Overview
Beside the Takase River, the 1928 classrooms of Rissei Elementary School now house some of the guest rooms at THE GATE HOTEL Kyoto Takasegawa by HULIC. Most rooms are in the newer building next door. From either building, you can walk to dinner in Pontocho or cross the Kamo River into Gion.
Rooms
To sleep in the original building, choose a room marked Schoolhouse. Solo travelers can book a 21-square-meter Study room with one semi-double bed. Families or friends can book the 61-square-meter Connect layout, which gives three or four people two adjoining rooms.
The newer Main building provides more choice when bed arrangement matters more than the historic setting. Its Essential category includes twin rooms and options for three guests. Whichever building you choose, you can use the lounge and have breakfast overlooking the hills.
Facilities
The third-floor Lounge & Patio is reserved for overnight guests. You can pick out a book from the shelves curated by the Rissei Library and sit outside with a glass of house wine. Wine, coffee and soft drinks are complimentary during drinks service. When the weather allows, a wood fire burns on the patio in the evening. Downstairs, the former schoolyard remains open to the neighborhood as well as hotel guests.
Dining
Anchor Kyoto, the hotel's eighth-floor bistro, looks east toward the Higashiyama hills. Breakfast choices include eggs Benedict and French toast, while the Japanese set meal is limited to 30 servings each day. A lounge and bar on the same floor provide another place to enjoy the view before heading out for dinner.
Location and transport
Kyoto Kawaramachi Station is about three minutes away on foot via the Kiyamachi North Exit. Hankyu trains run from here to Osaka-Umeda, so a day in Osaka doesn't have to begin with a trip south to Kyoto's main railway station.
Across the Kamo River, Gion-Shijo Station is about five minutes away on foot via Exit 4. This is the stop for Keihan Line trips along the eastern side of the city. Shinkansen passengers arrive at Kyoto Station instead, and taking a taxi from there avoids another transfer with luggage.
Airport access
The Haruka express runs directly from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto Station, but it doesn't serve Kyoto Kawaramachi or Gion-Shijo. For an early flight home, allow time to get back to Kyoto Station before your airport train leaves.
Why stay here
Dinner in Pontocho doesn't have to end with a bus or train ride. You can walk back beside the Takase River, while the shops along Shijo Street and the streets of Gion are close enough to explore on foot the next day.
Pontocho is a narrow lane lined with traditional two-story buildings. During summer, some restaurants set up raised dining platforms overlooking the Kamo River.
3-minute walk