Kyoto Ryokans | Places to Stay in Kyoto

May 11, 2023 Velvet Champine

Kyoto is Japan's most traditional city. The lush and verdant cityscape encompasses sprawling rock gardens, vast palaces, and tall temples. The streets are alive with businessmen hurrying past Geiko and Makio in their full kimono, both on their way to work along cherry-tree lined walks. A historic hub that celebrates Japanese culture, from kabuki to textile weaving, Kyoto can also be surprisingly modern. It is one of Japan's largest, busiest, and most visited cities, with packed shopping mega-centers and high-rise offices. Suffused with shrines, outdoor markets, and nature walks, the small but bountiful location is also home to some of Japan's most contemporary architectural marvels, hippest cafes and eateries, and modish local brands and shops. It makes Kyoto a playful and sublime city, studded with as many bars and hole-in-the-wall fried food shops along the Kamogawa river as it is suffused with ancient ryokan and delicate wagashi shops. Kyoto is in the cross-hairs of Japan's most artful past and its energetic present.
Restaurants in Kyoto

1. Kyoto Ryokan Shoei

128 Nishishinyashiki Kaminocho, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto 600-8826 Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
60%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 239 reviews

Kyoto Ryokan Shoei

"The Rate is Here! 1000 yen lower than the others on Kyoto Ryokan Shoei official website. Book on Kyoto Ryokan Shoei official website and get the guaranteed best rate. Kyoto Ryokan Shoei has Open-air bathtubs and Large bath facilities. The bathtub in our large communal bath is made from Japan’s famous Mt. Fuji lava that has been processed into tile-like shapes. Japanese-style rooms in sizes of 8, 10 or 12 tatami mats are offered. Settle yourself in the tatami room for a time of relaxation and enjoy an experience in the lifestyle of Japan. Kyoto Ryokan Shoei is located in the Shimabara district of Kyoto. 7 minutes by taxi from Kyoto Station.

Awesome even when you travel alone!

Reviewed By pipathetraveller

The ryokan is well-maintained and the onsens are heaven! I would say onsens as they have both indoor and outdoor (must try). Not forget to mention that they provide you with a book of how to live in a ryokan. I would for sure try ryokans from now on.

2. Ryokufuso

490 Kanayacho Rokujoagaru Nishinotoindori, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto 600-8323 Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 486 reviews

Ryokufuso

Ryokufuso of Kyoto was founded in 1955 as a subsidiary of its holding company in Gifu prefecture. The attractive feature of Ryokufuso is that guests can experience the traditional Japanese way of life in a casual manner with a heart-warming atmosphere. The concept of RYOKUFUSO is very simple.A friendly Japanese Inn “Ryokan” with full of smiles."Guest's smile" "Smiles of everyone involved" That is…all about us 『RYOKUFUSO』

An amazing experience - perfect in every way!

Reviewed By CLW062

From the moment you enter the hotel you are looked after by fabulous, helpful, polite and professional staff. The whole hotel is spotlessly clean. The rooms are traditional with the most amazing futons. The room is big enough to be have two suitcases open and still have room to sit at either a traditional table on the floor, or western chairs with a coffee table. The rooms are well designed, comfortable and peaceful. There is even a guest laundry. You are given house kimonos to wear at the hotel and shown how to wear them. It's a beautiful touch and a lovely feeling going to dinner in them. We chose the meal inclusive package: breakfast and dinner - western style or Japanese style. We chose the Japanese style for all our meals. The food was amazing, so beautifully presented, and so much of it. They are very proud of their cooking and take their time to explain what each of the many dishes are and how to approach them! I really recommend this option - there is so much to learn. The onsens are segregated and nude. Once again the lovely staff explain the protocols so that you can enjoy, relax and know that you are not offending anyone. The hotel is a long walk (1.2km) from Kyoto Station, but a short walk from the Gojo Subway Station. The Subway station has elevators and a lift to get luggage from platform to street level. From either of these stations you can get anywhere in Kyoto you want. We mostly walked. This hotel was definitely one of the best experiences of our Japanese trip!

3. Kadensho

5-4 Arashiyama Nishiichikawacho, Nishikyo-Ku, Kyoto 616-0003 Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
37%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
7%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 355 reviews

Kadensho

If you’re looking for a romantic onsen ryokan in Ukyo, look no further than Kadensho. Given the close proximity of popular landmarks, such as Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple (1.4 mi) and Koryu-ji Temple (1.5 mi), guests of Kadensho can easily experience some of Ukyo's most well known attractions. Rooms at Kadensho offer a refrigerator and air conditioning providing exceptional comfort and convenience, and guests can go online with free internet access. Free breakfast will also help to make your stay even more special. If you are driving to Kadensho, free parking is available. While in Ukyo be sure to experience local unagi & dojo favorites at Unagiya Hirokawa. During your visit, be sure to check out popular attractions like Bamboo Forest Street (0.6 mi), Togetsukyo Bridge (0.2 mi), and Rakushisha (0.9 mi), which are all within walking distance of the onsen ryokan. The staff at Kadensho looks forward to serving you during your upcoming visit.

It was a very comfortable stay

Reviewed By s-hane-s-hane-s

I and my mother stayed there for one night 20000 yen per person, with dinner and breakfast. It was a very comfortable stay. This was more like a hotel, except that we needed to walk around without your own shoes (without getting dirty feet) inside. It was fully booked on that day. We had an earlier check-in, which mean that we could enjoy our relaxing private Onsen bath without standing in line. We also tried the large onsen baths later in the evening after a long walk in the beautiful Arashiyama area nearby. It was hot, but great. One of the baths was outside in a Japanese garden. We got warmed up from the inside out, and had an ice popsicle before we went up to our room for good nights rest. We also enjoyed a huge dinner and breakfast, true local cuisine with typical taste in Kyoto that supposed to be refined and "delicate" - you shouldn´t expect any strong taste, and correctly cooked. This supposed to be a 3-star-hotel, but the amenity was completed. We didn´t miss anything here. We thought the staff at the front desk were not amazing, but definitely not poor. We didn´t need to deal with them so much as we had good information in written form. Everything was clean and pleasant. Had absolutely nothing to complain. We would definitely love to come back again. My rating is 4 - not more or less. I certainly see that they still have a room for improvement, but overall I didn´t personally understand all the poor reviews.

4. Togetsutei

54-4 Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo-Ku, Kyoto 616-0004 Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
45%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
6%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 104 reviews

Togetsutei

Everyone needs a place to lay their weary head. For travelers visiting Kyoto, Togetsutei is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation. Well-known for its luxury environment and proximity to great restaurants and attractions, Togetsutei makes it easy to enjoy the best of Kyoto. Togetsutei is a luxury onsen ryokan offering air conditioning and a refrigerator in the rooms, and it is easy to stay connected during your stay as free wifi is offered to guests. The onsen ryokan features room service. Plus, guests can enjoy a sauna and an on-site restaurant, which have made this a popular choice among travelers visiting Kyoto. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available. Close to some of Kyoto's most popular landmarks, such as Hogonin Temple (0.3 mi) and Jojakkoji Temple (0.8 mi), Togetsutei is a great destination for tourists. While you’re here, be sure to check out some of the barbeque restaurants, including Wagyu Okada Ya - Arashiyama Wagyu Skewers -, Yakiniku Chabashira, and Yakinikuomoni, all of which are a short distance from Togetsutei. Should time allow, Arashiyama, Okochi Sanso Garden, and Tenryuji Temple are some popular attractions that are within walking distance. Togetsutei is sure to make your visit to Kyoto one worth remembering.

Amazing experience.

Reviewed By DonaldG03

Amazing experience to say the least! You are provided an 11 course kaiseki-style dinner and 3 course kaiseki-style breakfast. We has selected the traditional bed which is a bit of an adjustment. We also had access to a private open air bath. Our server was great and was able to explain all of the meal. Would recommend.

5. Ryotei Rangetsu

7 Susukinobabacho Saga Tenryuji, Ukyo-Ku, Kyoto 616-8385 Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
80%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 56 reviews

Ryotei Rangetsu

Ryotei Rangetsu is an excellent choice for travelers visiting Kyoto, offering a luxury environment alongside many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay. Ryotei Rangetsu is a luxury onsen ryokan offering air conditioning and a refrigerator in the rooms, and it is easy to stay connected during your stay as free wifi is offered to guests. The onsen ryokan features baggage storage and newspaper. Plus, guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, which has made this a popular choice among travelers visiting Kyoto. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available. For those interested in checking out popular landmarks while visiting Kyoto, Ryotei Rangetsu is located a short distance from Hogonin Temple (0.1 mi) and Jojakkoji Temple (0.6 mi). If you are looking for a good Asian restaurant, you may want to check out Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama, Shoraian, or Sushi Naritaya while staying at Ryotei Rangetsu. If you’re looking for something to do, Arashiyama (0.3 mi), Okochi Sanso Garden (0.4 mi), and Tenryuji Temple (0.2 mi) are a nice way to spend some time, and they are all within walking distance of Ryotei Rangetsu. Enjoy your stay in Kyoto!

Lovely traditional experience

Reviewed By JasperRose

we really wanted to stay in a Ryokan, and this was the perfect fir for us. The room was very large, and had a balcony that looked down into the beautiful garden. The bathroom was new, and very clean. We enjoyed putting on the robes and slippers and really realxing in the room. The staff were great as they came and made out bed for us and always tried to accomodate us. We loved the breakfast. It was very traditional and very generous. Overall, we really enjoyed this traditional experience.

6. Hanaikada

57 Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo-Ku, Kyoto 616-0004 Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
44%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
8%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 89 reviews

Hanaikada

Close to Togetsukyo Bridge, the symbol of the Arashiyama Area in Kyoto, Hanaikada is an authentic Japanese style ryokan hotel. The baths, including a private bath, are all fed with 100% natural hot springs. Arashiyama Sagano Area is distinct from other areas in Kyoto, offering visitors a traditional atmosphere of Kyoto. Many Japanese repeat visitors to Kyoto prefer to stay in Arashiyama. The area is conveniently accessible to famous sightseeing spots, such as Tenryu-ji Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), bamboo groves, and Hozugawa Kudari river boat ride.

Traditional Ryokan experience

Reviewed By hgoldcoast

Stayed two nights in this traditional ryokan, we booked the room with private semi outdoor onsen (Mokuren room). Location is convenient and easy to find, only 3 mins by taxi from JR Saga Arashiyama station, we arranged pickup and confirmed by email but they didn't show up so we just take the taxi. The place is beautiful and unique, very good service. Very convenient: It's just right next to the famous Togetsukyo, around the corner (1 min walk) to the entrance of Monkey park and sightseeing boat cruise entrance, across the bridge heaps of small local shops and eatery, Tenryu temple also around 5 mins of walk. During our three days stay we can go back to the ryokan anytime and enjoy afternoon onsen and then go to sightseeing again, very handy. Dinner - 1st night Kaiseki style served in room, many dishes and very tasty, it's very special experience and we love it. 2nd night they served us Shabu shabu (japanese hotpot), it's still good but it's more simple than the 1st night, personally would prefer Kaiseki (traditional japanese) Breakfast will be serve in the restaurant on the selected time we choose, anytime from 7am-9am, breakfast is traditional Japanese breakfast with alot of side dishes served in the bento box, rice, soup, we can choose either bacon, salmon or fish, and they also served with famous Tofu in hotpot. Free fill of juice, tea and coffee, egg, fruit. It is very delicious and content to start the day. They usually put all Non japanese guests right in the middle of the restaurant and japanese guest on the quiet and more privacy side. The room is very comfortable, private onsen is perfect, can use anytime. We also rent the outdoor private onsen for 40 mins which is around 1500 yen, well if you have the private onsen in the room, you don't need to spend extra $, the outdoor onsen is abit bigger and maybe because it's around 9pm, we cannot see much view outside and it's very cold in / out the onsen. There is free yuzu juice and water in the resting area next to the in house onsen, but it will run out and no refill. Reminder: If you want to drink milk or make your own tea / coffee, there is no milk provided and around 10 mins walk to the nearest convenient store (closed at night). Free drop off after check out which is very convenient. It's expensive, we did enjoy the stay and definitely once in the lifetime experience.

7. Seryo

Ohara Sanzeninhan, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto 601-1241 Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
60%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

Seryo

SERYO is a traditional Japanese accommodation "ryokan" located within the naturesque country side of Ohara, Kyoto which also provides fine Kyoto gourmet cuisine and hot springs. Spend a tranquil moment in the peaceful atmosphere of Ohara after sightseeing through the hustle and bustle of Kyoto City.

Excellent stay in rural Kyoto

Reviewed By KI-NRT

Seryo is an excellent ryokan that exceeded our expectations. It's situated in Ohara town, located about an hour north of Kyoto, which is an agricultural area known for its fine Kyoto vegetables, its rural beauty, as well as the renowned Sanzen-in and Jakko-in temples (as well as the picturesque Kurama & Kibune towns nearby.) We stayed 2 nights at Seryo.... our main purpose for being in the area was to do the hike from Kurama to Kibune (highly recommended!) While Seryo is not a stone's throw from Kurama or Kibune, it's not far, either - about 15 minutes by car. And, it's right next to Sanzen-in, and overlooks a beautiful valley and the mountains beyond, so the location is actually a plus in many respects. While it's a small, family-run establishment, it also charges luxury ryokan prices. In just about all respects, it delivers a level of comfort, luxury and service that matches the price. First, the room - we stayed at the best room at Seryo, the "Sakura no Ma Japanese Suite with open-air bath." I believe it to be the only room on premises that has its own private onsen hot springs bath, and it's pure bliss. if it's available, I'd recommend that you snag it quickly. The room itself was reasonably spacious (although not gargantuan by other luxury ryokan standards, and we would've gladly paid more if they offered an even higher category room), well appointed and came with all of the necessities - toiletries, yukata, free WiFi and even free minibar. It was a nice room to spend our down time in Ohara. And when we felt like taking a walk, not only was there Sanzen-in next door, but also Jikko-in, Hosen-in and and Shorin-in just a few minutes walking distance away - all worth visiting, and all with its own unique charm. The food was good. Not super gourmet like some of the top ryokans in Hakone or Kaga Onsen town, but they did a good job focusing their offerings relying on local ingredients - Ohara is renowned for its amazing produce, and many of Kyoto's finer restaurants (including Michelin 3-star Kitcho) procure many of their vegetables from Ohara. Of particular note was the local Jidori chicken - it was amazing. It was steamed (which is unusual, and doesn't strike me as the best way to cook chicken), but was done amazingly well. It was definitely a memorable dish. Breakfast, on the other hand, was a comparatively spartan affair - not much variety, and quantities were low. If you're hungry, be prepared to scarf down a healthy portion of rice. Service is typical ryokan-like. Courteous, helpful, and a bit inflexible in some areas, namely in terms of meal times. At Seryo, it's strictly 6PM for dinner and 8AM for breakfast. That said, they did make an exception, which gives us hope for Japan :) When we told them we might leave early and skip breakfast (to get a head start on our hike the next day), they said "how about 7:30 then?" For a small ryokan with rigid schedules (for understandable reasons, mind you), it was a surprisingly gracious gesture. Overall, we were very happy with our choice and would not hesitate to recommend Seryo for those that seek a great accommodation and dining experience to go along with a wonderful tour of Ohara, Kurama and Kibune's beautiful countryside, villages, temples and shrines - assuming you're prepared to pay for the privilege.

8. Gyozanen

454 Ohara Raikoincho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 601-1242 Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
31%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
8%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 48 reviews

Gyozanen

"Gyozanen" is in a quiet location away from downtown Kyoto near Ohara-Sanzenin-Temple. Relax in the naturak hot spring bath surrounded by nature's beauty. Enjoy our Kyo-Kaiseki traditional Kyoto cuisine, prepared with sea-sonal ingredients.

Fast Food

Reviewed By Robert B

Great gyoza, go figure The place has the feel of a chain. Set up like a diner, all counter downstairs, tables on the second floor. Food is ok, not great but fast and cheap. Menu has pictures and numbers for us language challenged folks.

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