Hotel Hot Springs di Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

We stayed here for a family trip over Children's Day in May. Banyan Tree is such a renowned brand even in Korea, so I had high expectations when I booked our stay. However, we were hoping for a mountain view, but instead, we got a cemetery view – and on a dark, rainy night, it was quite enough to give us nightmares. If you're looking for a relaxing experience, like soaking in a Japanese cypress (hinoki) bathtub, you'll be satisfied, but I have to say the view was extremely disappointing. On the positive side, the Japanese tatami room vibe was very pleasing, and the aroma oil program at the spa was really interesting.

Great hotel room, spacious and comfortable . Beds were soft and the toilet was big with two separate places to shower , sink and the toilet itself . Remember to close the window of the bathtub otherwise people can see you taking a shower (even it is far distance).  The onsen was great with sauna, cold onsen, outdoor natural hot springs and indoor.  The negative point is that every floor they have smoking área and the smell of cigarette was in my room every night . We had to turn on the a/c and the air purifier and in the next day ask staff to keep the windows opened for ventilation . The location is privileged just ten minutes walking from the train station.   There are supermarkets nearby and it is quite convenient to eat around , with meals of all ranges of prices .

One of my favorite hotels ever ♨️ This has to be one of the most comfortable hotels I've ever stayed in 🥹 During my stay, there were so many thoughtful complimentary services: popsicles, Yakult, coffee, matcha, and even free shoyu ramen for a late-night snack (though I found it a bit hard to appreciate – just salty, but you could take it back to your room 😂). The public bath is truly massive and incredibly clean. The room even thoughtfully provides a small basket 🧺 specifically for hot springs, perfect for holding towels and personal items. Downstairs, you can pick up beautiful bathrobes to wear for photos after your dip, and there are also hotel casual clothes in the room. There are 4 private baths in total, and you rarely have to wait in the morning or late at night. They offer great privacy and an excellent experience. The room has a wonderful classic Japanese feel, and for a hotel in Japan, it's remarkably spacious. It felt a bit luxurious for just one person 😂, the space is genuinely large. My favorite part is that the shower and toilet are separate, which is incredibly convenient for family trips. Breakfast was also a real surprise, with an incredibly rich selection: sashimi, roasted pork, salmon, wagyu curry, and a wide variety of other dishes. I was so full after eating that it lasted until evening 🤣. All the staff were also very polite and enthusiastic. This time, I'm especially grateful to the staff for helping me book the bus to Kansai Airport, which saved me a lot of hassle. The price is indeed a bit high 😂, but overall, the experience felt truly worth it. Some hotels you might stay at and just move on, but this is the kind of place where, once you've stayed, you'll want to come back again. I stayed alone this time, but next time I definitely want to bring my sister back to fully enjoy the hot springs, breakfast, and the leisurely pace here. ♨️🧺❤️ I will definitely be back.

Extremely satisfied. I've stayed here multiple times, even making it a point to visit Kyoto just for this hotel. It's conveniently located, making it easy to get anywhere. It's clean and tidy, and the service is attentive and warm. Plus, I simply love hotels with hot springs. The late-night noodles are a fun touch too.

The buffet was quite crowded, offering a wide variety of food. The coin-operated laundry machines and smoking area were well-equipped. The room amenities included everything except a razor. You can wear yukata and slippers throughout the hotel, and there's a great drink bar available in the evening.

Excellent location in Central Kyoto, right in the heart of shopping district, plenty of food options, and a short walk to Gion on the East. Very near to Hankyu train station that goes to Osaka Umeda. Staff were so friendly, always smiling and ready to assist. Rooms on the smaller side, not sure if it's the layout that made it feel more cramped, but Japan hotel rooms are generally like that. Best thing about this hotel is the open air natural hot spring! Amazing view of the mountains and you can even see Kiyomizu Dera temple in the distance. The water temperature was also not burning hot like some other public baths. There are complimentary drinks (including alcohol) on the rooftop terrace everyday from 4.30 to 6pm. Also free drinks from coffee machine all day in the lounge. I did not take hotel breakfast as I saw it is only simple bento box instead of buffet, so you can get better food outside.

My Kyoto trip was particularly satisfying with this Kyoto townhouse. It had a garden, a private hot spring bath, and was brimming with Japanese charm. The breakfasts were especially delightful, with a wide variety and different dishes each day. After breakfast, there was also a traditional Kyoto matcha and carefully selected sweets; the owner even patiently explained the proper way to drink the matcha. It's a bit far from the subway, but there are several bus stops nearby, making it quite convenient. Strolling along Kyoto's charming streets and discovering hidden gems of little shops was also a delightful experience.

Facilities: You have to walk through an alley to find the hotel entrance. Upon entering, you pass by the staff area. The lobby environment, facing a small courtyard, is quite pleasant. However, the quality of the Otowa Hall is mediocre. They claim to offer complimentary soft drinks and snacks, but in reality, there isn't much choice. The coffee machine area was cluttered with used coffee cups, making it look a bit dirty. Service: Hotel check-in time is 3 PM, but I arrived at 2:30 PM after some early shopping. The staff brought out some snacks and even knelt down to meticulously explain the hotel's layout and check-in procedures. Hygiene: I stayed in a Japanese-style room with a tatami mat. Overall, I was quite satisfied with the environment, but the bed sheets had a strong, stale odor. It felt like they weren't changed between guests... even perfume couldn't cover the smell. Overall, I felt this hotel prioritizes formality. The internal quality still has room for improvement!

This Japanese-style guesthouse is very authentic. It has an open-air hot spring bath and the meals feature a delicious miso hot pot with plenty of vegetables. We visited during cherry blossom season, so it was crowded, but the customer service team was very helpful and actively assisted us in finding a better room type, which we really appreciated! It's surrounded by forest, and we heard that in autumn and winter, there are bear families around, but the owner seems quite used to it!

Our recent stay at Ujo Soan was, without exaggeration, the finest hospitality experience I have encountered in my 20 years of traveling across Japan. From the moment we arrived, the level of service was nothing short of superb. There are three highlights that made our stay truly unforgettable: 1. Exceptional Culinary Surprise: We were deeply touched by the hotel's generosity in providing a complimentary upgrade to the prestigious ”Tsuiyama Blue Label Crab” set. The quality of the crab and the meticulous preparation were world-class—a true gastronomic journey. 2. Breathtaking Sunset Views: Spending time at the Lounge ”AO” on the 8th floor of Bettei Fuka was a spiritual experience. Watching the sunset over the Kyotango coastline with a drink in hand is a memory we will cherish forever. 3. Outstanding Service (Sakura-san): A special mention must go to Sakura-san. Her professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail were exemplary. She anticipated our every need and represents the very best of Japanese Omotenashi. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Yasuhiko Okita and the General Manager, Mr. Nakanishi, for maintaining such an incredible standard of excellence. If you are looking for a sanctuary that combines luxury, nature, and heartfelt service, Ujo Soan is the only choice. We cannot wait to return.