Guest House Waraku-an
- March 25, 2007
- Rated 2 of 5 by
beyondvoid from Alhambra, California
Waraku-an is located off Heian Shrine in eastern Kyoto. About a 5-minute (or less) walk from Kumano-jinja mae bus station, Waraku-an is quietly nestled in between shops and cafés.
The inn was remodeled from an old Japanese-style house, and although dimly lit, its rustic, almost Zen-like atmosphere gives it its charm. The dormitory is tatami-styled, separated by genders, and fitted with about five futons. Although there is a enough space in between the futons to lay your backpacks down, there is little privacy left as the room is small and little space is left for walking when all five futons are laid out. There is a second floor reserved for larger parties, also tatami-style.
Because the inn is old, the sliding doors make too much noise, you can hear people laughing and talking from the thin walls, and the creaking floor-boards mean that everyone will know when you are going to the restroom. The positive side to it is that is inexpensive, is run by a nice French-man, and is a delight when hanging out in its tiny garden and living room. Plus, it has 24-hour Internet connection, no curfew, has an inexpensive café/bar, and just a stone-throw's away from a supermarket.
I would recommend Waraku-an for its charm and convenience, and for bigger parties. And if you are traveling alone, don't mind the occasional noise, and enjoy the Zen-like and rustic interior design, then go for this inn.
From journal Tales from the Old Capital - Kyoto