Three Sister's Inn (Annex)
- March 25, 2007
- Rated 3 of 5 by
beyondvoid from Alhambra, California
Three Sister's Inn is currently run by the Yamada sisters, and this ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) has been in the family for 14 generations. The 11pm curfew usually discourages younger travelers from staying at this Japanese-style B&B. However, the friendly sisters and the overall cleanliness of the place makes up for it. The ryokan is located off the Kumano-jinja mae bus station. Walk for about 10-15 minutes into the neighborhood and you'll find the inn. It is close to the Heian-shrine, but still a couple of minutes walk.
The rooms are moderately priced, and I would recommend this for bigger parties and for families. The rooms are tatami-styled, equipped with an a/c - heater, a yukata (Japanese robe), towel, water pitcher, and sightseeing information. Even though the inn looks old and the rooms are not the newest, the tranquility and safety is more than adequate. You are also offered a complimentary Continental breakfast, and if you like, you can also order additional meals from their menu at an extra charge.
There are no dormitory-styled rooms, but again, if you are traveling with another person and don't really mind the curfew, then it would come out cheaper. The second floor has a small sitting area, hot water and tea bags, and sweets are laid out for whenever you need to unwind.
I particularly love the sister's friendliness. They make every effort to make your stay a memorable one. They can speak and understand English well, and often offer maps and sightseeing advice. It is a couple of minutes walk away from the main road and the convenient store, but I love the fact that the ryokan is family-oriented, comfortable, and safe. Some rooms do not come with bathrooms, so you would have to use the showers downstairs (there are only bathrooms on the second floor). It can be an inconvenience for some, but the showers are spotlessly clean.
It made a difference to me that the sisters went out on a limb to offer me traveling advice, tell me stories about Kyoto, and make my stay pleasurable. I'd definitely stay here again.
From journal Tales from the Old Capital - Kyoto
Editor Pick
Three Sisters' Inn in Kyoto
- November 24, 2005
- Rated 5 of 5 by
gwenamon from Toronto, Ontario
The Three Sisters' Inn is located in a quaint residential area, right near Heian-jingu and the Kyoto Municipal Art Museum. Also close by is the Kyoto Handicraft Centre - perfect for souvenir shopping. And the famous Path of Philosophy is also within (a little longer) walking distance. A short walk from the inn is a bus stop that can take you anywhere in Kyoto, given that the bus system is so efficient and easy to follow. (It's better to take the bus rather than the subway to the inn.)
This inn is a ryokan, complete with tatami-matted rooms and futon beds. It's lovely, with a more traditional Japanese feel, and spotless. The service is very friendly and helpful. One example - they watched our many bags for us on our last day. Another time, they were extremely helpful at helping us plan which temples to visit. Yet another time, they made a Japanese phone call to get us some info we needed.
Although breakfast is optional, I loved having the traditional Japanese one before heading out for the day. (An American breakfast was another option.) Plus, each evening, they asked me about my breakfast, since I have food allergies. They were extremely attentive and understanding.
The inn is set in the middle of a traditional, well-tended garden. Some of the breakfast-room tables overlook it, making for a very peaceful way to start the day.
The only drawback is that there is a curfew at 11pm. We found it a little limiting, since we went out with friends.
I highly recommend this inn to people who like to feel more immersed in the culture of where they are, and to people who like a homier, more unique feel.
From journal Two Months in Japan