WINTER IN KYOTO
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| Many aficionados of Kyoto (including many of us at The Ryokan Collection) consider winter their favorite season in this ancient city. The hordes of tourists that usually jam the city taper off and snow blankets the ancient streets to lend the city a peaceful and mysterious ambience. Winter is the time of special seasonal events in Kyoto. Hanatoro ("flower and light road") kicks off winter at the beginning of December, as thousands of lanterns are set out throughout the Arashiyama district in the center of Kyoto. Many temples and shrines are illuminated and street performances are held, lending a unique atmosphere to the city. There's another Hanatoro in March, heralding the arrival of spring. In addition, the Hatsu Kobo feast days on the 21st of every month are popular events for the locals. |
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During Shogatsu, the year-end celebration, Kyoto's temples and shrines host celebrations as local people congregate and bells ring out all over the city to welcome the new year. One notable place to experience this is at Chion-in Temple, which boasts Japan's largest bell. When February rolls around, Kyotoites celebrate Setsubun, a ceremony to drive away demons, and the plum blossoms suddenly burst into bloom to signal that the end of winter is near. Of course Kyotoites, never ones to miss an opportunity for a party, celebrate this harbinger of spring with a variety of festivals, including the Bai-kasai (plum blossom festival) at Kitano Shrine. Above all, winter is the season to enjoy the pleasures of traditional Japanese "omotenashi," or the art of hospitality. It's the season when the "ofuro," or Japanese-style bath, is especially welcome, and the variety of local seasonal foods provides a never-ending source of culinary pleasure. And in the evening at your ryokan, after a long soak in your onsen bath and an outstanding meal, nice and cozy in your futon, you drift off to sleep, continuing a long and treasured history of comfort and hospitality. |
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| Our Ryokan in Kyoto | |
| The Ryokan Collection has four member ryokan within Kyoto close to the action - Gion Hatenaka (whose onsen is rated as the best in Kyoto), Hiragiya, Seikoro and Sumiya. | |
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GION-HATANAKA Walking up the stone stairway to the entrance of Gion Hatanaka, you immediately see that this ryokan celebrates the very expression of Japanese style. It is located in the heart of Higashiyama, right next to Yasaka Shrine, yet it is so secluded that you forget where you are. The tranquility of this estate will transcend you to a state of complete relaxation. Gion Hatanaka's personal service and care are qualities that make their hospitality so memorable. Factsheet Area : Kyoto Name of Ryokan : GION-HATANAKA Address : Yasaka-Jinjya, Minamimon-mae, Gion, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi 605-0074 Total Number of Rooms : 21 Meeting/Conference Facilities : NO Check-In Time : 14:00 Check-Out Time : 11:00 Credit Card : Visa , Diners , Amex , JCB For more information, click here |
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HIIRAGIYA Hiiragiya, located in heart of Kyoto, takes great pride in preserving the tradition and culture of Japan. It offers modern-day amenities, without disregarding the aesthetic considerations of the past. Each designed with its own unique motif, the 30 rooms display quintessential Japanese elegance and sophistication. Some rooms feature lacquered bathrooms and others are fitted with marble or tile. Tokens of the past are represented by works of art, such as painted screens or ink paintings. It really is like stepping back in time. Factsheet Area : Kyoto Name of Ryokan : HIIRAGIYA Address : Nakahakusancho, Fuyacho Anekoji-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi 604-8094 Total Number of Rooms : 28 Meeting/Conference Facilities : NO Check-In Time : 15:00 Check-Out Time : 11:00 For more information, click here |
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SEIKORO This enchanting ryokan was built in 1831. Upon arrival, you will come upon a captivating entrance. This will lead you to a very uniquely decorated parlor where you will find both rare Japanese and Western antiques on display. Located east of the Kamo River, the gardens of this well-known ryokan has abundant lush greenery. The garden is a perfect outlet that promotes total well-being. Factsheet Area : Kyoto Name of Ryokan : SEIKORO Address : Nishi Tachibana Cho 467 Tonya-machi Dori, Gojo-sagaru 3 choume, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi 605-0907 Total Number of Rooms : 22 Check-In Time : 15:00 Check-Out Time : 10:30 Credit Card : Visa , Diners , Amex , JCB For more information, click here |
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SUMIYA Sumiya is an excellent choice when planning a trip to Kyoto. Located near the heart of the main sightseeing areas, Sumiya is a very authentic style ryokan and has been in business for 100 years. It has seen three generations of owners. Sumiya is a very inviting ryokan. There is a fusuma (Japanese sliding door) so you immediately feel as though you are visiting an old traditional Japanese home. Priceless Japanese antiques representing times past can be seen throughout the residence. Sumiya's authenticity expresses a quiet charm that is very welcoming. Sumiya also has many tea rooms, and Gyokutoan is a particularly well known one. Factsheet Area : SUMIYA Name of Ryokan : HIIRAGIYA Address : Sanjo-sagaru, Fuyacho, Nakagyo-ku, kyoto-shi 604-8075 Total Number of Rooms : 20 Check-In Time : 15:00 Check-Out Time : 10:30 Credit Card : Visa , Diners , Amex , JCB For more information, click here |
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For more information and queries, please visit www.ryokancollection.com or contact our concierge at info@ryokancollection.com or +81 3 6824 1015.
