Pros

  • In charming Gion district, within walking distance of many sights
  • Rooms in traditional Japanese or Western style, or a combination of both
  • Well-equipped rooms with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, fridges, kettles
  • On-site French restaurant
  • Traditional Kyoto-style or Western breakfast available (for a fee)
  • Rooftop terrace with city views
  • Rental bicycles available
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout
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Cons

  • Western rooms have bland decor
  • Japanese-style bathrooms can be awkward for some guests
  • Breakfast is charged extra
See More Cons

Bottom Line

The best thing about the 25-room Maifukan is its location in the center of romantic and historic Gion, within walking distance of several tourist sights. Though advertised as an upscale hotel, it's closer to mid-range decor here is bland and outdated. The traditional Japanese-style guest rooms offer more charm and atmosphere than the drab Western-style ones, but the plastic prefab Japanese-style bathrooms are a disappointment. The on-site French restaurant is a highlight, and the traditional Kyoto-style breakfast (for a fee) gets enthusiastic reviews. Travelers not fussy about location should compare rates at the upscale Westin Miyako Kyoto, which features indoor and outdoor pools, several on-site restaurants, a spa, gym, tennis courts, and a Japanese garden. 

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Internet

Oyster Hotel Review

Maifukan

Scene

Tidy hotel popular with vacationing couples and families

Maifukan is located on a charming lane of traditional wooden buildings, occupying a three-story red brick corner building. Though well-maintained and tidy, the lobby area is uninspiring. Little effort has been made to make the space more welcoming, and the decor is dated, with a retro-style striped carpet, bulky wooden sofa, and two large wooden swivel chairs making up the small seating area. A mirror along one wall creates an impression that the space is bigger than it actually is. Most guests staying here are traveling as couples or families. 

See More Scene

Location

Located in the middle of charming, historic Gion

Maifukan is on a quiet lane leading to Yasaka Shrine, a five-minute walk away. This historic area is known as the “geisha district” and is made up of small streets lined with traditional wooden buildings, Japanese restaurants, and tea houses. The hotel is within easy walking distance of several tourist attractions, including Kiyomizu Temple and Maruyama Park, as well as convenience stores, cafes, and coin-operated laundry facilities.

  • Five-minute walk to Yasaka Shrine
  • Six-minute walk to Maruyama Park
  • 11-minute walk to Gion Shijo station
  • 13-minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera temple
  • 12 minutes to Nishiki Market by public transit
  • 20 minutes to Kyoto train station by public transit
  • 29 minutes to Kyoto Imperial Palace by public transit
  • 30 minutes to Nijo Castle by public transit
  • 32 minutes to Ginkaku-ji Temple (the Silver Pavilion) by public transit
  • 45 minutes to Ryoan-ji Temple by public transit
  • 46 minutes to Kinkaku-ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion) by public transit
  • One hour and 44 minutes to Kansai International Airport by train
See More Location

Rooms

A variety of rooms in Japanese, Western, or mixed styles

Guests at Maifukan can choose between three different styles of guest rooms: Western, Japanese, or a combination of both. Compared to the bland decor of the Western-style rooms, the Japanese rooms and their screened doors and windows, traditional tatami mats, and futon mattress beds offer more character and a more unusual experience. During the day, these rooms can be used as a living space. There are low tables and floor seating on legless chairs with seat backs. Built-in closets store the futon mattresses that are laid out on the floor at night as bedding. Some rooms have small balconies. The combination Japanese- and Western-style rooms are actually suites made up of a bedroom with beds, and a separate tatami room, making them ideal for families. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Other useful amenities include mini-fridges, electric kettles, free mineral water, and room slippers. All the bathrooms are Japanese-style, which means they're fitted with prefabricated plastic sinks and small plastic bathtubs with a shower nozzle next to the tub. Some guests find the Japanese-style bathrooms awkward because there's no way to stand under the shower nozzle, which is used only to rinse off. 

See More Rooms

Features

On-site French restaurant, buffet breakfast service, and rooftop terrace

The most notable feature at Maifukan is the on-site restaurant, Mavo, located on the second floor of the hotel. The buffet breakfast (for a fee) is served here and guests can choose between the traditional Kyoto-style breakfast (Obanzai) or a Western-style breakfast. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and serves French cuisine and a large selection of wines. Other features include a rooftop terrace with views over the rooftops, a smoking room, drink vending machines, and a shop selling leather bags on the ground floor. Bicycle rentals and in-room massages are available as well. A computer corner with a laptop for guest use is available in the lobby, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. 

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Maifukan

Scene

Tidy hotel popular with vacationing couples and families

Maifukan is located on a charming lane of traditional wooden buildings, occupying a three-story red brick corner building. Though well-maintained and tidy, the lobby area is uninspiring. Little effort has been made to make the space more welcoming, and the decor is dated, with a retro-style striped carpet, bulky wooden sofa, and two large wooden swivel chairs making up the small seating area. A mirror along one wall creates an impression that the space is bigger than it actually is. Most guests staying here are traveling as couples or families. 

See More Scene

Location

Located in the middle of charming, historic Gion

Maifukan is on a quiet lane leading to Yasaka Shrine, a five-minute walk away. This historic area is known as the “geisha district” and is made up of small streets lined with traditional wooden buildings, Japanese restaurants, and tea houses. The hotel is within easy walking distance of several tourist attractions, including Kiyomizu Temple and Maruyama Park, as well as convenience stores, cafes, and coin-operated laundry facilities.

  • Five-minute walk to Yasaka Shrine
  • Six-minute walk to Maruyama Park
  • 11-minute walk to Gion Shijo station
  • 13-minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera temple
  • 12 minutes to Nishiki Market by public transit
  • 20 minutes to Kyoto train station by public transit
  • 29 minutes to Kyoto Imperial Palace by public transit
  • 30 minutes to Nijo Castle by public transit
  • 32 minutes to Ginkaku-ji Temple (the Silver Pavilion) by public transit
  • 45 minutes to Ryoan-ji Temple by public transit
  • 46 minutes to Kinkaku-ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion) by public transit
  • One hour and 44 minutes to Kansai International Airport by train
See More Location

Rooms

A variety of rooms in Japanese, Western, or mixed styles

Guests at Maifukan can choose between three different styles of guest rooms: Western, Japanese, or a combination of both. Compared to the bland decor of the Western-style rooms, the Japanese rooms and their screened doors and windows, traditional tatami mats, and futon mattress beds offer more character and a more unusual experience. During the day, these rooms can be used as a living space. There are low tables and floor seating on legless chairs with seat backs. Built-in closets store the futon mattresses that are laid out on the floor at night as bedding. Some rooms have small balconies. The combination Japanese- and Western-style rooms are actually suites made up of a bedroom with beds, and a separate tatami room, making them ideal for families. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Other useful amenities include mini-fridges, electric kettles, free mineral water, and room slippers. All the bathrooms are Japanese-style, which means they're fitted with prefabricated plastic sinks and small plastic bathtubs with a shower nozzle next to the tub. Some guests find the Japanese-style bathrooms awkward because there's no way to stand under the shower nozzle, which is used only to rinse off. 

See More Rooms

Features

On-site French restaurant, buffet breakfast service, and rooftop terrace

The most notable feature at Maifukan is the on-site restaurant, Mavo, located on the second floor of the hotel. The buffet breakfast (for a fee) is served here and guests can choose between the traditional Kyoto-style breakfast (Obanzai) or a Western-style breakfast. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and serves French cuisine and a large selection of wines. Other features include a rooftop terrace with views over the rooftops, a smoking room, drink vending machines, and a shop selling leather bags on the ground floor. Bicycle rentals and in-room massages are available as well. A computer corner with a laptop for guest use is available in the lobby, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Cribs

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.