Hiiragiya Ryokan (柊家)
Ryokan
Hiiragiya gardens | © Caldwell Bishop/Flickr
Hiiragiya first started business in 1818, and has been passed down the family for six generations. One of the most famous luxury ryokans in Kyoto, its guests over the years include ancient samurai, Japanese royalty, and, more recently, celebrities including Elizabeth Taylor. The Japanese style rooms have wooden-beamed ceilings, paper screens, and tatami flooring; combined with the view of the Oriental garden from some of the rooms, and Kyoto’s historical streets from others, it’s easy to forget the hustle and bustle of modern cities and immerse yourself in ancient Kyoto.