Kyoo nite mo
Kyoo natsukashi ya
hototogisu
Even in Kyoto
Longing for Kyoto
Hearing the Cuckoo
Matsuo Basho,
17th century haiku poet
Let’s talk first about one of my favorite things about this ryokan. Its location. As I said, it is located in the Arashiyama area. This is great for every tourist since it acts as a great base for exploring the famous sights in Kyoto and the hills around the city.
The famous Arashiyama bamboo groove is only about a kilometer away. You can even go on a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train, or go cormorant fishing, both activities famous among tourists. There are so many unique places to see in the immediate area around the hotel. Places such as Tenryu-Ji Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Hozugawa Kudari riverboat ride. Togetsukyo Bridge, the symbol of the Arashiyama Area in Kyoto, is located right next to the ryokan. That way you can enjoy its beauty every day.
Most other famous areas in Kyoto are easily accessible by public transport. And even Osaka is not that far away.
I am a huge fan of hot springs, and it is one of my goals to visit as many of them as possible. If you are like me, you will be happy to learn that Hanaikada has six types of baths and a private open-air bath with a view of Togetsukyo Bridge. Of course, all baths in the ryokan are fed with natural hot spring water.
Their gender-segregated open-air bath is the only such bath in Arashiyama, and it has a great view of Togetsukyo Bridge, the Oi River, and Mount Atago. Is there a better way to relax from the rush of sightseeing than in such a bath with a great view?
There is also a bathhouse that perfectly integrates the indoor bath and the open-air bath with curved lines. Another bathhouse called “Rikka” features an indoor bath made of fine Japanese cypress and an open-air made of bamboo. There is even a private open-air bath with a view of Togetsukyo Bridge available for reservation. However, depending on the room, there is an option of having your private bath right there in your room.
Hanaikada has several types of rooms available. All the guest rooms are Japanese style with fragrant tatami mats and equipped with a bathroom and a toilet. There are also several rooms that have distinct features, such as private open-air bath or beautiful views of Arashiyama.
The standard guest rooms are pretty spacy. Their size ranges from 7.5 to 12 tatami mats (total area of about 19 to 36 sq. meters). All guest rooms have amenities such as air conditioning, a safety deposit box, and a flat-screen TV. In addition to that, you have toiletries, a washing towel, a bath towel, a refrigerator, and even a yukata cotton kimono which I love wearing! There is also free Wi-Fi available at the reception.
A stay in a ryokan wouldn’t be complete without experiencing traditional food. You’ll be glad to know that your stay in Hanaikada won’t be an exception. They serve dishes made with fresh ingredients carefully selected by the master chef at a local market every morning.
You can have breakfast, which is served in the large hall, and dinner, which is served in your room. Dinner can be either a nabe hot pot course or a Kyo-kaiseki dinner course with seasonal dishes, which in my opinion, is the highlight. This meal uniquely developed in Kyoto is based on dishes made with local ingredients.
Getting to Hanaikada is simple. Once you are at Kyoto station, you have two options. Either to Keifuku Arashiyama station and then walk 5 minutes to the ryokan. Or via JR San’in Line to JR Saga-Arashiyama station. Here you can arrange a free pick-up by the staff of the ryokan.