Overview
Kyoto Ohara Ryokan Seryo is located in the tranquil countryside of Ohara, a scenic village just outside Kyoto city. Seryo invites you to experience “another Kyoto”—a peaceful escape after the hustle and bustle of the city. This ryokan, well-regarded for its hospitality, has been featured in the Michelin Guide for nine consecutive years, ensuring a memorable stay surrounded by natural beauty and rich history. The ryokan is known for offering a glimpse into the traditional Japanese way of life, allowing you to immerse yourself in the timeless charm and rural beauty of Ohara. The surrounding environment, marked by lush greenery and the calming sound of nearby streams, enhances the experience, making Seryo an ideal retreat for those looking to unwind and connect with nature.
Accommodation
Seryo offers nine different rooms, each facing the Japanese garden for an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation. These thoughtfully designed rooms provide a blend of traditional and modern features, ensuring an authentic yet comfortable experience. Options include:
- Special Room with Open-Air Bath (Sakura Room): Spacious room with a private garden, ideal for up to three people. This room provides exclusive comfort, perfect for those who seek privacy and tranquility.
- Open-Air Bath Japanese Room (Kaede Room): Cozy space with traditional tatami mats, featuring a private garden. This room is perfect for those wanting a closer connection to nature while enjoying a relaxing soak.
- Standard Japanese Rooms (Oboro, Ochiai, Akizuki, Yamabuki Rooms): Bright, garden-view rooms for up to three people. Each of these rooms showcases a traditional aesthetic, featuring tatami flooring and paper sliding doors, allowing you to truly experience the essence of Japanese living.
- Western Room (Fuji Room): Twin-style western room with a Japanese touch. This room combines the best of both worlds—western comfort with traditional Japanese elements, perfect for those who prefer a western bed but still want to enjoy the Japanese atmosphere.
- Tatami Twin Rooms (Hagi, Ume Rooms): Rooms that combine western comfort with traditional Japanese elements, each with twin beds. The natural color palette and tatami flooring create a calm and inviting ambiance.
Dining
Seryo is proud to offer its signature “Sousai-mi Kaiseki,” a seasonal multi-course meal that celebrates local ingredients, including Kyoto vegetables, wild herbs, and vegetables from the inn’s own garden. Each dish is meticulously crafted to reflect the changing seasons, providing a visual and culinary delight. You can also enjoy additional specialties like shabu-shabu or botan hotpot during winter, which are perfect for warming up during colder months. Meals are accompanied by carefully selected local sake and wines, enhancing the dining experience with flavors that complement the dishes perfectly.
For breakfast, Kyoto’s famous yudofu (hot tofu) is served, offering a simple yet exquisite taste of local cuisine. Dining at Seryo is not just about the food; it’s about experiencing the dedication to craftsmanship and tradition that goes into every meal.
Onsen and Wellness
Enjoy Ohara’s natural hot spring waters, known for their beauty-enhancing properties due to the sodium and bicarbonate ions. The ryokan offers separate indoor and open-air baths for men and women, ideal for unwinding.
The water is gentle on your skin and helps relieve muscle and joint pains, making it a popular choice for those seeking both relaxation and health benefits. The open-air baths are surrounded by natural beauty, allowing you to enjoy the sights and sounds of Ohara while soaking in the warm, therapeutic waters.
The hot spring baths are open during the evening from 16:00 to 23:00, and in the morning from 6:00 to 9:00. This schedule allows you to enjoy the baths at different times of the day, whether it’s a relaxing evening soak or a refreshing morning dip to start your day.
Guests with Tattoos
If you have tattoos, please cover them with a waterproof seal before entering the public hot springs. The ryokan does not provide these seals, so please bring one with you.
When using the private onsen facilities, tattoos are welcome.
Facilities
- Japanese Garden: Enjoy views of the beautifully maintained garden from your room or while strolling through the grounds. The garden changes with the seasons, offering different scenery throughout the year—from vibrant spring blossoms to serene winter landscapes.
- Dining Room “Hinari”: Meals are served in the Hinari dining room, where you can enjoy fresh air and the soothing sound of nearby streams. The design of the dining room blends seamlessly with the surrounding nature, creating an atmosphere that enhances the dining experience.
- Private Outdoor Baths: Available in select rooms, allowing for a relaxing soak in privacy. These baths are perfect for those who wish to unwind in their own space while taking in the beauty of the garden or the surrounding nature.
Activities
Seryo encourages you to explore nearby Ohara attractions. The famous Sanzen-in Temple is just a two-minute walk away, and other notable temples such as Jakko-in, Hosen-in, and Jikko-in are nearby, offering you glimpses of history, culture, and natural beauty. The peaceful temples and gardens provide a wonderful backdrop for reflection and relaxation.
Walking through the lush countryside of Ohara adds to the unique experience of “another Kyoto.” You can also take part in local experiences, such as seasonal festivals and traditional crafts, which allow you to connect more deeply with the culture and lifestyle of the region.
Additional Features
- Free parking for guests arriving by car, making it easy to explore the surrounding area at your own pace.
- Non-smoking rooms to ensure a clean and comfortable environment for all visitors.
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the ryokan, allowing you to stay connected during your stay.
- Exceptional breakfast and dinner that showcase the best of Kyoto’s seasonal ingredients.
- Open-air bath and public hot spring bath for an authentic onsen experience.
- Easy access to nearby hiking trails and scenic spots, ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities and exploring nature.