my corner room had sliding glass floor-to-ceiling doors that looked out/opened to an absolutely private,perfect japanese garden--which,along with the amazing service, was definitely the best part of staying at this wonderful inn. for anyone with an appreciation for the japanese aesthetic, it doesn't get any better than hiiragiya. altho there were some changes from my previous visit 9 years ago(wi-fi... More

First time to Kyoto and chose to stay at local Ryokan (Japanese inn). This is the best choice I have ever made to this hotel. Hotel is managed by a family business since 1818 or 195 years ago. It gives a true sense of Japanese since we step in. Local welcome procedure, very friendly staff and greetings, authentic Japanese tea.... More

OK, be prepared, a stay here is deeply frightening. Staff are welcoming, all very friendly, but you feel this is real Japan, and real Japan is more foreign than any other country I have been to. Do read up beforehand about what it involves, as otherwise the bathing, dinner garb, laying out and clearing away of futons, etc would be... More

My husband and I spend only one night at the Inn, but we enjoyed the experience. The ladies who take care of your every need are so gracious. My one word of warning: you will be served a typical Japanese dinner (what they consider haute cuisine). Unfortunately, my husband and I had already had an 'authentic' Japanese lunch. If you... More

We stayed for two nights which was perfect. The room was extremely comfortable and the kaiseki dinner on our first night was amazing. Service was impeccable. Staff really tried to highlight the best places to visit in the city (with some very helpful hints of places we might not have otherwise visited). And the lady looking after us in the... More

more than one reason.....one nearly must regret writing about a ryokan so perfect, so dedicated, so traditional. in a near-perfect world one looks for perfection.... stroll the marble sidewalks of kyoto --if you see the engraved inscription of 'bike-dori' you may have strayed onto the bike path...and there it is: the unassuming Hiiragiya, that place for which you may need... More

This was my first experience at a ryokan. We stayed in a room in the new wing which was clean and quite big. Lovely little bathroom (quite traditional in terms of the bathtub). The service was great and the food was fantastic. I liked that there was the option for a Japanese breakfast. The meals were probably one of my... More

This old world ryokan is on a very busy intersection (a six lane road at the north side) and, while steeped in history, didn't deliver on the level of expectation attached to the price. The "love" is missing from this place. Enjoy Kyoto - it's an amazing city, but save your ryokan experience for a property which will deliver on... More

We spent 2 nights at this Ryokan after reading countless positive reviews online and in travel guides. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, but after experiencing other Ryokans I realized that the Hiiragiya was overpriced, and this is why I gave this Ryokan 4 stars instead of 5. The rooms were lovely, bedding clean and cozy and the helpful attendants... More