Published date: May 14, 2025
[Accommodation Experience] Galleria Nijo Castle Kyoto
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
This time I visited ‘Galleria Nijo Castle Kyoto,’ a luxury hotel located in Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, through HafH.
Although it requires a notable number of coins, the price includes dinner and breakfast, making it a hotel I’ve been interested in for several years.
Finally, I was able to stay here.
The location is perfect, just a stone's throw from Nijo Castle. I was surprised how closely the garden seen from the lobby resembled the promotional photos.
It has a calm atmosphere, creating a very comfortable space.
I visited by car this time, but since the hotel doesn’t have parking, I decided to park in a nearby coin-operated parking space.
Right in front of the hotel is a Mitsui Repark, but unfortunately, it was full, so I went to the nearest Times parking instead. Luckily, there was just one spot available.
At 1,100 yen for 24 hours, I think it's reasonably priced for being right in front of Nijo Castle.
When I was taking photos near the hotel entrance, a staff member came out and kindly greeted me. Upon mentioning my check-in, they immediately guided me, showing excellent service, as expected from a five-star hotel.
Prior to check-in, a welcome tea and sweets were served, highlighting the high-quality hospitality.
The lobby walls featured various tea ceremony tools, which were exciting to observe.
The room I stayed in was a “Deluxe Twin,” approximately 45 square meters, accommodating up to two guests. The black reflective walls create a very luxurious impression, with a modern and stylish atmosphere.
Dinner can be enjoyed at the restaurant “Makura” on the first floor. Their menu is based on French cuisine, focusing on locally sourced vegetables from Kyoto.
The flavors were undoubtedly delicious, but I was amazed by the visually stunning presentation of the vibrant vegetables. At first, I wondered if I would be full with such a small serving, but by the time I finished the main dish of duck and the dessert, I felt perfectly satisfied.
When I finished my meal, the lobby's lights were dimmed, and the garden was beautifully illuminated.
The trees reflecting on the water and tables were incredibly beautiful, offering a soothing experience.
After dinner, I visited the nearby Shin-Sen-En temple located right next to the hotel. It is illuminated until 8:00 PM every day, and it is quite beautiful, so if you finish your meal early, it might be worthwhile to go and see it.
After returning to my room, I took a bath and slept soundly in comfortable pajamas.
The next morning’s breakfast featured a lighter menu centered on vegetables, so it’s filling even for breakfast. It seemed they were very particular about well-being, avoiding butter, dairy products, oils, and not using beef.
Just like dinner, the breakfast was also delicious!
Kyoto is currently quite crowded with tourists, and it can be tiring depending on where you go, but if you're staying at Galleria Nijo Castle Kyoto, it’s best to enjoy a relaxed, adult-like time without overly packed schedules.
Once you step into the hotel, it feels like you’re experiencing a calm time, far away from the hustle and bustle outside.
If you want to enjoy a leisurely adult trip in Kyoto, I highly recommend checking it out!
Experiences during the trip
Check-out is at 12:00, so there's no need to rush out of the room. That said, staying still in the room feels like a waste of time, right?
If you're planning to visit Nijo Castle, the time up to check-out the next morning is highly recommended.
As of 2025, Kyoto has been experiencing over-tourism, with an overwhelming number of foreign tourists everywhere you go. Nijo Castle is also crowded in the afternoon, with people waiting in line to buy tickets.
However, it was the right decision to go early in the morning! Nijo Castle is open from 8:45 AM to 4:00 PM, and if you arrive just around 8:45 AM, it’s pretty empty!
Thanks to this timing, I was able to enjoy a leisurely visit for about an hour and a half. Being able to easily access the castle right after it opens is truly a privilege for those who are staying nearby.
After touring Nijo Castle, I returned to the hotel, and it was still before 11:00 AM, allowing me to relax in the room again. If you’re staying at Galleria Nijo Castle Kyoto and plan to visit Nijo Castle, I highly recommend getting there right after it opens the next morning!