Nanzenji sando Kikusui

Nanzenji sando Kikusui, a Michelin Key Selected property in Kyoto, Japan, consistently receives exceptionally high praise for its serene ambiance, impeccable service, and luxurious blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comforts. It is widely considered a top-tier ryokan experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall rating and sentiment for Nanzenji sando Kikusui are overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as exceptional and unforgettable. Booking.com shows high scores, including 9.8 for cleanliness, 9.8 for comfort, and 9.6 for staff, with a strong location rating of 9.4. Expedia reviews also reflect an "Exceptional" rating of 9.6 out of 10. Many guests proclaim it as "the best accommodations I've ever stayed in" and a "sublime ryokan experience."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Nanzenji sando Kikusui:

• Service & Staff: The staff is frequently highlighted for being attentive, friendly, incredibly helpful, and providing impeccable service.
• Location: Its tranquil setting in a quiet part of Kyoto, near the iconic Nanzenji Temple, is a major draw.
• Design & Ambiance: The property features a stunning Japanese garden, famously designed by Ogawa Jihei VII, offering a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere. The architecture blends traditional Sukiya-style with modern sensibilities, creating an elegant and refined environment.
• Amenities: The ryokan boasts a "Garden with Five Senses," a "four seasons terrace," and exclusive annexes that can serve as private dining or tea rooms. Rooms include luxurious touches like mini-bars stocked with champagne. Free Wi-Fi and air conditioning are standard.

3. Room Quality

Nanzenji sando Kikusui offers a limited number of exquisitely designed rooms, ensuring privacy and an intimate experience. Initially, there were five unique rooms, with a new, larger SPA SUITE added in June 2023.

• Rooms are described as spacious, clean, and gorgeously furnished, with a focus on comfort and privacy.
• Many rooms are Japanese-style or Sukiya-style, while others offer a fusion of Japanese and Western design.
• A key feature is the outstanding view overlooking the Japanese garden, with some rooms on the first floor even having small private terraces.
• Bathrooms are particularly noted, featuring large bathtubs, often lined with Towada stone and bordered by Japanese cypress.
• In-room amenities include bathrobes, mini-bars, flat-screen TVs, safe boxes, and hair dryers. The new SPA SUITE includes a large bath, pot bath, and mist sauna.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Nanzenji sando Kikusui is a significant highlight, offering world-class cuisine.

• The restaurant specializes in exquisite kaiseki dining, showcasing the rich flavors of seasonal Kyoto ingredients.
• Guests can choose between Japanese-style and refined Kyoto French cuisine for dinner, with options like a "seven-course meal" or "10 courses." The restaurant is open to non-guests as well and is often fully booked, requiring advance reservations.
• Breakfast receives particular acclaim, frequently described as delicious, exceptional, and a "veritable feast" with carefully prepared dishes.
• Afternoon Tea, featuring seasonal themes and artistic presentations, is also available.

5. Service & Staff

The hospitality at Nanzenji sando Kikusui consistently garners rave reviews. Guests report that the staff are incredibly friendly, attentive, and provide impeccable service. They are commended for their helpfulness and for creating a welcoming and tranquil atmosphere, embodying the timeless tranquility of Japanese hospitality.

6. Location & Accessibility

The ryokan enjoys a prime and tranquil location in Kyoto's Sakyo Ward, nestled in the Northern Higashiyama district.

• It is perfectly situated near the famous Nanzenji Temple, a significant cultural and historical site.
• Many other popular attractions, such as Heian Shrine, Eikan-do Temple, and the Philosopher's Path, are within walking distance.
• Public transport is accessible, with Keage Station (Tozai subway line) just a 5 to 8-minute walk away, providing convenient access to other parts of Kyoto.
• For those arriving by car, it's about a 15-20 minute taxi ride from Kyoto Station, costing approximately JPY 2,000. Limited, unreservable private parking is also available off-site.

7. Value & Pricing

Nanzenji sando Kikusui is positioned as a luxury accommodation, and while it "won't come cheap," guests widely agree it offers excellent value for a "sublime ryokan experience." Prices vary significantly by season and room type, with reported starting rates around ¥20,000 per person in the low season and ¥30,000 in the busy season. Some booking sites show nightly rates ranging from approximately $165 to $557, depending on various factors. The Michelin Key selection further reinforces its status as a high-end property.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few minor criticisms have been noted:

• One guest expressed disappointment regarding the cost-performance of drinks during dinner, citing a lack of clear communication on pricing expectations.
• Given its popularity, especially during peak seasons like cherry blossom, the ryokan can be fully booked, making securing reservations challenging.
• The property offers limited private parking (5 spots) that cannot be reserved in advance, which might be a minor inconvenience for guests arriving by car.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. insidekyoto.com
3. michelin.com
4. expedia.com
5. japanican.com
6. ikyu.com
7. mai-ko.com
8. luxuryhotelkyoto.com
9. kyoto-kikusui.com
10. hotels-in-kyoto.com
11. tokyomk.global
12. tablecheck.com
13. tablecheck.com
14. michelin.com
15. kyoto-kikusui.com
16. tablethotels.com
17. kyotohotelspage.com