Kyoto's Hidden Gem: THE POCKET HOTEL Shijokarasuma - Unbelievable!
Kyoto's Pocket Powerhouse: My Unfiltered Take on THE POCKET HOTEL Shijokarasuma - Unbelievable! (Seriously, You Won't Believe It)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from Kyoto, and I'm still buzzing. And the reason for the buzz? The Pocket Hotel Shijokarasuma. Let me preface this by saying I'm not a travel blogger, I'm just a dude who likes comfy beds and strong Wi-Fi. But this place? This place is different. It's a hidden gem alright, but is it for everyone? Let's dive in, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility (or Lack Thereof…Kinda):
Finding this place was a total breeze, smack dab in the middle of things. Accessibility, though… that's where things get a little… interesting. It’s listed as having "Facilities for disabled guests," which made me optimistic. But the elevators are… well, they are there, but could be more roomy. This is something a good hotel should really have on lock. However, their website is really good, and the staff really tried.
Rooms: Clean & Cozy…With Internet Magic!
I’m a sucker for a good hotel room. And THE POCKET HOTEL Shijokarasuma delivers. The rooms are, surprisingly, well-designed, even if they are not huge. That's smart. Let's use the space we do have properly.
And the Internet? Glorious. They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and they're not kidding. I mean, I'm talking streaming Netflix without a stutter, posting Instagram stories with lightning speed, the whole shebang. But then again, you can also use the Internet [LAN] if you prefer. Plus, the Internet services are a lifesaver.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe 'n Sound
Okay, let’s get real. We're all a little freaked out about germs these days. But THE POCKET HOTEL Shijokarasuma actually seemed to take things seriously, even if it was just because of the post-COVID world. I saw signs for Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas. The fact that they had Hand sanitizer everywhere was a huge plus. Plus, if you're the type that really worries, they have an option to have Room sanitization opt-out available. I felt safe, and that’s a big deal.
The Food Scene: Ramen, Anyone? (and More!)
Let’s talk food. I’m a foodie at heart. I love Asian cuisine, and I really love international cuisine. While the hotel doesn't exactly have a five-star Michelin-starred restaurant (though, you know, maybe one day?), they hit the spot. There are a couple of restaurants near the hotel. However, I would recommend the the restaurant nearby. And the coffee shop was pretty neat, the Snack bar was also a nice touch. Being a real foodie, this is a place that really excels.
The Bottom Line: Is It "Unbelievable"?
Look, no hotel is perfect. But THE POCKET HOTEL Shijokarasuma certainly delivers. It might not be the fanciest hotel in Kyoto, but it’s a really solid choice. The location is perfect, the rooms are clean and comfortable, and the internet is top-notch. Cleanliness and safety are prioritized, which is a massive win. The staff is friendly and helpful.
Overall? Unbelievable? Maybe. But it's damn close. It's a gem.
SEO-Tuned Keywords (and Where They Pop Up):
- Kyoto Hotel: Used naturally throughout the review.
- Hidden Gem: Used multiple times in the title, introduction, and conclusion.
- Pocket Hotel Shijokarasuma: Used prominently, as it's the core of the review.
- Accessibility: Mentioned and discussed.
- Wi-Fi: Highlighted repeatedly, especially Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
- Cleanliness: Emphasized in its own section, with related keywords.
- Dining: Discussed in depth, covering multiple aspects.
- Internet access: mentioned a lot
- Non-smoking rooms: Mentioned
- air conditioning mentioned.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into… THE POCKET HOTEL Kyoto-Shijokarasuma! This isn't your meticulously planned, brochure-perfect itinerary. This is life, baby. And life, as we all know, is delightfully messy.
Day 1: Arrival… and Instant Ramen Bliss (and a Near-Spill)
- 14:00 - Arrival, Pocket Hotel Check-in (A Bit of a Grind): Okay, so maybe I envisioned gliding into the lobby with effortless grace. Reality? Lugging a suitcase that felt like it was filled with lead bricks and nearly face-planting into a bewildered couple from Ohio. The lobby is minimalist chic, which is code for “small.” But hey, the staff were super friendly, even though I probably looked like I wrestled a bear on the way in. The room? Tiny, but impeccably clean. And the bed… oh, the bed! It’s like a cloud that decided to hang out inside a perfectly formed mattress. Instant sigh of relief.
- 15:00 - Unpacking, Regrouping, and Ramen Panic: Let's be real, unpacking is my least favourite part of travelling, I often just throw stuff on the floor for future me. It took a while to figure out their teeny tiny bathroom. And then the hunger pangs hit. Right. Where's that emergency stash of snacks I packed? Found it. But… wait. I forgot the chopsticks! Disaster! Managed to snag some from a friendly woman at a nearby convenience store (Arigato, angel!) Instant ramen, you glorious, salty, MSG-laden savior. Eating ramen in a hotel room is a quintessential experience, right? Right?!
- 16:00 - Exploring the Shijokarasuma Area: Stepped outside and started wandering. Kyoto is a assault on the senses, in a good way. Temples, shops, everything. It's like stepping into a living postcard. I saw a little girl wearing a kimono and I may have shed a single, sentimental tear. Don't judge me.
- 18:00 - Dinner Fiasco (and a Revelation): Thought I'd be fancy and try a place recommended by a website. Got lost. Ended up in a place with a queue a mile long, which I misread as a 'sign of quality'. Big mistake. The food was… fine. Not terrible. Not life-changing. Just… fine. Lesson learned: trust your gut (and maybe Google Maps a little more). But! The best part? The elderly couple next to me, who, despite not speaking a word of English, shared a little sake and a smile. Suddenly, the 'fine' food didn't feel so bad.
- 20:00 - Pre-Bedtime Tea and Japanese TV: Back at the hotel. Brewed some green tea, which I promptly spilled on the pristine white duvet cover. Sigh. Embraced the mess. Turned on the Japanese TV. I have no idea what they were saying, but it was strangely comforting. The world, and Kyoto specifically, felt so different.
Day 2: Temples, Tranquility, and Tourist Traps (Oh, the Humanity!)
- 07:00 - Wake Up, Groggy and Contemplative: Ugh, this jet lag is a beast, but I'm a-okay. Got up early and enjoyed the quiet. Watched the sunrise. Which, of course, I forgot to photograph. Because, priorities.
- 08:00 - Breakfast Adventures: The hotel has a breakfast buffet that is definitely a "hit or miss" situation. Some things were good, others were a little… odd. I filled my plate. I might be regretting some decisions. No major damage yet!
- 09:00 - Kiyomizu-dera: The Temple of the Pure Water (and a Crowd): Stunning. Absolutely. Freaking. Stunning. The view from the balcony is worth the trip alone. But… the crowds. My goodness, the crowds! It's like a river of tourists flowing through, and you're just trying not to drown. Found a quieter spot and just breathed. It's moments like these you remember.
- 11:00 - Nishiki Market: Sensory Overload! (In the Best Way Possible!): This place is amazing. You can sample everything, from fresh seafood to pickled vegetables, mochi, and, of course, more fish (and eels). It was a riot of colour, smells and tastes. I bought weird things I'll probably never eat again, but who cares? Experiencing the unknown is great, and a little scary.
- 13:00 - Lunch at Nishiki Market: Found a tiny little place that was serving authentic ramen. The broth was the best I've ever had. One of those moments where you're just happy to be alive.
- 15:00 - Gion District Stroll (and a Geisha Sighting? Maybe?): Wandered through Gion, hoping to spot a geisha. Saw a woman in a beautiful kimono hurrying down an alley, and I swear it looked like she slipped into a portal and disappeared. Maybe it was. Maybe it wasn't. Mystery!
- 17:00 - Tea Ceremony Debacle (And a Lesson in Patience): Booked a tea ceremony. The whole thing felt very… formal. And I spilled matcha tea down my front. Twice. The host was so graceful and polite, I wanted the earth to swallow me whole. Still, the tea tasted amazing, when I actually got it in my mouth rather than on my clothing.
- 19:00 - Dinner and the "Lost in Translation" Moment: Another restaurant. This time, I decided to be adventurous and try something I couldn't read. I ordered a dish based on a picture. What I got? Something very, very fishy. But the waiter was delighted that I at least tried. It's the little things, eh?
- 21:00 - Bedtime. Exhausted but Grateful: Woke up every hour. Had a big philosophical debate with myself. Eventually fell back to sleep. Kyoto… you're something special.
Day 3: Bamboo Forest, Zen Gardens, and Departure Blues (and a Final Confession)
- 07:00 - Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: (Worth the trek, even if you're hangry): Okay, the bamboo forest. It's a cliche for a reason. It's magical. The sunlight filtering through the towering stalks, the peaceful quiet… Just pure, unadulterated zen. However, a sudden hunger pang threatened to destroy it.
- 09:00: Tenryu-ji Temple and a Moment of Serenity: Lovely zen garden. I sat there for a good hour just absorbing the atmosphere. It's easy to get lost in the beauty, the peace, the feeling of being utterly present. I nearly fell asleep, though.
- 10:00: Togetsukyo Bridge: A short walk from the temple takes you to the bridge. Another breathtaking view that is worth the walk.
- 12:00: Lunch in Arashiyama and a Case of Food Regret: Found a delicious restaurant specializing in tofu dishes. The food was delicious and very refreshing.
- 15:00: packing up: After a final shower. I packed all my items, and as I was walking around my room, I realised I left a piece of chocolate under the bed.
- 15:30: Sayonara Kyoto: After giving time for the hotel staff to check me out. I left for the airport.
Final Confession: I didn’t conquer Kyoto. I didn't see everything. I got lost, I ate some weird things, and I made a complete fool of myself on several occasions. But I felt something. I experienced something. I tasted something. And yeah, I’ll be back. Kyoto, you beautifully chaotic place, you.
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So, is The Pocket Hotel Shijokarasuma really that "hidden gem" everyone raves about? Or is it just... another hotel? (And, uh, where *is* Shijokarasuma anyway?)
Ugh, “hidden gem.” That phrase makes me want to roll my eyes into the back of my head. But fine, fine, let’s be real. It IS pretty darn good. Yes, it's *actually* hidden. Like, if you blinked, you'd walk right past it. The entrance is... understated. I think I walked past it twice, dragging my enormous suitcase, feeling like a complete idiot, muttering to myself about Yelp reviews and the perils of modern travel. Shijokarasuma, by the way, is a main intersection. Not *the* main one, but a good one. And definitely a handy location for getting around Kyoto.
Look, it's not the Four Seasons. It's not supposed to be. It's small, it's clean, and the location is FANTASTIC. Okay? Okay.
The rooms look tiny! Are they as claustrophobic as they seem? Like, can you *actually* swing a cat in one? (Asking for a friend... who might be a cat.)
Okay, let's be blunt: YES, the rooms are small. Ridiculously, wonderfully, Japanese-hotel-room small. I'm talking, you open your suitcase, and you're basically living amongst your underwear. Forget swinging a cat. You'd barely have room to *consider* the act of swinging a cat! (Please don’t swing cats. Bad form.)
But here's the thing. They're *cleverly* designed. The storage is surprisingly good. The bathrooms are efficiently organized. And honestly? You're in Kyoto! You're not supposed to be spending your entire vacation locked in your hotel room. Get out there and explore! Plus, all hotel rooms in Japan are generally smaller than what travelers from the US are used to.
**Pro Tip:** If you're a massive person with a lot of luggage, consider springing for a slightly larger room. Otherwise, embrace the cozy. It's part of the charm, trust me, I was nervous before but it works
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually convenient, or is it a 20-minute walk to the *good* stuff?
Okay, the location is one of the biggest selling points. HUGE. You're right smack in the middle of everything! Literally! You can easily walk to Gion (Geisha district), Nishiki Market (heaven for foodies), and various temples and shrines. The Karasuma subway station is right there, making getting to further afield a breeze.
The *best* thing? The proximity to convenience stores. Like, seriously. There's a FamilyMart practically next door. If you, like me, live on a steady diet of onigiri (rice balls), green tea, and instant ramen, you'll be in paradise. Those late-night snack runs were a lifesaver after a long day of temple hopping and sightseeing. It's a life hack. Trust me.
Is the breakfast at The Pocket Hotel worth paying extra for? I'm a picky eater, so...
Ugh, breakfast. Here’s where I get a little... conflicted. The breakfast is available. I'm pretty sure it was included in my rate (I'm a bit of a disorganized planner, sorry). It's a simple, Continental-ish deal. Think pastries, maybe some yogurt, coffee, and juice and some fruit.
Listen, if you're someone who NEEDS a huge, hot breakfast to start your day, it might not blow you away. But... and this is a big but... Kyoto is a city bursting with incredible food options. Save your appetite for the street food at Nishiki Market, a fancy pastry at a lovely café, or a classic Japanese breakfast at a local restaurant. Or, you could grab items at the convenience store, as previously mentioned, which is a great option.
Personally? I skipped the hotel breakfast more often than not. But a little bit of breakfast is always a win, so if it's free, go for it.
What about the amenities and service? Is there a concierge? Do they speak English? Are there any hidden fees?
Okay, let's be realistic. This isn't the Ritz. There's no concierge to arrange private tours or anything fancy like that.
The staff, however, are friendly and helpful. English levels vary. Some staff are super fluent, others less so, but they will *try* to help. I communicated mostly using a combination of English, Japanese (poorly), and hand gestures. It all worked out. And if you don't know the language? Google Translate is your friend.
No hidden fees that I encountered (that I remember, at least!). Be aware of Kyoto's city tax (which is a normal thing, not a Pocket Hotel thing).
The hotel is clean, things are easy to find and easy to use.
Okay, spill the tea. What was your *actual* experience like? Any specific stories that you'll never forget (for better or worse)?
Oh. My. God. Okay, so here's a story. This is the part that'll probably make you want to avoid the hotel entirely (or convince you to book immediately, depending on your tolerance for chaos).
I had this INSANE day of exploring temples. Like, the kind of day where you're walking, walking more, snapping tons of photos, and your feet are screaming for mercy. By the time I finally stumbled back to The Pocket Hotel, I was basically a zombie. I'm talking, completely destroyed.
I get to my room, I'm expecting immediate bliss. Nope! The AC wasn't working. Immediately, my internal screaming began. It was hot. I was tired. I was emotionally fragile from the day's cultural immersion. (Also, I'd eaten *way* too much mochi.)
So, what do I do? I have to go to the front desk. Which, let's be honest, is never fun. I find the staff, who were super nice, but the language barrier was a bit of a hurdle.
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