Lonely Planet review
Ryokan Karatachi is a cute, cosy ryokan which has a following with loyal travellers, despite its southern Kyoto location. Rooms are simple Japanese style and a hinoki buro (cypress bathtub) is available to soak away your aches after a day of sightseeing.
Take the Keihan line south to get to Fushimi, home of many of Kyoto's sake breweries and the famous Fushimi-Inari Taisha, one of Kyoto's most interesting shrines. This small place actually feels more like a guesthouse, or even a homestay. The old Japanese couple that run it do a great job providing a relaxing stay. There are five rooms and rates are sometimes lower in the off-season. Food is served, and fussy eaters can make requests. This is a decent base for exploring destinations in the south of Kyoto. Look for the bright white on blue sign outside.