Shiraume Ryokan

Location: Kyoto, Southern Honshu & Kyushu | Japan

Exemplifying the traditional ryokan inn style, Shiraume’s old world atmosphere, combined with its surroundings in the historic Kyoto district of Gion, will make you believe you’ve stepped back in time to medieval Japan. Shiraume has a long and rich history: in the late Edo period it was an ochaya, the home of trainee geishas, and the famous Japanese poet Isamu Yoshida paid tribute to the ryokan’s elegance and beauty.
Perfect forBeing surrounded by Kyoto’s historic Gion geisha district.
In the know
  • Historic ryokan dating back over a century
  • Private traditional furo baths in each of the rooms
  • Highly personal service and attention to detail

Recommended for...

  • Cultural Immersion
  • History & Heritage
  • Service & Hospitality
  • Food & Wine

Hotel Overview

Sense of place

Overlooking the Shirawaka Canal in Shimbashi in the historic Gion district of Kyoto, Shiraume is steeped in history and offers the traditional ryokan experience, with an old world atmosphere and attentive service.

Rooms at Shiraume Ryokan

Rooms at Shiraume are in the traditional ryokan style, with tatami flooring and artwork and decorations courtesy of local Kyoto artisans. Rooms are divided into separate areas: a sitting room with large windows, many of which have beautiful views overlooking the river; a sleeping area with traditional futon-style bedding; and a bathroom with a traditional furo bath.

Food and drink

Shiraume’s sophisticated cuisine draws exclusively on fresh, local ingredients, meaning a menu that changes with the seasons. You could find bamboo shoots on the menu in the spring; hamo conger eel and Kamo nasu eggplant in summer; chestnuts and matsutake mushrooms in autumn; and kabura turnips and guji fish in winter.

Facilities

In addition to the ensuite bathrooms, there are two luxurious bathrooms with Jacuzzis which you can reserve at no additional cost. Upon arrival you will be presented with traditional yukata robes and slippers to wear around the hotel.

Activities at Shiraume Ryokan

The ryokan’s location in Kyoto’s Gion district means that the myriad historical sites of the former imperial capital are within easy reach. These include Yasaka Shrine, the site of flamboyant celebrations at New Year; and the iconic Kiyomizu Buddhist temple, which is perched dramatically on a forested hill, dates in its present form from the 17th century, and is constructed from wooden beams without the use of a single nail. Gion is also among the most iconic centres of geisha culture, with Ichriki Chaya one of the most famous geisha teahouses in Japan.

Best time to go

Best time to travel

Good time to travel (but some limitations)

Travel is possible (but it’s not the best time)

Travel is not recommended

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Best time to go

Hotel location

Shiraume Ryokan’s central location means it is easily accessible, with Keihan Gion Shijo Station a three minute walk away, Keihan Sanjo Station a five minute walk away, and Kyoto station a fifteen minute taxi ride away.

Stay at Shiraume Ryokan on these trips

More places to stay in Kyoto, Southern Honshu & Kyushu

YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE

call us on +1 347 809 3426 to start planning your perfect trip

Make an enquiry