My wife and I stayed here for two nights after a 3 night stay at a regular 5 star hotel in Kyoto. National Geographic has listed a stay in a ryokan as one of the 50 must do things to do or see before you die. And so we chose this inn as I did not want to pay the very steep prices of the Hiiragiya Main. Even so our 2 night experience here during low season still set me back for over $1,000US for 2 persons.
But life is a series of experiences and this experience is definitely a defining moment of our ten days stay in Japan. The building is 90 years old and our room was a bit faded but still lovely, truly evocative of old Japan. As it was a quiet month the inn gave us the best room in the house, a corner unit with glass walls on two sides facing a very pretty Japanese garden.
Everything done here is done with tradition in mind, and the service was unimpeachable. We were looked after mostly by an older but very elegant Japanese woman in a kimono. Although she did not speak much English, I sensed she wanted us to enjoy our stay at the inn completely and did her part to accomplish that goal.
The ten course keisiki meal had some exotic items that might not appeal to the western palate, but this is part of the overall experience. The sumptuous Japanese breakfast was delicious.
Overall I think a two night stay here was just right, one night would be a terrible rush and I think with 3 nights you might be overdoing it. In summary an amazing experience of traditional Kyoto life and of Japanese culture.

We descended upon Ryokan Hiiragiya with 2 adults and 2 kids and they handled it beautifully. Our kids are little 5.5 and 4 years.

Rooms - a large 14 tatami mat room - spacious enough for 4 people. lovely garden view, private bathroom. Very comfortable and exciting to be staying there.

Meals - the dinner set was brilliant, a real culinary journey. We had ordered a kids alternative which was brilliant as the kids tucked into that heartily. Breakfast was not to our taste at all, it was special, it was amazing and for love nor money would any of us, except me, eat it. Intense flavours of fish is just not breakfast for my kids.

Spa Area - look this was pretty disappointing. Its an internal spa, very average looking, basic tiles and not what we had hoped for. However, upon reflection, staying in central Kyoto I could not expect anything to amazing from the onsen. The spa was actualy very good, and we had a great family time in there both before dinner and before breakfast.

Service - impeccable. Amazingly friendly and there was more than enough english to ensure we were well looked after. The lady who looked after us was generous and caring.

For Kids - special utensils and toys and just a bit of extra care was provided. It was terrific and they were happy.

Value - costs a bomb, however, its totally worth it.

Best - whole experience
Worst - spa was very good not as amazing as the rest
Go Again - for sure

This hotel is a nice example of a classic ryokan (traditional Japanese accommodation). They provide almost full board - with the exeption of lunches everything you might need is provided. No need to even bring own amenities. They have everything from toothbrushes to a magical hair tonic that I wished I could take home with me because my hair never lookd or felt so good. You get a 9 course Japanese dinner with a menu so you know exactly what you are eating. And if you stay longer than 1 night, they will, without prompting, modify the menu the next day to include only the things you loved the night before (I don't know how, but that's waht happened with us). You eat in your room, so it is very private also for couples. The traditional hot bath is amazing and the service is all around magical. Eating and sleeping happens in one room, on a bamboo tatami and they switch the dinner table fot a 2 mattress bed when you're finished.The bed will by default disappear back into the cupboard after breakfast unless you tell them otherwise. Sleeping on the floor might seem uncomfortable, but it really is not and the special pillows are truly relaxing for a stressed uptight neck.
All in all Hiiragyia Bekkan is a magical cultural experience rather than just a hotel and if you are in Japan to get a feel of the Eastern way of life, then you should really try this one.

A real taste of traditional japanese hospitality, we loved our stay here. The garden views are lovely and the staff were incredibly polite and friendly. Our favourite thing about our stay though was the food, which was absolutely incredible. As good as anything we tasted during our trip.