While looking for special places to stay in Kyoto, I was very surprised to learn that despite this ryokan's fame for being the current Emperor uncle's home in the 1930's, I could not find a single review for it. Still, I took the chance and email them five to six months ahead of the peak autumn season.

We had wanted to stay two nights, however, the only hanare with its private bath and WC in the ryokan, is only available for one night for our dates, 21 November. Since confirming my booking with Tomoko san, I had been looking forward to stay at this well known Japanese Royal residence.

After two nights of good stay at the Kikusui Ryokan (see my other review), we took a taxi to Yoshida Sanso and arrived at about 2pm. Since the official check in time is 4pm, Tomoko san had gracefully offered to store our luggages. Being located in the midst of a residential district, they had to call a taxi to bring us to nearby Pontocho Alley for some lunch.

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