Ryokan Hanaikada - Arashiyama, Sagano Kyoto, Japan

Arashiyama is a pleasant town with mountains and river located in the western outskirts of Kyoto, offering very beautiful natural setting and relaxed atmosphere. It's a masterpiece of natural scenic beauty, while it's a small town without too many attractions, many tourists go there for a day trip. It takes about half an hour ride on Randen Line from Kyoto. On my first visit, I had a day trip too but I've decided to stay a little longer this time. This area is especially popular among tourists during Autumn, when the Japanese maple (momiji) - which takes up to 70% of Arashiyama add grace and beauty to the season. 

There are a few beautiful ryokans in Arashiyama, my favourite was Hoshinoya unfortunately it's fully booked by the time I started to do my planning. I've only made all my hotel bookings 1-1.5 months before I departed. Bad bad idea to check out hotels 1-2 months before departure, furthermore it's the cherry blossom season, left aside the steep prices, many hotels were already fully booked and I've only left with a few choices. I've settled down with Hanaikada Ryokan, a traditional ryokan with natural hot springs. 

Close to Togetsu-kyo bridge (also known as Moon Crossing Bridge, appears to be the symbol of Arashiyama), Hanaikada Ryokan situated strategically in front of the mountain facing the river - just a bridge away from the busier part of the scenic town. There aren't many reviews on ryokans in Arashiyama thus I can only rely on official website photos. I've always have doubts in official website photos as clearly, mostly, if not all are taken by professional photographers and retouched. But even so, Hanaikada's official photos weren't as attractive either haha. Nonetheless it's always good to have lower expectations! Our room actually looks so much nicer than the photos we saw online :D   

The view from the bridge before reaching Hanaikada Ryokan. The small jetty on the left is where Hoshinoya picks up their guests by boat (the only mode of transport to Hoshinoya).

We've booked a room with private open-air bath (with natural hot spring water :D), which located on the third floor. (This ryokan has no elevator) Our room offers no view, the smaller rooms have balcony which open up to beautiful views of Arashiyama. But... we've been out all day, private open-air bath wins the view any time :D

The room is pretty spacious! You get to choose your preferred scent for your room during check-in. While they were preparing our room, they took us for a tour around the hotel; showing us the different onsens available in the hotel. There's a private open-air bath available for booking, perfect for those who are too shy to use the public bath.

The seating area, which will be transformed into our sleeping area in the evening. 

I love the bathroom!

Toilet is on the left of this photo.

and to the right...

 

the shower :D

and further in...

the open-air bath :D

This bath can only fit one person at a time. But it feels so great to soak in your very own open-air bath - (without the need to walk up to public bath)  after a whole day of walking, or taking a dip in the morning to start your day afresh!

We explored the town a bit and came back for Kaiseki dinner prepared by the hotel.

The extensive list of menu, for ONE.

All thing sakura in Spring, the sakura miso soup.

TOO FULL FROM 2-HOUR LONG DINNER!

After dinner, we went out to check out the night lighting of sakura. Before we left, the hotel staff handed us 2 boxes of sushi (6 pieces in total), telling us that it's our supper. :O 

The bridge to Hanaikada Ryokan - the building with yellow lights on the right.

After returning from a short walk by the river, our futon were prepared. The futon was so comfortable! 

Our stay included a Kaiseki dinner and breakfast. While Kaiseki dinner was served in our room, breakfast was served in the public hall. The hotel staff will ask for your preferred time for both meals as all meals will be served in course basis, they will need to prepare it beforehand. I do not have pictures of the breakfast but...the breakfast was as filling as dinner. As I don't take much food in the morning, I couldn't even finish half of it.

To conclude, it's a pleasant and memorable stay in Hanaikada Ryokan. Service was excellent, so prompt and attentive and polite.

Complimentary shuttle service to the train station is available. I remember the staff (a guy) who sent us to the station...how he waived good bye and still bowing to us even though we've went on the escalator. I guess he only left after we don't see him in our sights anymore.