Breakfast
B&B located in a quiet area of the city. Offers vegan breakfast to staying guests.
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Higashiyama-ku, Imagumano Minamihiyoshichō, 89 Leonext Higashiyama, Kyoto, Japan, 605-0953
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Last update on 06 Jan 2019 by Veganminshuku3neko
Update business info -
Added by Jonandmarkuk on 15 Aug 2018
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30 Reviews
First Review by Jonandmarkuk
onlycallisto
Points +70
Wonderful stay - Edit
Wonderful hosts, wonderful food, nice quiet location in an interesting neighbourhood. Very handy to some of the more popular attractions of your want to get up early and bear the crowds. Can't recommend this enough, even if you're a bit introverted like us you won't regret it :)
Read moreGuest
HayleyDuggan
Points +43
Lovely hosts, lovely Breakfast & accomodation - Edit
Had a great visit with Craig & Helen. Was delighted to find a vegan B&B in Kyoto as I was very nervous travelling to Japan as a vegan for the first time and being able to find food. They provide an AMAZING restaurant quality vegan traditional breakfast with a unique soup, rice, salad and main dish. Both were absolutely amazing. The vegan potato okonomiyaki was THE BEST meal I’ve had so far on my trip and for a long time despite excellent vegan options in my home country. The other guests dine together so it was wonderful to be able to chat with other likeminded guests and feel so welcomed. Vegan Shampoo and conditioner provided, beds are extremely comfortable with air conditioning in all rooms and dining room. Beds are very comfortable and rooms have a closet and room to put your luggage. We had a wonderful stay.
Read moreIf you are a vegan travelling to Kyoto I could not recommended a stay here more highly!
Pros: Hosts are amazing, welcoming and cater to guests, Wonderful Japanese vegan breakfast, Beds and facilities are comfortable and immaculate
Cons: None
Guest
McMallory
Points +2218
Fantastic home stay experience! - Edit
I was so fortunate to get to stay with Helen and Craig for two nights while I was in Kyoto. Their home is beautiful, their cats are cute, and the lovingly-prepared vegan breakfast are amazing. This is real Japanese home food—simple, clean, and incredibly filling—that you won’t really find in restaurants. That alone makes it a worthy stay. The kindness of the hosts, conversation with other vegan guests, and warm atmosphere just make it even better. It really was like staying with friends!
Read moreThis ryokan is in a quiet residential area. It’s actually pretty far from a lot of the city sights and about a 15-20 minute walk from a train station. This means some earlier mornings and later nights as you commute back, but fortunately it is easy to get a cab back if you’re tired after a long day of walking around Kyoto. If you care about being central, you might enjoy splitting your time between Vegan Minshuku Sanbiki Neko and a hotel in a more touristic area. That’s what I did, though it wasn’t originally by design, but because VMSN didn’t have room every night I planned to be in Kyoto. By starting off with a few days in a touristic area, you can then retreat to the quiet and peace of this ryokan, with easier access to some far flung attractions like Fushimi Inari shrine and Arashiyama.
This is an experience worth having if you can make it work. Thanks for a wonderful few nights, Helen and Craig!
Guest
LaVale
Points +100
Vegan Ryokan in the heart of Kyoto - Edit
My husband and I found this vegan traditional Japanese-style accommodation online and were so excited about it... And it totally exceeded our expectations!
Read moreThe B&B is located in a quiet, very traditional-looking neighborhood next to the famous Higashiyama. The closest public transit options are 10-15 minutes away on foot.
Craig was an amazing host, going above and beyond to meet our busy schedule. And his food... So yummy!
It was our first time sleeping on a futon and we were surprised by how comfortable it is.
If we ever get to visit Kyoto again, we will certainly be staying here!
Pros: The traditional-style Ryokan, The hosts, The quiet and cute neighborhood
Guest
Est.1990
Points +330
Quiet vegan haven - Edit
Craig and Helen are truly the best hosts. During our Japan trip we stayed at Vegan Minshuku Sanbiki Neko in Kyoto and appreciated not only the quiet neighbourhood, clean rooms and relatively close sights and public transport, but particularly the delicious freshly cooked vegan breakfasts.
Read moreWe can only confirm the positive things other travellers have already stated.
If you're vegan and planning to travel to Kyoto, Vegan Minshuku Sanbiki Neko is the place to call home, away from home. Fully recommend.
Pros: Vegan breakfast, Quiet neighbourhood, The cats
Guest
TimothyConway
Points +42
If you're vegan--and even if not--this is your "must stay" Kyoto abode - Edit
I fell totally in love with Craig & Helen's Vegan Minshuku Sanbiki Neko, which felt like a true "home away from home" for 10 of my 11 days in Kyoto in Nov.-Dec. 2023 (they were fully booked my first night in town). These people are the best hosts one could imagine for all the reasons that prior guests have discussed here and elsewhere such as Google Reviews (where i have posted a long review). For myself as a solo traveler, the room was very spacious, with an ample storage closet that allowed me to keep the room looking very tidy, very zen. The shower-tub, the bidet toilet, the HVAC system, the futon bedding-- all provided great comfort. Craig's Japanese-styled vegan breakfasts are absolutely DELICIOUS, as are his supplemental things for the rest of your day like the really tasty falafel wraps and bento box breakfasts if/when you wish to be out sightseeing earlier than the normal breakfast times.
Read moreA logistics note: UBER taxis all have the Minshuku's address in their system, so can be easily summoned if you don't want to walk to/from the bus station, metro or train stations (7-20 minutes away). The taxis can't come right to the front door, but will meet you just 15-20 seconds away to the west at the (non-vegan) noodle shop with the coca-cola vending machine in front.
I hope to re-visit Craig & Helen's wonderful abode again and again on future sojourns to Japan.
Pros: Superb hosts , Delicious breakfasts & take out meal items, immaculate zen-style room
Cons: Nothing.
Guest
LainieK
Points +34
Next level guest house! - Edit
Helen and Craig are fantastic hosts, super friendly and have extensive knowledge of Kyoto and surrounding areas. The daily vegan breakfast is comforting and delicious, the house cats are gorgeous and the whole place is kept in immaculate condition. I have zero negative things to say and will 100% stay here again and fully recommend to anyone looking for a homely place to stay in Kyoto.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-11-19
Pros: The hosts , The fantastic breakfast, The immaculate surroundings
Guest
Rvpuk
Points +30
A must for vegan travellers! - Edit
Helen and Craig are wonderful hosts and (along with their cats) run a wonderful vegan guesthouse.
Read moreThe cooked breakfast was delicious every morning without exception, and their friendliness, advice on the area, vegan options and the great conversation made it feel like you were staying with friends!
If I return to Kyoto I'd love to stay again!
Pros: Amazing breakfasts, Kind and friendly hosts , Cats!
Guest
SabrinaJaffe
Points +623
Love this place - Edit
We highly recommend staying here while in Kyoto. Craig and Helen (the owners) are so friendly and knowledgeable of the area. The breakfast Craig makes every morning is sooooo delicious, fresh, and healthy. The rooms are very comfortable. There is a train station 15 minutes away and a bus stop 7 minutes away. It is located in a quiet and cozy neighborhood. This was our favorite stay during our trip.
Read morePros: All vegan , Friendly owners, Good vibes all around
Guest
Mr.Bungle
Points +24
A must stay for any vegan visiting Japan - Edit
Helen-san and Craig-san were the best hosts. Very accommodating, great Japanese cuisine, and authentic Japanese rooms. The people we met here were all awesome. Arigatou
Read morePros: Japanese style food and rooms, Super friendly and accommodating , Other guests were cool
Guest
exothermic
Points +265
Amazing minshuku - Edit
I loved my stay here and didn’t want to leave! The hosts are lovely and easy to get along with, the breakfast super delicious, and the rooms beautiful. Everything is pristine. It’s nice to meet other travellers at breakfast in the morning too.
Read moreThe photos on here don’t do it justice, it’s even better in real life.
Guest
Nattata
Points +365
The best place for vegan travelers in Kyoto - Edit
If you're traveling to Kyoto as a vegan/vegetarian, you must stay here! The breakfasts were delicious and filling, but honestly the real benefit is the people you meet there. The owners are super nice and helpful and will advise you on vegan restaurants that fit into your itinerary for the day. During breakfast you also have the opportunity to chat with other vegan tourists and discuss your travels and the places you've eaten along the way. Seriously, if you're coming to Japan hoping to try some great food, this place is an excellent hub to find the best places.
Read morePros: Delicious breakfast, both vegan and gluten free, Good for chatting with owners and other guests, Rooms very nice
Cons: Bit of a hike, but that's Kyoto for you
Guest
nerissawvh
Points +165
Great service - Edit
Craig and Helen went out of their way to help. 1. Hung up our laundry bc we were out all day 2. Drove us to the train station bc it was raining.
Read morePros: Sweet folks running the place , Great vegan breakfast , Comfortable tatami and futon with private bathroom
Cons: not in tourist area so few restaurants nearby , Uphill walk to get there 15-20 minutes from train , If allergies to cats bring meds
Guest
chelspea
Points +254
Only good things to say - Edit
Clean, bright, homey, cats, friendly and helpful hosts, superb breakfasts, comfortable rooms, 30 minutes walk to Fushimi Inari in one direction, 30 minutes walk to Gion shopping in the other direction. The neighborhood is silent and feels very safe. I wouldn’t stay anywhere else in Kyoto.
Read moreGuest
Bunyip
Points +61
Amazing! - Edit
I stayed here for one night and absolutely loved it. Helen and Craig are amazing hosts and do everything they can to ensure a comfortable stay. The meals were plentiful and delicious. We sat around the table chatting for most of the night. Not sure if we solved all the world's problems but we certainly tried! The house is very nicely decorated and the bedroom was comfortable. I will certainly stay here again!!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-08-25
Pros: Friendly hosts - human and feline!, Delicious meals., Interesting neighbourhood.
Guest
Tdrian
Points +77
Delicious food and caring hosts - Edit
Had such an enjoyable time and peace of mind visting Kyoto solo this year in late July all thanks to Helen and Craig, who were truly caring, thoughtful, and friendly hosts. The room was spacious and comfortable, and the breakfasts (and takeaway bento for lunch) were simply delicious. They were able to accommodate my vegetarian needs (I can't take alliums i.e. onions and garlics for religious reasons) and even gave me detailed recommendations on where I can find good vegan and vegetarian food around the city (lifesavers!), along with tips on places to visit aside from the main touristy areas.
Read moreAnd it's more than just another place with food option on the map! Helen and Craig also went the extra mile to ensure I felt welcomed and at home, they recommended me books upon hearing my love for literature and writing, gave me free bottles of delicious apple juice, and on the morning after I made a side trip to USJ to see the Wizarding World, they even played music from the Harry Potter films to surprise me during breakfast. We even had many interesting conversations about the vegan and vegetarian food culture in our respective homelands (Australia and Singapore).
I've never met such amazing hosts and it saddens me to hear that business in general has not been well (all across Kyoto too) because of the pandemic. Helen and Craig's place is really a hidden gem that I wish will continue to go on. If you are looking for a heartwarming place to stay, if you like cats (they're so adorable), and especially if you are a vegan/vegetarian, then Vegan Minshuku Sanbiki Neko is 100% recommended.
Guest
papu
Points +48
Great stay - Edit
Simple and small B&B with a personal flair. Great breakfast included. Clean and comfy though plain room. Slightly out-of-the-way, but worth the walk. Very quiet and peaceful, and the hosts are very welcoming and helpful.
Read moreGuest
HannahCW
Points +20
Christmas stay - Edit
Stayed at this wonderful B&B over Christmas. The B&B is beautifully decorated and the rooms extremely comfortable. Helen & Craig were also the most wonderful hosts. The breakfasts were delicious and they even made us a 'to go' breakfast as we were leaving early on the third morning.
Read moreThey made a wonderful Pumpkin cake for Christmas which they very generously shared. Such a lovely couple and made us feel at home with many tips for eating as well as what to see/do and how to get there.
We loved the location. It was peaceful and away from the main hustle and bustle but not too far. Personally I love walking and we walked almost everywhere, but there are metro stations and bus stops close by.
Would definitely recommend staying here and if we head back to Kyoto in the future we would 100% stay again. Thank you to Helen and Craig for the wonderful experience.
Pros: Excellent delicious food, Wonderful hosts, Cats!!
Guest
owmurphy128
Points +13
Just the best - Edit
We stayed here for four nights and had an amazing time. This lovely (and super clean) ryokan makes for a perfect home-base away from the more crowded/touristy parts of town.
Read moreThe location was quiet and nice, with train stations nearby. It’s also really close to the Kyoto Trail, which takes you around neighborhoods and can lead you to a number of shrines, including Fushimi Inari. Walking along the trail was one of our favorite ways to spend time during our stay, and the ryokan’s location made getting there a breeze.
Beds were super comfortable, room temperature was easy to control, and the shower water pressure was 💯💯💯
The food! Every morning, Craig would have a different Japanese vegan feast waiting downstairs for the guests, with the menu rotating every day to something new and delicious. Thanks to us stuffing our faces every morning there, we had the energy to stomp around being tourists for the rest of the day.
Maybe the best thing, though, was Craig and Helen’s tips on where to go, which is saying a lot, because the food was really good. We only knew to check out the Kyoto Trail because Craig mentioned it, and it quickly became a favorite. Same goes for checking out Kodaiji temple at night. Basically all of our favorite parts of the trip were at their recommendation.
tl;dr: Came for the veg, ended up with a way better trip all around.
Pros: Delicious, hearty vegan breakfast , Really clean and new in a quiet and nice location, Craig and Helen’s wisdom
Guest
SP
Points +1411
The best breakfast! - Edit
I stayed here for only one night during a nine-night trip in Japan and in addition to the best breakfast of my trip, I also had the best sleep here! If you have any food allergies let them know in advance and they'll prepare breakfast accordingly. The place is fairly new, simple, peaceful, and comfy with Japanese futons on tatami. The owners were very helpful with sharing information on places to eat at in Kyoto, and I also got a couple of rides to the nearby Keihan train line which I was very grateful for.
Read moreI was the only guest that night which was unfortunate as it would have been nice to meet other veg/veg-friendly people. I would have loved to stay longer (and try other breakfasts!) but I had plans, so perhaps next time!
Pros: very delicious and filling breakfast, peaceful place, the hosts :-)
Guest
laiansu
Points +188
Quality accomodation & breakfast - Edit
We were delighted to stay here for one night during our holiday in Kyoto. The hosts Graig and Helen were truely very nice and friendly people and I was happy to get to know them and I am grateful for the tips and advice they gave me on how to do vegan traveling in Japan and also where to in Kyoto.
Read moreMinshuku is fairly new and everything looks great and is done with good taste and sustainable and beautiful materials. Our stay was very pleasant and peaceful and breakfast was excellent. Graig was able to cook me a breakfast without ingredients I am allergic to.
Great place to stay if you are in Kyoto!
Pros: Peaceful, beautiful place to stay
Cons: A little on the outskirts of the city
Guest
Vilmaata
Points +175
Highly recommended, great hospitality! - Edit
We were delighted to stay at Vegan Minshuku Sanbiki Neko. Helen and Craig were such a great hosts and amazing cooks. They gave us a lot of insides about the Japanese culture and tips for Kyoto.
Read moreWe had a delicious vegan typical Japanese breakfast every morning.
The room was very clean and basically everything was brand new. The property is located in a quiet area where we were able to get a good rest.
If going back to Kyoto we will definitely stay there again.
Thank you Helen and Craig for your hospitality.
Pros: Delicious breakfast., Amazing hospitality., Located in a quiet area.
Guest
EmmaFaeEdinburgh
Points +1399
Lovely little vegan B&B - Edit
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Vegan Minshuku Sanbiki Neko. The owners Helen and Craig are really lovely and happy to offer any tips and advice about sightseeing in the area.
Read moreThe building just opened last year and everything still feels very new. The rooms are traditional Japanese style, very comfortable and have lots of cupboard space for storing your luggage.
Breakfast is made fresh by Craig every morning and we had something different every day. Everything was delicious and of course totally vegan - the perfect way to start the day!
Would stay again in a heartbeat.
Pros: Vegan breakfast, different every day, Spacious accommodation, New building with modern amenities
Guest
LianeA.
Points +25
Comfortable and welcoming - Edit
My husband and I stayed 5 nights at the end of March and were fortunate enough to have the entire place to ourselves for 3nights with additional company the following 2 nights. They are a fairly new establishment and our last night was apparently the first time they were expecting a full house. We loved chatting with Craig in the evenings about his life, the real politics in Japan, and vegan foods and lifestyle. We didn't get to know Helen as well since she was sick our first 2 or 3 nights.
Read moreOn booking, I had included a message that asked to be as oil-free as possible. Craig was kind enough to ask how serious I needed to be about it and did accommodate with lower oil use and would sometimes ask if this or that was okay as he was cooking. When he heard we only had a wi-fi model iPad, he let us borrow a mobile wi-fi device at no extra charge. He also was willing to offer a little dinner snack if we needed it on our initial late arrival. We took him up on a different offer to make falafel sandwiches to go for a very low (~350 yen per sandwich?) price on our check-out day. Everything he made was delicious and new every day. We went to the common room for tea every night and often got a sneak peak of what he was planning to make for breakfast the next day.
As others have said, the accommodations are quite nice, comfortable, and quiet. I was able to do laundry and, like most places in Japan, there is no dryer, but they were kind enough to place my rack of clothes outside while we were away and bring it in at night.
The "sanbiki neko" (3 cats) do exist, but are not a big part of the experience as they are generally not allowed in the guest space, though they were sometimes let through to say hi in the common space downstairs.
It was not a problem for us, but I think that stairs are the only means of getting to the rooms. If this might be a problem for you, please ask to be sure.
We loved our time here and would definitely encourage others to book here and support this vegan establishment.
Updated from previous review on 2019-05-13
Pros: Generous and friendly staff, Quiet location, comfortable rooms
Cons: A little confusing to find at night, One flight of stairs to get to all rooms
Guest
Coralin
Points +576
We'll definitely come back - Edit
Very nice stay! We were looking forward to visit Kyoto and stay at this vegan B&B. The breakfasts are delicious and different every day. Comfortable room where we slept very nicely. Modern bathroom with vegan amenities. The place is very relaxing and calm as well as the neighborhood. After a day of walking and seeing temples, it's perfect to come back a have a nice rest. The rooms are Japanese style and every guest has a yukata during the stay. There's a common room where you can have tea/coffee and talk to other guests and even to Craig and Helen (hosts) who are very friendly and helpful.
Read moreYou can walk or take a taxi from the central station of Kyoto. Close to Fushimi Inari and other main attractions. Also convenient if you are using the Japan Rail Pass as it's close to some JR lines (to Nara for example).
We enjoyed our days in Kyoto (we were there in April) and we'll definitely come back to Vegan Minshuku Sanbiki Neko in the future.
Updated from previous review on 2019-05-12
Pros: Excellent vegan breakfasts, Nice and helpful hosts, Vegan amenities, close to some main attractions
Guest
jennybhk
Points +155
Ideal base for plant-based trip - Edit
My family just spent 2 nights in this lovely guesthouse and wished we could stay longer. Craig and Helen are great hosts and a hive of information about the local area. The guesthouse is a perfect blend of traditional Japanese and modern comforts: the futons are much more comfortable than any others I’ve ever slept on, and there are brand-new ensuite bathrooms. Everything is custom-built and stylish. Those who are following a plant-based diet will find it worth visiting for the food (breakfast only) alone, which was a fantastic start to the day. We found many of the top Kyoto attractions unbelievably crowded with tourists, but thankfully there are lots of less popular but still outstanding historical sites very close to the guesthouse. It’s also close to hiking trails via which you can access the two most popular sites of eastern Kyoto (Fushimi-Inari and Kiyomizudera) “the back way” to avoid most of the crowds. Die-hard trail runners can also get easy access to the 70km mountain trail circuit.
Read morePros: Freshly cooked vegan breakfast, new each day, Brand-new facility, very comfortable beds, Quiet area close to sights and hiking trails
Cons: A bit more expensive (but worth it IMO), Location is slightly off the beaten track, (Which I found to be a pro)
Guest
IzzySophia
Points +17
Great breakfasts and lovely hosts - Edit
Vegan Minshuku Sanbiki Neko was a wonderful place the stay.
Read moreThe hosts were very friendly and accommodating (also, they have cute cats!)
The location has a bunch of temples within around 20 minute walking distance, and was nice and quiet.
But the vegan breakfasts are the biggest selling point. Tasty, varied, and at a good time in the morning (8-9am).
I very much recommend staying here if you visit Kyoto.
Pros: Amazing vegan breakfast, Friendly hosts, Welcoming feeling
Guest
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