Lonely Planet Review

In the Gion district just northeast of Canal City, this wholly unpretentious ryokan is pleasantly faded and has its own enclosed garden - you expect a Taisho-era novelist to drop in for tea at any moment. The fresh seafood meals are extraordinarily good value. The gracious owner, Yoshida-san, speaks English.

The ryokan is over 80 years old, and its heritage is as evident as it is effortless. The inn's 27 traditional rooms surround a traditional garden, and when the sunlight starts to filter through the greenery, you might think you've been transported to a Zen monastery. In reality, you're just a two-minute walk from Gion subway station. Along with its quiet backstreet location, the ryokan is easy walking distance to both the Asian Art Museum and the nearby Hakata Folk Museum. Choose from a generous Japanese or Western-style breakfast, or a gourmet dinner, usually of fresh fish and assorted small plates. In typical ryokan style, shower and toilet facilities are shared. There are separate ofuro baths for men and women, along with a coin laundry.