7 Best Ryokans in Kyoto, Japan to Immerse in the Local Culture & Tradition
Searching for the best ryokans in Kyoto, Japan? Take your pick from our list!
As Japan’s old capital, Kyoto in the Kansai Region is home to well-preserved imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), making every visitor feel like they’ve been transported back to ancient Japan.
To make your Kyoto trip even more immersive, why not live for a day (or two) in one of these ryokans? Some even have private onsens to complete your experience!
While we didn’t get to stay in an authentic ryokan on our 10-day Japan trip, we’d surely be back for it. Meanwhile, we’re compiling this list of the best ryokans in Kyoto for future reference.
Note: The Kyoto ryokan prices here are accurate as of publication date. Rates may change depending on your stay dates, so do check the respective listings.
Best Kyoto ryokans with private onsens
1. Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo
Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo is one of the best ryokans in Kyoto, just a few steps from Nijō Castle. It features tastefully designed tea-themed rooms and suites with private open-air onsens.
Guests praise the overall elegance, the thoughtful staff, and the exquisite kaiseki (Japanese traditional multi-course) cuisine, offering the best of Japanese tradition and modernity.
BOOK NAZUNA KYOTO NIJO-JO
*Read more Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo reviews on Tripadvisor.
Address: 580 Kusuriyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan, 604-0066
Distance from Nijojo-mae Station (Nijo-jo Castle): 450m (6-min walk)
Rates: From ¥145,716 (US$914) / night (Luxury Suite with Open-air Bath good for 2 pax; breakfast included)
Book: Agoda; Booking.com; Klook; Expedia; Trip.com
2. Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki Street
Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki Street is one of the highly raved ryokans in Kyoto as it transforms an entire alley of machiya townhouses into private suites with semi open‑air onsen.
Guests really adore the lantern‑lit atmosphere and unparalleled hospitality, making you live like a true local in old Kyoto.
*Read more Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki reviews on Tripadvisor.
BOOK NAZUNA KYOTO TSUBAKI
Address: 838 Bōmonchō, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Japan, 600-8388
Distance from Kyoto Station: 2.4km (13-min by train)
Rates: From ¥115,957 (US$727) / night (Twin Room good for 2 pax; breakfast included)
Book: Agoda; Booking.com; Klook; Expedia; Trip.com
3. Ryokan Tori
Ryokan Tori is one of the exceptionally rated ryokans in Kyoto, featuring traditional Japanese rooms with tatami floors and a private onsen to rejuvenate your senses.
What makes this Kyoto ryokan extra special is the incredible host who makes sure that you are welcomed like a real family in this traditional home.
*Read more Ryokan Tori reviews on Tripadvisor.
BOOK RYOKAN TORI
Address: 639 Sasayacho 3 Chome, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan, 602-8453
Distance from Kyoto Station: 5.7km (22-min by train)
Rates: From ¥43,889 (US$275) / night (Japanese Style Standard Room good for 2 pax; breakfast included)
Book: Agoda; Booking.com; Klook; Expedia; Trip.com
Best ryokans in Kyoto with nature views
4. Ryokan Seryo (Ohara)
Imagine soaking in an onsen in a breathtaking natural setting? That’s exactly what awaits you at Ryokan Seryo (Ohara) tucked in a mountain area away from busy life in central Kyoto.
This countryside retreat is well-loved for its natural hot spring baths, Japanese-style rooms with private open-air onsen, sumptuous kaiseki cuisine, and first-class hospitality.
*Read more Ryokan Seryo (Ohara) reviews on Tripadvisor.
BOOK RYOKAN SERYO
Address: 22 Oharashorinincho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan, 601-1241
Distance from Kyoto Station: 18.8km (49-min drive)
Rates: From ¥66,363 (US$416) / night (Japanese Garden View Room good for 2 pax; breakfast included)
Book: Agoda; Booking.com; Klook; Expedia; Trip.com
5. Hoshinoya Kyoto
Hoshinoya Kyoto is a scenic ryokan in Arashimaya, reachable only by a private boat, giving you the utmost seclusion in a riverside setting.
This Kyoto ryokan is consistently praised for its Japanese yet modern-style rooms surrounded by nature, making each stay a dreamy retreat like no other.
*Read more Hoshinoya Kyoto reviews on Tripadvisor.
BOOK HOSHINOYA KYOTO
Address: 11-2 Arashiyama Genrokuzancho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan, 616-0007
Distance from Kyoto Station: 9.4km (34-min by train)
Rates: From ¥164,191 (US$1,030) / night (Yamanoha Tatami Room good for 2 pax)
Book: Agoda; Klook; Expedia; Trip.com
Best budget-friendly ryokans in Kyoto
6. Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura – Urushitei
Staying in a ryokan does not need to cost you a fortune. Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura – Urushitei offers relatively affordable Japanese-style rooms in central Kyoto. In fact, it is just a walking distance to Kyoto Station.
Guests particularly admire the multi-lingual staff, spanking clean rooms, and the option to reserve a private bath, making your Kyoto stay even more unforgettable.
*Read more Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura – Urushitei reviews on Tripadvisor.
BOOK KYOMACHIYA RYOKAN
Address: 425 Kichimonjicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan, 600-8069
Distance from Kyoto Station: 1.8km (26-min walk)
Rates: From ¥16,084 (US$101) / night (Japanese Style Room good for 2 pax)
Book: Agoda; Booking.com; Klook; Expedia; Trip.com
7. Tabitabi Stay Moonlight
Book an entire machiya townhouse all to yourself at Tabitabi Stay Moonlight, ideal for families or groups who want to stay and experience Kyoto together.
This Japanese house has a kitchen, a laundry area, and a semi open-air bath, providing modern comforts in a traditional space.
BOOK TABITABI STAY
Address: 34-2 Nishinokyo Higashigekkocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan, 604-8422
Distance from Kyoto Station: 4.1km (11-min by train)
Rates: From ¥108,300 (US$680) / night (2BR House good for 4 pax)
Book: Agoda; Booking.com; Klook; Expedia; Hotels.com
So, which of these ryokans in Kyoto will be your traditional Japanese home away from home?
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