We absolutely loved this place. The family and most of the staff that operate it are genuinely warm, helpful and kind people with enough English to make up for our meager Japanese. The location is stunning - alongside a river in a canyon a bit outside Kyoto. Several of us went swimming and splashing in the river and wonderful walks in the wooded lane. Think herons on the river and cicadas in the woods. The building itself stretches along the river and is well maintained and has the feel of a traditional Ryokan, very tasteful and spacious. Our rooms were lovely with a view of the river and very comfortable. The onsens were very nice, even if the tile etc is dated. Both the dinner and breakfast were excellent and plentiful.

Worked out well for us, but the options to eat outside of the establishment were limited to a couple of other similar Ryokans in the canyon. So plan accordingly. Access by public transportation is limited. But the staff picked us up and dropped us off cheerfully at bus and train stations. Hallways upstairs are not well air conditioned so have a slight mildew odor.

This place was so so so special! Please if you can go, make it happen! After a week in Japans amazing cities we wanted to see the countryside and relax and this place was perfect! I read the reviews which were all so positive and enthusiastic- and do good reason! This place is amazing! We arrived and had a lovely traditional room which we really wanted to experience! Every room can see the lovely river right by the hotel and it was instantly sooo peaceful! We reserved dinner in advance for the riverside restaurant. Soooo easy to communicate on bookings to reserve our dinner and get help to get directions. My boyfriend is vegetarian which is not so easy in Japan but they made him his own meal which was delicious. The dinner was absolutely so special! We had so many different plates and the location right on the river was unmatched. The night we visited it was pouring rain so we listened to the rain fall on the river and roof as we ate our amazing meal! As all the reviews say, food and service are 10/10 and really make the stay sooo memorable! We visited on a weekend and quickly realized this was very special. We watched a special show from a. Geisha and Maiko who each came to our table to chat after (as well as all the other tables) and we got to ask questions and learn about what they do! Definitely try to go for this on a Saturday if you can and if they are offering it. Once it was dark they turned out all of the lights for a spectacular show or the nearby fireflies which truly felt like it was from a mover. As soon as it was dark real fireflies were visible over the river and it was so cool! It felt like this place was actually a holiday spot for Japanese people. We befriended a lovely Japanese family from Osaka who sat next to us and had an adorable daughter! We felt that it was something so special for foreign and local tourists a like. Our room was so calm and relaxing after such a great meal!

My partner is sitting on the couch beside me as I write this review. I asked her "how did you find the Takao Kanko Hotel"? Her response: "Oh my god! I DREAM about that place". Our stay here was maybe the most relaxing and unique stays of our entire 3 week trip in Japan. Initially, my family and partner had reservations about leaving central Kyoto at 3 pm to take an hour long bus ride to a stop in the middle of a small mountain town where we would be picked up by a shuttle and brought to a ryokan-style hotel. However, all of their doubts were soon quieted upon stepping off of the shuttle. Before us was a incredibly charming hotel with a classic 60s vibe (My partner informs me that it would be helpful to make viewers think of pink bathtubs and mid-century modern furniture more than shag-carpets - does that help?). We were immediately greeted by the wonderful innkeeper and her staff, who not only spoke very good English but kindly allowed me the chance to practice my Japanese as well. We spent our remaining daylight hours hiking gorgeous trails to nearby temples and walking along the river, before retiring to the hotel for a relaxing soak in the small but classic onsen. Clad in Yukata, we went outside to the terrace for a drink before we were treated to a dinner that was perhaps the best and certainly the most memorable during our entire 3 week stay in Japan. Bellies full, drunk on sake, and surrounded by the fresh air and surrounded by nature, I had maybe the best sleep of my entire life at this hotel - even sleeping Japanese-style on an unfamiliar futon and tatami mat. After sleeping the sleep of the dead, we woke up and were treated to a wonderful breakfast. A shuttle was provided to the arashiyama bamboo forest. While we enjoyed the forest and the rest of our stay in Japan, we all agreed that we could have spent longer at the Takao Kanko Hotel

Despite not eating fish, the breakfast was delicious and they were very kind in providing accommodations for us. They were extremely kind and helpful. Our room and the area were both gorgeous. They offered rides to and from the station nearby, which was incredibly helpful with our luggage. The public baths were amazing after walking around in the heat all day. The nearby shrine was a wonderful experience and the river was so lovely.

AC could have been a little bit stronger, but it was really hot out so it could only work so hard. The room's shower/bath wasn't the cleanest, so I tried to only use the public bath.

The location is pretty fantastic, and not too far from Kyoto - usually most of the good affordable Ryokans are only found far in the countryside, but this one takes less than an hour bus ride to get there. The view is great and dining next to the river is just perfect.

Unfortunately does not have an outdoor bath, which is a shame considering how pretty the area is. Also, one thing I didn't like was the fact that we stayed for 2 nights, and were asked in the morning of the 2nd day which dinner we would like for that day. Now, you might wonder that's an issue - thing is, we paid for night + dinner upfront. However, the menu had prices and when we asked up to what amount our reservation would cover, they couldn't answer. So we had to take a gamble and go for a cheaper menu on the second night to avoid extra charges, which isn't a great feeling :(

This place really is prettier than the pictures. We were picked up by the kind hotel staff at the bus station, and the short trip down to the hotel was magical. Kiyotaki river is so beautiful, and all the foliage casts a green light over the valley. The hotel with it’s lanterns lit makes it look like a fairytale. The staff is really very friendly and helpful, the service is topnotch. The room was very cozy, with a great view from the window. The surrounding area is very quiet and peaceful with lots of hiking opportunities. The hike to hozukyo was amazing!

Friendly, helpful staff and excellent service. My father has some mobility issues, and do they quickly produced a chair for his room that helped him get up from the futon. The location was great—very rural and the cab driver was sure he had made a wrong turn, but the fall foliage was spectacular and we felt like we were in a mountain village, not just outside Kyoto.

Our only complaint was that the futons were a little thin, which made sleeping uncomfortable. It wasn’t so bad that we had to ask for another futon, but we had better futons at other places.

I stayed here because I wanted a genuine Ryokan. My expcetations were met. The staff are friendly & helpful. The host & a couple workers spoke a servicable amount of English. The hotel is older but, maintained. Everything was clean. The food was excellent & priced appropriately. The hotel has a morning shuttle that will drop you off at a near location or a Train station. You have to rely on a bus line or taxi. Which took a little extra planning but it was not an issue for us. There is a bus stop just up the hill from the hotel. There are also three nearby temples that are ancient.

Outstanding location, national treasure and UNESCO shrines are on your backyard. River and picturesque bridges all around you. Hospitality is outstanding. Hiroko is the best host we've ever seen before ready to help you in any situation. They even waited for us for two more hours with the dinner when we lost our car somewhere in Kyoto and could not be in time. If you want real traditional Japan experience with all the pluses and minuses this place is for you.

Far from main roads and facilities. Rooms are old and cold in winter. Narrow road which could make you sweat when driving.

This hotel has one of the best services I have ever had in my life. I was greeted at the door by name upon arrival, and the lady that owned the hotel made sure that every one of my needs were met. To think this is only a two star hotel is beyond my wildest imagination. This was an amazing and authentic Japanese traditional experience. The location was talked away and a serene and beautiful location. The breakfast are the best I’ve ever had from any hotel. There was a shuttle service that took us into town at 10 AM every morning. I cannot recommend this hotel enough . Please do everything to be cordial to the hosts and attendance, because they are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met!

The hotel is noticeably older, and some of the building amenities are a little dated. For a two star hotel this is expected and not a problem at all.