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The overwhelming reason to stay at this 40-some-year-old property is its superb location in Gion, within easy walking distance to downtown Kyoto, the Pontocho and Kiyamachi nightlife districts, and Higashiyama-ku's many temples and sights. Other perks are the Starbucks on the ground floor and a rooftop beer garden open in summer. Otherwise, rooms are updated but tiny. The single rooms are among the smallest I've ever seen, and yet couples on a budget can attempt to squeeze into one, though with no room to unpack and no closet, they'll probably have to store luggage in the shower. There are also twins, but they, too, are rather small. There are no views, but my recommendation is to ask for a room on a higher floor facing west, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the tiled roofs of Gion. If seasonal rates on the hotel's website are well below the rack rates I've provided, I'd consider this place a bargain.  Otherwise, there are three other APA properties, all within walking distance of Kyoto Station, that are cheaper.