Shiraume Ryokan
The area where the Shiraume Ryokan is located is one of the most beautiful and historical areas in Kyoto, the Gion district. Gion, day and night, is still very much a living world of elegant and traditional sophistication, charms and mysteries. Here the geiko and maiko (apprentice geiko) live, study and work against a backdrop of old cherry and willow trees along the Shirakawa Stream and the polished grand wooden facades of Hanamikoji and the many fascinating back lanes.
Shiraume Ryokan's two 100-year-old red and white plum trees welcome you at the start of our small entrance bridge. In the late Edo period (1600-1868) our ryokan used to be an ochaya (where maiko or apprentice geiko live while they study, train and work). The famous Japanese poet, Isamu Yoshida, who loved Gion, praised its beauty and elegance in his poetry.
The Shiraume Ryokan offers excellent service and warm, friendly hospitality to all its guests. We especially love foreign visitors and understand their needs