Kyoto Nanzenji Yachiyo is a mid-range priced ryokan located in the Southern Higashiyama district, close to several popular attractions. In this review I’ll cover the place in detail…
Among other topics, I’ll discuss its main charms, its location details, its highlight worthy amenities, the best rooms, how to contact them, plus I’ll also cover both its pros and cons.
Once read you should have a very good idea of what to expect, and if it’s the right place to stay for you.
About Ryokan Yachiyo & Its Location
Ryokan Yachiyo has a long heritage. With its main building being built way back in 1890, it has a traditional feel, and a relaxing atmosphere. Many of its rooms also have views of its beautiful Japanese garden.
The place is located just behind the Nanzen-ji Temple in Southern Higashiyama, which is Kyoto’s main sightseeing district. Hence it’s a great place to explore the city’s culture and scenery from…
Gion, The Philosopher’s Path, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple are only a short distance away for example. It’s also close to the city center and Keage subway station, so it’s easy to get around.
As with many mid-range to luxury ryokan, Yachiyo offers kaiseki dinners. They’re a bit too pricey here in my opinion, but a big plus is that you can have dinner served on the veranda overlooking the beautiful garden.
What this place can do better on is on its upkeep. Its common areas like the hallways can use some renovation.
- Beautiful, peaceful garden atmosphere
- Close to tourist landmarks and public transport
- On-site luxuries, like kaiseki dinners with a view, and in-room + public onsen baths
- Common areas can use some renovation
Walking distances to some of the closeby points of interests are: 5 minutes to Nanzen-ji Temple, 15 minutes to the Philosopher’s Path, and 6 minutes to Keage Station.
Highlight Worthy Amenities
The main highlight is undoubtedly its beautiful garden, complete with koi pond. Some rooms come with a garden view, while others even have semi-outdoor onsen where you can soak while enjoying the scenery.
The place is furnished with modern comforts. Free Wi-Fi is available everywhere, and rooms are equipped with a smart TV, so you can Netflix and chill after a long day out.
You also have the chance to enjoy a kaiseki dinner or a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, either in your room or on the garden veranda.
An in my opinion underrated feature is their free bicycle rental. I love this as it expands your exploration reach considerably, and it’s a great way to take in the sights around the neighborhood.
My Top 3 Room Recommendations
If you’re on a tighter budget, the Japanese-Style Economy Twin Room in the annex is a good choice. It’s the most budget-friendly option, but it’s still reasonably roomy.
Couples will enjoy the Japanese-Style Suite with Balcony, Garden View, and Open-Air Bath. It has a good view of the garden, and a private onsen that opens up to the balcony. Great for a romantic bath for two 🙂
If you’re traveling in a big group, consider the Japanese Style Residential Suite for 6 People with Private Semi Open-Air Bath. This spacious suite fits up to 6, with views of the garden, balcony, and even a kitchenette.
What Guests Say & My Take
At the moment of writing Nanzenji Yachiyo is rated 8 on Agoda, 8.1 on Booking.com, and 4 out of 5 on TripAdvisor. That’s a moderately high average rating.
Personally I feel that it’s a good mid-range to luxury pick, especially if you can afford to splurge on the bigger, newly-renovated rooms. The location is unbeatable, and the beautiful gardens and peaceful ambiance are great to come back to after a long day of sightseeing.
Where to Book Yachiyo
When I’m traveling in Asia, I always prefer to book with Agoda. Because their site is easy to use, and they generally have the best discounts in this part of the world.
See Ryokan Yachiyo in Detail & Check its Latest Discounts on Agoda
If rooms are already sold out on Agoda, you can also check Ryokan Yachiyo on Booking.com, since they have a different but still sizable room inventory.
Conclusion & Summary
Ryokan Yachiyo is a good choice if you enjoy a beautiful garden alongside an authentic Japanese accommodation, as well as a central location from which you can explore the rest of Kyoto.
Here’s a quick summary of the 3 most important points made in this review:
- It’s conveniently located near popular attractions and Keage subway station
- Many rooms come with beautiful garden views, and semi-outdoor baths
- The place offers in-room or garden-veranda kaiseki dinners
Hope this review helps you have the perfect stay in Kyoto. Happy travels! 🙂
Ryokan Yachiyo Contact Info
| Contact number: | +81 75 771 4148 |
| Email: | info@ryokan-yachiyo.com |
| Website: | https://kyoto-ryokan.co.jp |
| Facebook page: | https://www.facebook.com/kyoto.ryokan/ |
| Address: | 34 Nanzenji Fukuji-cho Sakyo-ku Kyoto-shi Kyoto, 606-8435, Japan |
P.S. If you’re not yet sure if Yachiyo is the right place for you, 3 good alternative ryokan to have a look at with similar price-points and locations are Gion Sano, The Kinoe and Yuzuya.