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Kyoto's Best Ryokans (Japanese-style Inns)
29
items My favorite ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) in Kyoto. As a tour guide, I have done extensive research on what hotels are best for every type of traveler. Feel free to take a look and browse everything from luxury to family friendly ryokans!
For each hotel I have included the average price range per night, location/nearest station, and average google review rating.
For each hotel I have included the average price range per night, location/nearest station, and average google review rating.
Sections
6
Best Luxury Ryokans
Best Historic Ryokans
Best Budget Ryokans
Best Family-friendly Ryokans
Best Hidden-Gem Ryokans
Kyoto Omiyage (Souvenirs) you Shouldn't Miss!
Best Luxury Ryokans
Looking for a refined backdrop to your Kyoto trip? Here are five luxury ryokans boasting private onsen baths, zen gardens, elegant interiors, and easy access to top Kyoto sight-seeing locations.
Highlights:
- Located footsteps away from the UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle
- The only luxury hotel in Kyoto’s city center with its own natural hot spring source
- Tranquil spa with two private and one public Japanese-style onsen
- Four restaurants, including Michelin-starred TOKI, blending seasonal Japanese and French cuisine - Price Range: $655 - $1,200 USD - Location: Nijo Castle, near downtown Kyoto
- Google Review Score: 4.6 ★ (724 reviews)
- Located footsteps away from the UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle
- The only luxury hotel in Kyoto’s city center with its own natural hot spring source
- Tranquil spa with two private and one public Japanese-style onsen
- Four restaurants, including Michelin-starred TOKI, blending seasonal Japanese and French cuisine - Price Range: $655 - $1,200 USD - Location: Nijo Castle, near downtown Kyoto
- Google Review Score: 4.6 ★ (724 reviews)
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa
Highlights:
- Located in the heart of Kyoto, blending traditional Kyoto machiya-style wooden architecture with modern amenities
- Every room includes an open-air or semi-open-air bath for a serene, in-room onsen experience
- Kaiseki meals made with seasonal ingredients, cooked over an irori hearth
- Recognized by the MICHELIN Guide Kyoto/Osaka for exceptional hospitality
- Price Range: $800 – $2,500 USD
- Location: In front of Nijo Castle
- Google Review Score: 4.7 ★ (139)
- Located in the heart of Kyoto, blending traditional Kyoto machiya-style wooden architecture with modern amenities
- Every room includes an open-air or semi-open-air bath for a serene, in-room onsen experience
- Kaiseki meals made with seasonal ingredients, cooked over an irori hearth
- Recognized by the MICHELIN Guide Kyoto/Osaka for exceptional hospitality
- Price Range: $800 – $2,500 USD
- Location: In front of Nijo Castle
- Google Review Score: 4.7 ★ (139)
Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo
Highlights:
- 23 restored machiya wooden townhouses dating from the early 1900s transformed into modern guest rooms
- Photo-worthy “alley” that recreates the magic of a small village
- Thoughtfully designed rooms, featuring open-air baths and zen gardens inspired by Kyoto’s natural landscape
- The TAKE and MIZU suites offer spacious two-story layouts with a living room and private bath on the first floor - - Option to include breakfast and dinner with stay
- Price Range: $600 – $1300 per night
- Location: 2 km (1.2 miles) from Nijō Castle, 3 km (1.9 miles) from Nishiki Market - -- Google Review Score: 4.7 ★ (371 reviews)
- 23 restored machiya wooden townhouses dating from the early 1900s transformed into modern guest rooms
- Photo-worthy “alley” that recreates the magic of a small village
- Thoughtfully designed rooms, featuring open-air baths and zen gardens inspired by Kyoto’s natural landscape
- The TAKE and MIZU suites offer spacious two-story layouts with a living room and private bath on the first floor - - Option to include breakfast and dinner with stay
- Price Range: $600 – $1300 per night
- Location: 2 km (1.2 miles) from Nijō Castle, 3 km (1.9 miles) from Nishiki Market - -- Google Review Score: 4.7 ★ (371 reviews)
Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St.
Highlights
- Easy access to landmarks like Tenryu-ji Temple and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Rooms featuring traditional tatami flooring, with select rooms offering private hot spring baths
- Communal onsen with views of the Oi River and Mount Atago
- Seasonal Kyoto cuisine using fresh, local ingredients served in your room
- Amenities include yukata robes, in-room massages, and attentive service
- Price Range: $200 – $380 per night, including breakfast and dinner
- Location: Arashiyama, Kyoto
- Google Review Score: 4.5 ★ (473 reviews)
- Easy access to landmarks like Tenryu-ji Temple and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Rooms featuring traditional tatami flooring, with select rooms offering private hot spring baths
- Communal onsen with views of the Oi River and Mount Atago
- Seasonal Kyoto cuisine using fresh, local ingredients served in your room
- Amenities include yukata robes, in-room massages, and attentive service
- Price Range: $200 – $380 per night, including breakfast and dinner
- Location: Arashiyama, Kyoto
- Google Review Score: 4.5 ★ (473 reviews)
Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Ryokan Hanaikada
Highlights
- Scenic riverside location with breathtaking views and easy access to iconic sites like the Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple
- Suites boasting private open-air onsen baths fed by natural Arashiyama hot springs
- Three restaurants, servin...
Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto
Best Historic Ryokans
Feel the magic of Japan’s historic capital as you walk through the halls of a historic ryokan. Here are five of the best historic ryokans that have been welcoming travelers for generations.
Highlights:
- One of Japan’s finest ryokan with over 300 years of history
- Past guests include celebrities, politicians, and even royalty
- Private gardens, in-room soaking onsen tubs, and antique décor
- Each room comes with a dedicated attendant for your party
- Japanese/Western style breakfast and multi-course kaiseki dinner included
- Price Range: $1,000- $1,500 USD per night
- Location: Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
- Google Review Score: 4.7 ★ (250 reviews)
- One of Japan’s finest ryokan with over 300 years of history
- Past guests include celebrities, politicians, and even royalty
- Private gardens, in-room soaking onsen tubs, and antique décor
- Each room comes with a dedicated attendant for your party
- Japanese/Western style breakfast and multi-course kaiseki dinner included
- Price Range: $1,000- $1,500 USD per night
- Location: Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
- Google Review Score: 4.7 ★ (250 reviews)
TAWARAYA RYOKAN
Highlights:
- Family-run for six generations - Elegant tatami rooms with private zen gardens and baths
- Famous for their seasonal kaiseki meals
- Central location, near Heian Jingu Shrine
- Price Range: $700 – $1,000 USD per night
- Location: Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto - Google Review Score: 4.8 ★ (343 reviews)
- Family-run for six generations - Elegant tatami rooms with private zen gardens and baths
- Famous for their seasonal kaiseki meals
- Central location, near Heian Jingu Shrine
- Price Range: $700 – $1,000 USD per night
- Location: Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto - Google Review Score: 4.8 ★ (343 reviews)
Hiiragiya, Kyoto
Highlights: - Historic ryokan operating for over 100 years
- Conveniently located near Gion and Nishiki Market
- Suites featuring private gardens and baths
- Traditional Kyo-kaiseki multi course dinner
- Price Range: $550 – $750 USD per night
- Location: Higashiyama Ward, near Gion and Nishiki Market
- Google Review Score: 4.6 ★ (147 reviews)
- Conveniently located near Gion and Nishiki Market
- Suites featuring private gardens and baths
- Traditional Kyo-kaiseki multi course dinner
- Price Range: $550 – $750 USD per night
- Location: Higashiyama Ward, near Gion and Nishiki Market
- Google Review Score: 4.6 ★ (147 reviews)
SUMIYA RYOKAN
Highlights:
- Traditional inn dating from the 19th century
- Spacious suites with private gardens and onsen-style tubs
- Central Kyoto location near Nishiki Market
- Member of the Relais & Châteaux collection of luxury hotels
- Price Range: $600 – $900 USD per night
- Location: Nakagyo Ward, 2 minute walk from Nishiki Market - Google Review Score: 4.6 ★ (81 reviews)
- Traditional inn dating from the 19th century
- Spacious suites with private gardens and onsen-style tubs
- Central Kyoto location near Nishiki Market
- Member of the Relais & Châteaux collection of luxury hotels
- Price Range: $600 – $900 USD per night
- Location: Nakagyo Ward, 2 minute walk from Nishiki Market - Google Review Score: 4.6 ★ (81 reviews)
KANAMEAN NISHITOMIYA
Highlights: - Recently renovated ryokan founded in 1839
- Serene rooms with tatami-mat floors, sliding doors, and onsen-style soaking tubs
- Convenient location steps from Kyoto Station
- Luxurious kaiseki meals prepared each night by the owner
- Price Range: $200 – $400 USD per night
- Location: Shimogyo Ward, near Kyoto Station
- Google Review Score: 4.6 ★ (119 reviews)
- Serene rooms with tatami-mat floors, sliding doors, and onsen-style soaking tubs
- Convenient location steps from Kyoto Station
- Luxurious kaiseki meals prepared each night by the owner
- Price Range: $200 – $400 USD per night
- Location: Shimogyo Ward, near Kyoto Station
- Google Review Score: 4.6 ★ (119 reviews)
IZUYASU Traditional Kyoto Inn
Best Budget Ryokans
Want the full ryokan experience without the splurge? While the ryokan prices are generally more expensive than staying in a typical hotel, we’ve uncovered five budget-friendly ryokan where you can enjoy tatami rooms, Japanese hospitality, and conveni...
Highlights:
- Centrally located, 10-minute walk from Kyoto station
- Tatami-mat rooms with private soaking tubs and zen garden views Family-run ryokan with attentive English speaking staff
- Choice of a Japanese or Western style breakfast starting at 500 yen ($3 USD)
- Infants 3 years and under stay for free, children 4-12 years old 70% the adult nightly rate
- Price Range: $50-$150 USD per night
- Location: Shimogyo Ward, near Kyoto Station Google
- Review Score: 4.6 ★ (314 reviews)
- Centrally located, 10-minute walk from Kyoto station
- Tatami-mat rooms with private soaking tubs and zen garden views Family-run ryokan with attentive English speaking staff
- Choice of a Japanese or Western style breakfast starting at 500 yen ($3 USD)
- Infants 3 years and under stay for free, children 4-12 years old 70% the adult nightly rate
- Price Range: $50-$150 USD per night
- Location: Shimogyo Ward, near Kyoto Station Google
- Review Score: 4.6 ★ (314 reviews)
Matsubaya Ryokan
Highlights: - Central location, short walk from Kyoto Station
- Japanese-style rooms with private baths Healthy Japanese-style breakfast available by reservation
- Two large, onsen style baths that can be rented for private use
- Price Range: $60 – $140 USD per night
- Location: Shimogyo Ward, near Kyoto Station
- Google Review Score: 4.9 ★ (35 reviews)
- Japanese-style rooms with private baths Healthy Japanese-style breakfast available by reservation
- Two large, onsen style baths that can be rented for private use
- Price Range: $60 – $140 USD per night
- Location: Shimogyo Ward, near Kyoto Station
- Google Review Score: 4.9 ★ (35 reviews)
Ryokan Shimizu
Highlights:
- Renovated machiya-style wooden townhouse
- Tatami flooring and futon bedding
- Walking distance to Nishiki Market and downtown Kyoto
- Japanese and Western Style breakfast with fully vegan and gluten-free options available
- Multilingual staff with free concierge service
- Price Range: $80-$100 USD per night
- Location: Nakagyo Ward Google Review Score: 4.5 ★ (575 reviews)
- Renovated machiya-style wooden townhouse
- Tatami flooring and futon bedding
- Walking distance to Nishiki Market and downtown Kyoto
- Japanese and Western Style breakfast with fully vegan and gluten-free options available
- Multilingual staff with free concierge service
- Price Range: $80-$100 USD per night
- Location: Nakagyo Ward Google Review Score: 4.5 ★ (575 reviews)
Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei
Highlights:
- Intimate, family-owned ryokan with just four guest rooms
- Located in the Gion district near Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park
- Traditional, Japanese-style breakfast served daily
- Price Range: $100-$250 per night
- Location: Gion, Higashiyama Ward
- Google Review Score: 4.5 ★ (55 reviews)
- Intimate, family-owned ryokan with just four guest rooms
- Located in the Gion district near Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park
- Traditional, Japanese-style breakfast served daily
- Price Range: $100-$250 per night
- Location: Gion, Higashiyama Ward
- Google Review Score: 4.5 ★ (55 reviews)
Ryokan Uemura
Highlights:
- Prime location near Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Family-run guesthouse with simple tatami floors and futons
- Excellent value for solo travelers and couples
- Price Range: $60 – $120 per night
- Location: Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
- Google Review Score: 4.6 ★ (36 reviews)
- Prime location near Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Family-run guesthouse with simple tatami floors and futons
- Excellent value for solo travelers and couples
- Price Range: $60 – $120 per night
- Location: Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
- Google Review Score: 4.6 ★ (36 reviews)
Hanakiya, Kyoto (updated prices 2025)
Best Family-friendly Ryokans
The perfect family-friendly ryokan isn’t as hard to find as you might think. These Kyoto ryokans feature large rooms, warm hospitality, and amenities for all ages.
Highlights:
- Spacious suites including the Family Room able to accommodate 8 guests - Family run, historic ryokan established in 1831
- Complimentary admission for infants under two
- Must-try traditional kaiseki breakfast and dinner - Family friendly natural hot-spring onsen bath
- Walking distance to many sight-seeing locations
- Price Range: $90– $670 USD per night
- Location: Higashiyama, 20-minutes walk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Google Review Score: 4.8 ★ (294 reviews)
- Spacious suites including the Family Room able to accommodate 8 guests - Family run, historic ryokan established in 1831
- Complimentary admission for infants under two
- Must-try traditional kaiseki breakfast and dinner - Family friendly natural hot-spring onsen bath
- Walking distance to many sight-seeing locations
- Price Range: $90– $670 USD per night
- Location: Higashiyama, 20-minutes walk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Google Review Score: 4.8 ★ (294 reviews)
Seikoro Ryokan - Established in 1831
Highlights:
- Prime location near the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kamo River
- Blend of modern amenities and traditional Japanese architecture
- Choice between Western and Japanese style suites suitable for families
- On-site cultural events such as li...
Nishiyama Ryokan
Highlights:
- Seven large suites with private cypress wood soaking tubs
- Plush western-style beds
- Complimentary amenities including Mikimoto cosmetics and traditional yukata robes
- Restaurant serving kaiseki meals that highlight regional Kyoto flavors - Price Range: $330-500 USD per night
- Location: Higashiyama district, 10-minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Google Review Score: 4.7 ★ (151 reviews)
- Seven large suites with private cypress wood soaking tubs
- Plush western-style beds
- Complimentary amenities including Mikimoto cosmetics and traditional yukata robes
- Restaurant serving kaiseki meals that highlight regional Kyoto flavors - Price Range: $330-500 USD per night
- Location: Higashiyama district, 10-minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Google Review Score: 4.7 ★ (151 reviews)
Yasaka Yutone Kyokoyado
Highlights:
- Prime Gion location, steps away from Yasaka Shrine
- Family-friendly Japanese-style penthouse room with Higashiyama mountain view and private bath
- Seasonal Kyoto obanzai cuisine prepared with local ingredients
- Family friendly amenities including an on-site library with picture books for children
- Price: $135–$270 USD per night varying by room type and season
- Location: Gion, Higashiyama Ward
- Google Review Score: 4.0 ★ (189 reviews)
- Prime Gion location, steps away from Yasaka Shrine
- Family-friendly Japanese-style penthouse room with Higashiyama mountain view and private bath
- Seasonal Kyoto obanzai cuisine prepared with local ingredients
- Family friendly amenities including an on-site library with picture books for children
- Price: $135–$270 USD per night varying by room type and season
- Location: Gion, Higashiyama Ward
- Google Review Score: 4.0 ★ (189 reviews)
Gion Ryokan Karaku
Highlights: -
Family-run ryokan in the center of Kyoto
- Six suites combining European and Japanese style architecture - Interconnecting rooms perfect for large families
- On-site bistro with a French style breakfast complete with fresh bread, butter, and cheese
- Traditional Japanese-style garden inside the hotel
- Price: $165-$317 USD per night - Location: Shimogyo Ward
- Google Review Score: 4.9 ★ (88 reviews)
Family-run ryokan in the center of Kyoto
- Six suites combining European and Japanese style architecture - Interconnecting rooms perfect for large families
- On-site bistro with a French style breakfast complete with fresh bread, butter, and cheese
- Traditional Japanese-style garden inside the hotel
- Price: $165-$317 USD per night - Location: Shimogyo Ward
- Google Review Score: 4.9 ★ (88 reviews)
Auberge AZABU
Best Hidden-Gem Ryokans
Tucked away from the tourist trail, these hidden-gem ryokans offer a quieter, more intimate take on the Kyoto experience while still being centrally located to major attractions. From centuries-old inns to secluded garden sanctuaries, each ryokan ble...
Highlights:
- Former Edo-period tea house transformed into a ryokan
- Prime location along Gion’s Shirakawa Canal
- Rooms include private baths with canal and private garden views
- Kaiseki meals including traditional Japanese breakfast
- Complimentary drinks and snacks available each evening
- Price: $300–$500 USD per night
- Location: Gion, Higashiyama Ward
- Google Review Score: 4.8 ★ (200 reviews)
- Former Edo-period tea house transformed into a ryokan
- Prime location along Gion’s Shirakawa Canal
- Rooms include private baths with canal and private garden views
- Kaiseki meals including traditional Japanese breakfast
- Complimentary drinks and snacks available each evening
- Price: $300–$500 USD per night
- Location: Gion, Higashiyama Ward
- Google Review Score: 4.8 ★ (200 reviews)
SHIRAUME
Highlights:
- Peaceful, family-run ryokan near Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Tatami-mat rooms with traditional decor
- Soaking-tub that can be reserved for private use
- Breakfast and dinner served in-room.
- Price: $135 – $240 USD per night
- Location: Hi...
Ryokan Motonago
Highlights:
- Historic ryokan dating back to 1747, located in Gion
- Traditional tatami rooms overlooking a Japanese garden
- Authentic Kyoto-style breakfast served in-room
- Walking distance from Yasaka Shrine, Chionin Temple, Kodaiji Temple, and Ki...
Gion Yoshiima
Highlights: -
Located in the heart of Gion, next to Yasaka Shrine
- Rooms feature natural elements such as cypress bathtubs
- Relaxing yuzu-citrus scented onsen bath for all guests to enjoy - Serene private courtyard with Japanese garden
- Refined seasonal meals highlighting Kyoto produce
- Price: $200 – $340 USD per night
- Location: Gion, Higashiyama Ward
- Google Review Score: 4.5 ★ (404 reviews)
Located in the heart of Gion, next to Yasaka Shrine
- Rooms feature natural elements such as cypress bathtubs
- Relaxing yuzu-citrus scented onsen bath for all guests to enjoy - Serene private courtyard with Japanese garden
- Refined seasonal meals highlighting Kyoto produce
- Price: $200 – $340 USD per night
- Location: Gion, Higashiyama Ward
- Google Review Score: 4.5 ★ (404 reviews)
Yuzuya Ryokan
Highlights:
- Recently renovated ryokan established in 1839
- Prime location, close to Kyoto Station
- Minimalist, wabi-sabi aesthetic with a focus on craftsmanship
- Kaiseki meals served in-room and private baths available
- Price: $120 – $550 per ...
IZUYASU
Kyoto Omiyage (Souvenirs) you Shouldn't Miss!
Japan’s omiyage (souvenir-giving) culture makes sure that delicious, edible gifts are always within reach. And no trip to Kyoto is complete without bringing home some traditional souvenirs for friends, family, and even yourself.
Here are some local Kyoto specialties you should not miss (and that you can order online!)
Kyoto is renowned for soba, buckwheat noodles served warm or chilled usually with a broth composed of dashi soup stock seasoned with soy sauce and, if you’re feeling extra hungry, a side of freshly fried tempura. In fact, Japan’s oldest known soba no...
Kawamichiya Soba Boro Japanese Buckwheat Cookies
If there's one sweet that symbolizes Kyoto, it's yatsuhashi. These cinnamon-flavored treats come in both soft (nama) and crispy, baked (yaki) varieties and are one of Kyoto’s most popular souvenirs. Bonus point is that these treats are also naturally...
Izutsu Yatsuhashi Gluten Free Cinnamon Cookies 48 Pieces
Hojicha, is a roasted green tea with a rich, nutty flavor with significantly less caffeine than green tea and matcha. I even drink it after dinner and before bed. This hojicha is cultivated in Kyoto and has a cute packaging!
Ujien Hojicha Loose Leaf Tea Premium Karigane Roasted Green Tea 80g
These are matcha scented incense sticks that will take you back to the streets of Kyoto in the comfort of your own home. Did you know, Uji, Kyoto is the birthplace of matcha?
Kousaido Kyoto Low Smoke Matcha Green Tea Incense Sticks