Kyoto's Hidden Gem: Hotel Chourakukan – Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Kyoto's Hidden Gem: Hotel Chourakukan – Unforgettable Luxury (Mostly!) Awaits! - A Review That's Definitely Not Perfect ✨
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile hotel review. This is my experience, unfiltered and, let's be honest, probably a little too enthusiastic in places. We're talking about the Hotel Chourakukan in Kyoto, and after my recent stay, I'm convinced it's either a magical portal to another dimension of luxury or a really, really well-designed deception. Probably a bit of both.
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- Meta Description: A warts-and-all review of the Hotel Chourakukan in Kyoto! Dive into the incredible luxury, Japanese hospitality, spa experiences, dining delights (and occasional hiccups!) I had. Get the inside scoop on accessibility, amenities, and whether it's REALLY worth the splurge.
First Impressions & Accessibility (Let's Get Real!)
Stepping into the Chourakukan felt…surreal. Like I'd accidentally wandered onto a movie set. The lobby? Gleaming marble and hushed whispers. The staff? Impeccably dressed and ridiculously polite. It's the kind of place that makes you immediately want to check your hair (I did) and second-guess your luggage (mine was definitely not fancy enough).
Accessibility is a big thing for me since my partner uses a wheelchair, and thankfully, the Chourakukan seems to actually care. There are elevators everywhere, ramps are plentiful, and the hallways are wide enough to drive a small car through (almost!). They even have rooms specifically designed for wheelchair users, which is a massive win. We didn't stay in one this time, but knowing they exist is a huge plus. The front desk staff was incredibly helpful, always making sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. (4.5/5 stars on Accessibility because, truthfully, I didn't test everything, but what I did see was top-notch.)
Rooms - Opulence, Thy Name is Chourakukan? (Mostly!)
Okay, the rooms. Wow. Think plush carpets, blackout curtains that literally kill the light, and a bed so comfortable I almost wept. (And I am not a crier, usually!) The air conditioning was a lifesaver, given Kyoto's summer heat! The bathrobes were thick and fluffy, the slippers were surprisingly comfortable (I'm telling you, little details matter!), and… oh, that bathroom! Separate shower and bathtub! And the toiletries? Top-notch. I may have, um, "borrowed" a few. The free Wi-Fi? Blazing fast.
Here's where the cracks in the perfect façade started to show (slightly). The "window that opens" was more of a "crack you could squeeze a credit card through." The in-room safe box felt a little… archaic, like something out of a spy movie from the 70s. And, bless them, the daily housekeeping was almost too meticulous. The first day I put my book down and went for a shower… and upon returning, it was neatly placed on the nightstand. I found it strangely disconcerting. (4/5 stars - because perfection is boring, and the window was a little disappointing.)
Dining - A Feast for the Senses (and Sometimes the Wallet!)
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
The Chourakukan is obsessed with food. In the best possible way. The restaurants are a culinary adventure. From the Asian-inspired dishes to the international fare, everything was beautifully presented and delicious. Breakfast, available as a buffet or in-room service, was a highlight. The buffet was a glorious spread of everything from freshly baked pastries to Japanese specialties. (I inhaled a whole plate of tempura vegetables.)
I did have one minor dining mishap, admittedly my own fault. I tried to order a late-night snack from room service, and… well, let's just say my limited Japanese vocabulary and the server's limited English led to a somewhat interesting translation. I ordered a "sandwich," and received what can only be described as a mountain of pickled vegetables on toast. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't quite what I was craving at midnight. (4.5/5 stars - because the food was typically amazing, and the pickled vegetable incident, while amusing, was entirely my fault.)
The "Relaxation" Zone - My Personal Paradise (and Worth Every Penny!)
- Ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
Okay, buckle up, because the spa. THE. SPA. I could write an entire novel about the spa. It's a sanctuary of calm and serenity. The pool with a view? Stunning. The sauna? Glorious. They offer a range of treatments, and I indulged in a deep tissue massage. The masseuse? A magician. She kneaded the tension out of my shoulders like she was kneading dough. Seriously. It was the best massage of my life. I honestly considered moving in. The foot bath was a lovely touch, and I spent a solid hour just relaxing in the steam room. (5/5 stars – no question. Utter bliss.)
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Make a Difference
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center…
The Chourakukan excels at the little things: the concierge was incredibly helpful, the daily housekeeping was impeccable, and the doorman was always there with a smile. The contactless check-in/out was a breeze. They even have a convenience store on-site, just in case you forgot your emergency chocolate stash (I didn't, of course). The luggage storage was efficient.
The only slight "downside" (and it's really more of an observation) is the price. It's definitely a splurge. But honestly, if you're looking for a truly unforgettable experience, a little extravagance is worth it.
Cleanliness and Safety - COVID Concerns (but Handled Well!)
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment…
And, yes, they take COVID seriously. The staff was masked, hand sanitizer was readily available, and they were constantly cleaning. Everything felt wonderfully safe. The rooms were thoroughly sanitized between stays. The safe dining setup felt very reassuring.
Things to Do & Getting Around - Kyoto at Your Doorstep
- Things to do: Shrine, Terrace
- Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking…
Kyoto is a city of wonders, and the Chourakukan is perfectly positioned to explore it. The hotel offered airport transfer (a godsend after a long flight). They had free on-site parking, which was great. The shuttle service to the main train station was useful. From the Hotel, you're within easy reach of temples, gardens, and the Gion district. The hotel's own terrace offered a lovely spot to relax and soak up the atmosphere.
The Verdict: Go! (But Maybe Save Up First!)
The Hotel Chourakukan is not just a hotel
Unbelievable Victoria House Portland: Your Aussie Dream Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're hitting Kyoto, baby! And not just any Kyoto. We're at the Hotel Chourakukan. Picture this: supposed to be all refined and elegant. Me? I'm already plotting to spill something on their pristine white tablecloths. And the itinerary? Oh, honey, it's a suggestion. More like a loose guideline with a sprinkle of "winging it" and a generous helping of "whatever feels right at the moment."
Kyoto Chaos: Hotel Chourakukan Edition
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and Possibly Mild Panic
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX). Seriously, this airport is a marvel of engineering. I swear I spent 20 minutes just gaping at the automated baggage claim carousel. Note to self: learn some basic Japanese phrases before the real adventure starts. I'm currently fluent in "thank you" and "beer, please."
- 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Train to Kyoto Station. The train is clean. So clean, it’s almost… unsettling? Where's the grit? The smells? The general chaos of a normal train ride? I’m starting to think Japan is a conspiracy for the neat-freaks of the world.
- 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Taxi to Hotel Chourakukan. Okay, so I thought I knew where the hotel was. Apparently, I'm geographically challenged. The taxi driver, a tiny, serious man, just stared straight ahead as I gestured wildly at my phone map. I think he sighed a little.
- 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Check-in. The lobby is, as advertised, gorgeous. Art Deco, all polished wood and whispers. I feel like I should curtsy. Or, you know, not trip over my suitcase and nearly take out a potted plant. Small victories, people, small victories.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Unpack, stare at the view, and try to figure out what all the little buttons on the toilet do. Seriously, the Japanese toilets could power a small city. I'm afraid to touch anything. What is "bidet control" even supposed to mean?
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Wandering. First impressions? I wandered for a while, just gawping at the shops. The sheer artistry of the ceramics! I almost cried when I saw the fabric and the little cakes. I got a matcha ice cream, which promptly dripped all over my hand. It was a disaster, gloriously so.
Day 2: Temples, Tea, and Existential Dread
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Okay, their little continental breakfast is amazing. Fresh fruit, tiny pastries, strong coffee. Suddenly, I'm starting to feel my inner tourist blooming.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Kiyomizu-dera Temple. OMG. The views are stunning, the crowds are… substantial. This little boy was SO EXCITED that he ended up knocking over a vendor's tray of incense. The vendor turned around and his face immediately turned from the brightest smile to a look that turned, I swear, a shade of gray that I didn't know existed. It was actually very sweet when the child apologized with a bow and a little money.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch near the temple. Found a tiny place serving udon noodles. It was a total dive spot, but the noodles were divine. And the people? So kind. I tried to order in my broken Japanese, and the woman behind the counter just laughed and helped me out. It was perfect.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Fushimi Inari Shrine. A sea of red torii gates. Beautiful. Overwhelming. I'll be honest – a bit repetitive after the first hundred gates. The climb made me realize I'm probably not as fit as I thought I was and I had to sit and stare out at the forest for a while.
- 4:30 PM: Tea Ceremony. This was supposed to be the pinnacle of cultural enlightenment. And it was, in a way. But I accidentally spilled my matcha on my kimono sleeve! The teacher was polite, of course, but I could tell she was internally screaming. The tea itself was potent. I felt like I could write a novel, or at least understand the mysteries of the universe. Or maybe it was just the caffeine talking.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Found a little Izakaya. Sat at the counter near a group of locals who looked like they knew exactly what they were doing. Ate so much food. And drank. And somehow ended up teaching them some English swear words. Oops. Note to self: maybe lay off the sake next time.
Day 3: Gion, Geishas, and a Dose of Reality
- 10:00 AM: After a much needed and deserved sleep in.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Wander Gion, the geisha district. Okay, so I spent a good chunk of time just watching people. Apparently, spotting a geisha is like winning the lottery. Saw one! Or at least, I think I did. It was a blur of silk and swift movement. My photos were terrible. Disappointment… but it's okay.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. Another stumble-upon! Found a tiny, nondescript place that was serving up the most incredible katsu curry of my life. I'm talking, melt-in-your-mouth, makes-you-want-to-cry-with-joy katsu curry. I think it was called "Restaurant of the Gods" or something equally pretentious. Worth it.
- 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM: More wandering. Hit up the Nishiki Market. I got to taste all sorts of things! Sea urchin? Okay, I'll try it! Pickled squid? Why not?! The sheer variety of food stalls was mind-boggling. Found a stall selling mochi, and I think I might have bought one of everything.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner. Ate dinner at a fancy place and it was all so… dainty. The portions were comically small. I’m pretty sure I could have eaten three of those plates.
- 8:00 PM: Exhausted, and ready to go to bed.
Day 4: Farewell, Kyoto, and a Thousand Regrets
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Savoring the last little pastries and coffee. The hotel is lovely, but the staff are so good and so polite they are… almost intimidating.
- 10:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Spent way too much money on gorgeous ceramics and silk scarves. My suitcase is going to be a disaster to pack - and possibly over the weight limit at the airport.
- 11:00 AM: Check Out. Said goodbye to the extremely helpful front desk staff.
- 11:30 AM: Taxi to Kyoto Station. This time, the driver didn't sigh. Small victories and I will probably never see him again.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at the station. Had a last bowl of ramen, which was, predictably, delicious.
- 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Train to Kansai International Airport (KIX). Looking out the window and trying to absorb the final minutes with the thought that I'm leaving Japan.
- 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Check-in, security, and the whole airport shebang.
- 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: One last browse through the duty-free shop. Buying way too much Japanese candy. I swear I saw a little old lady buying 10 boxes of Kit-Kats.
- 3:30 PM: Departure.
Final Thoughts:
Kyoto, you magnificent, chaotic, beautiful place. I left a piece of my heart there. The food was incredible, the temples were breathtaking, and even the moments of "cultural faux pas" (spilling tea, accidentally teaching swear words…) made the whole trip worthwhile.
There were moments where I felt completely lost, overwhelmed, and like I was making an idiot of myself. But that, I think, is part of the adventure. You can't plan for everything. You can't control everything. And sometimes, the best memories are made when you just let go, embrace the chaos, and laugh.
And I'm already dreaming of going back. Maybe next time I'll learn some actual Japanese. Or, you know, just keep winging it. Either way, I'll be back.
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Kyoto's Hidden Gem: Hotel Chourakukan - Unforgettable Luxury Awaits! (Okay, Maybe)
So, is Chourakukan *really* as amazing as everyone says? I'm seeing all these perfect Instagram photos...
What's the vibe? Is it stuffy?
The rooms - are they worth the price tag? Spill!
Tell me about the food! Is the restaurant as good as everyone says?
How's the location? Is it easy to get around?
Any tips for making the most of the Chourakukan experience?
Okay, but seriously… any downsides?
