Please help narrow down hotel choice

Question

We are a family of 3, traveling with 8 y/o, so need a bigger room. I would also like this part of our vacation to have more of a traditional Japanese feel, so thinking of staying closer or in Gion area. Here are my top contenders so far:

- Gion Elite Terrace - very good reviews, friendly English-speaking staff; we can get a room with beds + futon to try Japanese bedding out without having to use it the whole time if it doesn't work out too well; we can either save some $ or splurge on a sauna room

- Hotel Gion Misen - great reviews, by the river, a bit higher cost but still within budget

- Machiya Maya Gion - 2 bedroom unit, looks beautiful but reviews are mixed on true size and comfort; most expensive

- Miramu Kyoto Nishinotoin Takatsuji - not as close to Gion; great reviews; more affordable unless we go for Pokemon room (but not true fans)

Also considering RESI STAY Gojozaka and Tsubaki appartments for price and pretty good reviews

Do any of these stand out for location or neighborhood feel? Any other suggestions?

Thank you!

Shibuyakko · Accepted Answer

Location-wise, Hotel Misen Ginza is by far the best. It's close to the Keihan Line, a subway, and the downtown entertainment area with so many shopping and dining options. And close enough to many attractions in Gion.

A machiya doesn't have a reception so if you need help with something, you're not likely to get it, for example, if your child gets sick.

Miramu Kyoto Nishinotoin Takatsuji and Resi Stay are not convenient.

irina916 · Answer

Thank you so much for helping me narrow it down to two, Dr. Shibuyakko!! I am still considering Gion Elite Terrace because of their bigger rooms, laundry facilities, as well as an option to have a sauna in our own room but the walk to the subway station does seem to be 8 min vs. 4 min from Hotel Gion Misen... or is the area itself around Gion Misen much better?

Shibuyakko · Answer

If you like the room and facilities at the Elite Terrace, stay there, and expect to walk longer to subway/train stations and when you dine out. It's close to many pretty sites, though, such as Higashiyama Walk, Kenninji Temple (highly recommend it) Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, etc. The Misen is farther away from these sites but close to the actions and subway/train stations.

Global715255 · Answer

Have you seen the movie? It looks like renting a house.

https://www.machiyamayagion.com/

Gion is not actually convenient to get around to other parts of the City. Also there are many one way streets so taxis could make a lot of detours there. If you would like to use public transportation, maybe getting some other candidates closer to a station might be better.

Edited: 1:47 pm, May 08, 2024

Shibuyakko · Answer

The Misen is not really in Gion. At least the locals don't call that area Gion. It's 5-6 minutes to Sanjo and Sanjo Keihan stations where you can access the subway Tozai Line and Keihan Line. It's close to the actions too so it is a fairly convenient location.

Machiya stay with a small kid is not recommended. There was a poster who was seeking help for her sick child not long time ago. She eventually got help at their hotel but you cannot expect any help staying in a machiya. I always worry about people getting sick-occupational hazard 😅

irina916 · Answer

Thank you so much for clarifying, that makes me feel better about Gion Elite Terrace... curious though what is considered Gion proper?

We're used to walking a lot on our travels, so 8-10 min to metro shouldn't be a problem for us. Really want this part of the stay to have a more traditional Japanese feel (will be staying in more modern downtown-like areas in Tokyo and Osaka).

As for medications, are children's tylenol and ibuprofen easy to find or should I bring my own just in case?

Please help narrow down hotel choice - Kyoto Forum

Please help narrow down hotel choice

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