GION SHINMONSO * * *
Located in Kyoto's Gion district, Hotel Gion Shinmonso is a casual-style inn. It's just a 5-minute walk from Sanjō Keihan subway station and 2 km from Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple. The rooms, all non-smoking, are sober and feature tatami flooring, futons, coffee/tea makers, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi. However, they are not en suite. The establishment boasts a refined restaurant and a rooftop bar open in season. It also offers single-sex public baths. The staff are friendly and attentive, offering guests warm hospitality. The hotel is ideally located for visiting Kyoto's historic and famous sites, such as the Tatsumi-bashi bridge, Kennin-ji temple and Yasaka-jinja shrine. Guests can also enjoy traditional Japanese culture by admiring the Geiko and Maiko in their beautiful kimonos.