[2025 Kyoto Hotels] Travel Guide for The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike, Autograph Collection (Updated Jun)

“The best view is at the Prince.” I stayed here and you can feel nature from the window☺️ It was built 37 years ago in 1986 by the International Conference Center and the Chamber of Commerce to attract the G7 Summit to Kyoto☺️ It's not a hotel in the city, but it's surrounded by nature, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. It was designed by an architect named #MuranoTogo in his final years. Everywhere you go, the building is designed to make guests feel relaxed and stress-free. It's designed to blur the boundaries between the outdoors, where nature is plentiful, and the handrails, window arches, and the way the light comes in through the windows are all designed to reduce stress, making it a very comfortable and elegant hotel. I can't say enough about it, so I hope you'll go and visit the hotel! The food was really delicious and I enjoyed a relaxing time☺️✨ I highly recommend this place to both people outside the Kansai area and those in the Kansai region☺️ 📍The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike Address: 1092-2 Iwakura Hataeda-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Tel: 075-712-1111 #AccommodationReview #KyotoHotel #KyotoTourism #kyotohotel #KyotoTrip #kyoto

Didn't expect Kyoto's rainy season to be this intense - it poured nonstop for three days and two nights. From Nara to Arashiyama to Kyoto, what a hassle. Yet another highly productive day. June 2025. Since this is my fourth visit to Kyoto, I'm no longer interested in checking off tourist spots among crowds. This time I chose the Prince Ponds International Hotel Autograph Collection near the International Conference Center - spacious rooms, beautiful quiet surroundings, essentially living within a garden landscape. After breakfast, took a bus to Kyoto Kyocera Museum of Art near Heian Shrine, then hopped on Route 32 City Bus to Sanjo-Kawaramachi. Visited one of my favorite department stores, BAL - must say BAL is truly stylish and shopper-friendly with numerous boutiques, completely outclassing the old-fashioned Daimaru nearby... On impulse, decided to visit Sanzen-in Temple for the first time - previously avoided due to distance, but staying at the International Conference Center made it conveniently accessible. Took Kyoto Bus #19 from the MOMA stop at Sanjo-Kawaramachi (note there are two adjacent stops - make sure to board the Kyoto Bus, not City Bus). After 45 minutes, alighted at Ohara. Followed the crowd up the temple approach - the continuous uphill walk required some stamina (about 15 minutes). Finally reached the entrance. Sanzen-in is famous for its vibrant moss gardens, even more lush after rain. The downpour left the grounds immaculate, with air so fresh it felt liquid. Thick, velvety moss carpets stretched before us like emerald rugs. Thanks to the rain and nearing closing time, crowds were thin - mostly Chinese female tourists determined to get their perfect shots, lingering endlessly at the red Japanese bridge. The hydrangea path wasn't in full bloom yet (needs 2-3 more weeks) - Kyoto's hydrangeas seem later than Kamakura's. Checking photos from last year, Kamakura's hydrangeas were already spectacular by this time. Spent about an hour strolling before descending the same path (much easier downhill). Shops along the route had already closed - Japanese businesses aren't into overtime, closing more diligently than opening. Returned to Ohara Station for Bus #19 back to the International Conference Center, stopping at a supermarket en route for some sake and snacks to enjoy in my room. Sanzen-in Temple absolutely lived up to expectations - definitely ranks among my favorite Japanese gardens now.

Here is a carefully curated travel guide for Sanzen-in Temple in Kyoto, covering beautiful scenery, delicious food, and cost-effective accommodation recommendations to help you easily plan your trip: --- ### 🌿 **Must-See Scenery at Sanzen-in** 1. **Jubikan Garden** - A pond-style garden in front of the guest hall, designed by Edo-period tea master Kanamori Sowa. Sitting inside the hall’s tea room (matcha + sweets 600 yen), you can enjoy a Zen-like view of maple leaves and moss through the window lattice—a perfect experience to soothe your body and mind. - **Best Season**: Mid-November during the autumn foliage (red and yellow mix), and May when azaleas bloom. 2. **Yuseien Garden & Ojo Gokuraku-in** - The garden is like a moss carpet scattered with adorable “Child Jizo” small Buddha statues (6-8 in total), with cute poses like resting their cheeks or praying, hidden among moss fields and stone lanterns waiting for you to discover. - Deep inside, Ojo Gokuraku-in houses the national treasure Amida Triad statue, with a rustic thatched roof surrounded by ancient cedar trees. 3. **Golden Fudo Hall and Kannon Hall** - At Fudo Hall, you can get protective charms or hand-paint a “Okigari Koboshi” wishing doll; climb the stone steps to Kannon Hall, where the golden Kannon statue and the “Garden of Compassionate Eyes” create a tranquil atmosphere. - **Bonus**: The Ritsukawa Path often has wild birds, and the hydrangea garden in early summer (June-July) looks dreamlike. --- ### 🍱 **Oohara Specialty Food Recommendations** 1. **Kyoto Pickles (Tsukemono)** - Along the “Oharame Path” to Sanzen-in, many long-established shops offer Kyoto-style pickles made from local northern Kyoto vegetables. Recommended are sweet and sour radish and pickled eggplant, perfect as souvenirs. 2. **Shojin Ryori (Vegetarian Cuisine)** - Family restaurants near the temple like **Obanzai Oohara** serve vegetarian dishes such as tofu soup and vegetable tempura, with set meals around 1000-1500 yen. 3. **Tea House Breaks** - Enjoy matcha with red bean cake at the guest hall tea room (600 yen), or try the free specialty shiso gold leaf tea at “Wagokoro-do” beside the Golden Fudo Hall. --- ### 🏨 **Cost-Effective Accommodation Recommendations** The following hotels are within a 15-minute walk from Sanzen-in, affordable and highly rated: 1. **Ryoso Chatani Japanese Inn** - **Location**: 10-minute walk (750m)｜**Price**: About ¥640/night - Offers free bicycles, hot spring baths, traditional tatami rooms with garden views, and a simple breakfast included. 2. **Yunoyu Onsen Ohara Sansui Hotel** - **Location**: 15-minute walk (1.2 km)｜**Price**: About ¥1,050/night - Focuses on affordable hot spring experiences, includes a foot bath café, some rooms have mountain views, ideal for soaking and relaxing. 3. **Convenient City Access: The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike** - **Location**: 30-minute bus ride (7 km)｜**Price**: About ¥680/night - A four-star value hotel surrounded by Japanese gardens, with convenient subway connections, suitable for combining city sightseeing. --- ### ⚠️ **Practical Tips** - **Transportation**: Take bus lines **17/19 from Kyoto Station to “Oohara Station”** (1-hour ride, 560 yen one way), then a 10-minute walk. It’s recommended to buy the “Kyoto Subway & Bus One-Day Pass” (1100 yen) for unlimited rides without extra fare to Oohara. - **Tickets & Hours**: Adult admission 700 yen｜Open hours: November 8:30-17:00, other months from 9:00. - **Suggested Itinerary**: - Morning: Sanzen-in (2-3 hours) → Noon: Hosen-in (800 yen admission, dry landscape garden) → Afternoon: Jakko-in (quiet nunnery). - In summer, extend to Kibune Shrine (water divination + riverbed dining), taking the Eizan train through the autumn foliage tunnel. > 💡 **Autumn Foliage Season Alert**: Mid to late November is peak season; it’s best to enter right at 8:30 opening to avoid crowds; the moss garden is greener after rain, so bring a macro lens to capture Jizo details. The beauty of Sanzen-in lies in the Zen spirit and harmony with nature through the seasons. Spending half a day quietly sitting before the garden will surely bring you healing beyond expectations. Have a pleasant journey!

📍 Address: Takaragaike, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8505 🏨 Hotel Introduction The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike is located in the beautiful Takaragaike area of Kyoto, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, with tranquil gardens and forests. The hotel is elegantly designed with a unique cylindrical shape and a very distinctive appearance. The interior decoration is exquisite and elegant, providing a warm and comfortable stay. Many guests stay here every year, whether for business or leisure. 🚗 Experience Sharing This hotel is known for its spacious and comfortable rooms, complete with full-size bathtubs and separate showers. The breakfast buffet is very rich, offering a variety of Japanese and Western food options. Although the hotel is located in a remote area, the surrounding natural scenery is beautiful, and there are many cafes and restaurants within a 15-minute walk. The hotel service is attentive, and the staff is friendly, especially the Chinese-speaking staff, who provide a lot of convenience. Although the location is far from the city center, the hotel is close to the Karasuma Line subway station, making it very convenient for independent travelers. There is ample parking, making it very convenient for self-driving. There is also Takaragaike Park nearby, which is a great place for walking or jogging. The hotel also offers luxury floor lounge privileges, where you can enjoy the tranquil environment and beautiful views of the hotel. 💖 Surrounding Recommendations In addition to the beautiful Takaragaike Park, there are many gourmet restaurants around the hotel worth trying. For example, Demachi Futaba, a classic tofu restaurant, Falafel Garden's healthy salads, and Kyoto Ginkakuji Nandai Omen's traditional Japanese noodles are all must-try food experiences. In addition, restaurants such as Grill Ninjin and Salman and Soel Halal Kitchen near the hotel also offer a wide range of dining options. Overall, The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike is a charming resort away from the city. Here you can enjoy quality hotel services and the tranquility and elegance of Kyoto's natural scenery. Whether for business meetings or leisure vacations, this is a good choice.

Stepping into the hotel lobby is like entering a royal palace. Every detail exudes elegance and sophistication. From the magnificent chandeliers to the exquisite handmade carpets, every step echoes with history, making you slow down and savor the experience. The most enchanting part is the private open-air bath. Soaking in the warm spring water, surrounded by a meticulously manicured Japanese garden, with cherry blossoms dancing in the wind during the cherry blossom season, is like being in a fairyland! Imagine washing away your fatigue under the starlit sky, with only tranquility and self-awareness remaining. As for the food, the kaiseki cuisine here is a feast for the eyes and taste buds! Each dish is a work of art, with fresh ingredients and exquisite cooking techniques that allow you to taste the changing seasons and the gifts of nature. It's like a royal journey for your taste buds! During your stay, consider a nighttime visit to Kinkaku-ji. Just a short distance from the hotel, you can witness the golden temple shining even more mysteriously and majestically in the night. In the dim light, you can almost hear the whispers of history.

👑 Hotel: The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike, Autograph Collection 📍 Address: Takaragaike, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8505, Japan 🌿 Hotel Features Located in Kyoto, this hotel combines elegant decor with a tranquil environment. The hotel has a unique name and a cylindrical exterior design that is visually striking. The heart-shaped LED lights on the lawn outside the hotel add a touch of romance to the night. The hotel is located in a quiet area surrounded by gardens and forests, and several cafes and restaurants are within a 15-minute walk. Although it is a bit far from the city center and the station, there is plenty of parking, so you don't have to worry about driving. 🏨 Accommodation Experience The hotel has several spacious and comfortable rooms, and the typical 1950s style is even more luxurious after renovation. The rooms are equipped with full-size bathtubs and separate showers, and are fully equipped with pajamas, complimentary mineral water, toiletries, etc. Staying on the upper floors, you can enjoy the lounge privileges, enjoy the view of the tranquil Japanese garden, have a drink, and enjoy a moment of peace. Although some rooms need to improve their towels, the service is quick and polite, which makes people feel happy. The hotel has three restaurants, which are expensive but offer a wide variety of food, including Japanese and Chinese cuisine. However, happy hour is only half price at the bar, which is a bit of a pity. The buffet breakfast is very rich, including avocado and almond bars, to meet a variety of dietary needs. Although the quality of the front desk service varies, the overall experience is very comfortable. 🌆 Nearby Attractions For nature lovers and walkers, Takaragaike Park next to the hotel is a good choice for a leisurely walk or jog. The subway station is nearby, making it easy to get to every corner of Kyoto. If you need to shop or want to buy some souvenirs, there is also a small souvenir shop in the hotel at a reasonable price. 🍜 Food Recommendations A ten-minute walk will take you to some good snack bars and restaurants, such as Demachi Futaba and Falafel Garden. If you want to try more food, you can go to Omen Ginkakuji Honten, Cafe du Monde, Grill Ninjin, or Salman & Sohel Halal Kitchen. Overall, Kyoto Takaragaike Prince Hotel is an ideal choice, with a tranquil natural environment and convenient transportation. Whether for sightseeing or leisure, you can find a satisfying accommodation experience here. 🌸

The Prince Kyoto Takarakaike, autograph collection Located in the northern part of Kyoto, about 20 minutes from Kyoto Station by taking the Karasuma subway line to Kokusaikaikan Station, exit 4-2, and a 5-minute walk to the hotel. The hotel is beautiful and peaceful. We got a 1 king room, 36 sqm, which the hotel upgraded for us. The room feels spacious, airy, and comfortable. The equipment and staff are polite and provide good service. It feels like a very quiet hotel. The gym is on the 2nd floor and uses high-quality TECHNOGYM equipment with a variety of machines. Afternoon tea and evening cocktails have a good atmosphere, quiet and peaceful. The food selection is not extensive, but the quality is good. Breakfast is served in the club with limited options, but if you choose to go to the main restaurant, there is an additional charge. I really like the atmosphere and would love to come back again.

#japantrip Our experience at The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike was wonderfully serene and rejuvenating. Nestled amidst the picturesque Takaragaike Park, the hotel offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto. The rooms are spacious, elegantly furnished, and offer serene views of the surrounding greenery. The staff were warm and attentive, ensuring every aspect of our stay was comfortable. Dining options were diverse, with delicious Japanese and international cuisine served in a relaxed atmosphere. The hotel's proximity to Takaragaike Park allows for leisurely walks and enjoying nature's beauty. Overall, The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike is an excellent choice for travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty during their stay in Kyoto.

Kyoto 🇯🇵 Takaragaike ✨ A huge tree surrounded by high walls 🌲 It was Christmas 🎄 when I stayed there, so There was a huge, beautiful Christmas tree in the courtyard? ✨✨ Even though it was early December, there were still some autumn leaves 🍁 left and it was very beautiful ✨ It was nice to warm myself up by the campfire 🔥 next to the tree and sit in the chairs that were prepared for me under the cold sky 🪵 ✨🤍 After enjoying a conversation with the owner over cocktails 🍸 in the lounge, we had Chinese food ✌︎ #Me and Travel #Kyoto #Kyoto Sightseeing #Takaragaike #PrinceHotel #Hotel

I chose this hotel to go to Kifune Shrine. It's not easily accessible as you have to use public transport, but the hotel was very well-equipped. There was a Nespresso machine, so it was nice to be able to drink delicious coffee in the morning! The room was spacious and there was a powder room, so it was easy to put on makeup. Above all, the pillows and duvets were incredibly comfortable. They also had bath salts, so I was able to rest my tired body. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ꕥLocation: The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike, Autograph Collection ꕥAddress: 1092-2 Takaragaike, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture ꕥAccess 🚉Kokusai Kaikan Station → approx. 3-minute walk ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ #AccommodationReview #KyotoTrip #KyotoHotel #AutumnFoliage #Sightseeing