One of the best ways to experience Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage is by staying at an amazing ryokan – a traditional Japanese inn that features tatami-matted rooms and communal baths. These inns have been around for centuries and are known for their minimalist aesthetic and focus on relaxation. Ryokans provide not only a place to sleep, but also offer a glimpse into the Japan’s deep-rooted customs and hospitality.
Booking one of those beautiful, peaceful inns is the perfect way to soak up Kyoto’s serene beauty. With their intimate rooms, lush gardens, and traditional meals, ryokans invite you to experience a slower, more mindful pace of life that’s deeply connected to the spirit of Kyoto.
Whether you’re seeking a luxury retreat, a charming mid-range stay, or a more affordable yet authentic experience, Kyoto’s ryokans cater to all kinds of travellers.
In this post, I’ll guide you through some of the best and most beautiful ryokans in Kyoto, helping you find the perfect place to dive into the city’s timeless elegance.
And trust me, when you do stay in a ryokan, you’ll discover a whole new level of relaxation. From enjoying traditional kaiseki meals to unwinding in an onsen (hot springs), Kyoto offers experiences that’ll leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired.
Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links, If you click one of them I will earn a small commission, it won’t cost you anything extra.
My Favourites:
Best Luxury Ryoken: Yuzuya Ryokan
Great Affordable Ryoken: Kamishichiken Oku
Most traditional: Seikoro Ryokan
My Favourite: Yuzuya Ryokan
7 amazing ryokan in Kyoto
Kamishichiken Oku
Booking.com rating: 8.5+
Kamishichiken Oku is a refined ryokan nestled in Kyoto’s oldest geisha district – Kamishichiken. With a design that fuses classic Japanese aesthetics: tatami flooring, shoji screens, and wooden architecture, the inn offers an intimate blend of traditional charm and modern sophistication. It also provides a great escape from the busy city.
In Kamishichiken Oku guests can indulge in Kyoto’s seasonal flavours with carefully cooked kaiseki meals and unwind in the peaceful ambiance of a private hinoki wood bath. Its location near Kitano Tenmangu Shrine adds to its cultural appeal, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking an authentic and luxurious Kyoto experience.
What did guests love about the hotel?
“The private onsen and breakfast were amazing. The stay was really cozy and all amenities were excellent..”
Book your perfect stay at Kamishichiken Oku
Kyonoyado Gekko-an
Booking.com rating: 9.5+
Kyonoyado Gekko-an is a beautifully restored Kyoto machiya (traditional wooden townhouse) offering two unique suites: the East Building Garden Suite, featuring traditional architecture with a mural by artist Hideki Kimura, and the West Building Luxury Suite, featuring artisan-crafted interiors blending tradition and modernity. Recognized for its exceptional sleeping environment, this ryokan ensures a peaceful stay with personalized concierge service. This amazing ryokan gives you the chance to try out your own personal onsen where you can soak and relax after a long day of exploring Kyoto.
Guests can enjoy Kyoto’s culture through handcrafted artworks and refined design while having convenient access to Nijo Castle, local restaurants, and essential amenities. Located in a quiet yet central area, Gekko-an provides an authentic and comfortable Kyoto experience.
What did guests love about the hotel?
“On the accommodation, it’s really rather lovely, with its own Japanese garden overlooked from a large, Kyoto-made pottery bath/hot tub. The amenities are superb, the room was comfortable, cool and quiet and the way that modern and traditional were so expertly fused was a delight.”
Check out Kyonoyado Gekko-an on Booking.com
Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St.
Booking.com rating: 8.5 +
Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St. is an amazing ryokan transformed from a 110-year-old L-shaped alleyway of machiya townhouses, located in one of Kyoto’s historic geisha districts. Spanning 1,400 sqm, this unique inn features 23 individually designed guest rooms, each with a private semi open-air bath and interiors inspired by Kyoto’s natural elements: bamboo, water, stone, flower, and leaf. At night, lanterns illuminate the stone-cobbled path, enhancing the nostalgic charm of Tsubaki St.
With elegant design, peaceful ambiance and a blend of tradition and luxury, Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St. offers an unforgettable Kyoto experience.
What did guests love about the hotel?
“The location was away from major attractions and town, but I liked the quiet location. It was close to public bus transit, and a few blocks walk to nearby train station. The staff was excellent, provided wonderful experiences for us and made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. The room was beautiful, clean and the bathroom-onsen combo was Ahhmazing. Overall-loved this Ryokan-will definitely recommend!”
Book your perfect stay at Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St.
Yuzuya Ryokan
Booking.com rating: 9.0 +
Yuzuya Ryokan is a beautiful and intimate ryokan located in the heart of Kyoto – just steps from the famous Yasaka Shrine. This traditional inn is known for its deep connection to Japanese culture, incorporating fragrant yuzu citrus into its baths, cuisine and overall ambiance. Each elegantly designed room features tatami flooring, shoji screens, and antique furnishings, creating an authentic Kyoto experience.
Guests can enjoy delicious kaiseki dining, highlighting seasonal ingredients and the ryokan’s signature yuzu-infused dishes. With its tranquil setting, warm hospitality and exceptional attention to detail, Yuzuya Ryokan offers a peaceful retreat among the charm of Gion.
What did guests love about the hotel?
“Wonderful taste of Japanese hospitality and history. The food was fantastic and the spaces felt authentic (albeit with some modern amenities!), staff very friendly and welcoming, explained all the expectations around what to wear when. Very relaxing and wholesome experience, would recommend :)”
Book your perfect stay at Yuzuya Ryokan
Nazuna Kyoto Gosho
Booking.com rating: 9.5 +
Located near the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nazuna Kyoto Gosho is a luxury ryokan featuring seven uniquely designed rooms. Each room is inspired by traditional Japanese-style snacks – wagashi. Housed within two beautifully preserved Kyomachiya – traditional wooden townhouse, Nazuna Kyoto Gosho blends history and elegance, with a grand lobby showcasing its former life as a lumber warehouse. A serene Japanese garden connects the two buildings, leading to additional guest rooms and a dining lounge where you can enjoy a Japanese breakfast and complimentary evening beverages.
With its refined theme and lovely ambiance, the amazing Ryokan Nazuna Kyoto Gosho offers a unique and immersive Kyoto experience.
What did guests love about the hotel?
“I liked everything about the hotel. This is must visit in Kyoto. Full Kyoto / Japanese experience: dinner / breakfast experience with private chef, authentic tea ceremony and introduction to Kyoto culture. Top design, beautiful rooms and incredible atmosphere. Access to the lounge and complimentary drinks. We booked room with outside bath in the garden and it was top notch. The hotel even provided us with complimentary jacuzzi access given the bad weather, however we also enjoyed the bath outside during the rain. I cannot describe in words how good this experience was. You will not regret booking this. The quality of the service was incredible.“
Book yourself a room at Nazuna Kyoto Gosho now!
Kyoto Garden Ryokan Yachiyo
Booking.com rating: 8.0+
Kyoto Garden Ryokan Yachiyo is a traditional Japanese inn nestled in the scenic Nanzenji Temple area. Blending classic Kyoto aesthetics with modern comforts, the ryokan features elegantly designed rooms with tatami flooring, sliding shoji doors, and serene garden-facing baths. Authentic ryokan experience guaranteed.
Guests can also enjoy exquisite kaiseki cuisine crafted from seasonal ingredients, reflecting the delicate flavors of Kyoto.
With its peaceful atmosphere, warm hospitality and prime location near temples and gardens, Kyoto Garden Ryokan Yachiyo provides a peaceful stay for travelers dreaming of real Kyoto experience.
What did guests love about the hotel?
“This Ryokan is superb! It’s situated really close to a subway station, so easy to get anywhere, has lovely gardens and decorations, and it’s a warm and inviting great house. The staff were so phenomenal, very kind, and helpful. They couldn’t do enough to ensure our stay was exceptional.“
Book yourself a stay at the amazing Kyoto Garden Ryokan Yachiyo on Booking.com
Seikoro Ryokan
Booking.com rating: 9.5+
Seikoro Ryokan, one of Kyoto’s oldest and most prestigious ryokan, has been welcoming guests since 1831. This historic inn blends traditional Japanese elegance with modern comforts, featuring beautifully crafted wooden interiors, tatami mat rooms, and relaxing cedarwood baths. One of the features of this amazing ryokan allows guests to taste Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine, while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of a classic Japanese inn.
Located near Kiyomizu Temple and other iconic sights, Seikoro Ryokan offers an authentic and luxurious Kyoto experience steeped in history and tradition.
What did guests love about the hotel?
“The most beautiful Ryokan we have seen. Staff go above and beyond for whatever you need. Comfy beds and delicious food. Will definitely be coming back. Our room attendant Mitsumi was so kind and attentive. Thank you!“
Book a stay at Seikoro Ryokan on Booking.com
That’s a wrap!
That concludes my list of the best and most amazing Ryokan in Kyoto. I’m hope there’s something that grabs your attention! Let me know in the comments which one you’d choose, which one you’ve booked. Other recommendations are also welcome.
I, personally, would love to stay at Yuzuya Ryokan. The area around is looks the most peaceful. Plus, it’s adults only.
Staying in any of these Ryokan will be the perfect base for discovering the best of Kyoto. If you planning on a trip to Japan soon, check out my blog post Amazing Japan: Don’t miss these 9 stunning places in 2025!
If you have any questions, drop them in the comments or write me a message on Instagram.
Otherwise, enjoy your stay!
Hi, it’s Aga, the author of this blog. If you found this blog post interesting, entertaining or useful, please think of buying me a virtual coffee to support the site’s running costs. But if you know me, I might actually spend it on coffee. Thanks!
Pin for Later!
Leave a Reply