Kyoto, Japan｜Yamabana Heihachi Jaya

Stayed here for one night but wished we had stayed for more! It's an absolute gem of a place, from the whole historic site, vibes, beautiful rooms, exceptional view to the super friendly and helpful people running the ryokan. I believe there's only 4 or 5 rooms available and we were blessed to be able to book one. Each room has an incredible river view and we got to have an amazing gastronomical feast in a private dining room, also with the amazing river view. And the food! I'm not sure how to even use words to describe the absolutely delicious kaiseki dinner! I read that this ryokan is run by a family of chefs that's handed down generation after generation for the past 400 years! So the food is definitely as authentic as you can get. Oh and speaking about service, even the owner's wife came over to greet us personally during dinner. A very humbling and personal experience! It's such a beautiful sensory place that you can only truly enjoy by being there! Will definitely be back again!

This is a 400+ year old, historic, high-end ryokan and restaurant located in northern Kyoto. The courses are traditional Kyoto style cooking, so it’s mostly vegetables and some fish. The food, service, and grounds are wonderful. The gardens are are an attraction themselves, and all of the dining rooms have a view. The gardens have even been used for a Kimono catalog photo shoot.

Staying here has been my favourite experience so far. The place is more beautiful than you can ever imagine, the ladies who run it are so kind and helpful and the kaiseki and breakfast were absolutely amazing. Even as someone who is a little fussy, everything was tasty and you could see how much thought was put into every little piece of food. It was our wedding anniversary and they presented us with gifts and wished us eternal love ☺ The bath and sauna felt great after our day of climbing to the top of fushimi inari and the river outside our window helped us fall asleep quickly. The futon was extremely comfy and warm. Everything was spotlessly clean and we were given everything we needed. Please bear in mind that although the showers and baths are communal, there is a toilet for each room and a sink is situated by the window behind the sliding screens. I will absolutely recommend this ryokan to anyone who will listen!!! Please don't miss out on this beautiful experience. About getting there - please take the number 17 bus heading to Ohara from Kyoto bus station, stand C3. It will cost 230円 and the stop called Heihachizen is literally on the doorstep.