Momijiya Honkan Takao Sansou

We loved the staff and hospitality at Momijiya. My husband said it felt like we were staying at our grandma's house. We loved the ryokan experience as well. We really felt we were getting a more intimate Japanese experience. The food really put us Americans out of our comfort zone, but we wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Our rooms were quaint with nice view, and the comforters on our futons were incredible comfortable. Like sleeping inside a warm cloud. This is a great spot to feel like you're escaping to the mountains but still getting to explore Kyoto during the day.

My husband and I stayed here for our honeymoon. The staff is wonderful and very attentive. Breakfast and lunch is very authentic Japanese cuisine, be aware if you have picky eaters or dietary restrictions. The rooms are clean and roomy with complimentary tea and snacks replaced every night. The only negative is the location, if you are traveling from another city be aware their shuttle is only for select times and if you miss that the only option is the city bus. The shuttle is offered to the station and back to the onsen everyday and they will ask what time from their choices works best for you. They are very prompt on time and do not enjoy you being late since food is made fresh for the time you selected, overall an amazing experience and would return if we returned to Kyoto.

Very friendly staff and beautiful environment!

On our recent trip to Japan we wanted an authentic experience staying in a ryokan. We were greeted by an extremely attentive staff who whisked our luggage away to our mountain view room. We received hotel slippers and were given a tour of the hotel. Our modest room had a low table and chairs with a tea service, a private bathroom, tatami mat floor and yukata robes. We had 3 hours until dinner so we enjoyed the private onsen nestled in the forest overlooking the forest. For ¥4000 ($27) this is not to miss. Then, at 6:00 a shuttle takes you through the small town and down to the riverside to a restaurant on the water. You cross a long bridge into the restaurant where you are greeted by the efficient staff and seated in low chairs to enjoy haute cuisine by riverside. The meal is presented in a bento box and is a work of art. The second course is a salty fish and then a soup prepared at the table. While the soup is cooking, a geisha performs and chats with you. Finally, the restaurant turns out the lights so you can listen to the frogs and watch fireflies! The shuttle returns you to the hotel and the staff has prepared the room for bed. The futon are all on the ground and it’s bedtime. The next morning, you are treated to an equally beautiful traditional savory Japanese breakfast. The shuttle will take you as far as the Honazono Station. If arriving from Kyoto, the shuttle will pick you up from there if you arrange it, or you can use the GO app to call a cab to go.