What is a Ryokan? Ryokans are the best way to experience Japanese culture and enjoy the true comforts of Japanese hospitality and service.
Hot springs have a very long history in Japan, and they are an intimate part of Japanese culture. There are over 3,000 "onsen" ,or hot springs, in Japan. Many can be found at the ryokans available on Japanese Guest Houses.
The ancient capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, Kyoto remains the most historically important city in Japan. At first glance, Kyoto appears to be like any other Japanese city. It is a sprawling metropolis with a population of over 1.5 million people, and it possesses prosperous industrial and technological sectors. However, with a good map in hand and some planning in mind a visitor will quickly discover the incredible richness of Kyoto's past. There are over 1,700 Buddhist temples, 300 Shinto shrines, palaces and gardens, and some of Japan's top museums and galleries are located in this city. Although there is so much to see and do in Kyoto, even a short-time visitor can soon get an appreciation of what this ancient imperial capital has to offer.
Please, select only your top 3 ryokans per destination so we can check the ones you really like!
Alternative Destinations - staying at a ryokan is an important part of your Japan experience but Kyoto might not be the ideal location for this during high season. Try a hot spring ryokan or a nearby destination in the Kansai Area, Rural Kyoto, Nara, Lake Biwa or Kurashiki. If you have a JR Rail Pass then you will be able to be more flexible. Enjoy Japan!
Kyoto is wonderful but you might also enjoy a few days in rural Japan. Your host will show you around her neighborhood and town. In the evening she will prepare home cooked meals grown from her organic garden and you will chat about Japanese culture.
Welcome to Hiiragiya Ryokan. This Traditional Ryokan opened for business in 1818 and it is one of the finest ryokans in Kyoto. It has been operated by the same family for 6 generations. This 2 story wooden ryokan has Japanese-style guest rooms. From some of the rooms, guests can enjoy the view of Hiiiragiya Ryokan's Japanese garden. This ryokan has "family baths" where you can reserve some private time in the public bath (not a hot spring bath). These baths are open from 15:00 to 23:00 an...
Welcome to Sumiya Ryokan. This Traditional Ryokan was built and opened for business 100 years ago, and it has been operated by 3 generation of owners. Sumiya Ryokan is located on the eastern part of Kyoto in the heart of the main sightseeing district that includes Kiyomizu Temple, the Gion district (the old Geisha district), and Yasaka Shrine. Sumiya Ryokan has 23 traditional Japanese-style rooms and 18 of the rooms have their own private bath and toilet. Sumiya Ryokan is an authentic Jap...
Welcome to Sowaka. This luxurious ryokan is located in the heart of Gion (Traditional district in Kyoto). Sowaka is a Sanskrit word meaning happiness or well-being. It is a word of blessing, often spoken at the end of the Buddhist sutras that echo through the innumerable temples of Kyoto. Once across the stone threshold, you are instantly transported to an oasis of calm. Relax in one of Sowaka’s 23 individually designed rooms, listening to gentle breezes blow through the green and tra...
Welcome to Kikokuso. This wooden, 2 story Traditional Ryokan has a genuine family atmosphere and is conveniently located in central Kyoto. Kikokuso has 5 Japanese-style guest rooms and a very pretty Japanese garden. This is an old-fashioned traditional ryokan and only one guest room has a private bath and toilet - the other 4 guest rooms do not have private baths or toilets. There is also a shared rock bath for the guests, and traditional Kyoto style cuisine is served as well. Check-in t...
Welcome to Yuzuya Ryokan. This Traditional Ryokan is located next to Yasuka Shrine in central Kyoto. Yuzuya Ryokan is full of antiques and has a very traditional atmosphere and design. There are 9 Japanese-style guest rooms and each room has its own private bath and toilet. There are also shared baths (same gender only) for both women and men. Traditional Japanese-style cuisine is served to the guests at Yuzuya Ryokan. Check-in time is after 15:00 and check-out time is before 11:00 am.
Welcome to Kawashima Ryokan. This Traditional Ryokan is conveniently located near many of the best places to go sightseeing in Kyoto, including the historic Gion district and a number of old temples. This traditional ryokan has been in business since 1901, and it is currently in its third generation of family ownership. Traditional Japanese meals are served to guests at Kawashima Ryokan. Check-in time is after 15:00 and check-out time is before 10:00 am. English and French are spoken. The...
Welcome to the Izuyasu Ryokan. This Traditional Ryokan (opened in 1839 and remodeled in 2013) is perfectly located in the center of Kyoto, it takes only a few minutes by walk from the JR Kyoto train station to the ryokan. This ryokan is a real illustration of the historical ryokans in Kyoto. The ryokan staff will welcome you and make you feel comfortable in their hotel, they do speak basic English. In this ryokan guests have a chance to experience the Kyoto Kaiseki. If you want to stay in...
Welcome to Kanamean Nishitomiya. Kanamean Nishitomiya is located in the heart of Kyoto city, providing easy access to famous temples and Kyoto highlights. Kanamean Nishitomiya also maintains a traditional quiet Japanese environment. We invite you to enjoy its peaceful atmosphere. Kanamean Nishitomiya will warmly welcome you from the bottom of their hearts.
Welcome to Ryokan Motonago. This Traditional Ryokan opened over 30 years ago and the building is over 100 years old. Originally, the building was a private house so each room is unique and has its own different style and design. Motonago Ryokan is a cozy and friendly Traditional Ryokan with 11 traditional Japanese-style rooms, and Kyoto-style meals are served in the guest rooms. There are also shared baths (same gender only) for both women and men. Situated near the Gion district, the Mot...
Welcome to Tawaraya. This gorgeous, first-class, historical Traditional Ryokan first opened for business almost 300 years ago in 1705. This ryokan has hosted such guests as the Rothschilds, the Rockefellers, European royalty, Leonard Bernstein, and Marlon Brando. Tawaraya has 18 Japanese-style rooms and each room has its own private bath and toilet. A traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast are served to the guests. Check-in time is after 2:00pm and check-out time is before 11:00...
Welcome to Togetsutei. This beautiful Traditional Ryokan is located in the heart of Arashiyama. Togetsutei has 25 traditional Japanese-style rooms, and all of the rooms have their own private bath and toilet. There are shared indoor baths for both women and men at Togetsutei (same gender bathing only), and a sauna is also available. Japanese style meals are served in the privacy of the guest rooms. Check-in time is after 15:00 and check-out time is before 10:00 am. Parking is available.
Welcome to Fukiko Home. This is a Unique opportunity to discover the rural side of Japan, in Kameoka (near Kyoto). Fukiko will provide you a variety of experiences that only she can give. She will cook traditional Japanese dishes for you; using fresh ingredients from her organic garden. If you like; she can dress you in one of her beautiful kimonos, Fukiko likes Kimonos very much and owns a fantastic collection. You will also have a chance to meet a Maiko (a geisha in training). Fukiko wi...
Welcome to Bishamon House. Tsuzumi and her husband own this beautiful house. Tsuzumi studied in Italy after graduated from Osaka University. While staying in Italy she met her future husband Christian. They have moved back to her hometown, Kameoka with two kids, and bought a Japanese traditional house (about 150 years old), and renovated it. They have finally started a home stay business in 2018. They were also involved to tourism industry in Firenze for quite a while. As she is Japanese,...
