I have been to many great hotels in my day- Danieli in Venice, Stafford in London, Mauna Kea on Hawaii, etc., but this is a whole different thing. After 7 gruesome days in Tokyo and a stay at the supposed best hotel in the world, the Park Hyatt, I was counting down the days and wondering why on earth I... More

Not much to say that hasn't been said by others, however as a family traveling with kids 5 and 9 I wanted to express the extra kindness and warmth Tomoko and her staff showed to our children. I bet they *don't* see a lot of American kids at a place like this, and we worried that we might not be... More

nice hotel good value for money very polite people

The expression on the taxi drivers face when we asked him to take us to Shiraume Ryokan told us that this was something special. The best Ryokan in Japan he said. Having nothing to compare it with, we are unable to confirm that statement, however our experience was fantastic. We had a small suite overlooking the canal, enjoyed the most... More

This traditional ryokan is in the heart of Gion, but definitely not a tourist trap - there were Japanese guests staying as well and this is truly a traditional, 5-star equivalent experience. It overlooks a peaceful canal and if you are lucky enough to be there during cherry blossom season, you will see a beautiful sweep of trees lining the... More

Our two-night stay in Shiraume was one of the highlights of our three weeks in Japan. Shiraume is a beautiful 100 year old house on a picturesque street which almost made us feel like we had stepped back in time. The property was very clean and fitted out with modern facilities while retaining its historical character. Hospitality was outstanding in... More

This was our second visit to Shiraume. It is simply outstanding - the staff can not do enough for you and it is service of the highest standard. The food is beautiful and the rooms are authentic and spacious (bigger than most Japanese hotel rooms). We will definitely be back again and again - it is the perfect location for... More

We stayed in the Umesono room for 2 nights in January. Getting to the ryokan was pretty swift in a cab from the station; perhaps a 20 minute ride (approx. ¥1200). The location is a peaceful corner of Gion, next to the Shirakawa canal – the Umesono room overlooks the canal. It felt well placed for walks around the older... More

From speaking with Tomoko via email to make our booking through to the day we left every single thing about Shiraume is outstanding. Its everything a westerner could ever hope for in experiencing traditional Japanese hospitality. Our room was fabulous - we spent the first hour after checking in just walking around our living space, beautiful private onsen and cosy... More