Shijo Bettei Kyoto
Sora Niwa: Shijo Bettei Kyoto
In a quiet residential side street, lies the private entrance to Sora Niwa: Shijo Bettei - a separate annex of Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto that holds 32 rooms all with private semi-open air onsen.
*when you arrive to check in, go via the same main entrance on the main road as Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto
Kamogawa Premium Corner Twin
A glorious, spacious twin room on one of the higher floors (6th - 8th)with it’s own private open air onsen on the terrace complete with a little chaise lounge.
I especially loved that the onsen could be shielded by sliding shoji doors from both the terrace & the main view if you wanted even more privacy; however I preferred it open to enjoy the breeze and see the local sights of Kyoto.
A stay here is perfect for those who want to splurge on a modern onsen ryokan experience whilst exploring Japan’s Golden Triangle of Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka.
Guests staying in Shijo Bettei can also enjoy the public onsen baths of Yasaka no Yu & Niwa no Yu that are part of Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto.
The majority of the rooms all have the balcony terrace with Kyoto views, however 4 rooms in the SUIREN style, are located on the first floor & have the semi open air private onsen but no views
Days on the Rooftop Terrace
Along with guests of Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto, Shijo Bettei guests can enjoy the shared Rooftop Terrace with onsen footbath, along with welcome drinks.
Shijo Bettei guests have a separate entrance and elevator on the Rooftop Terrace which leads straight to their annex.
A Delicious Japanese Breakfast
This time around, I decided to choose a traditional Japanese Kaiseki Breakfast (not the breakfast bento box!) instead of dinner as I had wanted to go eat at one of my favourite Kyoto restaurants for dinner with a friend, and head to a bar to chill. I was very pleased with the breakfast, exactly what one would expect from an onsen ryokan for their meals; delicious fresh, local, seasonal produce - beautifully present and utterly delicious.
MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS
FOOD
I decided against the Breakfast Bento Box which is available to guests of both Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto & Shijo Bettei ( it is a cheaper option) but if I’m having breakfast at an onsen ryokan - I want the full traditional feast! Just like dinner, breakfast was lovely - the presentation, the flavours - its exactly what a Japanese kaiseki feast should be & trust me if I don’t like the food at a place, I will write it!
ONSEN
Having a private open air/semi open-air onsen as part of one’s room is always a highlight and major wishlist of any onsen ryokan I stay at (though of course one can’t do it every time, be far too expensive! plus I also like discovering further flung outdoor rotenburo onsen deep in nature which is often public and at more rustic traditional onsen ryokan).
Its such a rarity to find onsen ryokan in central Kyoto, so to have one with rooms with private onsen that are wonderfully relaxing and with views of the surrounding landscapes is truly magical. This would be perfect for those who are only visiting Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto and wishing to splurge on an onsen ryokan experience.
ROOM AMBIANCE
The rooms are spacious & larger than that of Sora Niwa Terrace, with a comfortable lounging area, large table and armchairs. Along with a large powder room, there’s the standing shower where one rinses one’s self/showers before enjoying a soak in the private onsen of the room
The terrace has a small settee with small coffee table so you can relax after soaking or tasting the complimentary treats & drinks available to you in your mini bar fridge.
Guest occupancy is generally 2 - 3 individuals max.
VENUE AMBIANCE
As mentioned in my post about Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto - the majority of this onsen ryokan hotel’s floors are the rooms and the onsen, the only resting area is on the Rooftop Terrace which is pretty lovely.
SURROUNDING AREA
I love this area of Kyoto, its so accessible to some of my favourite spots in the area, from relaxing on the banks of Kamo River, to strolling through Gion or simple meandering through the Kyoto side streets eating at some of my favourite eateries then hopping on a bus/train (or walking) to see some of my favourite sights of the city.
SHIJO BETTEI KYOTO FACTS (at time of stay)
COST: starting from ~50,000JPY per person per night (without meals)
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast & Dinner depending on plan
CHECK IN/CHECK OUT TIME: 1400 / 1100
PAYMENT: Cash or Credit
ROOMS: 32 (all with private onsen)
ENGLISH SPEAKING STAFF: Some
WEBSITE: SHIJO BETTEI
IG: @soraniwa.bettei
