Gion Hatanaka is a fine ryokan right in the heart of the Southern Higashiyama sightseeing district, less than a minute’s walk from Yasaka-jinja. Despite being fairly large, this 21-room place manages to retain an intimate and private feeling. In addition to bathtubs in each room, there is a huge wooden communal bath. The rooms are clean, well designed and relaxing.
It also offers regularly scheduled geisha entertainment that nonguests are welcome to join. Note: there is a midnight curfew but guests can enter later if prearranged.