Kyoto's Hidden Gem: M's Inn Higashiyama - Unforgettable Stay!

M's Inn Higashiyama Japan

Kyoto's Hidden Gem: M's Inn Higashiyama - Unforgettable Stay!

Kyoto's Hidden Gem: M's Inn Higashiyama - Unforgettable Stay! - A Review That's Actually Real!

Okay, folks, lemme tell ya, finding a genuinely good hotel in Kyoto is like finding a decent beer at Oktoberfest – you’re wading through a sea of okay. But then… then you stumble upon M's Inn Higashiyama. And honestly… it's a bit of a moment. I'm talking about that feeling you get when you accidentally order amazing food after a long journey, the one where you stop and go "Whoa".

Let's get the housekeeping out of the way first. Because, you know, logistics. M's Inn Higashiyama is surprisingly accessible. Elevator? Check. Seems to be decent wheelchair accessibility too, though I don’t use a wheelchair, so I can't vouch fully. They've clearly thought about it, which is already a HUGE win in Japan, where accessibility sometimes feels… optional.

Internet? Yeah, it's there. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Absolutely! You can also wire things up the old-fashioned way with Internet [LAN] – for all you digital cave-dwellers. The Wi-Fi in public areas worked just fine, which is a godsend when you're trying to navigate a maze of temples and train stations.

Now, about the really good stuff…

Cleanliness and Safety: A Breathe of Fresh Air (Literally!)

Look, I’m a germaphobe. Not clinically, but I can't stand the idea of a gross hotel room. So when I get to see Daily disinfection of common areas, Anti-viral cleaning products, Rooms sanitized between stays, I immediately felt at ease. The staff are clearly trained in safety protocol, and they've got hand sanitizer everywhere you look. They even offered room sanitization opt-out, which, honestly, is a brilliant way to cater to different preferences. It shows they care. They seemed very in touch with the Hygiene certification. Really, I got a sense of professionalism, a kind of Japanese pride for their customers. The CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property added an extra layer of security, which can be a comfort when you're in a new place.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure!

Okay, let's talk food. Because, well, travel is about eating, mostly. And M's Inn did NOT disappoint.

• Breakfast: They have Asian breakfast and Western breakfast. I went for an Asian one, which was a beautifully presented collection of small dishes – miso soup, grilled fish, rice, pickles, the works. It was a perfect morning kick-off. They had breakfast service and a breakfast buffet, and it felt like a good start to the day.
• Restaurants: I don’t think they had a ton of options, and if you were looking for very specific stuff, you might be disappointed. Still, you're in Kyoto! The real restaurant adventure is outside the hotel and you need to be ready.
• Coffee/tea in restaurant; Perfect for that afternoon slump and to help you gear up for the next place.
• Poolside bar: Perfect for drinks.

Things to Do, Ways to Relax… And Actually, I Just Loved One Thing.

Here’s where M's Inn really shines. They have the standard stuff. Fitness center, gym/fitness, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. Fine, good. I didn't use them. I was too busy.

But the really amazing thing about this hotel? The location!!

It is right! In! The! MIDDLE! Of! Everything!

Okay, that might be a stretch. But, honestly, you can walk to some of the most incredible temples. You're spitting distance from the geisha district (if you're lucky/persistent enough to catch a glimpse). A walk along the river will leave you gasping at how picturesque it is. Honestly, it was the perfect basecamp for exploring Kyoto.

Getting Around: Easy Peasy!

Airport transfer? Yes, they arrange it! Car park [free of charge]? Yep, bonus! Taxi service? Absolutely. Kyoto is surprisingly easy to navigate, but having these options available is just smart.

Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier.

Concierge? A lifesaver! They helped me book a tea ceremony and pointed me in the right direction for the best matcha ice cream (essential!). Luggage storage? Of course. Daily housekeeping? My room was impeccable every. Single. Day. They have a Gift/souvenir shop.

The Room: My Personal Sanctuary

Alright, so, I didn't get the most luxurious room. It was on a high floor (which I always appreciate for the view.) it had air conditioning! (Obvious, I know, but important in summer!). Blackout curtains, a soundproof room. I'm talking a good seating area, a place to sit, drink tea, and organize your thoughts. Free bottled water (so crucial!), a coffee/tea maker, a free Wi-Fi, and an in-room safe box.

There's a Desk that made it possible to work in peace.

The linens are soft. They have a shower. The wake-up service actually worked! The telephone worked. It had slippers! And the window that opens? Perfect for letting in that crisp Kyoto air. Honestly? It felt like a proper home away from home.

The NOT-SO-Perfect Bits (Because I'm Real!)

No hotel is perfect. The dining options, aside from breakfast, were somewhat limited. There was a little bit of construction nearby. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it's worth mentioning.

For the Family

I didn't bring any kids, but they do have some kids facilities.

My Final Verdict: Book It!

Look, I’m not easily impressed. But M's Inn Higashiyama truly surprised me. It's clean, safe, well-located, and the staff are friendly and helpful. It's the kind of place you can relax and actually enjoy your Kyoto experience. This is one of the Kyoto hotels that I'd return to in a heartbeat.

And Now, The Offer! (Because Why Not?)

Tired of endless hotel searches? Craving a REAL Kyoto experience? M's Inn Higashiyama is your answer!

Here’s why you NEED to book NOW:

• Prime Location: Steps away from iconic temples, the geiko district, and delicious food. Ditch the endless subway rides and experience Kyoto firsthand!
• Spotless Cleanliness & Safety: Travel with peace of mind. M's Inn Higashiyama prioritizes your well-being with rigorous hygiene protocols.
• Relaxation & Rejuvenation: After a day of exploring, unwind in the spa or simply soak in the incredible atmosphere of your room.
• Unbeatable Value: Get all of this at a price that won't break the bank!

This is not just a hotel; it's your Kyoto adventure HQ.

Click here to book your unforgettable stay at M's Inn Higashiyama today! (Insert booking link here)

Don’t wait – Kyoto is calling!

APA Hotel Mito Ekimae: Your Perfect Mito Stay Awaits!

Book Now

Okay, buckle up, buttercups. You're about to get blasted with my brain in a travel-planning frenzy. And this isn't just any trip; this is M's Inn Higashiyama, Japan. I mean, the sound of it already whispers of serene temples and whispered secrets. Let's see if my actual trip lives up to the hype, shall we? Prepare for a rollercoaster. (And apologies to anyone who has OCD or a deep loathing of parentheses – you've been warned.)

The M's Inn Higashiyama Meltdown: A Totally Unprofessional Itinerary (and My Sanity's Descent into Chaos)

(Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Ramen Redemption)

• 10:00 AM - (Technically, it's closer to 11, 'cause, jet lag. And okay, I may have spent a concerning amount of time re-packing my bag because the perfect outfit requires just the right cardigan. Priorities!) Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX). Breathe. Try not to hyperventilate. Remember the phrase, "Konnichiwa," even though I know I'll butcher it. Pray to the baggage gods my suitcase hasn't gone on a solo adventure to… oh, I don't know, Narnia.
• 11:30 AM - (Or more realistically, noon-ish.) High-speed train to Kyoto Station. The Shinkansen? It's a thing. The internet made it sound like some kind of sleek, silent, futuristic marvel. It is fast. And clean. But I also spent half the journey staring at the passing scenery, desperately trying to remember if I’d turned off the iron. Panic level: rising.
• 1:00 PM - (Maybe 1:30, depending on how lost I get in the labyrinth of Kyoto Station!) Check into M's Inn Higashiyama. (Fingers crossed it’s as cute as the pictures. My standards are… low, at this point. A bed and a functioning toilet are literally all I need.) Prepare for the inevitable cultural confusion of the tiny hotel rooms.
• 2:00 PM - (If I’m lucky. If not, I'll be wandering around like a bewildered goldfish.) Immediate priority: FOOD. I'm talking ramen. Preferably a steaming bowl of tonkotsu, with all the fixings. I'm picturing it now: the broth, the noodles… oh sweet, salty, porky heaven. (I may or may not have watched a lot of Anthony Bourdain to prepare for this moment.) Research ramen joints within stumbling distance of the Inn. This is crucial. This is survival.
• 3:00 PM – (Or possibly, 4:00 – I am already questioning my time management skills.) Stumble around a nearby temple, maybe Kiyomizu-dera, because, duh. Take pictures. (But actually see the place, too. Not JUST through the lens, okay?) But I'm bracing myself for the crowds. Temples are beautiful, but also, people.
• 6:00 PM - (Hopefully before my blood sugar plummets and I start eating pamphlets.) Dinner. Repeat ramen craving, or maybe venture into the mysterious world of okonomiyaki. (Pray for my stomach. I'm prone to digestive drama.)
• 7:00 PM - (If I haven't collapsed from exhaustion.) Wander around a bit, maybe find a vending machine with weird drinks. The vending machines are a crucial part of the Japan experience right? (And take pictures of everything, because Instagram.) Maybe even just crash in bed because the jet lag will hit hard.

(Day 2: Zen Gardens, Bamboo Forests, and Existential Crisis)

• **8:00 AM - (HA! Like I'll actually be up that early. Maybe 9:00 AM) **Breakfast in the room, provided by the Inn! Or will I be forced to find a conbini for pre-packaged breakfast.
• 9:30 AM - (ish. Give or take a minor existential crisis.) Visit the Zen Garden at Ryoan-ji Temple. (The famous rock garden. Because, you know, Zen. I'm anticipating feeling deeply peaceful. Or bored. Or possibly just confused. Either way, I'll try to "contemplate the universe.") Important update: Prepare for existential dread.
• 11:00 AM - (If I haven't been swallowed whole by my own introspection.) Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Pictures, pictures, pictures! (And try not to elbow anyone in the face taking them.) I've seen a million photos of that place. It better be as magical as it looks. Also, is it true that pandas live there? (Probably not, but a girl can dream.)
• 1:00 PM – (Lunchtime! AKA the moment I'm forced to confront my total lack of Japanese language skills.) Lunch near Arashiyama. More food adventures! Maybe some tofu, because I'm trying to be "cultured." Or maybe just a burger. I'm flexible.
• **2:30 PM - (After the great bamboo-forest-photo-taking) **Tenryu-ji Temple, a beautiful Zen temple in Arashiyama. Learn more about Zen Buddhism
• 4:00 PM - (Maybe time to go back to the hotel for a long nap) Coffee shop! I Need it!
• 6:00 PM - (Dinner Time!) Decide on where to eat, maybe explore the area more.
• 7:00 PM - Crash

(Day 3: Geishas, Tea Ceremonies, and the Sweet, Sweet Embrace of Home)

• 9:00 AM - (If jet lag permits.) Explore Gion, the geisha district. (I know, I know - it's a tourist trap. But I'm still curious. I'm aiming for respectful observation, not a creepy stalker vibe. Let's see how I do.) Keep my eyes peeled for Geishas.
• 11:00 AM - (Okay, now for the big one: The Tea Ceremony!) Find a Tea Ceremony! (Pray for serenity, and the ability to not spill scalding tea on myself. I'm clumsy, you see.) I am also slightly terrified of the formality.
• 1:00 PM - (Assuming I was even able to get up) Lunch. Again. My stomach is going to be so full.
• 2:00 PM - (Back to the Hotel) Start to pack my bags and buy some final gifts
• 4:00 PM - (Travel to the airport)
• 7:00 PM - (Board the Plane. Goodbye Japan)

(Random Musings & Imperfections):

• Language Barrier: Pray for me. My Japanese vocabulary consists of "hello," "thank you," "beer," and maybe a few other survival phrases I picked up from a YouTube video that I've probably already forgotten. I'm anticipating a lot of pointing, smiling, and general awkwardness.
• Public Transportation: I'm good on public transport. (That is, I've successfully used it in my own city. I'm sure this will be different.) I'm kind of hoping there’s a "Get Out of Jail Free" card for getting on the wrong train.
• Souvenirs: I am determined to buy the most ridiculous, yet necessary, Japanese gadget I can find. Think a heated travel pillow or a self-stirring ramen bowl.
• Emotional Rollercoaster: This trip will be a whirlwind of joy, confusion, awe, exhaustion, and probably a healthy dose of homesickness. I'm kind of terrified. And also incredibly excited. I'll try to document it all. Or at least the parts I remember.
• Don't judge me: Yes, this itinerary is messy. Yes, it's probably unrealistic. But that's the beauty of adventure, right? It's about the unexpected, the imperfections, the moments that make you laugh (or cry, probably both) and the stories you bring home with you.
• Important Update: I'm probably going to eat all the Kit Kats. And maybe cry when I have to leave.

So there you have it. My totally-not-professional, possibly-insane plan for conquering M's Inn Higashiyama and the city of Kyoto. Wish me luck (and send ramen coupons). I’ll need them.

Escape to Paradise: Shirako Sunrise Hotel's Otsuka Oasis Awaits!

Book Now

M's Inn Higashiyama: FAQ (Because Let's Be Honest, You Need the Real Scoop)

Is M's Inn Higashiyama actually a "hidden gem" or just another hotel pretending to be?

Okay, let's get real. "Hidden gem" is thrown around like confetti in Vegas, but I actually think it *is* a hidden gem, BUT... with caveats. The location? Spot on. Deep in Higashiyama, practically breathing distance from Kiyomizu-dera – that's a *huge* win. You open the window and, BAM, ancient Kyoto vibes. Forget the throngs of tourists first thing in the morning. You've got the streets mostly to yourself. It feels special. But "hidden" also means finding the place for the first time? Good luck, you'll be wandering around for a good 10 minutes.

The rooms... Are they tiny? Because, Japan.

Yes. They *are* on the smaller side. Look, you're not renting a ballroom. Think cozy, efficient. I stayed in one with a little balcony – loved it! – but had *maybe* two feet of walking space around the bed. My suitcase was essentially a permanent fixture. You learn to live with it, though. It's part of the experience. Plus, they make brilliant use of space. The bathroom? Surprisingly functional, even if you're on the taller side. Just be prepared for the whole "folding your suitcase symphony" every time you want to move around. Honestly, I'd probably choose the same room again, cramped as it was, just for that balcony view in the morning.

What about the breakfast? Is the free breakfast worth it? (I'm a breakfast snob.)

Alright, breakfast-snobs, listen up. It’s *included*, which is already a win in my book. It's not the Ritz, let’s just say that. I had high hopes because I heard it was a traditional Japanese breakfast. I was picturing a perfectly laid out tray of tiny, artfully arranged dishes. Nope! It was a bit more...basic. But hey, it was *Japanese*. And I'm a massive fan of Japanese food. Honestly, it was still good! You got the rice, the miso soup, the little pickles, maybe some grilled fish if you were lucky. It sets you up for a day of exploring. Plus, it's free. Seriously. Free breakfast? I'm in. Even if it was just a slightly better version of what I could make myself. It's the convenience, the cultural immersion (even if it’s just eating with chopsticks at 7am), and frankly, the time saved from wandering aimlessly looking for a decent bakery.

Is it noisy? (I'm a light sleeper, and I hate noisy walls.)

Okay, this is a big one. It *can* be. The walls aren't exactly soundproof. I'm a light sleeper too, so I understand the panic. One night, some kids were up, and the walls were thin. I heard every giggle, *every* single word. I may have muttered a few choice words under my breath. But then, the next night? Total bliss. Some nights are quieter than others. Bring earplugs. Seriously. Pack them. Keep them within arm's reach. They're a lifesaver. Ultimately, it depends on your neighbors. But it’s worth the risk for the location, I think.

The staff: are they helpful? Can they speak English? (Because, you know, communication is key when you're lost.)

The staff are generally lovely. They're polite, friendly, and try their best. English proficiency varies, but they’re always willing to help. There was one lovely woman who was super helpful and always had a smile. I recall getting lost, embarrassingly lost, trying to find a specific craft shop. I went back to the hotel and they helped me find the address, even sketched some directions for me! They did their best. It wasn't always perfect, and I often ended up resorting to Google Translate (which, let's be honest, can be hilarious), but they were always, *always* trying.

What's the best thing about M's Inn Higashiyama?

For me? Hands down, the *location*. It's pure magic. Walking out of the hotel, and immediately being surrounded by temples, tea houses, and tiny, winding streets…it's breathtaking. Truly. I went for a morning walk before sunrise, the light was the most beautiful golden color, and everything was quiet. I didn't see another soul. Just the rustling leaves and the distant sound of a temple bell. I walked right by Kiyomizu-dera. It felt like having Kyoto all to myself. That moment… that's what made it unforgettable. It's the feeling you get when you're *deep* in it. It's the reason you travel, isn't it? That feeling of being *there*. That's the best thing. Even with the tiny rooms and the potentially noisy walls? Absolutely worth it. Find a quiet corner, get your coffee, and just *breathe* it in. You’ll get it.

What's the *worst* thing?

Honestly? The fact that I can't go back *right now*. Okay, more seriously, the noise is a potential downside. I did get annoyed sometimes when the walls acted like they had no thickness. Could be a dealbreaker for some (again, earplugs are your friend!), or the slightly less-than-high-end breakfast. It's not a luxury hotel, it's simple, and it's all the better for it. But it's not perfect. Nothing is. Even if you see a bad point, you can also see a good one.

Would you recommend M's Inn Higashiyama?

Yes. Absolutely. With the appropriate expectations. It's not perfect, but it's authentic. It’s special. It's a good base camp to explore Kyoto. If you want a fancy experience, go elsewhere. But if you want a genuine, charming, and well-located experience, book it. Just pack earplugs. And maybe a travel-sized can of patience. You won't be disappointed. Probably.

Anything else I should know before I go?

Hotelish

Share :