Overview
Hanayashiki Ukifune-en sits on the banks of the peaceful Uji River, just 17 minutes from Kyoto Station. This traditional ryokan blends history and comfort, offering you an escape where you can relax and explore the beauty of Uji—a town known for its rich culture, famous temples, and deep connection to The Tale of Genji.
Located in South Kyoto, the ryokan provides easy access to historic landmarks like Byodo-in Temple and Ujikami Shrine. Whether you’re visiting for leisure or business, you’ll find the setting calm, scenic, and welcoming.
Accommodation
Hanayashiki Ukifune-en features 28 rooms, each designed to give you a sense of calm. Many rooms face the Uji River, offering views of To no Shima Island and the surrounding seasonal landscapes—cherry blossoms in spring, green riversides in summer, red leaves in autumn, and snow-dusted hills in winter.
Choose from a range of Japanese-style and Japanese-Western rooms:
- Kocho: A luxury twin room with a semi-open-air bath and river views.
- Ran: A deluxe twin room with traditional décor and river views.
- Botan: A superior twin room facing the Uji River.
- Yamabuki: A deluxe room with a TV in the bath area.
- Tokiwa and Akebono: Japanese-style rooms for up to five people, each with a semi-open-air bath.
- Regular Rooms: 10 to 12 tatami mats in size, simple and cozy for a more traditional experience.
Each room includes Japanese-style bedding, elegant floral touches, and large windows that frame the natural surroundings. No matter the season, the view outside your window deepens your connection to the spirit of Uji.
Dining
Hanayashiki Ukifune-en takes pride in its Washoku cuisine—traditional Japanese food recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Meals here reflect centuries of culinary practice and attention to seasonal flavor.
You can enjoy delicate courses crafted with fresh, local ingredients. The ryokan’s sake collection pairs beautifully with the food, giving you a complete taste of Japan’s gastronomic culture.
For a special experience, visit Steak Kappo Hanayashiki, a serene restaurant built in the sukiya style from a renovated tea room. Located just across from the main building, this quiet space invites you in through a stone path and traditional gate. Here, chefs prepare premium Wagyu beef in a peaceful setting inspired by Kyoto’s refined charm.
Onsen and Wellness
Relax in the ryokan’s two baths—Sawarabi no Yu on the third floor and Hōō no Yu on the first floor. Both offer spacious bathing areas and incorporate black silica into the water, which is said to support circulation, relieve fatigue, and promote better sleep.
Sawarabi no Yu: An open-air bath where you can watch the sunrise or sunset over the river.
Hōō no Yu: A spacious indoor bath with a sauna, newly upgraded for added comfort.
Black silica, known as “The Stone of God,” contains minerals and emits natural infrared radiation. It’s traditionally used in wellness therapies and farming, believed to boost vitality and overall health.
As you soak, let your gaze rest on the calm waters of the Uji River and allow the warmth to ease your body and mind.
Guests with Tattoos
There are no specific restrictions mentioned regarding tattoos. If you’re concerned, please book a room with private onsen.
Facilities
Hanayashiki Ukifune-en includes thoughtful facilities to enhance your experience:
- Massage Services: Available to help you release tension and feel rejuvenated.
- Sauna: Installed in Hōō no Yu for deeper relaxation.
- Rooftop Bar “The Border”: An outdoor bar offering drinks and city views. Note that it may close during rain or maintenance.
- Tea Flowers in Rooms: Each room includes seasonal floral decor that reflects the ryokan’s connection to traditional tea culture.
Activities
Spend your day exploring Uji, a town filled with natural and cultural treasures. Walk along the Uji River, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Byodo-in Temple, or discover spots connected to The Tale of Genji. You can also enjoy seasonal events or participate in a traditional tea ceremony nearby.
Uji’s historical depth makes every stroll feel like a journey into the past. In every season, the town offers a unique way to experience Japan’s cultural soul.
Additional Features
- Only 17 minutes from Kyoto Station
- Every room overlooks the Uji River
- Japanese and Western-style room options
- Massage and sauna facilities
- Rooftop bar (weather permitting)
- Traditional sukiya-style steakhouse on-site
- Easy access to temples, parks, and historic sites
