sleeping on the floor (so comfortable!), padding about on the mat floors, and sipping some green tea while admiring the garden and craftsmanship of the Japanese structures and furniture in our room... all infused the senses of the Japanese culture and really made us feel present and a part of the country. By the way, as a first time visitor to Japan, I really enjoyed learning about Japanese crafts and wood joinery (at the Museum of Traditional Crafts), which made me appreciate so much more the space that we called home for 4 nights. Or perhaps it is the other way around -- because I stayed at this traditional inn, I was able to appreciate learning about Japanese crafts and joinery that much more! Thank you, Kaneman Nishitomiya!!!

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