5 Amazing Things You Didn’t Know About Hoshinoya Kyoto Luxury Ryokan!

A riverside resort of elegance, serenity and seasonal beauty made up of a series of low buildings inspired by traditional Japanese houses along the banks of Hozugawa River in the holy temple district of Arashiyama, exclusively only accessible by a private boat ride in a hinoki Japanese cedar vessel!

1. In 1904, Hoshino Resort Founder Kuniji Hoshino began a Japanese Silk Business in Karuizawa, an area known as a location for holiday villas. In 1914, he established Hoshino Onsen Hot Spring Inn Ryokan!

2. 2nd generation hier Yoshimasa Hoshino noted business decline due to World War II. In 1980s, opportunity to expand striked when Karuizawa became a popular tour destination due to boom in travellers!

3. Born 1960 4th generation Yoshiharu Hoshino took over at 31 years old in 1991 to revamp, rebrand & restructure! In Jul 2013 Hoshino REIT started & listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange as a tourism leader!

4. The original Hoshino Hot Spring Inn was renovated into Hoshinoya Karuizawa in 2005! In 2015 opened in Fiji, 2016 in Tokyo & Bali!

Hoshino now encompass 3 brands:
1) Hoshinoya
2) Kai
3) Risonare

5. Awarded Michelin 1 Star in 2012, Hoshinoya Kyoto Executive Chef since 2011 Ichiro Kubota specialises in Gomijizai Cuisine:

To present his combined culinary experiences from France, London, Japan & America!

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Dexperience Undercover Service Quality Surveyor Ratings:
Value 3/5
Service 3/5
Quality 4/5
Ambience 4/5
Experience 3/5

Pros:
1. Magnificent views of Oi River.
2. Fantastic dinner.
3. Refreshing breakfast.
4. Private serenity.
5. Neat clean environment.

Cons:
1. Maintenance issues.
2. Service attentiveness to details.
3. Restaurant standards needs improvements.
4. Unprofessional management.
5. Staff service standards.

Verdict:
Undoubtedly one of the best Luxury Ryokan in Kyoto but its disappointing service standards and drop in food quality makes it hard to justify a revisit any time soon!

BONUS!
Opened in 2009, has 25 exclusive Ryokan style rooms with different floor plans, furniture & designs. The main hilight is definitely the luxury Kaiseki dinner & its in-room vegetables breakfast!