SEIKORO RYOKAN - ESTABLISHED IN 1831, Kyoto

The hotel offers a public bath with wooden bathtubs made from 400-year-old timber, sourced from rare Japanese umbrella pine. A communal bath area uses the same umbrella pine wood, providing a unique bathing environment. Guests also have access to massage services and a gift shop on site.

Guestrooms are furnished in a style reminiscent of the Taisho era, with tatami mats and sliding shoji doors. Each room includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and air conditioning for comfort. Family rooms with both western beds and futon setups are available for groups.

Seikoro Ryokan sits in the Gion district, known for traditional architecture and geisha culture. It is a 5-minute drive from Sanjusangen-do Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and a 10-minute walk from the Kyoto National Museum. Shichijo Train Station is also about a 10-minute walk away.

Dinner is an authentic kaiseki experience served in the guestroom, with the menu tailored to dietary preferences upon request. Breakfast offers a choice between Japanese-style or Western-style meals, both served in the room. The hotel uses seasonal ingredients to prepare each multi-course kaiseki meal.

The public bath area includes spa facilities and the wooden bathtubs made from 400-year-old timber, offering a traditional onsen-style soak. Massage services can be arranged at the hotel for relaxation after sightseeing. The bathing area is tattoo-friendly, as noted by past guests.

Location: Gion district, steps from geisha culture and temples

Rooms: Taisho-era Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats

Dining: In-room kaiseki dinner with dietary accommodations

Wellness: Public bath with 400-year-old umbrella pine bathtubs

History: Ryokan operating continuously since 1831