Hiyori Nijo: Kyoto's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Hiyori Nijo: Kyoto's Hidden Gem You NEED to See! (Or Maybe Not? A Totally Honest Review)
Okay, so let's talk Hiyori Nijo. Kyoto's "Hidden Gem." They're practically begging you to come, right? Well, I took the plunge, and honestly? It's a mixed bag. Buckle up, because this ain't your typical sanitized hotel review. We're going in deep.
First Impressions & the Wheelchair Wobble (Accessibility!):
Right off the bat, let's address the elephant in the room: Accessibility. They say they have it, and they mostly do. Wheelchair accessible it is, to a degree. Getting around the lobby and into the elevator was pretty smooth. But… and this is a big but… I’m not in a wheelchair, but I did notice some tricky thresholds and the occasional slightly narrow doorway. So, while they try, it’s not perfect. Facilities for disabled guests are definitely there, but I’d recommend calling ahead and grilling them if accessibility is a major concern. Don't be shy! Ask specific questions. And be braced for a little… unevenness.
Getting Around - Lost in Translation, Literally!
Airport transfer is available, which is a lifesaver after a long flight. They also have car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site], so that's convenient. Taxi service is readily available, but I had a few… interesting encounters with taxi drivers. Let's just say, my Japanese skills weren't up to par, and navigating the city solo was an adventure in itself. (That's on me, though, not the hotel. Still, pack a phrasebook!)
The Room: Cozy, with a Side of "Lost Remote"
Okay, the room itself was… nice. Standard, but nice. The non-smoking, air-conditioned room was a blessing after a day of exploring. I appreciated the desk for working, and the free Wi-Fi was a must-have. (Seriously, in this day and age, you better have decent internet!) Daily housekeeping kept things tidy. Bathroom amenities were okay -- nothing super fancy, but perfectly functional. I even had slippers! You're supposed to remove shoes inside Japanese homes, you know.
But… and there's ALWAYS a but… Where was that remote for the TV? Seriously, I spent like, a half-hour searching for the remote! Where did it go? Behind the bed? Under the table? I still don't know! Finally gave up. It was a bummer. Also, the blackout curtains were a life saver. And the extra long bed was pretty nice as well.
(Available in all rooms): So now I'm looking and I see things like alarm clock, robes, bathrobes, and more! I did have those things as well!
**So, *Internet Access* and all the room facilities**. The room was well connected with both *Internet access – wireless* and Internet access – LAN. I really liked the convenience of the Complimentary tea, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, and Mini bar.
Eat, Drink, and Be… Slightly Bewildered (Dining & Snacks):
Okay, this is where things get… interesting. Restaurants are on-site, and they offer a mix of Asian cuisine in the restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, with Asian breakfast and Western breakfast. Breakfast [buffet] is an option, which I always appreciate, but I’m not a huge buffet person, and I was a little overwhelmed. The coffee/tea in restaurant was, uh, okay. Let's just say I found better coffee elsewhere in Kyoto. Plus, it was often crowded, and the service could be a little slow.
They also have a bar, and a poolside bar, which both seem fun but which I was not able to try.
There is Room service [24-hour] too, which is awesome, and I'd love to take advantage of that.
Relaxation Rendezvous: Not Quite the Spa Escape I Dreamed Of
The spa/sauna situation… well, let's just say I had higher hopes. The sauna was okay, not the best sauna I've ever been in. The steamroom was nice, but the whole experience just lacked a certain… je ne sais quoi? I also was intrigued by the, apparently available Body scrub and Body wrap but I never got around to this. I hear those are good! I did enjoy the pool with view… I think it's a nice, simple outdoor pool.
There’s a fitness center too! I didn't go. I was too busy, you know, exploring Kyoto!
Cleanliness & Safety: Mostly Good (But Always Pay Attention!)
They seem to take Cleanliness and safety pretty seriously, and they have a lot of the steps you'd expect. Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Staff trained in safety protocol… all good. Rooms sanitized between stays is reassuring. There's CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, which is smart.
I did notice they had Anti-viral cleaning products, and they offer Room sanitization opt-out available, but no way, I'll take all the help I can get.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Where's the Ironing Board?"
Services and conveniences are… extensive. They offer concierge, dry cleaning, laundry service, and a convenience store. The concierge was helpful in general, but they weren't the most expert at answering some of the questions. Cash withdrawal is available.
They also have meeting/banquet facilities, but I wasn't in town just for business. And, the Invoice provided is something I didn't note, but I'm sure it must be.
For the Kids and Other Fun: No Babies in Tow, But…
They're Family/child friendly! They even have Kids facilities. There is a Babysitting service which is, you know, good.
The Quirky Bits and Bobs (You NEED to Know):
- Smoking area: Yes, they have one. But it’s discreet, which I appreciate.
- Shrine: Oh yeah, there’s a tiny, charming shrine right on the property. Talk about unique!
- Proposal Spot: Apparently, it's a thing? If you're looking to pop the question in Kyoto, maybe this is your place!
- The "I Forgot" Factor: I forgot my umbrella. And I forgot my phone charger the first time, because I'm prone to doing things like that. The hotel didn't have anything like that, and they didn't have a lot of extra supplies the convenience store didn't have.
The Verdict: So, Should You Stay at Hiyori Nijo?
Look. Hiyori Nijo isn't perfect. It's not the most luxurious hotel in Kyoto. But it's… charming. It's got a decent location (close to the train station, which is essential), friendly staff (mostly), and a certain… je ne sais quoi. It's a little rough around the edges, but in a way that adds to its character. It's not flashy, but it's comfortable.
Here's the bottom line: If you're looking for a good location to explore Kyoto, a comfortable base, and don't need every single detail to be perfect, Hiyori Nijo is worth a look. But if you're expecting a flawless, luxury experience, maybe look elsewhere.
So, final answer? Maybe. But there's fun to be had.
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Hiyori Nijo: A Kyoto Rollercoaster (Or, How I Survived Onigiri and Existential Dread)
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travel diary. This is the real, unvarnished, slightly-sweaty truth about my three days in Hiyori Nijo, Kyoto. Let's just say my "zen" definitely needed a tune-up.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Ramen Hunt (Epic Fail Included)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Landed at Kansai Airport. Jet lag was already hitting hard. The flight attendants were way too cheerful. I took a train to Nijo, staring blankly at the countryside. Everything was so…green. So orderly. Panic started to set in. Am I even ready for Japan?
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Check-in at Hiyori Nijo (smooth, clean, all the tiny soaps you could dream of - score!). The room was cute, but I immediately dropped my phone on the pristine tatami mat. Sigh. Okay, breathe. Time for coffee. There was a cute little cafe next door, but I was too scared to talk to anyone.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): The Great Ramen Hunt began. I'd heard stories! Legends! I poured over Google Maps, reading reviews, feeling utterly overwhelmed. Finally, I picked a place that seemed promising. Nope. Apparently, "spicy" means "blow-your-face-off-and-possibly-die-of-a-heart-attack spicy." Tears streamed down my face. My stomach was in revolt. I vowed to stick to onigiri (rice balls) for the rest of the trip. Good decision, future self.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Nijo Castle. Okay, fine. It was impressive. The nightingale floors were cool, but I was too busy battling sleep deprivation to feel particularly moved. Wandered through the gardens, feeling like a lost child. Saw a carp. Imagined it judging me.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Wandered aimlessly, desperate for food that wouldn't try to kill me. Settled for convenience store onigiri. Ate it in a park. Realized I'd forgotten my charger. Existential dread intensified. Walked back to the hotel. Fell asleep.
Day 2: Temples, Tea, and a Tiny Crisis of Faith (in Myself)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Woke up. Jet lag won. Felt like a zombie. Ate an onigiri for breakfast.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Yeah, yeah, it's beautiful. It's gold. The crowds, however, were less golden, more like a swarm of locusts. I elbowed my way through, taking a few blurry photos, feeling utterly cynical. Is this what it's all about? Is this it?
- Lunch (12:00 PM): You guessed it, onigiri. At least I was consistent. Managed to venture into a small bakery and bought a melon pan (yummy!), which boosted my mood slightly.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Ryoan-ji Temple and its famous rock garden. Okay, this was something. Sat there, staring at those rocks, trying to "find my center," but my thoughts kept drifting to my laundry back home. Eventually gave up and just enjoyed the peace and quiet. It was nice. Surprisingly, actually.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Tea Ceremony. Okay, I'm not gonna lie, it was intimidating. The whole thing felt very…ritualistic. I spilled a tiny bit of tea. Mortification. But afterward, the tea was lovely, subtly sweet, and the host was incredibly kind. Maybe, just maybe, I was starting to "get it."
- Evening (7:00 PM): Attempted to find dinner that wasn't onigiri. Failed. Ended up at a tiny yakitori place on a side street. The food was amazing! But, the smoke was intense, and my clothes smelled like grilled meat the next day. Worth it.
Day 3: Departure (Plus, a Hidden Gem and Unexpected Wisdom)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Last onigiri. The airport train beckoned.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM): Decided to take a walk the early walk and stumbled upon a tiny, neighborhood shrine I'd missed the previous days. It was quiet, peaceful, and felt incredibly…real. A total contrast to the crowds and the "must-see" attractions. I lit a candle, made a silent wish, and felt something shift within me. Maybe jet lag was finally wearing off, or maybe, just maybe, I was starting to understand what this whole "travel" thing was supposed to be about.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM): Headed to Kyoto Station. Found an awesome coffee shop there, feeling a bit sad to leave. Bought too many souvenirs and barely made my train.
- Departure: Boarded the train for the airport. Kyoto was looking pretty in the window, and the memories of the past days flashed before my eyes. Was this the best trip ever? No, not really But I did learn a lot. Some of it was about Kyoto, but even more of it was about me. And that, I think, is what truly matters.
Final Thoughts:
Kyoto is beautiful, chaotic, and sometimes utterly baffling. I didn't become enlightened. I ate too many rice balls. I got lost. I cried over spicy ramen. But I also found moments of peace, moments of joy, and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the imperfect. And hey, I survived. That, in itself, is an accomplishment. Now, where's the next adventure? And someone, please, teach me how to navigate a Japanese train system…
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Hiyori Nijo: Kyoto's Hidden Gem (and My Personal Obsession) - FAQs
Okay, so, Hiyori Nijo... what's the big deal? Why should *I* care?
Alright, buckle up buttercup. You *should* care because it’s… well, it’s like Kyoto’s secret chill spot. Everyone flocks to Fushimi Inari and Kinkaku-ji, and yeah, those are cool, but everyone is there. Hiyori Nijo? It's where you go to ACTUALLY breathe. Picture this: a charming, mostly residential area, filled with tiny, amazing cafes, traditional houses, and a seriously laid-back vibe. It's the antithesis of the tourist crush. It's the place where you can *actually* feel like you're experiencing something real, something… Kyoto-ish, without needing to elbow your way through a photo op. This is where the REAL Kyoto people live, and by extension, that's what you're getting to experience. Plus, and this is important: excellent coffee and pastries. Just saying.
How do I get there? Is it a pain in the behind transportation-wise?
Honestly? Getting anywhere in Kyoto takes a little planning. But Hiyori Nijo is surprisingly easy. You can hop on the subway to Nijojo-mae Station. It's right there! From there, you can wander. I'm a visual person and often got myself lost. Good advice? Don't rush. Just walk around. Look at the houses, and see what catches your eye. Just give yourself some time and you'll find your way.
What's the best time to visit? Is there a "right" time?
Okay, full disclosure: I've only been, like, a million times. My *favorite* time is springtime. The cherry blossoms… oh, the cherry blossoms! They line the canals, and it’s just… pure poetry. But, a word of caution - spring is peak season. Be prepared for some crowds, even in Hiyori Nijo. Early mornings or late afternoons, when the day-trippers are gone, are prime time. Honestly, though? Even with crowds, it’s still better than fighting your way through Gion. Winter can be magical too, with a crispness to the air and fewer people. Just… bring layers. Kyoto winters bite. And summer? Well, it's hot, humid hell. Approach with caution, and iced coffee is your friend.
What should I DO in Hiyori Nijo? Just walk around?
Walking around is 90% of the experience, my friend. But, there's more! First off, explore those tiny cafes. Find a place with a charming, little doorway that looks like it came straight out of a manga. Then, take a peek inside. Drink the matcha latte. In particular? I stumbled upon this little place last time, hidden away near a tiny park. No English menu, just a few regulars, and the BEST coffee I've ever had. I still don't know what the name of it is, but I could *feel* the barista's passion for the coffee, and that sort of thing, alone, is worth the adventure. Explore the side streets, and look for tiny craft shops. You might find some beautiful crafts, or some hand-made items that are only available there. And, absolutely, positively, have a picnic by the canal if the weather is good. It’s pure bliss. Seriously, just *be*. That's the main thing.
What about food? Are there good restaurants?
YES! Oh my GOD, yes! The food scene in Hiyori Nijo is a revelation. It's more about comfort food and hidden gems than Michelin stars (although you might find some serious *chef's kiss* quality food). You'll find everything from ramen shops that look like they haven't changed a bit since the 1950s to trendy cafes with Instagram-worthy brunch. My personal weakness? There’s a tiny bakery with amazing croissants and pain au chocolat. (I may or may not have gone there every single morning I was there… don't judge me!). Seriously, though, do your research. Read some blog posts, or ask at your accommodation.
Is it good for families?
Hmmm, maybe. It depends on your family, really. If your kids are the "I need to see ALL THE THINGS!" type, they might get bored. There aren't any theme parks or huge attractions. But, it’s perfect for families who like wandering and exploring, maybe with a picnic lunch, and some ice cream. There are some small parks and playgrounds. It's safe and generally very relaxed. Just be prepared for possible boredom from super-hyper kids or anyone who can't relax.
So, any specific tips, things I *absolutely* shouldn't miss?
Okay, here's the insider stuff: 1. **Get lost.** Seriously. Wander. That's where the magic is. 2. **Try the local sweets.** Kyoto knows how to do dessert. 3. **Learn a few basic Japanese phrases.** Even a simple "Konnichiwa" ("hello") and "Arigato" ("thank you") goes a long way. 4. **Look up!** The architecture is incredible, especially in these older neighborhoods, there are so many different types of wood carvings, house decorations, and unique design elements. 5. **Don’t be afraid to try something new.** Step out of your comfort zone. This isn't your typical tourist trap. This is a place to experience.
What about photography? Is it Instagrammable or what?
Oh, it's *totally* Instagrammable. But more importantly, it's photographic. There's beauty everywhere you look: the canals, the traditional houses, the cherry blossoms (if you're lucky enough to be there at the right time). The light is often incredible, especially in the mornings and late afternoons. But, here's my (grumpy) advice: put down the phone *sometimes*. Don't be *that* person who’s constantly glued to their screen. Actually, *look* at what's around you. Feel the atmosphere. And then, sure, take a picture. But don't let the picture *define* the experience. Ugh. Seriously. I get annoyed when people are only taking pictures and not actually living in the moment.
Okay, let's talk about the downsides. What's *not* great about Hiyori Nijo?
Alright, honest moment here. First, there's the language barrier. While a lot of people speak English, it isn't the norm. Sometimes, getting by requires a bit of pointing, smiling,Cozy Stay Spots
