TOP 10 RYOKANS IN KYOTO: AND THE BEST AREAS TO STAY IN
- The.Hotel.Scout
- Mar 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 15
Overwhelmed by the number of ryokans in Kyoto?
No worries, I’ve got you covered.
Here is a list of the top 10 ryokans to stay in.
From family friendly ryokans, ryokans offering kaiseki, ryokans located close to the Gion district - to even ryokans with private onsen. PLUS helpful information of where to stay in Kyoto.
BUT FIRST, WHAT DOES A RYOKAN MEAN:
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese Inn which fully embodies the tranquility and simplicity of Japanese culture and customs.
Guests are accommodated in rooms that feature unique characteristics such as tatami mat flooring, shoji sliding doors, low wooden furnishings, and futons for sleeping. The complete ryokan experience typically involves a multi-course meal known as kaiseki, the opportunity to wear a yukata, and the enjoyment of either a private or communal hot spring bath (onsen).
Not as common, but some ryokans hosts are trained in how to perform a traditional tea ceremony experience to their guests. Ryokan Tori at number 6 on this list offers the ceremony. With an emphasis on relaxation and a connection to nature, ryokans often include beautifully landscaped Japanese gardens.
WHERE TO STAY:
Kyoto’s attractions are quite widespread. Positioning yourself close to transport is ideal so you don’t end up spending a lot of your time travelling. Have a think about whether you most desire a hotel that's either super convenient, located in a traditional neighborhood, or maybe a historical neighborhood, or just somewhere out in nature.
TIP: Only hotels (and not all) offer the forwarding luggage service if this is a must. You can get around this by using a service like Yamato Transport or JR Kyoto Carry service.
My other recommendation is a map I found which is hugely helpful when planning where to stay. It’s a map by someone who has lived in Kyoto, so knows the area well.
Now that you’ve decided (hopefully) which area you would like to stay in – here are my top 10 ryokans to choose from.
TIP: Cannot stress this enough. Kyoto is popular, if you don’t have flexibility in your schedule – BOOK EARLY. Last time I booked my favorite ryokan 8 months in advance. I use Expedia.com or Booking.com for a lot of my advance bookings as they provide great cancellations policies if plans change.
1.🟣 VILLAGE KIRAMACHI
Village Kiramachi has 9 villas which mimics houses that were built there in the mid-Meji period. You will find traditional style rooms, some with outdoor cedar baths to relax in after a day of exploring.
Max 3
Shimogyo Ward
AUD $550-$915+
USD $360-$595+
EUR €340-€570+
Per night
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2.🟠TAKASEGAWA BETTEI
Takasegawa Bettei is a more modern take on a Ryokan and located along the Takase river. Features a cypress bath in each room and comfy Simmons beds for a great night’s sleep.
Max 3
Shimogyo Ward
AUD $300-$680+ USD $195-$445+ EUR €185-€425+ Per night
3.🟣SEIKORO RYOKAN
Seikoro Ryokan was established in 1831. Â Seikoro offers a full traditional experience: private cedar baths, a public bath and Kaiseki style dinner. Western style rooms are also available.
7 Max
Higashiyama Ward
AUD $590-$1690+
USD $385-$1100+
EUR €370-€1050+
Per night
4.🟣 ISHIBEKOJI MUAN
Ishibekoji Muan is a boutique ryokan with only 3 suites. You can find it located in one of the most beautiful lanes in Kyoto (Ishibei-Koji). The building itself is about 100 years old but has been recently renovated offering both traditional Japanese and more western style rooms. A traditional Hinoki (cypress bath) and yukata robe is found in each room to add to the Ryokan experience.
Max 3
Higashiyama Ward
AUD $495-$1120+
USD $320-$730+
EUR €310-€690+
Per night
5.🟠TOSHIHARU RYOKAN
Built during the Meji era in 1909, Toshiharu has been beautifully remodeled in a style inspired by the Katsura Imperial Villa. Toshiharu has 5 traditionally decorated rooms, one with a private courtyard garden. A shared cypress bath is available for use.
Max 3
Shimogyo Ward
AUD $465-$810+
USD $305-$530+
EUR €290-€505+
Per night
6.🟠RYOKAN TORI
Ryokan Tori is a 140year old house providing a complete traditional ryokan experience with futons for sleeping, tea ceremony, yukatas to wear and a Japanese hot bath. A two-bedroom townhouse is available to stay in which is great for larger groups/families with its own kitchenette, garden and cedar bath.
Max 5
Kamigyo Ward
AUD $420-$1020+
USD $265-$640+
EUR €255-€620+
Per night
7.🟠KAMUROAN RYOKAN
An intimate Japanese homestay with only 2 rooms available. Tranquil garden views and a traditional breakfast are on offer. Located less than 10min walk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Max 5
Higashiyama Ward
AUD $400-$475+
USD $250-$300+
EUR €240-€290+
Per night Tip: Booking.com is limited to 1-2 people. If wanting to book for more people, book through Expedia.com.
8.🟠AUBERGE AZABU
Auberge Azabu is a 5-bedroom townhouse which has been converted into a modern Japanese inn - influenced by contemporary European style. Each of the rooms are unique in layout and facilities.
Max 3
Shimogyo Ward
AUD $405-$815+
USD $255-$510+
EUR €245-€495+
Per night
9.âš« NAZUNA KYOTO NIJO-JO
Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo is a luxury 5-room tea themed ryokan. Each of the rooms are designed around a tea theme – each representing a different type of tea. Each room also has its own open air/semi open-air bath.
Max 4
Nakagyo Ward
AUD $1120-$1680+
USD $700-$1050+
EUR €680-€1020+
Per night
10.🟣 MUROMACHI YUTONE KYODOYADO
Muromachi Yutone Kyodoyado is a 7-room ryokan located on the historical Muromachi street. Kaiseki cuisine is offered for dinner and a Japanese style breakfast in the morning. Each room has a unique design with their own private Hinoki tubs.
Max 3
Shimogyo Ward
AUD $440-$970+
USD $275-$605+ EUR €265-€590+ Per night
Found a favorite one? Or have stayed in a Ryokan already?
Let me know in the comments...
Just a heads up: Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links (to be safe assume all). This helps me to be able to spend more time giving you great hotel recommendations. There is no cost to you but means I get a small commission from every booking made. If you plan to book through these sites anyway it would be much appreciated - but hope in the very least, you found somewhere to stay that you might not have otherwise. Thanks, Kirrily 😊