Hokkaikan Ohanabo

This traditional Japanese ryokan-style hotel is more than 100 years old and is full of charm and character. The entrance is lovely, with flowers and greenery all around. "Hana" means flower in Japanese, hence the hotel's name. A sign out front, both in English and Japanese, sets the tone for the hotel: "Let us discover the significance of birth and the joy of living." Inside, tatami mats are found everywhere, giving it a nice, authentic feel, and the traditional arts and crafts on display add to the original atmosphere. But guests shouldn't necessarily expect Western comforts -- there's no sofas of overstuffed chairs anywhere -- so be prepared to sit on the floor a lot. Except for a Pepsi vending machine, the look throughout is very old-school Japan and the vibe is calm and soothing ambiance. The friendly owners are worth a mention, as they are lively and always welcoming to guests, who include couples, families, and solo travelers.  

The hotel is located on a busy main road just across from Higashi Honganji temple, which always seems to have a line of tourist buses parked outside. The location is ideal for tourists, as the popular temple is on most Kyoto visitors' itineraries, and the hotel is also a 10-minute walk to the city's main rail hub, Kyoto Station. The hotel's proximity to the Kyoto station makes it suitable for business travelers as well. The famed Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine is a 10-minute car ride from the hotel, or about 20 minutes away by metro, and the Iwatayama Monkey Park is 40 minutes away by metro. There are plenty of eateries and shops all around the hotel. The Osaka International Airport is about 45 minutes away by car or an hour and 15 minutes by train.

Rooms are traditional Japanese ryokan style, so guests should not expect many western comforts. Among the traditional elements are tatami floor mats with a low wooden table at the center of the room and a sitting area to the side with western-style upholstered chairs with wood frames and a wood table. There is a small platform, called a tokonoma, that displays a floral arrangement, some with a scroll behind it. The futon-style sleeping mats are stored in the closet and then placed on the tatami flooring when it is time for bed. All rooms supply cotton yukata robes to be worn while at the hotel. Shoji sliding screens separate different areas of the spacious rooms. Colors are neutral and soothing, and the setting is serene, with minimal decoration. Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, safes, telephones, and air-conditioning. There's also a tea maker and lovely china tea service. Bathrooms are tiny but clean and come with bath and hand towels, a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and hairdryer. Bath products are in large eco-friendly bottles. Guests should be aware that only seven of the 12 rooms have private bathrooms. Others use the communal space, with separate areas for men and women. A separate shower room is available for the modest, but most choose the open space. Rooms are all smoke-free, but there are two designated places at the hotel where guests can smoke. Doorways throughout the property can be a bit low, so tall guests may need to duck frequently.

A traditional Japanese or western-style breakfast is served in a large communal tatami-floored room. It is not included with room rates. For dinner, guests dine in their guest rooms. Cuisine is seasonal and served in a traditional kaiseki multi-course style. An events space accommodates up to 40 tatami mats for social or business gatherings. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and guests needing parking should make a reservation in advance.