Welcome to our review of this charming Kyoto hideaway! Tucked away in the historic Higashiyama Ward, this cozy boutique hotel offers a delightful blend of modern comfort and traditional Japanese hospitality.
With spacious rooms, spotless facilities, and a staff that goes above and beyond, it’s no wonder guests rave about their stays here.
While the hotel hits many high notes, it’s worth mentioning a couple of potential drawbacks. Some rooms facing the street might experience occasional noise, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Plus, the hotel’s popularity means it can book up quickly, so planning ahead is crucial.
That said, this gem is perfect for travelers who appreciate attentive service and a prime location. Culture vultures will love being just a stone’s throw from Shoren-in Temple and Heian Shrine.
If you’re looking for a home base that combines comfort, convenience, and a touch of Japanese elegance, you’ve found your spot in Kyoto!
Good To Know
- Boutique hotel located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan, with a high rating of 8.9/10 based on 269 reviews.
- Amenities include free WiFi, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and multilingual staff.
- Guests praise the convenient location, cozy atmosphere, and spacious rooms with large bathrooms.
- Close proximity to popular attractions like Shoren-in Temple and Heian Shrine.
- Easily accessible via nearby metro stations, providing convenient access to explore Kyoto.
Hotel Overview
The Waka Heian Shirakawa Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the Higashiyama Ward of Kyoto, Japan.
It boasts a rating of 8.9/10 based on 269 reviews, with excellent scores in areas like staff (9.5), facilities (9.2), cleanliness (9.3), comfort (9.4), and value for money (9.0).
The hotel has fewer than 20 rooms and offers amenities like free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping.
Guests praise the hotel’s convenient location, cozy atmosphere, and spacious rooms with large bathrooms.
The hotel is situated near popular attractions like Shoren-in Temple and Heian Shrine, as well as metro stations for easy access around the city.
Amenities and Services
Waka Heian Shirakawa Hotel offers a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable stay for its guests.
The hotel features non-smoking rooms, free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Guests can enjoy in-room amenities like air conditioning, a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, and tea/coffee makers.
For safety, the hotel has fire extinguishers, CCTV, smoke alarms, and 24-hour security. The hotel staff can communicate in English, Japanese, and Chinese, catering to the diverse needs of travelers.
- General Amenities: non-smoking rooms, free WiFi, 24-hour front desk, laundry, garden, heating, daily housekeeping, tea/coffee maker in all rooms
- Room Features: air-conditioned, private bathroom, flat-screen TV, bed linen, towels, toiletries
- Safety: fire extinguishers, CCTV, smoke alarms, 24-hour security
- Languages Spoken: English, Japanese, Chinese
Guest Experience
What do guests have to say about their experience at the Waka Heian Shirakawa Hotel?
Guests consistently praise the hotel’s friendly staff and clean, well-appointed rooms.
The location near public transport and major attractions is a big draw, as is the cozy atmosphere and spacious bathrooms.
Reviewers highlight the hotel’s thoughtful amenities like laundry facilities, complimentary products, and comfortable beds.
One guest noted the "quiet location near Shirakawa canal," while another loved the "lobby, garden, and amenities."
Notable Guest Comments
According to reviewer comments, the Waka Heian Shirakawa Hotel’s excellent location near the city center and subway station is a key highlight.
Guests also praised the hotel’s quiet location near the Shirakawa canal. As one reviewer noted, "Very close to city center and subway station."
Another guest commented, "Loved the lobby, garden, and amenities."
Reviewers appreciated the hotel’s:
- Cozy atmosphere with spacious rooms and large bathrooms
- Additional amenities like laundry, free products, and comfortable beds
- Proximity to major attractions like Shoren-in Temple and Heian Shrine
- Easy access to metro stations for exploring Kyoto
Nearby Attractions
The hotel’s prime location places it within a 6-minute walk of the serene Shoren-in Temple and an 11-minute stroll to the iconic Heian Shrine.
Guests can easily access numerous other attractions and shrines in the Higashiyama district, considered one of Kyoto’s most scenic areas.
The hotel is also conveniently situated near metro stations, providing quick and easy access to the wider Kyoto area.
With its proximity to public transportation and top sights, the Waka Heian Shirakawa Hotel offers an ideal base for exploring the historical and cultural wonders of Kyoto.
Public Transport Options
Guests at the Waka Heian Shirakawa Hotel can easily access the city’s public transportation network. The hotel is just 200 meters away from Higashiyama Station, providing direct access to the Tozai subway line.
Additionally:
- Gion Shijo Station, a 15-minute walk from the hotel, connects guests to the Keihan Main Line and multiple bus routes.
- Itami Airport is located 29 miles from the hotel, with a shuttle service available.
- Kobe Airport and Kansai International Airport are 40.9 and 50 miles away, respectively, offering alternative transportation options.
The hotel’s convenient location near metro stations and major attractions makes exploring Kyoto by public transit a breeze for guests.
Check-in and Check-out
Checking in and out at the Waka Heian Shirakawa Hotel is a straightforward process. The check-in time is between 3:00 PM and 12:00 AM, while check-out is from 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Guests can conveniently manage their arrivals and departures within these designated windows. The hotel’s policies regarding cancellation and prepayment vary depending on the accommodation type booked. Children aged 6 and above are charged as adults, while pets are not allowed. Guests can only pay using credit cards, as the hotel does not accept cash payments. The hotel also prohibits bachelor(ette) parties.
| Check-in | Check-out | Cancellation/Prepayment | Children | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM | 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Varies by accommodation type | 6 and above charged as adults | Not allowed |
Policies and Booking
When booking a stay at the Waka Heian Shirakawa Hotel, guests should note that the hotel only accepts credit card payments, as they don’t accept cash.
The hotel has the following policies:
- Check-in is from 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM, while check-out is from 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary depending on the accommodation type.
- Children 6 and above are charged as adults, while those under 6 stay for free.
- Pets aren’t allowed, and bachelor(ette) parties are prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Hotel Offer Airport Shuttle Service?
The hotel does not offer an airport shuttle service. Guests will need to arrange their own transportation to and from the nearest airports, which are Itami Airport, Kobe Airport, and Kansai International Airport.
What Time Is Breakfast Served?
The hotel does not provide information about breakfast service times. The details about the hotel’s amenities and services do not indicate whether breakfast is offered or what the hours are.
Are There Any On-Site Restaurants or Dining Options?
The hotel does not have any on-site restaurants or dining options. However, it provides a tea/coffee maker in all rooms, allowing guests to make their own beverages in the privacy of their accommodations.
Can the Hotel Arrange Local Tours or Activities?
The hotel can arrange local tours and activities for guests. They offer recommendations and assistance in booking experiences that showcase the city’s top attractions and cultural highlights.
Is There a Gym or Fitness Center Available?
The hotel does not have a dedicated gym or fitness center on-site. However, guests can access nearby workout facilities or explore the surrounding areas on foot to stay active during their stay.
The Sum Up
The Waka Heian Shirakawa Hotel offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of Kyoto. With its impressive ratings, modern amenities, and prime location near iconic landmarks, the hotel provides an exceptional experience for discerning travelers. Its meticulously maintained facilities, impeccable cleanliness, and attentive staff ensure a memorable stay steeped in Japanese hospitality and charm.