Matsui Honkan

The staff very friendly and sweet. The Japanese breakfast was ok! But we aren’t used to it. We still enjoyed the experience. When you leave, the owners hold a banner outside and wave goodbye. Absolutely loved this! My kids and I felt so loved and though I don’t understand what it meant. I figured they were wishing us a safe trip. Very sweet! Lovely ryokan and onsen was great.

We chose this ryokan as it was central in Kyoto, had an onsen and looked traditional, and offered a kaiseki meal. It exceeded our expectations for a traditional stay. The room was simply and tastefully decorated in Japanese style. We loved using the onsen, our first in Japan, and used the provided kimonos and instructions on how to use it so we did not offend anyone. We took advantage of having the kaiseki dinner meal in our room, which was excellent - come very hungry as there is so much food. It is a real experience to have this dinner, the attendants set up the food in each dish so beautifully, there was such attention to detail, some of the food cooked at the table as we were having other courses. It was wonderful, showed the respect and care the Japanese have towards food. The attendants were so humble and kind, always showing deference and bowing as they left the room (this must be a cultural behaviour in ryokans). The beds were made up after dinner with speed, we slept on futons and they were incredibly comfortable. My husband thought we would be cold but we were not, the best sleep ever. The breakfast was also huge and delicious, another wonderful experience of eating beautifully presented and delicious food. We took advantage of a late breakfast and the check out of 10am. Every person in the ryokan was helpful and excellent. Highly recommend.

The futons were very comfortable and the room was very clean. Breakfast was served to the room and was very delicious. The items were varied over the 2 meals we had, which was good. The bathroom was large and spacious, and the room was spacious as well. They also have a public bath but we didn't use that. If you want to have dinner at the Ryokan as well, you have to inform them after you make your booking and it will be a separate charge on top of the booking price to pay on arrival.

We had a wonderful experience from start to finish. The staff greeted us with matcha tea and let us up to our traditional ryokan room. The futons are actually extremely comfortable and they have extra pillows/duvets etc in the cupboard if you need it. The room was large for Japan and also has everything you need like tea/kettle facilities and a good hairdryer. The onsen was also a lovely experience and you’re provided with traditional robes to wear.

So gracious and clean. The breakfast was amazing and the hosts were wonderful. The little details made it special and prime location. The onsen was private and peaceful. We went peak cherry blossom and tourist season and rarely saw anyone else. I went to onsen daily and no one else using in morning. My husband went evening and no one there.