Kyoto is a unique city in Japan that you should definitely see. Because without Kyoto, no Japan travel itinerary is complete!
While we already talked about the most beautiful temples in Kyoto in another post, in this article, we want to help you find the best Ryokan in Kyoto (some of the Kyoto Ryokans featured even come with their own bathroom (onsen)!), so that you can experience a fantastic stay in traditional Japanese style.
Below, we will look at the top 10 ryokans in Kyoto for different budgets. But before we start looking for the best ryokan to stay in Kyoto, let’s take a look at the different neighborhoods in Kyoto (wards).
What to find out in this post
- 1 What is a Ryokan?
- 2 Finding the best Ryokan in Kyoto – Comparison
- 3 In which Neighborhood to stay in Kyoto
- 4 The most beautiful Ryokans in Kyoto – Our favorite
- 5 Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei
- 6 Best Kyoto Ryokan – Most affordable Option
- 7 Kyoumachiya Inn Rakuoan
- 8 Gion Maifukan
- 9 Luck You Kyoto
- 10 Yadoya Kikokuso
- 11 Yadoru Kyoto Nishijin No Yado
- 12 Ryokan Tori
- 13 Yasaka Yutone Kyokoyado
- 14 Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado
- 15 Ryokan Mugen (Adult Only)
- 16 More Japan
What is a Ryokan?
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese accommodation, which can literally be translated as an inn.
This type of Japanese accommodation was already used during the Edo period not only in Kyoto but also in the rest of Japan. The decor of this type of accommodation is typically Japanese: the floor is covered with so-called tatami mats, which is a kind of braided straw. Even the beds are typical Japanese as you sleep on a traditional futon bed. But there is also an increasing amount of rooms with western beds available.
Meals (breakfast and dinner) are included in the price of the night in many ryokans and are also typically Japanese. You might notice already that the experience of staying in a Ryokan and staying in a hotel are totally different.
If you want to get to know the real Japan, you should spend the night in a ryokan at least once. As the cultural and traditional capital of Japan, Kyoto is a perfect choice.
Finding the best Ryokan in Kyoto – Comparison
| Ryokan in Kyoto | Stars | Location | Price | References, Availability, & Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei | 3 | Shimogyo Ward | $$ | Click here |
| Kyoumachiya Inn Rakuoan | 3 | Shimogyo Ward | $ | Click here |
| Gion Maifukan | 4 | Higashiyama Ward | $$ | Click here |
| Luck You Kyoto | 3 | Shimogyo Ward | $$ | Click here |
| Yadoya Kikokuso | 3 | Shimogyo Ward | $$ | Click here |
| Yadoru Kyoto Nishijin No Yado | 5 | Kamigyo Ward | $$ | Click here |
| Ryokan Tori | 3 | Kamigyo Ward | $$ | Click here |
| Yasaka Yutone Kyokoyado | 3 | Higashiyama Ward | $$$ | Click here |
| Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado | 3 | Shimogyo Ward | $$$ | Click here |
| Ryokan Mugen (Adult Only) | 3 | Kamigyo Ward | $$ | Click here |
In which Neighborhood to stay in Kyoto
Kyoto is divided into a total of 11 neighborhoods, so-called wards. The top Ryokans in Kyoto, which we will take a closer look at below, are located in 3 different of these wards. Therefore we would like to briefly introduce these three wards to you. This will give you an idea of which of Kyoto’s neighborhoods might fit best with you.
Shimogyo Ward
If you are looking for accommodation in the center of Kyoto, this is the place for you. You are definitely right in the middle of where things are happening. You will find everything you need here: restaurants and shops of all kinds.
This area is rather modern in contrast to the other wards presented here. In spite of everything, this neighborhood is one of the most important in the city, as it is home to the Kyoto Station.
The Shimogyo Ward is perfect for travelers who arrive or depart by train, like to be in the center or close to shopping opportunities. This area is also great for enjoying a delicious drink in one of the bars in the evening.
Attractions in Shimogyo Ward
- Nishi Honganji
- Higashi Honganji
- Kyoto Tower
Higashiyama Ward
This part of the city is probably the best for getting to know the traditional Kyoto. Old wooden houses and narrow streets with typical Japanese restaurants and small shops let you immerse yourself even more in the culture of the ancient Japanese capital.
This area of Kyoto offers a beautiful picture, especially at night, when the streets are illuminated by lanterns. You will find “typical Japan”, as you know it from travel magazines.
This part of the city is perfect for those who want to experience traditional Kyoto and want to be close to the main attractions.
Attractions in Higashiyama Ward
- Kiyumizu-dera Temple
- Toyokuni Shrine
- Tofukuji Temple
Kamigyo Ward
The Kamigyo Ward was once the area of the city that was home to the city’s rich and noble citizens. It’s hardly surprising that the Imperial Palace is located in this ward.
This neighborhood is slightly smaller than many others and is just outside of the city’s main attractions (except for the Imperial Palace).
The Kamigyo Ward is perfect for anyone who prefers tranquility and relaxation instead of the hustle and bustle of being close to the center.
Attractions in Kamigyo Ward
- Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
- Seimei Shrine
The most beautiful Ryokans in Kyoto – Our favorite
Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei
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Location: In Shimogyo Ward, 1,8 km from Kiyomizu-dera Temple & 0,7 km from Kiyomizu Gojo Station
Stars: 3
Facilities: Garden, free WiFi, daily housekeeping, laundry service
Available Rooms: Deluxe Double or twin room, double room, superior double room, triple room, double room with garden view
Rooms: Air conditioning, flat-screen TV, sofa, socket near the bed, Bluray player, heating, microwave, kettle, cupboard, bidet, telephone, fridge
Bathroom: Private Bathroom
Pros Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei: Cedar Bath, much space in the rooms
Cons Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei: A few minutes walking to reach the station
Perfect for: Couples that want to relax
Click here for more information, availability, and prices
Best Kyoto Ryokan – Most affordable Option
Kyoumachiya Inn Rakuoan
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Location: In Shimogyo Ward, 2 km from Kiyomizu-dera Temple & 0,5 km from Kiyomizu Gojo Station
Stars: 3
Facilities: Garden, free WiFi, tea/coffee maker, refrigerator, laundry service
Available Rooms: Double or twin room, triple room, family room, three-room house
Rooms: City view, air conditioning, desk, TV, Bluray player, CD player, kettle, socket near the bed, fridge, microwave, bidet
Bathroom: Shared; Private bathrooms in three-room-house
Pros Kyoumachiya Inn Rakuoan: Great bathroom, great price
Cons Kyoumachiya Inn Rakuoan: Walls are a bit thin, not directly near the sightseeing spots
Perfect for: Families (without very young kids) and couples interested in Sightseeing
Click here for more information, availability, and prices
Gion Maifukan
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Location: Higashiyama Ward, 0,9 km from Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, 0,7 km from Gion Shijo Station
Stars: 4
Facilities: Free WiFi, daily housekeeping, parking, 24-hour front desk
Available Rooms: Twin room, Japanese style room, suite with tatami area
Rooms: Air conditioning, flat-screen TV, slippers, fridge, telephone, deposit box, hairdryer
Bathroom: Private bathroom
Pros Gion Maifukan: Very central location, friendly staff
Cons Gion Maifukan: sometimes weak wifi connection
Perfect for: Sightseeing & architecture lovers
Click here for more information, availability, and prices
Luck You Kyoto
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Location: Shimogyo Ward, 3,2 km from Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, 0,9 km from Gojo Station
Stars: 3
Facilities: Shared lounge, bike rental, garden, free WiFi, daily housekeeping
Available Rooms: Superior Room (Japenese Style)
Rooms: Air conditioning, flat-screen TV, soundproof walls, hot tub, bidet, heating, hairdryer, fridge, closet, tatami floor
Bathroom: Private Bathroom
Pros Luck you Kyoto: free use of Onsen, Breakfast is included in the room price
Cons Luck you Kyoto: Onsen is closed on Mondays, walk to attractions necessary
Perfect for: Couples & friends that don’t mind walking
Click here for more information, availability, and prices
Yadoya Kikokuso
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Location: Shimogyo Ward, 2 km from Kiyomizu-dera Temple, 0,7 km from Gojo Station
Stars: 3
Facilities: Garden, free WiFi, parking
Available Rooms: Standard Room with Shared Bathroom (Japanese Style), Standard Room with Private Bathroom (Japanese Style), Superior Room with Shared Bathroom (Japanese Style)
Rooms: Flat-screen TV, seating area (some rooms), slippers, air conditioning, telephone, iron, heating, hairdryer, tatami floor, table for eating, socket near the bed
Bathroom: Shared; some come with private bathroom
Pros Yadoya Kikokuso: Family run (for 5 generations), very friendly hosts
Cons Yadoya Kikokuso: The doors are closed at 11 p.m. (Curfew)
Perfect for: Couples and families interested in sightseeing & Japanese culture
Click here for more information, availability, and prices
Yadoru Kyoto Nishijin No Yado
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Location: Kamigyo Ward, 6,5 km to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, 1 km to Imadegawa Station
Stars: 5
Facilities: Free WiFi, garden, heating, daily housekeeping
Available Rooms: Double Room, Quadruple Rooms
Zimmer: Tatami floor (braided straw), air conditioning, microwave, refrigerator, kettle, bidet, hairdryer, closet, flat-screen TV, toaster, heating, coffee machine
Bathroom: Private bathroom
Pros Yadoru Kyoto Nishijin No Yado: Very new and well equipped
Cons Yadoru Kyoto Nishijin No Yado: Not close to Kiyomizu-dera temple
Perfect for: Couples & families looking for luxury
Click here for more information, availability, and prices
Ryokan Tori
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Location: Kamigyo Ward, 7 km to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, 1,1 km to Kitano Hakubaicho Station
Stars: 3
Facilities: free WiFi, refrigerator, daily housekeeping, breakfast included
Available Rooms: Economy Room (Japanese Style)
Rooms: Tatami floor (braided straw), air conditioning, slippers, fridge, heating, hairdryer, kettle
Bathroom: Shared bathroom
Pros Ryokan Tori: Tea ceremony and breakfast included
Cons Ryokan Tori: Outside the center of Kyoto
Perfect for: Guests interested in architecture and city walks
Click here for more information, availability, and prices
Yasaka Yutone Kyokoyado
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Location: Higashiyama Ward, 0,7 km to Kiyomizu-dera Tempel, 0,8 km to Gion Shijo Station
Stars: 3
Facilities: free WiFi, heating, daily housekeeping, library, massage service, 3-course menu available, refrigerator, tea/coffee maker, computer
Available Rooms: Double Room, Triple Room, Twin Room
Rooms: Tatami floor (braided straw), air conditioning, LCD TV, sitting area, mini-fridge, coffee machine, bathrobe, heating, hairdryer, kettle
Bathroom: Private with cypress bathtub
Pros Yasaka Yutone Kyokoyado: The cypress bathtub looks extremely beautiful
Cons Yasaka Yutone Kyokoyado: Hardly English-speaking staff
Perfect for: Guests for whom outstanding design is important
Click here for more information, availability, and prices
Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado
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Location: Shimogyo Ward, 2,5 km to Kiyomizu-dera Tempel, 0,4 km to Gojo Station
Stars: 3
Facilities: free WiFi, restaurant with Japanese cuisine, Japanese or Western breakfast, garden, daily housekeeping
Available Rooms: Double Room, Twin Room, Triple Room
Rooms: Tatami floor (woven-straw), air conditioning, flat-screen TV, soundproof walls, coffee machine, bidet, safety deposit box, socket near the bed, refrigerator, heating, alarm clock, kettle, sofa
Bathroom: Private Bathroom
Pros Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado: Great restaurant right on-site
Cons Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado: A little bit outside of the city center
Perfect for: Guests who like it a little quieter and want to enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine
Click here for more information, availability, and prices
Ryokan Mugen (Adult Only)
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Location: Kamigyo Ward, 6,1 km to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, 1,2 km to Imadegawa Station
Stars: 3
Facilities: free WiFi, lounge, bar, bike rental, parking, garden, laundry service, daily housekeeping
Available Rooms: Single room, Twin room (Japanese style), Standard twin room
Rooms: Tatami floor (braided straw) in Japanese style rooms, air conditioning, bathroom, hairdryer, bidet, sofa, heating
Bathroom: Private Bathroom
Pros Ryokan Mugen: Accommodation in a quiet environment
Cons Ryokan Mugen: A bit outside of the city center, fully booked long in advance
Perfect for: Solo travelers & Couples without kids
Click here for more information, availability, and prices
Are you looking for more inspiration? Check out all the accommodations in Kyoto or get more information on .
Have you stayed in a Ryokan in Kyoto? Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
More Japan
Make sure to also read our other Japan Posts to plan your perfect trip to Japan.
- How to spend one week in Tokyo
- The best places to stay in Tokyo
- How to spend the perfect 2 days in Osaka
- Things I wish I knew before traveling to Japan
- Discover the Kyoto Iwatayama Monkey Park
