Tawaraya is a three-century-old Ryokan, set in the heart of Kyoto. Considered as the finest ryokan, not just in Kyoto, but all of Japan, it has been frequented by aristocrats and daimyo from the Edo period, through the Meiji period, and now has a dedicated following of elite Japanese and international guests. The inn prides itself most on its highest standard and famous service, which goes above and beyond that of which is expected ensuring that every guest feel like a royalty.
Showcasing the traditional wabi-sabi aesthetic, the 18 rooms at Tawaraya Ryokan are simple and minimalist, but all are supremely comfortable, with traditional tatami mat floors and huge windows which overlook the ryokan’s beautiful private garden. Rooms have futon beds while some rooms have traditional beds and feature a little sitting area with a work desk. A telephone and a small television are hidden away, so it is easier to forget the strains of your everyday life.
Tawaraya is family owned and run and is a once in a lifetime experience. The ryokan almost always is full but once inside, you feel as if you're the only guest. Breakfasts and dinners are brought to you in your room and the service is simply exceptional. The sublime service is performed by maids whose kimonos reflect, in design theme and colour, the season. If you want to experience traditional Japan in all of its excruciatingly understated splendour, then early booking is highly recommended.
Amenities
24hr Room ServiceConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableGardenMultilingual StaffRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaWi-Fi AvailableStay Tawaraya Ryokan features just 18 comfortable rooms. These are small but elegantly decorated in Japanese architecture. Both the sitting area and the main room overlook a private, enclosed zen garden, screened by sliding doors, covered with shoji screens that allow soft, warm light fall on the floors covered in tatami mats. A large, low lacquered table fills the centre of the main room. Along one wall is a tokonoma, or alcove with hanging scroll and the finest ikebana for contemplation.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at Tawaraya Ryokan but there are no specific facilities for children. However, with personal service, families are very well looked after.
Dine Meals at the Tawaraya are Michelin star quality and both breakfast and dinner are included in the room cost. The day begins with a morning cocktail served by your butler at your bed. Breakfast comes in different courses using some of the freshest and choicest ingredients. Evening Kaiseki is a 5-12 course service and may include Fugo (Japan’s deadly pufferfish) and succulent slices of a whale – all served on ancient lacquerware. This is followed with a relaxing bath and the choicest sake.
Meals at the Tawaraya are Michelin star quality and both breakfast (European or Japanese) and dinner are included in the room cost. The day begins with a morning cocktail served by your butler at your bed followed by breakfast. Kaiseki dinner is a 5-12 course service and includes noodles, sashimi, two soups, a tiny fish served on leaves in a basket, rice, octopus, pickles, three vegetable courses, fruit and tea – all served on ancient lacquerware. There is also a fine choice of sake.
Relax The Tawaraya Ryokan is well stocked with historical artefacts and meticulously curated references to the city so you can learn a lot about Kyoto. There are two libraries (one Japanese and one English) with an impressive collection of books specialising in Japanese art and design. Spa treatments are also available for guests wanting to indulge in a bit of pampering.
Experience The concierge at the Tawaraya are very helpful and will provide the most accurate information of where to go and what to do. In the surrounds is the popular entertainment district of Gion, an area of Kyoto preserved in the style of the Edo period. Set on a hill above Gion, is Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto’s most famous Buddhist temple. To the west is the 17th-century Nijo Castle, built by the founder of the Edo period and further afield is Arashiyama, bamboo forest and a world-class scenic spot.
Location Located in the heart of Kyoto, close to the business district and central shopping district of Shijo-Kawaramachi, within walking distance from the Imperial Palace.
Getting there 12-hour International flight to Tokyo International Airport-Haneda, followed by a 2-hour Shinkansen (bullet train) journey to Kyoto. Tawaraya is 15-minutes by car from the train station.
When to go You can visit Kyoto at any time of year, although the summer, from June to August, can be very hot and humid, and winter can be a little chilly. For the rest of Japan, Spring brings pleasant, warm days, and early April is a good time to view the cherry blossoms. Autumn brings dramatic foliage season, when the parks and green areas of the city mellow into varying hues of orange and red.
Destination
Honshu, Japan
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