Japanese Inn Yoshimizu

Prós: When you travel to Japan, do you go to live and experience society just like it is at home? Or, do you travel to see how life is like in a completely different society? If you agree with the latter statement, then you need to stay in a traditional Japanese Ryokan, instead of the Intercontinental or the Grand Hyatt. The Yoshimizu Inn is a traditional Japanese Ryokan, in one of the most traditional Japanese areas. The hosts are fantastic and do everything to help. Be forewarned that there is not a fancy 5 star restaurant nor a fitness centre with life cycles or a spa. There are tatami rooms, with shared bathrooms....but everything is easily accessible, clean, and very homey.

Contras: While the location is terrific during the day (right beside a park, in the traditional area of Kyoto, in the evening, if you don't know exactly where you are going, it is a bit spooky walking up the hill. I'd suggest a taxi, though some of them don't know this area. But once you see the Inn, during the daylight, it makes it all worthwhile. It is in the prettiest area and this makes up for the evening spookiness.