Kyoto is a sprawling city, which can make deciding where to stay challenging if you aren’t familiar there already. So to help you get started, I show and describe Kyoto’s best neighborhoods, and some of the best ryokan in each area based on value for money, location, and overall quality.
The Best Locations to Stay In
Ideally, your accommodation would be somewhere easily explored on foot, or located close to public transport, and close to the city’s attractions.
With that in mind, I’ve shortlisted some of the best neighborhoods to stay in Kyoto, to help you focus your search on finding a strategically located place that fits your needs.
Downtown Kyoto
Downtown Kyoto is packed with hotels, restaurants, shops and nightlife venues of all styles and prices, making it a very convenient base for travelers. It’s also within walking distance of several subway and train lines, as well as the main sightseeing areas of Southern Higashiyama and Northern Higashiyama.
Southern Higashiyama
If a traditional Japanese experience is what you’re looking for, head to Southern Higashiyama. The most important sightseeing district in Kyoto, it’s home to impressive temples, well-preserved alleyways, the Gion geisha district, and some of Kyoto’s best ryokan.
Kyoto Station Area
With plenty of restaurants, shops and hotels, this area is a good choice for travelers to be based too. The station serves the shinkansen bullet train, the airport express, and several other train lines and buses around Kyoto. Very convenient for trips to other parts of Japan.
Tip: for info on how to get to these locations, see how to transfer to Kyoto from the 3 nearby airports.
The Best Luxury Ryokan
These 4 ryokan are great options to consider when you’re looking for a luxury experience. Starting rates for their rooms fall in between ~29,073 JPY (~$274) and ~50,700 JPY (~$453).
Hiiragiya
Located in the downtown area, Hiiragiya is a beautifully preserved ryokan. The peaceful atmosphere, spacious rooms, and attentive hospitality have attracted many famous personalities including celebrities and members of royalty through the years.
You have the choice of staying in one of two wings. The old traditional wing takes you back to the Edo-Showa period from 200 years ago. And the new wing, opened in 2006 has rooms with sleeker, minimalist designs.
See Hiiragiya in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
Yuzuya Hotel
Tucked away next to the Yasaka-jinja shrine in southern Higashiyama, Yuzuya is a small, intimate ryokan with only 8 rooms.
Yuzuya stands out from others with its yuzu-theme. The Japanese yuzu fruit can be found in many places in the hotel – around the lobby, floating in hot tubs, and even the kaiseki dinner has dishes flavored with yuzu.
See Yuzuya in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
Seikoro
The luxurious Seikoro Ryokan is located in Gion, overlooking the Kamogawa river and conveniently close to a subway station that can take you to Kyoto’s major sights.
One of the highlights of Seikoro Ryokan are its excellent kaiseki dinners, which are comparable in quality to standalone restaurants. If you find Japanese cuisine is a bit too adventurous however, you can easily opt for Western breakfasts or no meal options.
See Seikoro in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
Gion Hatanaka
Gion Hatanaka is situated in the heart of Gion, within walking distance of quite a few notable temples like Kenninji, Yasaka Shrine, and Kodaiji.
If you’re interested in attending a maiko show while in Kyoto, Gion Hatanaka would be a great accommodation choice. The ryokan offers maiko dinner shows where you can enjoy performances over dinner, and even participate in drinking games with the maiko. However, you would need to book well ahead.
See Hatanaka in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
Shiraume
Shiraume is a beautiful place to call home for a few days. It’s located right in the middle of Gion, next to a small canal.
The rooms all have views of either private gardens or the canal, some even offering cherry blossom sightings in spring. Other than the views, the superb kaiseki dinners are also worth looking forward to, with the choice of dining in your own room or in the shared dining area.
See Shiraume in Detail & Read its Reviews on TripAdvisor
Tawaraya Ryokan
Picture by Marie Mon
A peaceful oasis in the lively downtown area, Tawaraya is a traditional ryokan run by the same family for 3 generations. It has a tranquil environment with elegant furnishings, and their kaiseki meals are of the highest quality.
Another highlight of Tawaraya, is their top-notch service. The attentive staff anticipate your needs, learn your food preferences, and go the extra mile to make you comfortable, even bringing you snacks if you casually mention being hungry.
The Best Mid-Range Ryokan
These 5 accommodations have an excellent balance between value for money and modern comforts. Starting rates for their rooms fall in between ~8,400 JPY (~$75) and ~25,412 JPY (~$239).
Kyoto Garden Ryokan Yachiyo
Just behind the Nanzen-ji temple in Southern Higashiyama is Kyoto Garden Yachiyo. It offers traditional Japanese accommodation, but with modern comforts. You’ll for example find smart TVs in your room, so you can Netflix and chill if you are so inclined 🙂
Another one of its highlights are its gorgeous landscaped gardens. Book ahead to get a room with views out into a garden, or better yet, one that gives you garden views even while soaking in a bath.
See Yachiyo in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
Shimizu
Shimizu is centrally located, an easy 10-minute walk away from Kyoto Station and with plenty of restaurants nearby. It’s a small ryokan with a homey atmosphere, run by a friendly owner.
There is a private bath you can reserve, which is convenient if you are keen on experiencing a Japanese onsen, but are concerned about privacy. Great for winding down after a day of temple-hopping!
See Shimizu in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
Ryokan Uemura
Uemura is located on a charming street in the geisha district of Gion, in southern Higashiyama. It’s run by a welcoming host, Ms. Uemura, who goes to every length to make your stay a comfortable one.
Rooms are not large but comfortable, and overlook the gardens or the streets of Gion. You’ll often see people walking by and taking photos of the picture-perfect street, or if you’re lucky enough – geisha making their way to some appointments.
See Uemura in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
Watazen
One of the reasons for Watazen’s popularity is its location in the downtown area, a stone’s throw away from the famous Nishiki market. It also offers bike hires at an affordable price, so you can easily cycle to locations like Gion, the Philosopher’s Walk, Kinkaku-ji, and more.
Watazen also offers delightful kaiseki dinners, though you need to book directly from their website for that option. Many of the friendly staff also speak basic English, and will be able to help with any queries you have.
See Watazen in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
Nishiyama
Located in a quiet street in the downtown area, Nishiyama is a good mid-range choice just a short walk away from the Kyoto Shiyakusho-Mae subway station.
The most unique of Nishiyama’s offerings are the daily in-house activities, which all guests can participate in. They range from traditional tea ceremonies in the morning, to sake testing or origami classes in the afternoon.
Give their activities a go for a glimpse of Japanese life!
See Nishiyama in Detail & Check its Best Price on Booking.com
The Best Budget Ryokan
These 4 places are easy on your wallet, while still providing good comfort and cleanliness. Starting rates for their rooms fall in between ~4860 JPY (~$46) and ~16,517 JPY (~$155).
Nishikiro
Another strategically located budget option is Nishikiro, just a 5-minute walk away from Kyoto Station. Apart from its convenient location next to transport links, there are also many bars and restaurants in the area.
Its location is not its only plus point – the rooms are spacious, comfortable, and it has a lovely koi pond with a waterfall in its center. Running from 10am to 10pm, the pond is a relaxing feature to come back to after a long day of sightseeing!
See Nishikiro in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
Ryokufuso
Ryokufuso is an easy 15-minute walk away from Kyoto Station. It’s located close to minimarts and plenty of restaurants, so you won’t be short on dining choices, but you can book packages that include a delicious dinner and breakfast with your room as well.
The place also has its own public onsen on the sixth floor. If you’ve always wanted to take the plunge and experience a public bath, this is a convenient option!
See Ryokufuso in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
Fujiya Ryokan
Fujiya is a small, family-run ryokan tucked in a small alley just a 5-minute walk away from Kyoto Station. Nearby, there’s also a convenience store, 100-yen shop, laundromat and a restaurant.
You can choose to pack light if you stay here, as the place provides a wide range of toiletries including shampoo, shower foam, facial wash, dental floss, hair styling products, and also a hairdryer. Bonus for animal lovers – the family has a friendly cat that’s happy to greet you when you check in!
See Fujiya in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
Nakajimaya
Nakajimaya is a small, no-frills ryokan located in the downtown Kawaramachi area. Although it is slightly dated, the place is always spotless, carefully maintained by the friendly owners who speak minimal English.
The biggest plus point for Nakajimaya is its location. The lively Pontocho nightlife area is just a 10 minute walk away, and Nishiki market is also within walking distance. You’ll also easily find buses to other attractions like Kinkakuji nearby.
See Nakajimaya in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
Yoshimizu
Yoshimizu is a charming place located at the top of a hill in Maruyama Park, in Southern Higashiyama. There, you’re surrounded by singing birds, and maple and bamboo trees – perfect if you want somewhere quiet to get away from the city.
It’s a great starter ryokan experience – rooms are equipped with tatami mats and futons that you prepare yourself. There are also shared bathrooms with onsen, but for individual use, so you can slowly dip your toes in the onsen experience 🙂
See Yoshimizu in Detail & Read its Reviews on TripAdvisor
Yuhara
Yuhara is located on a quiet street beside a canal, a 15-minute walk away from Kyoto Station.
Since it’s a budget option, they don’t include additions like kaiseki dinners or breakfast, but the place shines with the hospitality of the owner, Mr. Yuhara and his family.
Last refurbished in 2009, the place is spotlessly clean throughout, even in the shared bathrooms.
Conclusion & Summary
Ryokan are priced higher than the average hotel, but they give you a truly traditional Japanese accommodation experience. Even if you’re on a budget though, there are some excellent affordable options as well.
Here’s a quick summary of the best neighborhoods to stay in:
- The downtown area, if you’re looking for a lively location close to restaurants and bars.
- Southern Higashiyama, if you prefer a scenic location close to major attractions.
- The Station area, if you’re planning to travel to other parts of Japan.
From the ryokans listed above, the best luxury accommodation is Hiiragiya, for its long history and outstanding service. A good mid-range option is Ryokan Yachiyo, where you can enjoy a comfortable stay amidst beautiful Japanese gardens. And if you’re on a budget, check out Nakajimaya for a basic ryokan experience in a central location.
Hope this helps you find the perfect place to stay in Kyoto. Have a good trip! 🙂
Thanks for the info I will sure try to stay in one of this place.
what about Tawaraya near Kyoto City Hall. I know its incredibly expensive but it has a certain reputation
While in Kyoto 3/2019 I stayed at Ryokan Kanade in Sako neighborhood . It was very clean and I loved the bathroom. It wasn’t too far of a walk to bus stop, and some shines nearby. I really liked Kyoto, i had some very good ramen, and took a very tasty cooking class in a traditional Japanese home.