Chion-in Wajun Kaikan

This hotel was recommended to us by Japanese friends who have stayed here. The temple is part of the Chion-in temple complex, being situated just in front of the Sanmon Gate leading up to the rest of the temple grounds. On the wall of each hotel bedroom there is an alarm which will sound at 520am each morning, unless one turns the alarm to silent. This is because all hotel guests are welcome at the 6am service which starts in the Amida-do and continues in the Mieido. The rest of the temple complex is not officially open until about 9am each day. The grounds of the Chion-in temple are beautiful – there are 2 separate gardens to visit, both of which have a very peaceful atmosphere. We especially liked the Hojo garden. We stayed at the hotel on a half board basis with a different set menu for each evening meal and breakfast. The food was all Japanese food, and was delicious. Few staff spoke English, and the menu was in Japanese, but with google translate we usually worked out which type of fish we were eating – and the wagyu beef was really tender. The food was so beautifully presented – as well as tasting good. Our ensuite bedroom was comfortable, and very clean. The hotel has a gallery which hosts temporary exhibitions – we enjoyed meeting a group of artists from another part of Japan who had come to show their art. There was a launderette recommended by the hotel only 10 minutes walk away. This area of Kyoto was so pretty to stay in – with other temples (and gardens) to visit nearby (including Kiyomizu-dera where from the top part of the complex we looked down over Kyoto as the sun set; and Kodaiji where the temple gardens were lit up at night; and Heian Jingo Shrine Garden which had an extensive garden with many peaceful areas, and stepping stones).

Location was stunning with good bus links. The western style rooms were spotlessly clean and huge in Japanese terms with plenty of bottled water and tea, replenished daily. Staff were extremely polite and very helpful, even holding luggage after checkout as we had an evening flight. The local area was very quiet, the Temple was beautiful, I would recommend the hotel to anyone looking to stay in Kyoto.

this is a beautiful location. close to many temples, the main streets, the river, and the Nishiki market....truly a heavenly spot...parks, ponds, mountainside..... the hotel itself offers Japanese-style rooms as well as Western...we opted for the Japanese-type room and it was lovely. The option to attend services in the early morning is wonderful. The staff are wonderful, helpful, and friendly. There is an onsite restaurant, gift store, food trucks, and cafe....truly a one of a one-of-a-kind place...so so happy to have been at a conference that was held there and so was introduced to this magical place

Very clean and comfortable. Staff is very helpful and kind. Beds comfortable, elegant feel, great amenities. Coffee shop on lobby level has espresso and plant based milks. There is a beautiful communal bath (not mixed). It’s in the mountains, lots of nature, but only a few feet away from the amazing shopping streets like NininZaka. And only 2 blocks to the bus and public transport. Nice clean bathroom, shower and bathtub in the rooms, beautiful decor.

Peaceful location right next to Chion-in temple but a good location for many other spots. Everything clean and staff friendly. You can choose Japanese style or Western style rooms. Nice gift shop and restaurant. Onsen is clean and spacious. Enjoyed getting up early to attend a service at the temple.