The bustling city of Kyoto, which was once the capital of Japan, should be on every Japanese itinerary. And there’s no better way to experience the true culture of this historic city than by staying in a traditional ryokan. These old-style inns offer a glimpse into the authentic customs of Japan, along with the local way of life today.
You’ll find plenty of ryokans in Kyoto, but I’ve broken down the search by rounding up the most popular and highly rated of these inns in the city. Take a look below!
The 14 Best Hotels in Kyoto
1. Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei
Traditional accommodation in the heart of Kyoto
Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei is one of the most highly rated ryokans in Kyoto. It’s within walking distance to landmarks like TKP Garden City and Sanjusangen-do Temple, while blending Western creature comforts with traditional Japanese culture.
At this ryokan, you’ll have a concierge service, luggage storage, full-day security, and a lift, along with air-conditioning and coffee machines in the rooms. All units are soundproof and come complete with bed linen and towels, too.
You can opt to have your breakfast in the room or in the communal area, and have a selection of Western and Japanese dishes to choose from.
2. Ryokan Sanga
A cozy property just 15 minutes from Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Ryokan Sanga offers the best of the classic ryokan experience with tatami flooring and futon bedding, along with green tea bags and a kettle in every room. This is also a ryokan that offers yukata robes to help immerse you in the local culture!
Besides the chance to experience these traditional Japanese elements, Ryokan Sanga is incredibly central, just minutes from the Karasuma Oike Subway Station and the Kyoto Nishiki Market.
And if your goal during your stay is to unwind and relax, in-room massages are also on offer for an extra fee!
3. Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St.
Central Kyoto accommodation with a hot tub and open-air bath
Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St. offers the traditional Japanese experience with an open-air bath and hot tub. There’s a communal feel to this ryokan with a customary shared lounge and on-site restaurant, but there are still creature comforts like full security during the day and a 24-hour front desk for your convenience.
This ryokan is also in a great location just 600 meters from the heart of Kyoto, and just 2 kilometers away from Nijo Castle.
4. Ishibekoji Muan
5-star ryokan with lush garden views
If you want to stay in a higher-end ryokan in Kyoto, Ishibekoji Muan is five stars of luxury service while still staying true to its cultural roots. The rooms are furnished with traditional Japanese elements but also contain amenities such as coffee machines, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.
There’s a hot tub on the property that is perfect for relaxing, but there’s also plenty to do in the area. Ishibekoji Muan is less than a 20-minute walk from Samurai Kembu Kyoto, while Sanjusangen-do Temple, Shoren-in Temple, and Heian Shrine are also just a short distance away.
5. Gion Yoshiima
A family-run inn with an ancient Japanese garden
A stay at Gion Yoshiima will truly open you up to the customs of Japan. This family-run inn is set in a building featuring traditional architecture and overlooking an ancient garden. Inside, you’ll experience the signature tatami flooring, shoji paper screens, and futon beds.
Fresh authentic Japanese food is served each morning in-room, while the inn also runs a laundry and dry cleaning service for guests. There are also massage services on offer, plus a public bath where guests are free to wind down after a long day exploring Kyoto.
6. Gion Oyado Kikutani
The perfect ryokan for family travel
The three-star Gion Oyado Kikutani is conveniently located near several attractions in the area, including the Samurai Kembu Kyoto and Shoren-in Temple, while being less than 1 kilometer from Gion Shijo Station.
This is a particularly good choice for those traveling in groups or with kids since there are family rooms at this ryokan, while every room has bed linen and towels, air-conditioning, and its own private bathroom. But there’s also a shared lounge area if you’d like to meet other guests.
You’ll also find a peaceful garden on the grounds, where guests can kick back and enjoy the serenity after a day in busy Kyoto.
7. Seikoro Ryokan
Traditional Japanese-style inn just 10 minutes from Kyoto National Museum
Founded in 1831, Seikoro Ryokan has been serving Kyoto for nearly 200 years. This traditional inn provides modern amenities including ironing facilities and cable flat-screen TV, along with traditional Japanese furnishings, a public bath, and a massage service.
Both Western and Japanese cuisine are served for breakfast, while dinners at the ryokan feature authentic local fare. There’s also a gift shop on the grounds for you to pick up a souvenir to remember your stay.
The ryokan is less than a 10-minute drive from JR Kyoto Station, Sanjusangen-do Temple, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, while Kyoto National Museum and Shichijo Train Station are just 10 minutes away by foot.
8. Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei
A central ryokan with its own bar and tour desk
For those looking for a fun time in Kyoto, Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei is just 10 minutes from the bustling Kawaramachi area and has its own bar. Here, you’ll be able to mingle with other guests and relax with a drink, or even kick off your evening before heading out.
This ryokan also has a tour desk to help you organize day trips and tours around Kyoto, while the Gojo, Shijo, and Kawaramachi stations are just 10 minutes away.
The rooms are decked out with traditional Japanese designs, but you’ll still get modern comforts like air-conditioning, a fridge, and of course, free Wi-Fi.
9. Auberge AZABU
A foodie’s dream with buffet breakfast and a traditional French restaurant
Kyoto is a foodie destination in its own right, but Auberge AZABU is one of the best ryokans to stay in if good food is your idea of heaven. Begin your morning with the buffet breakfast, and then return to the ryokan in the evenings for authentic French cuisine at the on-site hotel.
Aside from its culinary delights, Auberge AZABU is just a short distance from Kyoto Station, Kyoto International Manga Museum, TKP Garden City Kyoto, and Gion Shijo Station. The ryokan also runs a bicycle rental service if you’d like a fun way to explore the city.
10. Kamishichiken Oku
Affordable ryokan with wellness packages and home-style cooking
Kamishichiken Oku is another ryokan that blends the best of east and west, paving the way for a new breed of traditional inns. This ryokan honors Japanese custom with its baths and wellness focus, but you can still enjoy the option of American breakfast, along with your Japanese breakfast, a minibar in the room, and a bar on-site.
Some of the rooms at the ryokan have their own terrace and balcony boasting views of either the inner courtyard or the garden. There’s also a 24-hour front desk to help with any problems you might have, in addition to day security, a bicycle rental service, and vegetarian food options.
11. Ryoso Chatani
A hot spring bath and mountain views await at Ryoso Chatani
Ryoso Chatani gives guests the chance to experience authentic Japanese culture with tatami flooring and local hospitality. The ryokan is also home to a hot spring bath and hot tub where guests can get to know the onsen customs, however, it’s also close to several other geothermal hot springs around Kyoto.
This is one of the best ryokans to choose in Kyoto if you love a good view, since many of the rooms offer river or mountain views. There’s a restaurant on site, along with a private garden to enjoy.
12. Vegan Minshuku Sanbiki Neko
A vegan bed and breakfast in Kyoto
As you probably could have guessed from the name of this ryokan, this is a vegan-friendly spot in Kyoto, not far from Sanjusangen-do Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and TKP Garden City Kyoto.
Along with the vegan breakfast options, there are also packed lunches on offer at this ryokan, so you won’t have to spend precious time during your day looking for a suitable place to stop for lunch.
The ryokan itself has a communal lounge where guests can relax and meet new friends, while the rooms themselves have a private bathroom with a bath and bathrobes.
13. Ryokan Tanoya
An idyllic ryokan with its own coffee shop
Ryokan Tanoya is only a short drive from central Kyoto and close to attractions like Nijo Castle, Kyoto International Manga Museum, and Kyoto Imperial Palace. The grounds boast a garden and courtyard, with some rooms offering views of these tranquil spaces.
This is another vegan-friendly option, as vegan and vegetarian breakfasts are offered at the ryokan, and there’s a coffee shop on the premises.
Meanwhile, the inn has a housekeeping service for the convenience of guests, white the rooms are complete with free toiletries, slippers, and private bathrooms (and in some cases, with luxurious walk-in showers!).
14. Yado Kiramachi
A central inn with a garden, terrace, and on-site bar
A close distance to the heart of Kyoto, Yado Kiramachi is a traditional inn with family rooms, personalized service, and soundproof rooms for the ultimate relaxing escape. For those who do want to socialize, there’s a bar on site, along with a shared garden and terrace.
Certain rooms at the ryokan have their own balconies, while they’re all equipped with modern amenities like private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and a writing desk. The Kyoto International Manga Museum and Gion Shijo Station are just a short drive away.
FAQs About Ryokans in Kyoto
How much do ryokans in Kyoto cost?
Because ryokans are specialty cultural experiences, offering much more than just a place to stay, they’re typically more costly than your average budget hotel. Booking.com reports that the average price for one night in a ryokan in Kyoto will set you back around $300.
Where are the best ryokan in Kyoto?
You can find ryokans all over Kyoto! Some of the best neighborhoods to stay in where you’ll find great accommodation, both in the way of ryokans and Western-style hotels, include Downtown Kyoto and the Kyoto Station area. These central locations will make it easy for you to explore Kyoto!
Another area to consider staying in, especially if you’re looking for a traditional ryokan experience, is Southern Higashiyama, which is known for its cultural buildings and landmarks, ranging from temples to the Gion geisha district.
How is a ryokan different from a hotel?
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn where you can immerse yourself in the real local culture. Generally, this means that the inn will be decked out with traditional Japanese furnishings—think futons and tatami mats—and authentic Japanese cuisine will be served.
Cultural norms may also be in place, such as the requirement to remove your shoes at the door and wear provided slippers. Ryokans tend to be family run and offer more staff-visitor interaction, similar to a bed and breakfast. Many ryokans also have their own onsen.
However, the lines between ryokans and hotels are blurring in contemporary times, and now you can find hybrid accommodation that features elements of both. Some ryokans offer both traditional and Western-style bedding, for example, or are home to non-Japanese restaurants and other features that may cater to international tourists, such as coffee shops and gift shops on site.