Best Ryokans in Kyoto

What is Ryokan?

Ryokan is a traditional Japanese wooden inn with Japanese furniture including tatami flooring, wooden bathtubs, sliding doors, and lattice windows. Usually, there is also a Japanese garden and an open-air onsen in some luxury Ryokans. In addition, Japanese dinner and breakfast are provided, such as Kaiseki Cuisine.

Where are the Best Ryokans in Kyoto?

The best Ryokans in Kyoto are usually in three areas: near tourist attractions like Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Ryokan gathering area - Gion, and the remote regions like Arshiyama. Apart from Ryokans, homestay is another choice if you want to experience traditional Japanese atmosphere.

How much does it Cost to Stay in Ryokan in Kyoto?

Usually, the price of stay in ryokan is higher than western hotels. Also, the closer to attractions, the higher the price is.

4 Kinds of Ryokans in Kyoto

1. High-end Authentic Japanese Ryokans

Where: near Yasaka Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Gion

Advantages

This kind of Ryokans have the most features of Japanese inns, including tatami, wooden bathtubs, yards, and even onsens. In addition, this kind of ryokans usually would provide Japanese meals.
Close to Attractions: After visiting Kyoto’s attractions, you can quickly return to ryokans to rest.

Disadvantages – Not Convenient for Dinning and Transportation

The areas where these ryokans locate are far from Kawaramachi – the most bustling place in Kyoto for dining. For authentic or cheap dining, you need to walk for over 10 minutes.

2. Economical Ryokans but with Convenient Services

Where: Shijo-Kawaramachi/Nishiki Market

Advantages

Shijo Kawaramachi is the most prosperous area in Kyoto. There are dozens of shopping malls, countless western bars, and Japanese Izakayas. In addition, the area also has advanced traffic system.
For customers emphasizing privacy, this type of ryokan may be better as economical ryokans have private bathrooms rather than on-air ones.

Disadvantages

Not authentic Japanese atmosphere
Although the decoration style still preserves the Japanese atmosphere, the furniture in this kind of ryokans are usually western ones, like western bathtubs and beds. Similarly, there is no Japanese yards. The meals provided by ryokans, if available, may be also western food.
Room sizes are smaller than the first kind.

3. Local Residence but with Traditional Old Furniture

Where: Gion/Shijo Kawaramachi/Kyoto Station

Advantages

Authentic Japanese Atmosphere
Kyomachiya is a traditional residence in Kyoto. From decoration style to furniture, they all preserve the Japanese style, thus the best choice if you want to fully experience local people’s life.
Big Enough for Family Tour
Kyomachiya can be rented for an entire or for several rooms. It’s big enough for a family stay.

Disadvantages

1. Privacy Issue
You need to share bathrooms with other travelers if you don’t book the entire Kyomachiya.
2. No Air conditioners
To preserve the original appearance of old residences, some Kyomachiyas have no air conditioners. It’s hot inside during summer. Also, the long history means that there are leaks in the walls or windows, thus cold in winter.

4. Resort Type Ryokans with Superb Natural Beauties

The 4th type ryokan is especially suitable for visitors plan for a long vacation in Kyoto.
Advantages: scenic landscape/distinctive local food provided by ryokans/culture experience
Disadvantages: remote distance/undeveloped traffic/comparatively few restaurants and shops

1. Arashiyama

Many Ryokans in Arashiyama are built by the mountain foot, along the bank of Oi River, or next to the Togetsukyo Bridge. At night, you can fall asleep with the gurgling of flowing water and the gentle moonlight reflecting through the windows in your room; while in the morning, the birds’ twitter echoing in the forests would wake you up. You will have unique experiences while staying in Arashiyama’s Ryokans including Arashiyama Onsen and Yudofu Cuisine. There are both indoor onsens with high privacy and open-air onsens in which you can appreciate the mountain scenery. 

2. Kibune and Takao

In summer, the best Ryokans in Kyoto should be those near Kibune and Takao as they are good summer resorts in humid and hot Kyoto. Located in the dense forest and by the river, the temperatures in these 2 places are comparatively lower. The running water from the mountains would cool down the air.