Expensive, but worth it. The rooms were immaculate. The service was perfect. Every little detail was accounted for. We were greeted with tea, and then had time for a bath and to relax before dinner. The kaiseki dinner was delicious. Beautiful presentation. Each course was thoughtfully prepared. The staff speak very good English and are helpful. We could hear a... more

I put experiencing Hiiragiya right up there with experiencing the Grand Canyon or the Taj Mahal or the George V. If you don't fall in love with this place your having a bad day. It's all true. The entry way stones are magically watered seconds before you walk through the gate. The seven layered kimono wearing attendant practically kisses your... more

I was set on splurging on a high end ryokan in Kyoto, and settled on Hiiragiya (over Tawaraya which was sold out). After emailing back and forth with the staff (no website reservations, email only) I was torn between the "old wing" and the "new wing". I was informed the old wing was more traditional and would give a more... more

Japanese inn with tradition and style. The washing ceremony is soothing. The food was classic. And a small garden of your own, with a small waterfall. The TV-set was well hidden behind a cloth, very good. more

I reserved a room in the old wing (saw the same room in Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations) for a special date, I was a little hesitant over the price thinking could it really be worth it? But hands down - this ryokan is worth every single penny. From first setting foot in the door to leaving Hiiragiya is a wonderful... more

We stayed for one night in Dec. 2008. We absolutely loved our stay. Very unique! We chose a room in their newer wing. Our room was huge, it had a sitting area facing an outdoor garden.The actual room had a dining table first, which you are served your kaiseki dinner. It was marvellous. Very meticulous. After your dinner, they move... more

My husband and I stayed at the Hiiragiya Ryokan for our honeymoon. We are experienced travelers and I have stayed in some of the best five-star hotels in Europe, so I know a good hotel when I see one. The Hiiragiya was nothing short of fantastic. Everyone who worked there was wonderful, kind and friendly, and extremely helpful. To the... more

I just got back from Kyoto. I was a little dissapointed with the ryokan. Every tour book says it is the best and do not miss it. I have to tell you I would have been fine missing it. I am an experienced traveler. I am from New York City, travel a lot at very expensive resorts. I had a... more

We stayed at Hiiragiya Ryokan for 3 days in late December/early February 2007. The rooms were beautiful, traditional, clean and well maintained. The service is above and beyond what you would experience even at top hotels in Asia - as a point of comparison we had just stayed at the Mandarin Oriental in Tokyo (excellent!) for several nights prior to... more