Hiiragiya vs Matsubaya Ryokan
Matsubaya Inn and Hiiragiya are both endorsed by professionals. On balance, Hiiragiya scores significantly higher than Matsubaya Inn. Hiiragiya ranks #3 in Kyoto with accolades from 9 reviews including Time Out, Hideaway Report and Travel + Leisure.
Hiiragiya
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277 Nakahakusancho, Huyacho Anekoji-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 604-8094
From $904 /night
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Concierge
- Restaurant
- Multilingual
Insight Guides
"A well-known and timeless ryokan, dating from the mid-19th century. Expensive, but a Kyoto experience."
Travel + Leisure
"Among Kyoto’s most illustrious ryokan... this 145-year-old staple includes a kaiseki dinner served in your room."
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Time Out
"Much has been written about Hiiragiya since it opened in 1861, usually rich with superlatives. Along with its cross-street neighbour Tawaraya, it’s considered the city’s greatest ryokan."
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Star Service
"This hostelry is widely acknowledged as one of the best traditional ryokan in Japan, a claim shared with the Tawaraya directly across the narrow street."
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i
Room 14, a favorite of Kawabata, is among the most requested.
Oyster
4.0
"With a history dating back to 1818, the luxury Hiiragiya is a Japanese inn ("ryokan") located in the middle of Kyoto that takes pride in upholding traditional customs."
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Matsubaya Ryokan
Higashinotoin Nishi-iru, Kamijuzuyacho-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 600-8150
From $44 /night
- Free Internet
- Laundry Service
- Laundy Room
- Multilingual
- Air Conditioning
- Fax / photocopying
Insight Guides
"Cosy but highly efficiently run ryokan dating back to the Meiji era. All rooms are Japanese style and the bathing communal."
Fodor's
"You won't find kimono-clad attendants here, but you also won't find wallet-emptying rates."
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Frommer's
"Rooms are mostly Japanese style, with the best overlooking the garden. Also good bets are five Western-style rooms on the fifth floor with kitchenettes and tiny balconies."
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Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"A short walk from Kyoto Station, this newly renovated ryokan has clean, well-kept rooms and a management that is used to foreign guests."
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