Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, has a history spanning more than a thousand years. It is the birthplace of many beautiful aspects of Japanese culture, from religion — with 17 temples, shrines, and a castle registered as World Heritage Sites — to traditional tea ceremonies. Many of its houses still retain their traditional Japanese character, and the city is known for its beautiful natural scenery of mountains and forests. If you love both traditional Japanese culture and the charm of nature, Kyoto has it all.
Staying at a traditional Japanese-style inn, known as a ryokan, can add even more enjoyment to your trip. You get to experience authentic Japanese-style accommodation, sleeping on a futon, and at some ryokan you can even soak in an onsen surrounded by beautiful nature. Here we've gathered eight ryokan in the cultural city of Kyoto to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly options to super-premium stays. You'll find that a ryokan stay is every bit as charming as a hotel — an experience you have to try to appreciate. A trip to Kyoto isn't complete without staying at a ryokan at least once.
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1. Kyoto Garden Ryokan Yachiyo
Kyoto Garden Ryokan Yachiyo is located on the way to Nanzen-ji Temple, close to Keage Station (about 550 meters away). It is also within easy reach of many other attractions, including Kyoto Zoo, Nanzen-ji Temple, Shoren-in Temple, Heian Shrine, and the Philosopher's Path, one of the best cherry blossom spots in Kyoto. The property is surrounded by a beautiful garden that changes with the seasons, in a calm and quiet setting. Inside, the design is elegant and simple while remaining fully Japanese. The rooms are decorated simply but with a style that blends traditional and modern Japanese elements. Some rooms have garden views, and some have private bathrooms, along with other amenities such as a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, luggage storage, free bicycle rental, and a lounge with free computer and internet access. There is also a dining room with a garden view, serving authentic Kyoto-style Japanese cuisine as well as vegetarian course meals.
Price
Room rates vary by season and room type.
Access
- From Keage Station, about a 7-minute walk.
- From Higashiyama Station, about a 10-minute walk.
2. Yadoya Hiraiwa
Yadoya Hiraiwa is a budget-friendly ryokan located near Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (about 650 meters away). It's also close to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto's most famous attractions, as well as the Samurai Kembu Kyoto performance venue. The property is fairly small, with a warm, homely Japanese atmosphere and friendly service. Amenities include a shared bathroom, free bathroom amenities, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, luggage storage, a flat-screen TV, a clothes-drying rack, free tea, linens, and slippers for use in the room.
Price
Room rates vary by season and room type.
Access
- From Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, about a 5-minute walk.
- From Kyoto Station (Karasuma Line), about a 12-minute walk.
- From Shijo Station (Karasuma Line), about a 10-minute walk.
3. Seikoro Ryokan
Seikoro Ryokan is also located near Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (about 250 meters away). Built in wooden Taisho-era style, it has a strong sense of history. It's close to popular attractions such as Sanjusangen-do Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Inside, the decor is well put together, with a variety of room types available, along with amenities such as a flat-screen cable TV, a private bathroom with toiletries and a bathtub, heating, a safe, an elevator, free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and a public bath with a wooden tub and spa-like facilities. Breakfast is available in two styles, Western and authentic Kyoto-style Japanese, with the menu changing according to the season, so every stay offers something different.
Price
Room rates vary by season and room type.
Access
- From Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, about a 3-minute walk.
- From Kyoto Station, about an 8-minute taxi ride.
4. Gion Fukuzumi Ryokan
Gion Fukuzumi Ryokan has a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful mountain views, as it faces the Higashiyama Sanjuroppo mountain range, one of Kyoto's most scenic spots. This lets guests enjoy an authentic Japanese ambiance and nature at the same time. It's also close to Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park. Inside, the decor may be simple but is full of traditional Japanese atmosphere, with a cozy, homely feel. There's also an outdoor onsen where guests can relax after traveling. Other amenities include a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, wheelchair access, foreign language support, an airport limousine service, and coin-operated laundry.
Price
Room rates vary by season and room type.
Access
- From Kyoto Station, take bus No. 206 (about 20 minutes) to the Gion stop, then walk about 8 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi takes about 15 minutes.
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5. Nenrinbo
Nenrinbo is a ryokan built in 1967, surrounded by nature with views of the mountains, just 6 kilometers from the city center. Inside, art pieces decorate various corners, and the rooms feature futon bedding and are decorated in a stylish way that blends with the natural surroundings. There is a flower garden that's beautiful in all four seasons. Breakfast offers both Japanese and Western options, while dinner uses seasonal ingredients. There is also a large onsen and a swimming pool on the upper floor, offering beautiful mountain views while you relax in your own way. Other amenities include a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, an electric kettle with free green tea, a pick-up service (reservation required) and a free shuttle service, wheelchair access, free Wi-Fi, and other facilities for elderly or disabled guests.
Price
Room rates vary by season and room type.
Access
- From Kitaoji Station, take a bus to the Takagamine Genkoanmae stop, then walk about 5 minutes (400 meters).
6. Ryokan Sawaya Honten
Ryokan Sawaya Honten is a traditional Japanese inn built in the style of the 1920s, located near Jingu-Marutamachi Station. It's close to several attractions, including Kyoto Imperial PalaceHeian Shrine, and Kyoto's famous shopping street of Shin-Kyogoku. The atmosphere is warm and simple. Every room has a flat-screen TV and a refrigerator, and some rooms have private bathrooms, along with other amenities such as luggage storage, a spacious shared bathroom, vending machines, and delicious local food at the dining room.
Price
Room rates vary by season and room type.
Access
- From Jingu-Marutamachi Station, about a 6-minute walk (550 meters).
- From Kyoto Station (Tokaido Line), Central Exit, take bus No. 206 to the Kumanojinjamae stop, then walk about 2 minutes (240 meters).
7. Karaku
Ryokan Karaku is located in the heart of Higashiyama, close to Yasaka Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Japan, and Maruyama Park, which is very popular during cherry blossom season in spring, along with other attractions such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Chion-in Temple, and Yasaka Pagoda. The decor is simple yet retains a traditional Japanese character. Rooms offer either mountain or city views and come with a private bathroom and bathtub, along with basic amenities such as bathroom toiletries, free Wi-Fi, foreign language support, an electric kettle, a refrigerator, a large shared bath, and wheelchair access. Don't miss the Kyoto-style dinner here, made with fresh seafood, local meats, and other seasonal ingredients.
Price
Room rates vary by season and room type.
Access
- From Kyoto Station (Tokaido Shinkansen Line), Karasuma Chuo (Central) Exit, take a taxi (about 15 minutes), or take bus No. 110, 100, or 206 to the Gion stop, then walk about 4 minutes (350 meters).
8. Yuzuya Ryokan
Yuzuya Ryokan is a luxurious 5-star Japanese-style inn located in the famous Gion district of Kyoto, close to Gion-Shijo Station (about 550 meters) and Higashiyama Station (about 800 meters), and within easy reach of many other attractions. Inside, the property retains a strong Japanese atmosphere, with antique furniture and seasonal Japanese-style flower arrangements. The rooms are decorated in traditional Japanese style, with tatami flooring and futon bedding. The hot bath is made of fine wood, and yuzu citrus, known for its soothing fragrance that helps relieve fatigue, is added to both the communal hot bath and the private in-room baths. The property has a shaded garden that can be viewed from the rooms or the dining room, and the atmosphere is calm and quiet, ideal for relaxation. There are also many special services for guests' convenience, including a luggage room, free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, heating, a wake-up call service, a hot bath, and massage services. The dining room also serves kaiseki cuisine created by a renowned chef, with beautifully presented dishes made from specially selected ingredients. Guests who want a tour guide can also use the property's guide service, which has English-speaking staff.
Price
Room rates vary by season and room type.
Access
- From Gion-Shijo Station, about a 6-minute walk.
- From Higashiyama Station, about an 11-minute walk.
>>> Recommended Hotels Across Kyoto <<<
Recommended Hotels Across Kyoto