This year's Golden Week, we stayed in Kyoto for 6 nights and 7 days using my husband's workplace benefits. The benefits are point-based and can be used for transportation and accommodation expenses during trips (not for use at restaurants). We considered staying at one accommodation for the entire duration, but after checking out Kyoto accommodations on YouTube, we found too many attractive options to choose from. Therefore, we decided to stay at a different accommodation each night for the 6 nights. Since all bookings are made directly through the relevant department at my husband's workplace, we didn't have access to discounts or special deals like those available on online booking sites. For the 3rd night, we chose a hotel where we stayed in a Superior Room with breakfast for 69,938 yen (using 69,938 points) plus an additional payment for the accommodation tax (1,000 yen), totaling just over 70,000 yen. Please note that this hotel does not allow children under 12 years old. There may be mixed opinions, but perhaps due to these conditions, the age group of guests at this hotel was relatively older. We were able to enjoy a quiet stay and found it more comfortable than the hotel we stayed at on the last day. Check-in was done in the lobby area, where we were provided with a towel, cold tea, and a cookie in the shape of a ginkgo leaf, the symbol of the hotel. Our luggage, which we had left in the morning, was already taken to our room. In conclusion, among the 6 accommodations we stayed at this time, this hotel ranked as our second favorite. When my husband and I discussed ranking the accommodations, we were surprised to find that our rankings matched perfectly from 1st to 6th place. The room we were assigned this time was spacious at 40 square meters, with a comfortable bed and a view of the garden from the window. The interior design incorporated the craftsmanship of using wood, creating a calming space. The fridge was stocked with chilled drinks, all complimentary. The bathtub was large enough to stretch out comfortably, and the bathrobe provided had an amazing softness and smoothness. It felt so good. I wish we could have stayed here for longer due to the cozy atmosphere and excellent service. It seems that Japanese hotels suit our preferences better than foreign-owned ones. As this is getting long, I will review the breakfast separately, but please note that this hotel only has the Nouvelle Epoque Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei (French) restaurant. The reviews for the Chinese restaurant seem to be incorrect as it doesn't exist.

Today I stayed at Kyoto Okura Okazaki Bettei, where I stayed last year. I enjoyed some tea and sweets in the lobby before being shown to my room. I only stayed there to sleep because I was out drinking until late at night. I didn't have a chance to explore the hotel. The atmosphere was calm and relaxing, with a mix of international guests. Breakfast was also spacious and a nice place to unwind.

The hotel opened as a separate residence of Hotel Okura Kyoto in Okazaki, Kyoto. Nearby are Heian Shrine and the Kyocera Museum of Art, making it a nostalgic area for me. When I was in elementary school, I attended painting classes at the art studio next to this museum (at that time it was called Kyoto City Museum of Art) for 6 years. The hotel is located on the grounds adjacent to Higashi Honganji Temple, and over half of the garden visible from the hotel is actually part of the temple's garden. With a total of 60 rooms, it is a somewhat small-sized hotel. The lobby overlooking the garden has a quiet and luxurious atmosphere. The room I stayed in was a Superior South Triple Room, 40 square meters in size, with traditional Japanese interior. The bathroom had a shower area and the minibar was complimentary. However, with three people staying, the room felt crowded with three beds, and the price was over 25,000 yen per person (including breakfast), which is typical for Kyoto. Most of the rooms in the hotel face south, with a view of the wide Marutamachi Street, so the view is more of a cityscape. Due to the traffic, some people may find the noise of cars bothersome. Despite the slight disappointment of the "separate residence" naming and the Okura brand, the hotel lived up to expectations with its quality and service. Breakfast at the main dining "Belle Époque" offered a set menu of Western-style breakfast with a view of the Japanese garden, providing a elegant experience. With both foreign and Japanese luxury hotels lining the streets of Kyoto, it can be considered a battleground for hotels. As a long-time member of Okura's "Harmony" club and a fan of Okura, I hope this hotel will not be overshadowed in Kyoto's hotel battle.

This is a very new hotel that opened in January 2022. I made a reservation a few months ago and stayed on a weekday, so I was able to stay at a very reasonable rate that included breakfast. I didn't know the breakfast-only rate, so I looked it up on the internet and listed the price. I was able to enjoy a meal in a spacious and calm space with a view of the garden. It was not a buffet, so I didn't have to go get the food and was able to relax. The bread was very delicious and the salad had a variety of items and was elaborate. The ordered Eggs Benedict was very delicious. There weren't many guests staying at the hotel, so it was nice to be able to spend time quietly. I would definitely like to stay here again.

Recently, the Bon family has been using the Kyoto Okura Hotel the most. For about a year now, whenever we come to Kyoto, it feels like we always stay at this hotel. The reason is its convenient location near Teramachi shopping street and department stores, which are great for the kids' shopping needs. However, personally, I prefer the traditional Japanese atmosphere to feel the "Kyoto essence." This time, we discovered a new hotel within the Okura group that seems to have a nice ambiance. It's a bit on the luxurious side, so the rates are higher than what we're used to. Nevertheless, we decided to give it a try. The hotel is located in a quiet area near Okazaki Park, facing a wide street with a beautiful garden in the back. The downside is that there is no parking available, so we had to park at a nearby coin parking lot. The service and security are excellent, and the limited number of rooms gives it a VIP feel. On the first day, we opted for the basic American breakfast, which included grapefruit juice, fresh vegetable salad, croissant with chocolate, a set meal with scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, toast, grilled tomato, winter melon, vegetables, boiled beans, ham, smoked salmon, fruit platter, yogurt, marmalade, and coffee. The freshly baked bread and vegetable salad were particularly delicious. The set meal offered various choices, and they were accommodating with changing ingredients for those with preferences. However, the breakfast is quite pricey at 6,050 yen (tax included). For the second day, we upgraded to the Kyoto breakfast for an additional cost of around 2,000 yen, totaling 7,865 yen (tax included). This breakfast included a choice between Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and warm vegetables or the hotel's French toast. I chose the Eggs Benedict with ham instead of salmon, while my wife and kids had the French toast. The salad dressing was changed to a miso flavor. Both main dishes were delicious. Overall, the hotel exudes luxury and is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself. It may not be the most family-friendly option, but it's a great choice for a one-time stay. It's definitely a luxury hotel, ideal for special occasions or perhaps a honeymoon destination for foreign visitors.

The weather was humid and sweaty. Hotel Okura Okazaki Bettei is located between Kekujo, Higashiyama Station, and Heian Shrine, making it a bit difficult to access on foot. However, if you view it as a villa-like extension of the main building, the location adds a unique charm. The hotel, which has only been open for about half a year, is well-maintained from its exterior to interior. The service staff are polite and not overly intrusive, and the interior design by Kyoto architects is stunning. The room decor is elegant yet calming. Even after staying for a day, there was no sense of boredom. The breakfast, enjoyed while overlooking the garden, consisted of a vegetable salad, Kyoto's famous water used for brewing sake, and Okura's signature French toast. Not only delicious, but also healthy, the breakfast left me feeling satisfied. If possible, I would love to enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace of the suite next time.

I enjoyed a Chinese dinner with my mother! I love shark fin soup. It was a great memory for Golden Week.