A little taste of Japanese ancient customs: A night at Shiraume Ryokan in Kyoto

While living in Miyanoshita, Hakone in 1991, I had the honor of being invited to a private Japanese tea ceremony in a classic Japanese room at Kikkaso-Inn, the former Imperial family summer villa in Miyanoshita that was built in 1895. Couldn't ask for a better place to experience it! I was blown away and humbled by the experience. The experience that stayed with me for a long time and that made me dream of staying at a ryokan. My dream finally came true almost 2 decades later when we stayed at this lovely Shiraume Ryokan in Kyoto last month.

Shiraume Ryokan is located in this picturesque little street in one of the historical areas near Gion district.

loved the entrance...

When we arrived, we were greeted by Satoko-san who helped us with our luggage and took us to our room, Umezono on the second floor where we were served Japanese green tea and sweets. 

Umezono has a private bath (made of hinoki cypress wood) and a view of a serene garden and Shirakawa Stream. 

Since we wanted a full Ryokan experience, we booked a room with Kaiseki dinner and breakfast - both served in our room. Our 12-course dinner was just outstanding. Tomoko-san, the owner, who personally served us during both dinner and breakfast, explained that the ingredients for Kaiseki meals are carefully chosen and properly prepared according to the season and artfully presented to reflect the nature shapes and color. To maintain freshness, each course is served right after it is prepared. Every time she brought in the food, Tomoko-san took the time to explain what we were going to enjoy. I couldn't remember all the details of each meal, but in addition to fugu - the infamous Japanese fish that people risk their lives to eat it - there were appetizer, a bowl of clear fish soup, beautifully presented sashimi, jelly dish, baked dish, vegetable dish, seared duck breast, deep fried dish, tempura, rice and pickles and dessert.

                     appetizer - light, delicious and beautifully presented  

                   

                                

                                

      I slept like a baby in this comfy futon 

The Japanese breakfast was fabulously delicious. I especially liked the Japanese rolled omelette. 

After breakfast we hanged out in our room enjoying the classic, elegant and tastefully done decor and watching the world go by while listening to the stream outside. Staying at Shiraume was simply one of the best experiences in my life that I will never forget!