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.

Extremely satisfied with my stay! The location is excellent with convenient transportation. The room was clean and hygienic, the bedding was comfortable, and the soundproofing was also good. The service was warm and attentive, and check-in and check-out were efficient. Overall, it offers great value for money. Five-star rating, highly recommended to everyone.

This is a very Japanese-style hotel, with the onsen (hot spring) being a major highlight. The water quality is excellent, and the facilities are complete. They really go above and beyond with the amenities, offering Japanese sweets and mini ice creams, and even ramen in the evenings. The common areas on each floor are very elegantly designed, and there are massage chairs tucked away around the corner for post-onsen relaxation.

My family and I all loved this place so much! This place is very authentic and surely gave a different experience. It’s definitely worth the money as you get welcome drinks, supper like ramen and ice creams and yogurts and also massage chairs

This traditional onsen hotel is very spacious, and the rooms are also quite large, maintaining the charm of a classic hotel. The hot spring baths are incredibly comfortable, and the breakfast is abundant (especially the freshly baked French croissants, served warm, which I paired with red bean paste and cheese – absolutely heavenly, I had three and still wanted more!). The polite service from the staff was truly delightful. Most of the guests were ********* tour groups and Japanese independent travelers. If you're visiting Miyazu, this is definitely the onsen hotel to choose; it's an unparalleled option for great value for money.

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.