I must say I really like my stay at the UNIZO INN Kyoto Kawaramachi Shijo. It has pretty much everything you need to enjoy your stay and located in downtown Kyoto it’s perfect for exploring!

UNIZO INN Kyoto – The Location

With one of Kyoto’s main shopping streets out the front, the covered arcades including the famous Nishiki market in the back, foodie heaven, and geisha spot Pontocho within 5 min walk, you could not get a better location. There even is a supermarket right opposite, a Donki (a famous Japanese discount chain store with a food section on b1) around the corner as well as plenty of convenience stores for all your 24/7 needs and cravings.

The easiest way to get here is by direct bus (#17) or what I did, take a taxi. It cost me 1100¥ from Kyoto station to the hotel, which I thought was fair.

The room @ UNIZO INN Kyoto

I have stayed with the UNIZO INN Hotel group before in Nagoya and knew I would like the room (as they are generally very similar). A little bit bigger than your standard Japanese hotel room, it’s simple but with everything you need. Including a small fridge, kettle, safe, and a fully prepared bathroom: Toothbrush and paste, q-tips, brush, shaver and gel, shampoo, conditioner and body wash plus two fluffy towels, one for your face and one for your body. There is also a bottle of still water, tea and coffee for you to enjoy!

As with many eco-friendly hotels, it’s up to you how often you would like housekeeping to clean. To be honest, I generally place the “do not disturb” sign on the door, as I prefer not having people coming in every day, especially during Covid-19. If you decide to do the same, the lovely housekeeping staff will place a bag with fresh towels, water, tea/coffee and toiletries outside your door.

My stay

I stayed 10 days and enjoyed it. I loved that I could open the window (5inch) to be able to get fresh air. The room was sunny and I had a nice view ( some buildings but also a bit of mountains). And the curtains, if you decide to close them, completely darkened out the light.

The staff was very pleasant on the few limited occasions we interacted. Very efficient and professional. Always with a friendly hello and goodbye.

The only negative point and this might just be me, I do like to have access to a microwave. If you are not familiar with Japanese hotels, more often than not, they have one for guests to use. However, they do not communicate this on booking sites so it can be difficult to know. It is particularly great to have if you stay somewhere for a longer time, want to save some money or if you like getting a takeaway.

However, despite this, I still really enjoyed my stay here, and with plenty of restaurants, take-aways and shops surrounding the hotel, it’ certainly was not a dealbreaker. I do recommend.

You can book it here: UNIZO INN Kyoto Kawaramachi Shijo

Hotel UNIZO INN Kyoto Kawaramachi Shijo – Quick Facts

Microwave: ❌

Laundry: ✅

Bottled Water: ✅

Tea/Coffee: ✅

Tv: ✅

Toiletries: ✅

Wifi: 7/10

Window: Can be opened

Fridge: Small

Location: Central

Convenience Store: less than 5 min

Supermarket: Less than 5 min

Check out time: 11 am

Towels: Thick, fluffy, good size

Breakfast: n/a

Other: n/a

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