Yoshida Sanso
Historic imperial elegance meets family warmth. Tatami rooms, garden views, hand-written calligraphy greetings from the owner — deeply traditional but not stuffy. Quiet, residential setting far from tourist crowds.
All guests receive a traditional hachimaki towel bearing the Imperial Chrysanthemum crest — keep it as a genuine souvenir.
Why It Matters
One of only six former Imperial Residences operating as a ryokan in all of Japan. Recognized as a Tangible Cultural Property. The Imperial Chrysanthemum crest is one of only a handful of private properties in Japan permitted to display it. Three rooms plus one detached suite means it never feels crowded.
Yoshida Sanso is a former imperial villa turned family-run ryokan sitting on the quiet lower slopes of Mt. Yoshida in Kyoto's Sakyo Ward. Built in 1932 by master carpenter Nishioka Tsunekazu as the second residence of Prince Higashi-Fushimi — Emperor Showa's brother-in-law — the main house is Shoin-style architecture built from precious hinoki cypress, with Art Deco flourishes hidden in the stained glass and fine parquet floors. After World War II it became a traditional inn, and today it's managed by Kyoko Nakamura and her daughter Tomoko, whose warm, matriarchal hospitality is the heart of the place.
Where You'll Stay
4 room types available
Hanare – Detached Suite
From JPY180,000 / nightA standalone 55㎡ cottage in the garden, built in the sukiya style entirely from Kitayama sugi — a prized Japanese cedar from northern Kyoto. Surrounded by greenery and completely separate from the main house, it's the only room with its own private kitchen and private bathroom. The most secluded option at the property.
Futon on tatami · 55 sqm
Kashikiri – Full Property Charter
From JPY1,100,000 / nightCharter the entire ryokan — all guest rooms and the garden — for groups of 2 to 6. Unlocks exclusive optional programming: a private cooking lesson with the chefs, a calligraphy session with owner Kyoko, and a tea ceremony with Tomoko. Check-in is at noon and check-out at noon, giving a full extra hour on each end.
Kotobuki – Main House 2nd Floor
From JPY190,000 / nightThe largest and most coveted main house option at 95㎡. Spread across the second floor with a terrace that looks out over the Higashiyama mountain range and the ryokan garden below. Bright, elegant rooms including a bedroom, living room, relaxing room, and private bathroom. The Japanese-style bath with gorgeous tile work is located on the first floor.
95 sqmNanten – Main House 1st Floor
From JPY150,000 / nightA 50㎡ first-floor room in the historic main house favored by local Zen monks for its meditative atmosphere. Styled like a traditional tearoom with a serene garden view. Features a bedroom, living room, and private bathroom. The shared bath facility is on this floor. Garden-facing windows make it a quiet, grounding space.
50 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A personal calligraphy lesson with proprietress Kyoko Nakamura. Available as part of the Kashikiri (full property charter) experience.
A traditional Japanese tea ceremony led by Tomoko Nakamura, co-proprietress of Yoshida Sanso. Available as part of the Kashikiri (full property charter) booking.
Seasonal live koto (Japanese stringed instrument) concerts are held in the garden, orchestrated to relax guests within the historic grounds.
At different times of the year, guests are invited into the Japanese garden to enjoy a bowl of matcha green tea surrounded by seasonal blooms — cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas in early summer, autumn foliage.
A private hands-on cooking class with the ryokan's kaiseki chefs, followed by the option to use the kitchen to host your own meal for friends and family. Available exclusively under the Kashikiri full-property charter.
Both the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji) and the famous Philosopher's Walk canal path are under a 20-minute stroll from the ryokan. The ryokan sits just below Yoshida Shrine at the base of Mt. Yoshida, which also has a network of forested hiking trails.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Both the Shinkokan café building and the main house can be reserved for wedding ceremonies, concerts, reunions, business luncheons, and seminars.
Historic 1930s café and salon on the grounds with second-floor mountain views. Open to guests after breakfast and to the public for events.
Staff communicate comfortably in English with international guests.
Traditional yukata robes, tabi-socks, and in winter a tanzen haori (padded robe jacket) provided to all guests. Kimonos offered for wear around the property.
A meticulously maintained traditional Japanese garden with black stepping stones, cherry trees, and azaleas. Views change dramatically with each season.
Indoor communal-style hot stone bath with private access for guests. Located on the first floor of the main house.
BUILD YOUR YOSHIDA SANSO PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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