Staying in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in Kyoto was a very special experience. Let's say,hoteliers who are willing to learn how to host a guest in their hotel should stay in a high end ryokan for at least one night. The experience was "special" from the moment my taxi stopped at the door of Kanamean Nishitomiya, until the owners couple waved me goodbye.
It seems that there is a whole different world behind the door. The old lady in kimono who greets you and brings you green tea and a Japanese cake, hot bath and cold beer after it. I don't drink beer, but i was more than happy to drink sake with a kaiseki dinner. It was a second kaiseki dinner in my life and much more enjoyable than the first one. (Two years ago at Kikunoi, which this year got 3 Michelin stars (Kanamean Nishitomiya has 2)...)
When i told to some of my Japanese friends i was going to a ryokan, they said that i would like it if i enjoy sleeping on the floor. Of course, the bed was not like at "The Four Seasons", but it was not bad neither.It is just different. Pillows in ryokans are filled with buckweat husks, so they are pretty hard too..
The little photo report from Kanamean Nishitomiya, kaiseki dinner coming soon.
The entrance of Kanamean Nishitomiya.
Before entering the tatami floored ryokan, you have to take off your shoes..
The "reception" room, where i had to fill the check in form and was offered some tea..
Towel,green tea with a cake filled with sweet bean paste (?) and wrapped in a bamboo leave.(The cake was very good..)
The room..You can't see the bed here as it was prepared during the dinner.
Private ofuro (Japanese bath) that was prepared in advance... Cans of beer and ice tea were placed close to the bath, in a small bucket with ice.
The view through the window of my room..
The corridor..
The owners of more than 130 years old Kanamean Nishitomiya.
