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Shiraume vs Hiiragiya

Both hotels are endorsed by travel writers. On balance, Hiiragiya scores significantly better than Shiraume. Hiiragiya ranks #3 in Kyoto with approval from 9 reviewers such as Frommer's, Star Service and Fodor's.

Shiraume
Shiraume
7 / 10
Shirakawa-hotori, Shinbashi-dori, Gionmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
From $0 /night
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Hot Tub
  • Free Internet
  • Room Service
  • Free Breakfast
  • Laundry Service
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Concierge Concierge
"Though less rarefied and far less expensive than Tawaraya, Shiraume ryokan...is poised on a picturesque canal. ... It's ridiculously charming--especially in spring."
i
When you reserve, ask for the ground-floor room with the garden view.
Oyster Oyster
Upper-middle-range
"This upper-middle-range property offers a beautiful setting, and eight rooms with traditional features like sliding doors, tatami mats, and futons spread out on the floors." Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top choice
"Looking out over the Shirakawa Canal in Shimbashi, a lovely street in Gion, this ryokan offers excellent location, atmosphere and service." Full review
Hiiragiya
Hiiragiya
8 / 10
277 Nakahakusancho, Huyacho Anekoji-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 604-8094
From $904 /night
  • Hot Tub
  • Free Internet
  • Room Service
  • Concierge
  • Restaurant
  • Multilingual
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Insight Guides Insight Guides
"A well-known and timeless ryokan, dating from the mid-19th century. Expensive, but a Kyoto experience."
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"Among Kyoto’s most illustrious ryokan... this 145-year-old staple includes a kaiseki dinner served in your room." Full review
Time Out 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." Full review
Star Service 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." Full review
i
Room 14, a favorite of Kawabata, is among the most requested.
Oyster 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." Full review
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