See what they mean by “Japanese hospitality” when you stay at these charming ryokans in Kyoto.
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Staying in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) is a unique, immersive way to experience the customs and warm hospitality that the Japanese are known for.
Think rooms with tatami (straw) mats, shoji (wooden-framed) doors, and serene gardens. Some of them also offer tea ceremonies and onsens (hot springs), making ryokans a relaxing rest stop after exploring the bustling streets of Kyoto.
It can be hard to choose a specific ryokan, given the variety of choices in Japan’s ancient capital. Aside from things you might consider when booking a “normal” accommodation — price, comfort, location, etc — there are three factors to add to your list of priorities:
– Kaiseki breakfast or dinner: Most ryokans offer a kaiseki dining experience where you’ll get to eat traditional multi-course Japanese meals presented artistically. Some offer this as a separate add-on, while some include this with your booking.
– Onsens: Budget-friendly ryokans typically include a public bath option, but the more luxurious options offer private baths.
– Gardens: Ryokans typically have beautiful gardens, so check out pictures first if it’s your top priority.
With that, we’ve rounded up 11 of the best ryokans in Kyoto, ranked according to best value-for-money.
1) Ryokan Motonago (From ~S$370/night)
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Looking for a more nostalgic and homey vibe like a coming-of-age Studio Ghibli film? Check out Ryokan Montonago, located along a stone-paved road in Gion.
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There are 11 rooms in total, all evoking the feel of an older side of Japan; it was built in 1905 after all! Some of them have an adjoining garden, which paired with the wooden rooms, make for a visually stunning experience.
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While their onsen is public, guests can reserve it for a private bath experience. Also, try their Japanese breakfast for the full Motonago experience!
Cost: From ~S$370/night (2 pax)
How to get there: From Kyoto Station, take City Bus 206 and alight at Higashiyama Yasui. Walk 6mins (Google Maps)
2) Kyo no Yado Sangen Ninenzaka (From ~S$199/night)
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Planning to visit the famous Sannenzaka and Ninenzeka roads? Stay at the nearby Kyo no Yado Sangen Ninenzaka so you can get there as early as possible before the roads get packed with tourists.
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This modern ryokan is also only a 5-minute walk away from many traditional teahouses, eateries, and shops.
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Guests have praised their comfortable tatami mats and kaiseki breakfast, but the collective favourite was the onsen. There are many baths here, but the copper tub on the rooftop gives you a mesmerising view of the Yasaka Pagoda and city lights at night.
Cost: From ~S$199/night (2 pax)
How to get there: From Kiyozumi-Gojo Station, take City Bus 80 and alight at Higashiyama Yasui. Walk 9mins (Google Maps)
3) Kyonoyado Gekkoan (From ~S$326/night)
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If you want a visually-aesthetic stay near a train station, Kyonoyado Gekkoan should be on your list of ryokans in Kyoto to check out.
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This townhouse is within walking distance to Nijo Station and has two suites. Their recently-renovated Luxury Suite has a semi-open-air bathroom complete with a bathtub, and plush beds. It’s adorned with Kyoto art made by traditional craftsmen, so the feeling of authenticity isn’t lost.
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Then they have a Garden Suite with a traditional Japanese-style living room, and you guessed it: a small garden at the back.
Cost: From ~S$326/night (2 pax)
How to get there: 8min walk from Nijo Station (Google Maps)
4) Nazuna Kyoto Gosho (From ~S$887/night)
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Before you completely write this accommodation off because of its steep price tag, let’s take a look at what it’s all about.
Nazuna Kyoto Gosho boasts seven rooms in two large Kyoto-style townhouses and a Japanese garden, making it one of the most luxurious ryokans in Kyoto. If anything, it feels more like a villa than a ryokan.
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Just like a five-star accommodation, you’ll be sleeping on a comfortable bed instead of typical tatami mats you’d see in a more traditional ryokan. They regularly give guests gifts like free champagne, snacks and drinks on top of a welcome tea ceremony.
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Opt for the room with a semi-open bath, or go for their private bath experience which becomes more unforgettable thanks to the mood lighting. Guests have also highlighted their scrumptious breakfast and sukiyaki dinner.
Cost: From ~S$887/night (2 pax)
How to get there: 4min walk from Marutamachi Station (Google Maps)
5) Ryoso Chatani (From ~S$100/night)
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Ryoso Chatani is one of the most affordable ryokans in Kyoto (from ~S$50/night for 1 pax) with a public onsen, plus an in-room massage chair for extra measure.
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Located in the less-touristy Sakyo Ward away from the bustling city, their rooms come with a mountain view.
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Enjoy a short scenic walk through the beautiful mountain village where you’ll have easy access to multiple hiking trails with shrines, peach trees, and if you come at the right time, cherry blossoms! 🌸
Cost: From ~S$100/night (2 pax)
How to get there: Take the Karasuma Line to Kokusaikaikan Station, then ride Bus 19 to Ohara. Walk 5mins (Google Maps)
6) Ryokan Ryokufuso (From ~S$211/night)
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If you’re looking for authentic ryokans in Kyoto, look no further than Ryokan Ryokufuso. Built in 1955, this accommodation has had decades of experience providing top-notch service to their guests.
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Sleep on traditional tatami mats, and feast on their carefully-crafted breakfast and lunch sets.
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These include Kyoto-style appetisers, fresh sashimi, vegetables, grilled meat or fish, steamed food, and desserts.
Photo credit: Ryokan Ryokufuso
On top of that, their public onsen has a nice view of the city and Kyoto Tower. People who have tattoos can bathe here — something that not all onsens allow.
It’s also near Kyoto Station and various convenience stores, making its location ideal for travellers.
Cost: From ~S$211/night (2 pax)
How to get there: Walk 17mins from Kyoto Station (Google Maps)
7) Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei (From ~S$256/night)
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Located along Takase River, Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei is a luxurious boutique ryokan that offers an intimate and exclusive retreat from the city.
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Enjoy kaiseki cuisine for breakfast, relax in their peaceful garden, and rejuvenate with a soak in their signature cypress wood bath. While your idea of ryokans may be sleeping on uncomfortable tatami mats on the floor, Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei provides double-mattress beds.
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Along with this and their fancy branded bath amenities (like L’Occitane), a stay here is as pampering as a day at the spa.
Cost: From ~S$256/night (2 pax)
How to get there: 13min walk from Kyoto Station (Google Maps)
8) Luck You Kyoto (From ~S$196/night)
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Luck You Kyoto is a budget-friendly ryokan where the cheapest room only costs you ~S$98/pax.
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With a blend of contemporary and traditional design, this accommodation is for travellers looking for a ryokan experience but don’t want to sacrifice modern amenities. Besides paper sliding doors and noren (Japanese curtains), rooms also come with a flat-screen TV and a bathroom with a bidet.
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They also boast architectural designs from the early to mid-1900s Japan. Think furnishings like cedar-woven ceilings and patterned stone floors, with the highlights being the shoin (study area), garden, and tsunobiwa (courtyards).
Cost: From ~S$196/night (2 pax)
How to get there: Take the train to Kyoto Station and take the Central Exit. Walk to the A3 bus stop, and ride on Bus #206 and get off at Omiya Gojo. Then, walk 2mins (Google Maps)
9) Mitsuki Kyoto (From ~S$404/night)
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One of the highlights of staying in a ryokan is experiencing Japanese hospitality.
If this is a top priority for you, a stay at Mitsuki Kyoto may be the way to go! The host, Yoko, is lauded by many guests for taking care of their needs, as well as making sure your trip to Kyoto will be an unforgettable one.
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Not only does she give recommendations for your trip, but she’ll go above and beyond to make activity reservations, prepare surprises, and cook you a traditional breakfast.
As you can expect from this extremely personalised service, there are usually just a few guests at a time because there are only two rooms.
Cost: From ~S$404/night (2 pax)
How to get there: 2min walk from Marutamachi Station (Google Maps)
10) Gion Yoshiima (From ~S$295/night)
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Near the main streets of Kyoto’s geisha district lies this unassuming ryokan: Gion Yoshiima.
Expect attentive service from the host and a variety of baths when you’re here! As a welcome, you’ll be given a tour of the historic place, including the beautiful garden with a teahouse nestled in the middle.
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They also conduct a tea ceremony for guests occasionally, which many have regarded as a highlight of staying in this ryokan!
Cost: From ~S$295/night (2 pax)
How to get there: 5min walk from Gion-Shijo Station (Google Maps)
11) Ryokan Tori (From ~S$336/night)
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Ryokan Tori is a converted 140-year-old house nestled in a less-crowded area of Kyoto, a welcome change of pace when it gets busy at night. It’s a bus ride away from landmarks like Nijō Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and Kyoto Botanical Gardens.
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They’re popular for three things: a free tea ceremony, their artfully presented breakfast, and a private hot bath experience.
They also offer bike rentals so you can explore the quiet but scenic neighbourhood. Rooms have comfortable beds and some even come with a garden view!
Cost: From ~S$336/night (2 pax)
How to get there: From Imadegawa Station, take City Bus 201 and alight at Senbon Imadegawa. Walk 1min (Google Maps)
Experience authentic Japanese hospitality in Kyoto
Staying in a ryokan should be on your bucket list when visiting Japan (if it isn’t already). Whether you choose a budget-friendly traditional accommodation, or something more modern and luxurious, it’s an experience you’ll take with you when you return home.
Private welcome tea ceremonies, personalised itinerary recommendations, soulfully cooked kaiseki meals, detailed traditional furnishings, relaxing onsen experiences, and most importantly… warm smiles. These are what make ryokan stays special — the true Japanese hospitality.
Not sure what to do in Kyoto? Here are some guides you might find helpful:
– 6D5N Kyoto-Based Japan Itinerary — Things to do Beyond Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nara Deer Park
– Kyoto Budget Guide – Travel for under $70 a day, including accommodation
– 16 Must-Eat Food in Osaka and Kyoto
Which of these ryokans in Kyoto do you want to stay at the most? Let us know in the comments below!
