The Hotel Guru
The 11 Best Ryokans in Kyoto

The 11 Best Ryokans in Kyoto

Kyoto's ryokans — traditional Japanese inns — offer a wonderful chance for visitors to immerse themselves in the magic of old-world Japan. Often run by families for generations, these intimate wooden guesthouses generally feature futon bedding on tatami mats, paper screens, low seating and views of manicured gardens. They are also known for their restful communal areas and public or private baths, some of which are drawn from natural springs. Some ryokans serve only breakfast, but many serve delectable kaiseki cuisine — well worth considering as you choose your top spots. Our list of the best ryokans in Kyoto includes landmark inns which have retained their original charm, as well as more modern offerings which fuse a traditional aesthetic with contemporary touches, creating characterful, luxurious spaces. What better base from which to discover Japan's cultural capital?

For Classic Charm

Hiiragiya is one of Kyoto's best-loved ryokans, and has been run by the same family since 1818. Interiors reflect designs from the late Edo to Showa period, so it's top of the list for those looking to experience timeless Japanese style. A classic choice for heritage buffs.
Ryokan Mugen was built 160 years ago. A recent renovation means that guests can choose between Japanese and Western-style beds, but interiors are still pared-back, with low seating areas, minimalist decor and sliding windows with paper screens. Gather in the cosy lounge for drinks with your fellow guests each evening.
Kyoto Garden Ryokan Yachiyo is a charming property set in gorgeous Japanese gardens. A lovely hideaway in the city, the hotel offers rooms with tatami matting, futon beds and garden views. Just moments from the historic Nanzen-ji Temple and home to superb public baths.

For Exceptional Cuisine

Yoshida Sanso has just five guestrooms in an old imperial villa tucked within manicured Japanese gardens. Kaiseki dinners are excellent, there are temples within walking distance and the vibe is low-key and tranquil. Brilliant for couples seeking traditional charm.
Kanamean Nishitomiya offers traditional Japanese accommodation in seven guestrooms set in the heart of Kyoto. Kick back with drinks in the garden before tucking in to tantalising kaiseki cuisine in the evenings. A wonderfully peaceful city spot.
Yoshikawa is something of a Kyoto institution. Open for over 70 years, this little ryokan offers traditional rooms and inviting gardens as well as an acclaimed tempura restaurant. For foodies eager to experience a classic stay.
Motonago Ryokan is an intimate historic house with rooms featuring futon beds and woven tatami flooring. The thirteen-part regional meals offer the perfect insight into Japanese cuisine. Small, well-located for cultural explorations, and offering larger rooms for groups.

For Romantic Luxury

Nanzenji Sando Kikusui is a recently restored heritage hotel with just five suites. Expect slate and wooden accents, gorgeous views of the carefully tended gardens and terrific cuisine in a restaurant headed by a Michelin-starred chef. Romantic luxury.
Nazuna Kyoto Gosho is themed around 'Wagashi' — traditional Japanese confectionery. Its seven suites feature tatami, wood and wicker accents, as well as garden views. Free-standing wooden tubs encourage guests to unwind after days of exploring.
Hotel Kanra promises another luxurious take on the classic ryokan experience. Rooms have raised wooden platforms with tatami flooring, wooden beds topped with crisp white sheets and cypress tubs are tucked on terraces which offer views of the surrounding rooftops.

For Rural Bliss

Arashiyama Benkei is a beautiful traditional guesthouse with just ten light and airy rooms, all with tatami mats and garden views. The best have hot spring baths. The restaurant specialises in regional cuisine and the Katsura River is moments away. River cruises come highly recommended. A soothing stay for couples on the outskirts of Kyoto.

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- Hiiragiya Kyoto 28 rooms from £521
  
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  Local exploring  -  Just a street away from the main thoroughfare in Kyoto meaning many of the temples and main attractions are just a stroll away
  Intimate  -  This may be in the heart of the city but it feels a million miles away, with large peaceful rooms and a lovely garden
  Historic  -  An ancient ryokan that has been run by the same family for six generations
  Sights nearby  -  The Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle are within walking distance from the hotel
  
  An ancient ryokan set in the heart of Kyoto offering personal service and an authentic experience. Rooms are traditional with tatami mats, creaky floors, and Cypress tubs. In-room kaiseki meals are served and breakfasts are a decadent affair. A perfect hideaway yet just steps from the sights. See More
  
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- Ryokan Mugen Kyoto (Kamigyo-ku) 5 rooms from £221
  
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  Wildlife Area  -  Take a day trip to the bamboo forest in Arashiyama, a nationally designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty
  Romantic Break  -  With well-appointed guestrooms and a charming bar, this hotel is a great hideaway for a romantic break
  Great walks  -  Discover Kyoto on foot with a long city walk, stopping at the beautiful Seimei Shrine on the way
  City Style  -  Set in the heart of Kyoto in a heritage property, this hotel has lots of local city charm
  
  This heritage ryokan is located in Kyoto, Japan. Built over 160 years ago, the hotel has undergone a recent renovation and offers Japanese-style and Western guestrooms with contemporary artwork and traditional indoor clothing. Enjoy drinks in the cosy hotel lounge after sightseeing. See More
  
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- Kyoto Garden Ryokan Yachiyo Kyoto 17 rooms from £130
  
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  Hideaway  -  A chic traditional property set in beautifully landscaped gardens and offering a quiet hideaway in the heart of the city
  Sights nearby  -  The historic Nanzen-ji Temple is just alongside the hotel; the Eikando and Heian Jingu Shrine are a short walk away
  Local markets  -  Discover the tastes of the region at Nishiki Market, best-visited first thing in the morning
  Local exploring  -  Just moments from some of the city's most impressive shrines; ideal for cultural explorers
  
  A chic traditional property set in gorgeous Japanese gardens. Large floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly frame the views. Classically styled rooms feature tatami mat flooring, futon beds and the best have indulgent luxury bathrooms. A tranquil property, well located for exploring the historical city. See More
  
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- Yoshida Sanso Kyoto (Sakyo-ku Kyoto-shi) 5 rooms from £425
  
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  Hideaway  -  A tranquil ryokan set in beautifully manicured gardens that make it hard to believe it's actually in the middle of the city.
  Local exploring  -  Walking distance from a number of shrines and temples.
  Sights nearby  -  Walking distance from Ginkaku-ji temple and Philosopher’s Walk.
  Local markets  -  Feast on the regions' produce at Nishiki Market.
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  A traditional ryokan nestled in beautifully manicured gardens. Comprising of just five Japanese styled rooms. Experience Kyoto-style kaiseki dinners (made up of many courses), wander to nearby temples or simply unwind in the gardens with a good book. A blissful escape from the bustling city. See More
  
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- Kanamean Nishitomiya Kyoto (Rokaku Sagaru Nakagyo-ku) 7 rooms from £276
  
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  Romantic Break  -  Lovely accommodation, a quiet atmosphere and excellent cuisine-perfect for a romantic getaway
  Great walks  -  Meander through the city's streets on an expert-led guided tour focusing on food or history
  Museums  -  Visit the fascinating Kyoto National Museum or Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
  Foodies  -  A foodie favourite, this intimate inn has a Michelin-starred restaurant
  Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux
  
  Located in the heart of Kyoto, Kanamean Nishitomiya offers traditional Japanese accommodation-think tatami woven-straw flooring and futon bedding. Relax in the garden with a drink and enjoy splendid half-board kaiseki cuisine! A wonderfully charming and incredibly peaceful city spot. See More
  
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- Yoshikawa Kyoto (Nakagyo-ku) 8 rooms from £215
  
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  Foodies  -  The hotel is home to a celebrated tempura restaurant which attracts visitors from near and far - great news for foodies
  City Style  -  With elegant, Japanese-style guestrooms and a central city location, book this hotel for classic Kyoto charm
  Local exploring  -  With the city's main attractions located close by, book this hotel as a base for local sightseeing in Kyoto
  Sights nearby  -  Spend an afternoon exploring Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, with its freely roaming herds of deer and spectacular temples
  
  This hotel is located in the heart of Kyoto, close to the Imperial Palace. Opened over seventy years ago, the hotel is something of a local institution; recently renovated, it now offers bright, Japanese-style guestrooms and extensive spa facilities, in addition to an excellent tempura restaurant. See More
  
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- Motonago Ryokan Kyoto (Higashiyama-ku Kodaiji-dori Washio 511) 11 rooms from £163
  
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  Other Activities  -  Take a guided tour through Gion to admire Edo architecture and to discover the history of the neighbourhood
  Great walks  -  Enjoy a stroll through the picturesque Maruyama Park - especially beautiful in the spring
  Groups  -  Larger rooms sleep up to four guests; ideal for groups of friends keen to travel together
  Local exploring  -  A traditional property within walking distance of some of Kyoto's main sights.
  
  A charming traditional ryokan in an ancient part of Kyoto packed full of historical and religious sights. Authentic rooms feature tatami-mat flooring and futon beds; some rooms have space for families or groups. Thirteen-part regional meals offer a true Japanese experience. Laid-back and intimate. See More
  
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- Nanzenji Sando Kikusui Kyoto (Sakyo-ku) 5 rooms from £869
  
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  Romantic Break  -  At just five guestrooms, this boutique hotel is ideal for a tranquil romantic break close to beautiful nature spots
  Local exploring  -  The hotel is located in a mountainous area great for hiking, with a temple and native monkeys to explore nearby
  Foodies  -  Foodies can enjoy exceptional Japanese and Japanese-styled French cuisine at the hotel restaurant
  Great walks  -  Take a long walk through Kyoto city centre and discover sights like the Kyoto Imperial Palace on the way
  
  This heritage hotel is located in Kyoto. After a complete renovation, the property now offers warm, inviting guestrooms with slate and wood accents plus views onto the beautiful Japanese garden from a cosy terrace. Dine at the acclaimed restaurant, run by a Michelin-starred chef. See More
  
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- Nazuna Kyoto Gosho Kyoto (Nakagyo ku) 7 rooms from £467
  
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  Romantic Break  -  With a romantic Kura bath available for guest reservation, choose this hotel for your next couples' city break
  Local exploring  -  Set just steps away from Kyoto's top attractions, this hotel is the perfect base for local sightseeing
  City Style  -  With stylish, contemporary interiors and an unbeatable location, book this hotel for sleek city charm
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the historic temple complex at Nishi-Honganji, now listed as a UNESCO world heritage site
  
  This chic ryokan is nestled close to the Imperial Palace in Kyoto. The hotel is themed around 'Wagashi', traditional Japanese confectionary. The stylish guestrooms feature sliding screens and a blend of wood, wicker and tatami accents. Unwind in the secret Japanese garden after sightseeing. See More
  
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- Hotel Kanra Kyoto (Shimogyo-ku) 68 rooms from £317
  
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  Romantic Break  -  The Machiya-style rooms induce a sense of tranquility, making this hotel a restful romantic holiday
  City Style  -  With custom-designed interiors and a central location, this hotel has lots of local Kyoto style
  Local exploring  -  Set on a busy street in the heart of Kyoto, this hotel is ideally placed for local exploring
  Great walks  -  Go walking in the beautiful bamboo grove at Arashiyama, a site of natural beauty on the outskirts of Kyoto
  
  This stylish hotel is located in the heart of Kyoto. Interiors feature a contemporary take on the city's traditional construction technique, with areas zoned by raised wooden platforms with tatami flooring and terrace cypress tubs. Unwind at the Kanra Spa after a day out sightseeing. See More
  
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- Arashiyama Benkei Kyoto (Sagatenryūji Susukinobabachō) 10 rooms from £488
  
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  Local exploring  -  A chic traditional property, set in pretty gardens and with good connecting links to the city.
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the Tenryuji Temple marked as a World Heritage Site.
  Full of character
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  
  A beautifully designed traditional guesthouse comprising of just 10 rooms. Light and airy rooms feature tatami mats, garden views and the best have hot spring baths. Regional cuisine is served up in the restaurant. Ideally located for a tranquil stay yet with easy access to the city. See More
  
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