If you are finally going on that dream Kyoto trip, you will probably spend your days walking miles to see those famous shrines and temples. By the time the sun goes down, your feet will be tired, and you will be yearning for a comfortable place to crash.
Of course, Kyoto has plenty of modern luxury hotels, but we always tell our clients that your room should be just as much of an attraction as the temples. If you do not spend at least one night in a proper traditional inn, you are missing the point of the trip.
That said, finding the best ryokan in Kyoto is usually the hardest part of planning because it is so difficult to tell which spots are actually authentic from a screen. For us, a ryokan is not just a room with a bed. It is a full dive into the way Japan used to live, complete with the straw scent of tatami mats, paper doors that actually require a bit of care, and that famous hospitality called ”omotenashi”. It is the kind of place where the staff treat you like a guest in their home rather than just another confirmation number in a database.
We have personally stayed in everything from tiny family-run inns to the most famous high-end spots in the city. In this blog, we introduce the places we actually go back to and the ones we think are worth your time.
If you are not sure which part of the city to stay in yet, have a look at our Kyoto Area Guide for a full breakdown. Otherwise, here are our Kyoto ryokan picks.
Understanding the Ryokan Experience
If you have never stayed in one before, you should know that a ryokan is more than just a hotel. You will likely trade your shoes for slippers at the door and spend your time in a cotton yukata robe. The main highlights are the Kaiseki dinner, which is a multi-course seasonal feast, and sleeping on a thick futon mattress laid out on the tatami floor. We actually find futons incredibly comfortable, but it is a bit different if you are used to a high Western mattress.
The bathing culture is the other big part of the stay. Most places have a communal bath where you soak in hot water after washing at a small station. New to Japanese bathing culture? Check out our Onsen 101 Guide to learn the essential etiquette.
The Best Ryokan in Kyoto for Luxury Travel
If you have decided to go all out for your stay, you are probably looking at the famous names that have been around for a long time. We often get asked if these places are actually worth the high price tag. Our honest opinion is that it depends on what you want out of your trip. These are not just hotels with better sheets; they are historic buildings where every single detail is handled by hand.
When you stay at a place like Tawaraya or Hiiragiya, you are paying for a level of care that is almost impossible to find anywhere else. We have found that the experience here is incredibly quiet and private. It is exactly what you need after a day of fighting the crowds in the city centre.
Tawaraya Ryokan
Many people say Tawaraya is the best ryokan in Kyoto, and we agree if you want the absolute highest level of tradition. It is famously hard to book because they do not use standard online sites. We think that is actually a good thing because it keeps the place quiet.
There are only eighteen rooms, and each one has its own tiny garden view. We love how they keep things simple and focus on the small things like the temperature of your bath or the seasonal flowers in the hallway. You will not find flashy lobbies here. It is all about deep silence and a sense of history.
Since you cannot book this on a normal website, you will need to call them directly or have an agency, like Flip, do it months in advance.
- Location: 〒604-8094 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nakahakusancho, 278
- Price: Around $550 to $950 per person, per night (including two meals)
Hiiragiya
Just across the street from Tawara is Hiiragiya, which offers a slightly different feel that we also really like. While Tawaraya is very minimal, Hiiragiya feels a bit warmer and more classic. It has been run by the same family for six generations, and you can really feel that personal touch in the service.
This spot is great for travellers who want a historic look but with a bit more decoration. The multi-course dinner here is a massive highlight for many because the food looks like art.
- Location: 〒604-8094 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nakahakusancho, 277
- Price: Around $500 to $850 per person, per night (including two meals)
Hoshinoya Kyoto
If you want a traditional feel but prefer proper beds and a bit more space, Hoshinoya is a top pick. To even get there, you have to take a private wooden boat up the river in Arashiyama. It is tucked away from the main tourist paths, so you feel like you are in a different world.
The rooms have modern comforts like sofas, but they still use traditional hand-printed wallpaper and wood. The boat ride is beautiful, although you should keep in mind that you are a bit far from the rest of the city, so you should definitely plan to eat your dinner at the inn. Trust us, when the food is this good and the alternative is a boat trip back to civilisation in the dark, you won’t exactly be complaining.
- Location: 11-2 Arashiyama Genrokuzancho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0007
- Price: Around $400 to $700 per person, per night (Note: Meals are usually an extra $150–$250 per person)
The Best Mid-Range Ryokan in Kyoto
If a massive splurge is not in the budget, you can still get a very authentic experience in the middle price range. We often tell our clients that this is the “sweet spot” of Kyoto travel. You get the traditional rooms and the famous service, but without the eye-watering bill at the end. These are the places we recommend to people who want the real thing without the luxury markup.
Ryokan Motonago
This is a great choice because of where it sits. It is tucked away on a quiet side street in the heart of Gion, just steps from the famous Kodai-ji Temple. We love that it feels like a secret, even though you are right in the middle of everything.
The building was originally a private townhouse, so it definitely feels historic and much more intimate than a standard hotel. We like this spot because it is small and focuses on the basics of a traditional stay. Just be aware that because it is an older wooden building, the soundproofing is not exactly modern. You will want to keep your voice down to be respectful of other guests.
- Location: 〒605-0072 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Washiocho, 511
- Budget: Around $200 to $450 per person, per night (including two meals)
Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo
If you want to stay near the famous Philosopher’s Path, this is the place to be. It is right next to the Nanzen-ji Temple and has a Japanese garden that has been there since 1915. We usually suggest this spot for people who want a bit more of a “resort” feel while still keeping things traditional. They even have several rooms with their own private open-air baths, which is a rare find at this price point. It is a bit further from the city centre, but the peace of the Nanzen-ji area is worth the short taxi ride.
- Location: 〒606-8435 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Nanzenji Fukujicho, 34
- Budget: Around $300 to $550 per person, per night (depending on your meal plan)
Gion Yoshi-ima
For a stay that is right in the middle of the action, we always look at Gion Yoshi-ima. It is a family-run guesthouse on a very scenic street in the heart of Gion. The family business actually dates back to 1747, and the building still feels like a step back in time. We love that they have a small Buddhist altar room that feels like a tiny museum of family heirlooms.
They also occasionally host tea ceremonies by candlelight in their courtyard garden, which is a fantastic way to see the tradition up close without it feeling like a tourist trap. It is the kind of place where you can walk out of your door and be surrounded by historic tea houses in seconds.
- Location: 〒605-0008 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Yamatocho, 367
- Budget: Around $180 to $350 per person, per night (including breakfast)
The Best Budget-Friendly Ryokan in Kyoto
You do not have to spend a fortune to experience a traditional inn. While you might not get the high-end gardens or the massive multi-course dinners of the luxury spots, these budget-friendly options still offer a proper Japanese experience. We recommend these for travellers who want the feeling of a ryokan but would rather spend their money on shopping or sightseeing.
Ryokan Shimizu
This is a very straightforward and clean family-run inn located just a short walk from Kyoto Station. One nice thing about it is that it is so convenient for people arriving by Shinkansen who do not want to lug their bags across the city. The building is a traditional wooden Machiya style, which gives you that classic atmosphere even at a lower price point. It is a very basic experience, but the rooms are traditional, and the staff are known for being incredibly helpful to first-time visitors. It is one of the best ways to try out a ryokan without any of the stress.
- Location: 〒600-8317 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Kagiyacho, 644
- Budget: Around $70 to $130 per person, per night (usually room only)
Ryokan Ginkaku
Not to be confused with the “Silver Pavilion” temple (Ginkaku-ji) in the north, this Ryokan Ginkaku is actually located just steps from Kyoto Station. It has been recently renovated, so the facilities feel much more modern and polished than many other budget spots. We suggest this for travellers who want a reliable, middle-of-the-road experience that is still very close to the main transport hubs. They have a nice public bath area that is great for relaxing after a long flight, and the rooms are spacious for this price range.
- Location: 〒600-8216 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Higashishiokojicho, 709
- Budget: Around $110 to $190 per person, per night (including breakfast)
Matsubaya Ryokan
This inn has been around since 1884, so it has plenty of history without the luxury price tag. It is located near the Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, which is a bit of a quieter area but still within walking distance of the station.
Something that travellers, especially those new to onsen bathing, love about this place is that they have two different private baths you can reserve. You can choose between a “Rock Salt” bath, which uses natural black salts to mimic a volcanic hot spring, or a “Yuzu” bath that smells like fresh citrus. It is a great way to get a proper soak in total privacy for a small fee.
- Location: 〒600-8150 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Nishi-Honganji-monzen-cho
- Budget: Around $80 to $150 per person, per night
Practical Tips for Your Kyoto Ryokan Stay
Booking a room at a top ryokan is not as simple as a standard hotel. Because these inns are small, we suggest booking at least four to six months in advance if you are visiting for the cherry blossoms or autumn colours. We have seen many people miss out because they did not realise how fast the best spots disappear.
When you book, you will usually see a “Half-Board” option. This means both breakfast and a multi-course dinner are included. We always recommend this, at least for your first night, so you can experience the full service without having to find a restaurant. If you want more freedom to eat out later in your trip, you can look for “Room Only” or “Breakfast Only” plans.
If you have tattoos, do not panic about the communal baths. Many places now offer a private bath you can book for an hour, often called a “Kashikiri-furo.” This is the easiest way to enjoy the hot water in total privacy. We suggest checking for this option on the inn’s website before you commit to a room so you can soak without any stress.
Kyoto Ryokan FAQs
Is there a curfew?
Many traditional ryokans close their main doors between 10:00 PM and midnight. If you plan to stay out late, check with the front desk or look for an intercom by the entrance.
Can I wear the yukata everywhere?
Yes, you can wear your provided yukata and slippers to dinner, the baths, and throughout the building. Just remember to fold the left side over the right; the opposite is for funerals.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Ryokans can usually accommodate allergies or vegetarian needs, but you MUST notify them at least 3–5 days before you arrive. Since meals are pre-planned, they cannot usually make changes on the spot.
Do I need to tip the staff?
No. Tipping is not a part of Japanese culture and can actually be confusing for the staff. A simple “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) is the best way to show your appreciation.
How do the beds work?
In traditional rooms, staff will discreetly enter while you are at dinner to lay out your futons. In the morning, they will typically tuck them away while you are having breakfast.
