Kyoto, Japan is an ancient city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. For those looking to immerse themselves even more in the Kansai region’s culture and history, a stay at one of the many ryokans in Kyoto is an absolute must.
Ryokans are traditional-style Japanese inns that typically offer traditional tatami mat rooms, beautiful gardens, and delicious dinner/breakfast meals included with your stay. Nowadays, there are all types of ryokans, from those adhering to tradition to more modern and luxurious properties.
If you’re looking to understand the entire ryokan experience a little better, check out this post where I outline one of my entire ryokan experiences in Japan.
And if you’re looking for some of the best ryokans in Kyoto, keep reading to discover the best of the best!
Here is my specially curated list of top ryokans in Kyoto that offer amazing lodging options that are sure to give you an unforgettable experience.
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Looking for the perfect 2-day itinerary of Kyoto? Check out our jam-packed 2-day Kyoto itinerary, filled with traditionally preserved streets, matcha ice cream, temples, and bamboo forests!
For something a bit longer, check out our 5-day itinerary that also includes Nara and Osaka!
Table of Contents
What Is A Ryokan?
In a nutshell, a ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that provides anyone lucky enough to stay with a unique and authentic Japanese overnight experience.
Staying at a ryokan generally involves sleeping on futons on tatami mats, and wearing yukata robes while relaxing in the common areas.
Other activities that guests can enjoy while staying at a ryokan include soaking in an onsen hot spring, taking part in a tea ceremony, and dining on kaiseki cuisine.
When staying at a ryokan, visitors can expect to enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine and hospitality. Truly, the food and staff are both an experience of their own!
Ryokans are typically located in scenic areas such as by the ocean or in the mountains, and many offer views of nearby gardens or temples. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate, or simply want to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, staying at a ryokan is an unforgettable experience.
Read More: What To Expect At A Ryokan In Japan (+ Review Of My Ryokan Experience)
My Top Pick For Best Ryokan In Kyoto, Japan
Nazuna Kyoto Gosho
- Best for people willing to splurge a tad bit
- A 7-room inn that spans two townhouses, all with Western-style beds
- Some rooms even come with semi-open-air private baths
- Enjoy a sukiyaki dinner and an Irori Style breakfast in the morning, plus complimentary beverages.
- 5 minutes on foot from Marutamachi Station
Runner Up: Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo – another nearby ryokan by the same brand as my #1 pick! This one is also architecturally beautiful and features little touches that’ll make your stay so memorable.
7 Best Ryokans In Kyoto, Japan
Ryokan Genhouin
Price: $$$
Ryokan Genhouin in Kyoto is a nice ryokan due to several factors. Firstly, its location in the city provides guests with easy access to popular tourist destinations and cultural attractions. Popular points of interest near the ryokan include Heian Shrine, Shoren-in Temple and Samurai Kembu Kyoto.
Additionally, the traditional Japanese-style accommodations provide guests with a unique and authentic cultural experience. The ryokan also offers a range of amenities, including a lovely public soaking bath, a zen garden, concierge service and on-site dining options, to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for guests.
The traditional Japanese-style breakfast is considered a highlight for many guests, offering a unique and memorable dining experience.
The attention to detail in the decor and the light and airy atmosphere of the ryokan also adds to its charm and appeal! If you’re open to Japanese-style beds, this ryokan is hard to beat in terms of quality. Just be sure to choose the room type with the private bathrooms if that’s a must for you.
Overall, Ryokan Genhouin’s combination of location, authentic cultural experience, and quality amenities make it a highly sought-after ryokan in Kyoto.
Things To Know:
- Neighborhood: Sakyo Ward
- Bed Options: Japanese-style beds available
- Free shuttle service?: Yes
- Free parking: No, but parking is available (reservation is needed) and costs ¥2,000 per day.
Nazuna Kyoto Gosho
Price: $$$ – RECOMMENDED CHOICE FOR LUXURY TRAVELERS
Nazuna Kyoto Gosho in Kyoto is a 7-room “Wagashi” (traditional Japanese confections) themed luxury ryokan spanning across two townhouses. This is by far one of the most luxurious ryokans in Kyoto and we had to add it to this list for several reasons!
Firstly, its location in the city provides guests with easy access to popular tourist destinations and cultural attractions, including the famous Kyoto Imperial Palace, which is located just a short walk away.
The ryokan also offers spacious, rooms all equipped with Western-style king-sized beds. There are hints of Japanese elements within the ryokan such as tatami mat rooms, complete with elegant and modern furnishings. This elegantly done mix of designs offers guests the perfect blend of traditional and contemporary styles.
Some rooms even come with semi-open-air private baths for your soaking pleasure!
The ryokan also provides guests with a range of premium amenities, such as a concierge service, on-site dining options, and complimentary Wi-Fi, to ensure a comfortable yet tranquil stay. There is a beautiful lounge where you can have some free cold/hot refreshments, along with snacks and treats like ice cream. The ryokan’s garden is amazing, as the illuminated public bath.
But of course, one thing hotel guests can’t get enough of is the traditional Japanese-style breakfast. You can expect an authentic Japanese meal with fish or meat options and plenty of fresh vegetables (vegetarian options are available too). Despite there being so much to love about this ryokan, the food is considered the number one highlight for many guests!
Overall, Nazuna Kyoto Gosho’s combination of location, premium amenities, and traditional cultural experience makes it one of the most luxurious ryokans in Kyoto.
Things To Know:
- Neighborhood: Nakagyo Ward
- Bed Options: Western-style beds available; king-sized beds
- Free shuttle service?: No
- Free parking: No parking available
Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo
Price: $$$
Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo is another very nice ryokan that’s not too different from the aforementioned and equally as luxurious Nazuna Kyoto Gosho. Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo is a tea-themed ryokan found within a kyomachiya (traditional Kyoto-style townhouse).
This ryokan is also located centrally, close to many popular attractions including the famous Nijo Castle which is located just steps away from the ryokan.
Comprised of five distinct suites themed according to different types of tea, each suite is equipped with a private open-air or semi-open-air bath, high quality beds, as well as futons from a long-established, Kyoto bedding maker.
Every suite features a unique collection of antiques and decor, paired with a constantly changing selection of artwork created by a variety of local artisans. As you can already see, they care about the little things here.
When you’re not enjoying a private soak in your spacious room, you can enjoy a massage, hang out in the peaceful garden, or dine on food made with the freshest seasonal ingredients.
This ryokan is so stellar that since opening its doors in 2016, Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo has been awarded two consecutive Michelin Guide (Kyoto – Osaka) awards in both the 2017 and 2018.
Things To Know:
- Neighborhood: Nakagyo Ward
- Bed Options: Japanese-style and Western-style beds available; twin beds and futons beds
- Private in-room onsen: Yes
- Free shuttle service?: No
- Free parking: No parking available
Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado
Price: $$ – $$$
Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado in Kyoto made it on our list of top ryokans in Kyoto for several reasons.
First off, the ryokan’s traditional Japanese-style accommodations (tatami mat rooms, private in-room cypress soaking tub, communal onsen bath), provide guests with a true immersion into Japanese culture and lifestyle.
Additionally, the ryokan offers a range of amenities, such as a concierge service and on-site dining options, to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for guests.
A wonderful Japanese-style breakfast is available every morning at Kyokoyado Muromachi Yutone. But if that’s not your thing, hotel guests can request a Western-style breakfast upon prior request.
Dinner and breakfast are both known to be very delicious, artistically presented, and because of the large portion–will get you full! And as with many ryokan stays, the menu changes every day.
The attention to detail in the decor and atmosphere of the ryokan, including the use of natural materials and traditional Japanese elements, adds to its charm and appeal. Plus, you can expect no less than exceptional service from the staff there!
Location-wise, you’ll be super centrally located. The property is just a short walk to the subway station, and only a stop away from the Kyoto Station. The ryokan is just 1.1 mi from Kyoto International Manga Museum, 1.4 mi from Sanjusangen-do Temple, 1.6 mi from Kiyomizu-dera Temple and 1.9 mi from Samurai Kembu Kyoto.
Things To Know:
- Neighborhood: Shimogyo Ward
- Bed Options: Japanese-style and Western-style beds available (twin/full)
- Free shuttle service?: No
- Free parking: No parking available.
Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei
Price: $ – $$
Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei is a lovely and affordable traditional Japanese-style ryokan (inn) located in central Kyoto.
It is conveniently located near several popular tourist destinations, including Gion Shijo Station (1.1 miles), Kiyomizu-dera Temple (1.3 miles), and Kyoto Shigaku Kaikan Conference Hall (1.1 miles).
The property offers several amenities to make guests’ stay more comfortable, including a concierge service, luggage storage, and currency exchange.
Breakfast options, both American and vegetarian, are available daily and include both Western and Japanese-style options. The Japanese breakfast is considered a must-try experience for guests!
The ryokan offers guests the choice of staying in western-style queen or twin beds. You will be impressed by the cleanliness and quality of the room, and the bath inside of the private bathrooms are especially nice. In fact, the bathtubs and showers are very well equipped, even by Japanese standards!
Things To Know:
- Neighborhood: Shimogyo Ward
- Bed Options: Western-style beds are available (twin/queen)
- Free shuttle service?: No
- Free parking: Yes
Toshiharu Ryokan
Price: $$
Built in the Meiji era and registered as a cultural asset, Toshiharu Ryokan offers nothing but the utmost traditional accommodations just a 3-minute walk from Gojo Station and 1 subway stop from JR Kyoto Train Station.
Focused on conserving Kyoto’s traditional architecture and interior design, you’ll only find a mere eight rooms here. That means you’ll get world-class treatment and a truly peaceful experience in a rather large city.
Guests at Ryokan Toshiharu will get to step back in time as they’ll sleep on Japanese futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor. Green tea and a yukata robe are provided so guests can lounge around the ryokan in comfort.
Some rooms look out on a small garden, and although shared, baths are reserved and then used privately in turns. Massages are also available.
For breakfast, guests can choose to savor a delicious Japanese or a Western-style meal served at an additional charge.
Things To Know:
- Neighborhood: Shimogyo Ward
- Bed Options: Japanese-style beds available (futon)
- Free shuttle service?: No
- Free parking: No, but private parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is needed) and costs ¥1,000 per day.
Ryokan Tori
Price: $ – RECOMMENDED CHOICE FOR BUDGET TRAVELERS
Ryokan Tori is probably one of the best ryokan options in Kyoto if you’re tighter on a budget or if you’re a solo traveler looking to experience ryokan life. Clean, simple, and refreshing is what this ryokan is all about!
All guest rooms in the ryokan are fitted with a kettle. Each room has a shared bathroom, while selected rooms are fitted with a balcony and others also offer a garden view. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge.
And all throughout the cozy property, you will find a beautiful mix of traditional Japanese and modern amenities. Previous guests are huge fans of the breakfast that’s included with an overnight stay.
In addition to this wonderful meal, guests can soak in the public Japanese-style bath, rent bicycles to explore the area, and even enjoy a tea ceremony during their stay.
Despite the super affordable price of this hotel, it doesn’t really skimp on amenities or hospitality. Ryokan Tori very well-maintained and the staff members are friendly, warm, helpful, and knowledgeable!
Things To Know:
- Neighborhood: Kamigyo Ward
- Bed Options: Japanese-style beds available (futons)
- Free shuttle service?: No
- Free parking: No parking available
Map Of Kyoto Ryokans In This Post
Essential Tips For Staying At A Ryokan
- At traditional ryokans in onsen towns, dinner and breakfast are typically included in the price of your stay. If you are given a choice upon booking, opt for the meal package! Expect a huge spread of traditional Japanese deliciousness for both meals.
- At some ryokans, you’ll eat sitting cross-legged on the floor. At other more Westernized ones, you can eat at tables while sitting in chairs.
- Just like in Japanese homes, it is customary to take off your shoes before entering Japanese inns. More modern ryokans might not require you to take off your shoes until you get to your room. No matter what though, you should never wear your shoes on the tatami mats.
- Many ryokans feature a public soaking area or onsen, that you can use if you’re not afraid of being naked in front of others.
- It’s customary to shower before getting into the bath so you don’t dirty the water.
- The traditional yukata that you’ll be wearing doubles as both pajamas and the outfit you wear to dinner.
- At some ryokans, walls are divided by shoji, translucent paper room dividers. Since they don’t offer much protection from sound, always be mindful of other guests who might be sleeping.
- During breakfast, coffee is not guaranteed (depends on the ryokan you choose). If you know you’ll need more caffeine than what a cup of green tea can offer, pack your own instant coffee to drink in the morning.
- Tattoos are technically still looked down upon in Japan. Many ryokans do not allow tattoos to be shown in public soaking areas. If you have tattoos, it may be best to look for ryokans offering private onsen tubs. Or, call/email the property and ask in advance.
Japan Travel Insurance
This is a no-brainer. When traveling internationally, be sure to get yourself some travel insurance.
I’ve heard of too many unfortunate experiences where friends and family have had baggage lost/stolen, hotels canceled, or have had unexpected medical emergencies while traveling where they’ve had to cut their trips short.
True story alert — in 2022, my partner even had his shoulder completely dislocated while surfing in Mexico, resulting in a $950 USD emergency room bill that we had to pay out of pocket for! Not fun… and most definitely not cheap.
Without travel insurance, you would have to pay out of pocket for these mishaps. This is why I get travel insurance for all my international trips now!
One of the best budget-friendly travel insurances for those traveling outside their home country is SafetyWing.
SafetyWing Insurance provides coverage for unexpected illness or injury, including eligible expenses for hospital, doctor or prescription drugs. This means that if you get ill or injured, THEY will cover the medical expenses.
In addition, it provides emergency travel-related benefits such as:
- emergency medical evacuation – very much needed if you like to go hiking or backpacking in the wild.
- travel delay
- lost checked luggage
- adventure sports coverage (add-on) – so you can rappel down waterfalls, cave dive, mountain bike, scuba dive, etc. with peace of mind.
- electronics theft (add-on) – get reimbursed if your laptop, phone, camera or other electronics get stolen.
Click here to price out how much travel insurance would be for your trip.
Looking for more Japan travel tips? You may also like:
Best Of Japan: The Perfect 2-Week Itinerary For First-Timers
The Perfect Kyoto Itinerary: 5 Days In Kyoto, Japan (+ Nara and Osaka)
Osaka Day Trip From Kyoto: Best Things To Do In Osaka, Japan
Where To Stay In Osaka, Japan: Neighborhood Guide
7 Best Ryokans With Private Onsen In Hakone, Japan
Japan On A Budget: 45 Ultimate Tips For An Affordable Vacation
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