Kyoto's Hidden Gem: Unwind at Ohara Onsen's Luxurious SERYO Ryokan
Ohara Onsen's SERYO Ryokan: My Soul, Recharged (and My Back, Totally Pampered!) - A Review That's Less "Polished," More "Real"
Okay, so I've been to Kyoto. Twice. And this time, I was determined to find something… different. Forget the tourist throngs; I craved… serenity. And that, my friends, is how I stumbled upon SERYO Ryokan in Ohara Onsen. Let me tell you, it wasn't just a stay; it was a mini-transformation. Prepare for the unvarnished truth (with a healthy dose of "OMG, YES" thrown in). This isn’t your perfectly-manicured travel blog post. This is my experience, warts and all.
Getting There (and "Where's the Wifi?!")
Accessibility: Okay, let's get this out of the way. Getting to SERYO from Kyoto Station involves a bus ride. It’s doable – even for this clumsy traveler – but definitely factor in extra time. The bus stops relatively close, but you will need to walk a bit. Now, I didn’t see any specific [Facilities for disabled guests] listed, which is a shame. I'm seeing some older folks who are likely on the lookout and need some assistance. But the staff, they were exceptionally accommodating during my visit.
Car Park [free of charge], Car Park [on-site]: Yay! Parking is actually a breeze, which is a HUGE win in Japan. Makes the arrival process so much smoother.
Internet Access: Ugh. This is where I, a digital nomad by circumstance, had a minor panic. While the listing screams "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!," I’m a creature of habit. I’m a bit of a tech addict. Seriously, I immediately tried to connect to the world. I needed to check those emails and, you know, see what’s happening elsewhere. Internet [LAN] and Internet access – wireless were also promised, so the fact I didn’t find a seamless connection was a bit of a bummer. The Wi-Fi in public areas was better, but still, patchy, depending where I was at. It's not the end of the world, but a solid, consistent connection is always welcome.
Rooms & Real Life: My Humble Abode
Available in all rooms: Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. The rooms? Beautiful. Traditionally Japanese, with a modern twist. Think tatami mats, sliding doors, and a serene minimalist vibe. Air conditioning, Blackout curtains (thank GOD for jetlag!), and a Daily housekeeping service that actually felt like they cared. I'm talking, Extra long bed with fresh Linens! Pure blissful sleep. The Bathtub was HUGE. Almost big enough to swim in. Okay, maybe not swim, but definitely soak. The Coffee/tea maker was a lifesaver, and I appreciated the Complimentary tea selection. Free bottled water, thank you, SERYO.
Room decorations: I loved the little touches. The art, the way the light filtered in. It made the space feel genuinely tranquil, not just a generic hotel room.
The Shower vs. The Bathtub: Okay, I'm probably going to be the only person to emphasize this! I spent the majority of my time in the bathtub. The Soap. The Bathrobes. The fact I could sit in there and do absolutely nothing but stare at the ceiling. Pure. Bliss. I kind of feel guilty I didn't use the separate shower! Maybe next time…
The Imperfection: A Mild Panic Attack (and a Missing Sock)
Okay, full disclosure, I'm not a perfect traveler. The first night, I couldn’t find my socks. The REAL REALITY. I couldn't. I looked everywhere. (Okay, maybe I didn’t look that hard, but I felt like I looked everywhere!) And for a brief, terrifying moment, I thought I'd lost a sock to the dimension of missing socks. It was a moment. Okay, probably just a sock. But those little moments define travel!
The Ohara Onsen Experience: Where My Inner Zen Found Its Groove
Ways to relax: This is where SERYO truly shines. Ohara Onsen itself is breathtaking. And SERYO understands the importance of chill. Foot bath. Massage. And then… THE Spa/sauna. The Sauna. Oh. My. Goddess. I’m not a huge sauna person, but this? Changed my perspective. It was incredibly relaxing. I actually felt myself melt. I think I came close to taking a nap in the sauna. Almost, though. And the Pool with view? Pure luxury. (Okay, full disclosure, I didn't use it as much, but looking at it was relaxing).
Body scrub, Body wrap: I am so sad I missed this! Time just flew by! I would definitely go back.
Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Honestly, I needed to relax, so I totally skipped this. But good to know it's there!
Food, Glorious Food (and That Amazing Breakfast)
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Okay, let’s talk food. SERYO offers a variety of choices, and I’m here to tell you they are all very good.
Breakfast [buffet]: The breakfast! Oh, the breakfast. Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options – a feast! I am going to specifically mention the freshly made tofu (it was an experience!), which was out of this world. And the view from the Breakfast [buffet] was spectacular. Seriously. Every morning, I woke up with a smile, thanks to that breakfast. They had delicious coffee and a full spread of food.
Restaurants: A la carte and buffet options are available. I only ventured to the buffet.
Snack bar, Coffee shop: The perfect place to find me.
Room service [24-hour]: Okay, I’m a sucker for room service. Didn’t use it this time, but good to know it’s available.
Vegetarian restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant: They cater to all palates!
Happy hour, Bar, Poolside bar: I missed having a happy hour.
Safe dining setup: I was pleased to see this.
Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Very reassured by this!
Services & Conveniences: Stuff You Need
Concierge: The staff were incredibly helpful. They were all so friendly and helpful.
Cash withdrawal: Handy, but I mostly preferred the Cashless payment service, which made life easier.
Daily housekeeping: Really clean.
Doorman: Always there to welcome.
Elevator: Thank goodness!
Facilities for disabled guests: (See above – would love to see more details here for future visits.)
Luggage storage: Super convenient.
Gift/souvenir shop: Picked up some special treats for my family.
Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Didn’t use, but good to know it's there.
Meetings, Seminars, Meeting/banquet facilities, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Xerox/fax in business center, Projector/LED display, Meeting stationery: I didn't need any of these.
Air conditioning in public area: Essential, especially during summer!
Contactless check-in/out: Smooth and efficient.
Currency exchange: Useful.
Food delivery: Didn’t use it.
Invoice provided: Noted.
Safety deposit boxes: Always a good thing.
Smoking area: Not a smoker, but good to know it's there.
Terrace: Loved it!
For the Kids: Family-Friendliness (Sort Of)
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: SERYO is not the most child-centric place. I’d describe it as "quietly, calmly friendly." Definitely not screaming kids running amok, but there is the option.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe & Sound
Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: I felt incredibly safe
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my chaotic, imperfect, and utterly human adventure at Ohara Onsen Hot Spring Ryokan SERYO in Kyoto, Japan. This ain't your slick, Pinterest-perfect itinerary. This is real life.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Kimono Kerfuffle (aka, Jetlagged Disaster)
10:00 AM (ish) - Arrive at SERYO. Okay, fine, it was more like 11:00. My flight was delayed, naturally. And I swear, after 14 hours in a cramped metal tube, my brain felt like a scrambled egg. The air was thick with the scent of pine needles and something…serene. Seriously, the gardens at SERYO are straight out of a movie. Stunning. But, jetlag. It hits hard.
11:30 AM - Check-in & Room Reveal. Omg. The room. Traditional Japanese. Think tatami mats, sliding paper doors, and views that made me audibly gasp. I mean, it's beautiful, truly is. But I was so disoriented, I almost walked through one of the doors. And did I initially struggle to put my luggage in the closet by the futon bed? Yes I did. My coordination was off.
12:00 PM - Lunch. Food. Finally, I needed it. SERYO's kaiseki lunch was supposed to be this elaborate, multi-course masterpiece. And it was. Technically. I remember vague, delicious tastes. But mostly, I remember nodding politely, wondering if I was accidentally eating a tiny work of art, and praying I didn't spill anything. (Nailed it, by the way. Mostly).
2:00 PM - Kimono Trial. (The Kerfuffle) This was the moment. This was meant to be the graceful swan song. The photo-op. Me, looking ethereal in a borrowed kimono! Instead… disaster. Utter, beautiful, hilarious disaster. The lovely woman helping me, God bless her patience, tried her best. I, however, managed to get tangled, look like a bewildered sack of potatoes, and nearly trip over my own feet. I'm talking, flailing, arms-everywhere levels of clumsy. Honestly, the photos are worth their weight in gold. (And a hefty dose of embarrassment).
3:30 PM - Onsen Prep & Discovery. Before diving into the onsen, which is the reason why you come to these places, I was feeling so groggy, so lethargic. I did everything I didn't want to do: Shower, brush my teeth. Get my head wrapped around the idea of dipping in a hot spring with a bunch of strangers… Okay, so it's not awkward, it's not scary, it's kind of… peaceful. The outdoor onsen, with the mist rising from the water and the sound of the water was truly an experience. And the relief on my aching body… pure heaven.
5:00 PM - Pre-Dinner Walk. I decided to stretch my legs. The air was crisp, the light was fading, and everything smelled… clean. This is where I encountered my first real problem. I discovered the serenity of the walking path was the perfect backdrop to my wandering, confused mind. I kept getting lost. But, that's okay, this means I got to talk to one of the locals who showed me around, they were so lovely and very patient with me.
7:00 PM - Dinner Redemption (sort of). This time, the kaiseki dinner felt less like an alien experience and more like an amazing, multi-sensory delight. Every dish was a tiny work of art. The flavors… oh, the flavors. Still slightly jetlagged, but determined to savor every bite. And I did! (Mostly).
9:00 PM - Stargazing (attempt). I tried. Really tried. But after a day of travel and kimchi and miso soup, I was out like a light the moment I settled into the futon. My dreams were probably filled with kimonos and kaiseki courses.
Day 2: Into the Heart of the Zen (and Maybe a Little Panic)
7:00 AM - Wake Up Call: Sore Muscles and Spiritual Awkwardness. I didn't sleep, quite, but I was the first one out to the onsen. The morning light hitting the water? Magical. However, after that incredible meal, I realized… I was a little full. And, the idea of being naked in front of a bunch of people… let's just say it took me a minute.
8:00 AM - Breakfast. The traditional Japanese breakfast was a revelation. Simple, fresh, and utterly perfect. Grilled fish, miso soup, rice… it was a perfect introduction to the cuisine.
9:00 AM - Hike to Sanzen-in Temple. Okay, the hike wasn't technically part of the itinerary, but I saw others doing it and decided to join in. It was beautiful, but steep! Breathing hard, I realized I needed a moment…
10:00 AM - Sanzen-in Temple Visits. The temple was serenity itself. I wandered through moss gardens, gazing at stone statues and soaking up the atmosphere. I even tried a little "zen" meditation – which mostly involved me trying not to fall asleep. Still, It's amazing how a little bit of quiet and a peaceful setting can center a frazzled soul.
12:00 PM - Lunch at a Local Tea House. I stumbled upon a tiny, hidden tea house near the temple. The scent of green tea filled the air. I ordered a matcha and some mochi cakes. The mochi was so soft, it almost melted in my mouth. This wasn't just lunch; It was an experience. I felt grounded.
2:00 PM - The Great Kimono Round 2 (Maybe the Final Kerfuffle). I was feeling better. Maybe a little more confident. The owner offered to teach me more to get into a proper Kimono. I was doing okay, better okay. But it takes a level of coordination I don't naturally possess. I still managed to knock over a lacquerware box, which caused me immediate, intense and instant horror. I apologized profusely. Everyone laughed.
4:00 PM - The Onsen (Round 2 - The Ultimate Retreat). The outdoor onsen again. This time, I savored it. I let the warm water soothe my muscles, and let my worries melt away. The world felt beautiful, and finally, I allowed myself to feel it.
6:00 PM - Farewell Dinner. The last night! This time, there was not awkwardness. I relished every course. I chatted with the staff, trying out the little Japanese I had learned. They were so warm, so kind.
8:00 PM - Late Night Stroll, and a Feeling of melancholy. The air smelled fresh and I was very sad to say goodbye.
I leave SERYO transformed.
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Kyoto's Secret Escape: SERYO Ryokan in Ohara - Is It *Really* As Good As They Say? (Spoiler Alert: Maybe... Mostly...)
Okay, spill the tea. Is SERYO worth the hype? Everyone's raving about it, but... is it actually relaxing or just a fancy Instagram trap?
The Onsen! I hear it's divine. Tell me ALL about the onsen! (And are there any… *awkward* moments?)
The food! (Because let's be honest, that's a huge factor in ryokan bliss.) Is the Kaiseki dinner as incredible as the photos suggest?
What about the rooms? Are they as luxurious as they look? And do you get a private onsen in your room? (Because, you know…)
Okay, so what's the *catch*? What are the downsides? Be honest!
Is it a good idea to go to SERYO Ryokan alone?
Can you elaborate on the food? Because I need to know HOW GOOD it *really* is. (And if I can get seconds.)
