Marufukuro Reviews

The service was excellent. The complimentary minibar and bar offered unlimited drinks, with refills readily available – a feature quite uncommon in Japan. There was a staff member at the front desk who spoke Chinese, and they kindly accommodated my request for a 30-minute late check-out. The hotel is also conveniently located, just a 3-minute walk to the Kamo River and 15 minutes to Kyoto Station.

This hotel, situated in a residential neighborhood, felt more like a guesthouse, and the most striking impression after checking in was its sheer inconvenience. Firstly, transportation was an issue. It's quite a distance from both the subway and bus stops. In the scorching summer heat, walking anywhere meant breaking a sweat, so we had no choice but to take taxis. Secondly, no dinner was provided, and there weren't many good dining options nearby, making meals quite inconvenient. The late-night snack, offered only from 9 PM, was simply a rice ball added to the afternoon tea selection – incredibly basic. The Japanese set breakfast was unremarkable, neither particularly good nor bad. Lastly, let's talk about the facilities. This property is a hotel converted from Nintendo's original headquarters. The lobby is small, featuring some antique furniture. The 'library' is more accurately described as a small reading room, with limited space and few books. The bar is tiny and, naturally, of no use to non-drinkers. The room interiors feature simple, modern decor, completely devoid of any Nintendo elements. Despite being designer-curated, there were no USB charging ports in the room, and power outlets were scarce. The bathroom completely lacked hanging rods, leaving nowhere to place towels or clothes while washing. The room was provided with a thick winter duvet, which was too hot to sleep under in summer but too cold to sleep without. For a Japanese hotel, renowned for its convenience and thoughtful amenities, these oversights are truly rare and surprising! Although the staff were friendly and spoke fluent English, providing a good introduction and guidance during check-in, the price, which was more than double that of comparable hotels in Kyoto, meant the value for money was poor. It simply cannot compete with established chain hotels. While the minibar and afternoon tea were complimentary, these perks are ultimately factored into the premium price. Perhaps only those with a deep sentimental attachment to the original Nintendo headquarters would be willing to pay such a price.

Excellent. The staff were incredibly kind and attentive, going above and beyond to assist us with everything. Even though it was just a one-night stay, we had a fantastic time. While it was an all-inclusive plan with snacks and drinks, the sheer variety of alcoholic beverages was simply astounding! It definitely felt like a hotel experience tailored for adults. I would absolutely love to stay here again!

Located right in central Kyoto, by the Kamo River, we booked two rooms. As the former Nintendo headquarters, the hotel itself was an exciting journey of discovery. We thoroughly enjoyed the hotel library and the DIY cocktail-making activity. Highly recommended, especially as a refreshing escape from the scorching Kyoto heat outside!

Marufukuro, once the site of Nintendo's precursor company and the former residence of its founders, the Yamauchi family, was transformed into a hotel in 2022. Masterfully renovated by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, it proudly retains much of his signature style. The hotel features just 18 rooms, each housed in one of four buildings symbolically themed after the poker suits (♠♥♣♦). While it might be considered off the beaten path for a stay, its unique history and design make it a popular spot for visitors to explore and take photos. True to Ando's aesthetic, the rooms are minimalist and modern in design, with well-appointed facilities throughout. The shower room, in particular, is pristine and convenient. The complimentary in-room minibar is a generous touch. The hotel also features a self-service bar where guests can mix their own cocktails, which adds a unique and fun element to the stay. The hotel's library offers a lovely ambiance; though the book collection isn't vast, the selections are thoughtfully curated, subtly reflecting the hotel's theme or the designer's influences.

As a Nintendo fan, my previous stay 24 years ago left a fantastic impression, which is why I made a point of staying here again on my current trip to Kyoto. The hotel is quiet, and the rooms are quite spacious by Japanese standards. The library boasts a good collection of books on Nintendo's history, and the TV is notably larger than what you'd typically find in Japanese hotels. Guests can rent a Nintendo Switch dock to play games on the TV, and there's a 24-hour lounge offering complimentary food and drinks. This setup is perfect for a relaxing stay, allowing you to unwind at the hotel and enjoy a slower-paced trip. This time, my room was in a section with elevator access, a welcome change from my previous stay in the older wing which didn't have one. The staff's service consistently met the high standards of Japanese hospitality. Breakfast is served semi-buffet style, and the made-to-order omelets, avocado toast, and fruit sandwiches were particularly delicious. Unfortunately, the main restaurant wasn't open during my stay this time (it had left a great impression on my previous visit), which meant I had to venture out for lunch and dinner. This was quite inconvenient, especially in the hot weather, as there aren't many dining options within easy walking distance. It required either a bus/taxi ride or a nearly 20-minute walk to Kyoto Station or other commercial districts. While the hotel's location isn't as convenient as staying directly at Kyoto Station, transportation options are still decent. There are direct bus routes nearby connecting to Kyoto Station and the Nintendo store at Takashimaya.

The hotel's design is truly superb, exuding a rich Showa-era ambiance. The complimentary minibar in the room was a rare find among luxury hotels in Japan. All the staff were wonderful as well; the bespectacled young man who assisted me provided a very detailed introduction to both the hotel and its room amenities.

I was extremely satisfied with this hotel. Its location is quite convenient, with subway and bus stations right outside the entrance. As it's not situated in a busy commercial district, it offers a peaceful haven to relax after a long day of exploring. The hotel's service was impeccable, truly making us feel at home. They also provide 24-hour snacks in the evening, and there's a complimentary lounge available until 11 PM. This was a fantastic amenity, especially since most shops close around 8 PM. It was lovely to return to the hotel, enjoy a few drinks and some conversation, then get a good night's sleep before heading out to explore again the next day. Furthermore, there's a unique Nintendo library where fans can immerse themselves in its rich history.

They claim to have hot springs, but there are none. The design is very basic and low-end, even worse than a Hampton Inn. And there was no bellhop when we checked out. The front desk staff was quite clueless.

As a fan of Ren Tianya, I came back for a second stay, drawn by its reputation. Even during the National Day holiday, the price was very reasonable. The room was spacious, clean, and had a lovely vintage feel. The service was excellent, as always. It's incredibly convenient for getting anywhere, and the 24-hour lounge is a fantastic free amenity. Definitely worth another visit!

The service was excellent. They spared no expense with the Nintendo consoles, and the facilities, toiletries, and complimentary snacks were all top-notch. The Western-style breakfast was absolutely delicious, better than any other hotel I've stayed at. That fig cake was probably the best cake I've ever had, seriously! The nights here are incredibly peaceful, and the river nearby is stunning. If you're looking for a quiet, idyllic retreat, this is the perfect place.

I initially considered canceling because our rooms weren't adjoining, but I'm so glad I didn't, as it turned out to be a wonderful surprise. The rooms were great, and the service was absolutely superb. As someone who enjoys a drink, I was thrilled that the alcohol was complimentary. The breakfast was fantastic! If I get the chance to visit Japan again, I'll definitely choose to stay here. Seriously, the service was top-notch. Highly, highly recommend!

The room was quite spacious, especially for Japan. The staircase area offered great photo opportunities. However, the breakfast selection was very limited, and it wasn't good value for money.

Nice and charming little hotel with a lot of history behind it.  The staff were professional, helpful and courteous. Highly recommended to those who are looking for a more unique and intimate hotel experience in Kyoto.