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Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, near the Imperial Palace, lies a tranquil oasis that has been serving guests with traditional Japanese hospitality since the post-war era. The Yoshikawa Inn Tempura, a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), is a place where the elegance and nostalgia of old Japan come alive.
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A Glimpse into History
The ryokan is housed in a sukiya-style building, a traditional architectural style usually associated with tea houses. This was once the residence of a wealthy merchant, and its quiet and tasteful ambiance is a stark contrast to the bustling city outside. The ryokan’s garden, known as “Taikoen,” is said to have been designed by Kobori Enshu, a renowned tea master and garden designer from the Edo period. The garden retains some of its Edo period features, offering guests a glimpse into the past.
Exquisite Dining Experience
At Yoshikawa Inn Tempura, the dining experience is as much a part of the stay as the accommodation itself. The ryokan serves kaiseki cuisine, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, with tempura as the centerpiece. The tempura is freshly prepared at a small counter that was once part of a tea room, allowing guests to savor the delicacy as soon as it’s ready.
Comfortable Accommodation
The ryokan offers seven rooms, each with its unique charm and character. The rooms are designed in the traditional Japanese style, with tatami mat flooring and sliding paper doors. The ryokan also offers room service and has made arrangements for guests who prefer not to go out for meals.
Amenities and Services
The ryokan provides a range of amenities including shampoo, conditioner, body soap, towels, a toothbrush set, a comb, a shower cap, a hairdryer, and a shaving kit. While the ryokan does not allow pets, it has partnered with a pet salon next door, “Rupicom,” to cater to guests traveling with their furry friends.
Location and Accessibility
The ryokan is conveniently located within a 5-minute walk from the Kyoto City Hall subway station and a 7-minute walk from the Karasuma Oike subway station. It’s about a 15-minute taxi ride from Kyoto Station. For those driving, the ryokan is approximately 20 minutes from the Kyoto East and Kyoto South exits on the Meishin Expressway. The ryokan offers free parking for guests, with three spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A Warm Welcome Awaits
Guests are warmly welcomed with the traditional Kyoto greeting, “okaeriyasu.” The ryokan’s staff are known for their exceptional service, earning a perfect score in customer reviews. The ryokan also accommodates children, making it a suitable choice for families.
Exploring the Surrounding Area
The ryokan’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring Kyoto. The Imperial Palace and its surrounding gardens are a short walk away, offering a peaceful retreat within the city. Other nearby attractions include the historic Nijo Castle and the vibrant Nishiki Market, known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen.”
Practical Tips for Visitors
While the ryokan offers a serene and relaxing environment, it’s important to note that cancellations are not refunded unless due to natural disasters. Also, even if the ryokan appears fully booked online, it’s worth calling or emailing as cancellations do occur.
Visiting Yoshikawa Inn Tempura is more than just a stay; it’s an immersive experience into Japan’s rich history and culture.
Booking Your Stay
Embarking on a journey to Yoshikawa Inn Tempura involves a unique step – the reservation process. Unlike many accommodations that can be booked through international platforms like Booking.com or Agoda, reservations for this ryokan are exclusively available on ikyu.com, a Japanese website.
While the website does not offer English language support, this should not deter you from experiencing the charm and tranquility of Yoshikawa Inn Tempura. With a little patience and the help of a translation tool, you can navigate through the reservation process with ease.
Google Chrome users can take advantage of the browser’s built-in translation feature to translate the webpage into their preferred language. For detailed instructions on how to change Chrome languages and translate webpages, you can refer to Google’s guide here.
This unique booking process is just the beginning of your unique journey into the heart of traditional Japan at Yoshikawa Inn Tempura.
