Top 12 Luxury Ryokans In Kyoto - Updated 2024

Rachel
Rachel 
Updated
| 4 min read

Serving as Japan’s capital and the emperor’s residence from 794 until 1868, Kyoto is known for its rich history and many temples and shrines. Today, it is one of the country’s 10 largest cities with a population of 1.5 million people, and a city not-to-be-missed as it has many best places to visit when vacationing in Japan. While and after exploring, consider staying in Japan-themed hotels, inns, or ryokans, which can give you a glimpse of Japanese culture and hospitality. With traditional elements such as futon beds, natural hot springs and local cuisine, ryokans are the top choice of accommodation when touring Japan. When you visit this city and indulge in its culture, read on for the top luxury ryokans in Kyoto.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 13, 2024.

1. Ryokan Shimizu (from USD 30)

Nestled just 450 metres (1476.38 feet) from Kyoto Tower, this lovely ryokan serves a delicious Asian breakfast to kick off the day. A beverage vending machine is available for those who feel the need to quench their thirst. Guests can rent bicycles for a fee if they want to get out and explore the neighbourhood.

Embrace the local culture as you rest in the air-conditioned rooms with the Japanese way of sleeping arrangements, with futon bedding on traditional tatami flooring. While you unwind inside, you can keep entertained with the TV and WiFi. Have a soothing bath at the in-house onsen to get some total relaxation.

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Ryokan Shimizu

Wifi Available

Address: Shimogyo-ku Shichijo dori Wakamiya agaru Kagiyacho 644
1.79 km (1.2 mi) from Nishiki Market

Garden Internet services Heating Luggage storage WiFi Available Free WiFi Non-smoking throughout Air conditioning

2. Matsui Honkan (from USD 372)

Staying in one of this property’s stylish Japanese-style rooms, complete with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding, is like indulging in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have an unforgettable adventure. Savour the relaxing environment as you rest in front of the flat-screen TV or soak in the bathtub.

You can get an excellent start to the day with the Asian breakfast provided, or you can ask for kid meals for the younger guests. As you take advantage of the full body massage, allow yourself to unwind entirely and let go of any stresses. While you enjoy a relaxing soak in the onsen, you can let go of any negative energy building up and relax.

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Matsui Honkan

Wifi Available

Address: Nakagyo-ku, Izutsuya cho 405
229 meters (0.2 ft) from Nishiki Market

Parking Room service Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Breakfast in the room Internet services

3. Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado (from USD 391)

With many attractions surrounding Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado within a 3 km (1.86 mi) radius, it is in a prime location for tourists interested in sightseeing, visiting temples and getting glimpses of history. Some of these include Kyoto International Manga Museum, Sanjusangen-do Temple and Samurai Kembu Kyoto. The concierge would also be able to help organise activities for their day. The room facilities in this ryokan in Kyoto incorporate traditional and modern, with flat-screen TVs, a fridge, and a Japanese-style breakfast every morning.

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Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado

Wifi Available

Address: Shimogyo-ku Tokumancho 199
994 meters (0.7 ft) from Nishiki Market

Restaurant 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Non-smoking rooms Ironing service Internet services Safety deposit box Soundproof rooms

4. Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei (from USD 99)

Located just 10 minutes away from Gojo, Shijo or Kawaramachi stations, Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei combines traditional Japanese decor and furnishing with modern amenities, such an air-conditioning, an electric kettle and fridge, for maximum comfort and a relaxing ambience during your stay. Choose to stay in a Japanese-style room to experience sleeping on a tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding, or if you prefer western-style comforts, a junior suite with beds.

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Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei

Wifi Available

Address: Shimogyo-ku Yanaginobanbadori Takatsuji Sagaru Kichimonjicho 425
563 meters (0.4 ft) from Nishiki Market

Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Laundry Dry cleaning Family rooms

5. Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo (from USD 271)

Surrounded by lush Japanese gardens, your stay and view at Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo, a 5-star ryokan in Kyoto, would be different each time due to the changing colours of the leaves depending on the season. Also located just next to the historic Nanzen-ji Temple, it has large public baths and on-site dining where you can unwind after a long day visiting the nearby temples and indulge in fresh Japanese cuisine. Choose a room with a beautiful garden view and an open-air bath for maximum relaxation!

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Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo

Wifi Available

Address: Sakyou Nanzenji Fukuchi 34
2.31 km (1.5 mi) from Nishiki Market

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Laundry

6. Yasaka-Yutone Serving Kyoto Cuisine Ryokan (from USD 484)

yasaka-yutone serving kyoto cuisine ryokan
Source: www.agoda.com

A homey inn strategically situated just 2 km (1.2 mi) from the city centre, and hidden among the historic townhouses of Kyoto, Yasaka-Yutone Ryokan is where you can get a glimpse of ancient Kyoto and enjoy delicious, authentic Kyoto kaiseki cuisine. The cuisine includes Kyoto specialities like tofu and yuba, where the chef skillfully prepares the dish that satisfies both visually and gastronomically. Choose from seven Japanese rooms, ensuite with cypress baths, where you can truly enjoy your vacation.

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Yasaka-Yutone Serving Kyoto Cuisine Ryokan

4.0 User Rating


1.44 km (0.9 mi) from Nishiki Market

7. Nazuna Kyoto Gosho (from USD 446)

“Wagashi”, traditional Japanese sweets made from glutinous rice flour and azuki beans, takes on a different meaning at the luxury Nazuna Kyoto Gosho Ryokan. Each of this ryokan’s room is designed after a wagashi theme, offering a different experience for each guest. Some of the rooms also have open-air baths, where you can enjoy the tranquillity amid the hustle and bustle of Kyoto and stay just a short walk away from Kyoto Imperial Palace.

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Nazuna Kyoto Gosho

Address: Nakagyo-ku Hanatatecho 255-1
1.4 km (0.9 mi) from Nishiki Market

Room service Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Non-smoking rooms Laundry Internet services Safety deposit box

8. Hoshinoya Kyoto

Japanese-style room
Source: Pixabay

Staying and getting to Hoshinoya Kyoto will be an experience of a lifetime. Located along the Oi River, guests will have to embark on a boat ride that will take them to the ryokan, reminiscent of the olden days where the boats used to carry goods and people along. The ride may just take just 10 minutes, but the tranquillity, accompanied by the sight of kingfishers flying downstream, and the sound of waters gently flowing, make it feel pleasantly longer. The experience continues in the details- keep an eye out for the decor of guest pavilions, where its wooden railings and doors are preserved and cleansed through arai, a traditional Kyoto woodworking technique.

Hoshinoya Kyoto

Address: Japan, 〒616-0007 Kyoto, Nishikyo Ward, Arashiyama Genroku Yamamachi11−2

Price: from 1000 USD

Book Now

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9. Nanzenji sando KIKUSUI (from USD 741)

Nanzenji sando KIKUSUI combines modern comforts with traditional Japanese elements and decor. Rooms are built with lush greenery around, so expect to have plenty of fresh air and serenity during your stay as you take a leisurely stroll to your room. The ryokan is also close to many temples, including Shoren-in Temple, Eikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple and Heian Shrine within a 1.5 km (0.9 mi) radius.

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Nanzenji sando KIKUSUI

Wifi Available

Address: Sakyo-ku, Nanzenji Fukuchi-cho 31
2.31 km (1.5 mi) from Nishiki Market

Restaurant 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Internet services Lift Safety deposit box

10. Rangetsu (from USD 520)

Enjoy peace during your travels with privacy and luxury at Rangetsu, located in Arashiyama district. Here, relax in a private Hinoki cypress wood bath, sleep on tatami floors and Japanese futon bedding and don Yukata robes, included with the stay. It is also just a 15-minute walk away from Arashiyama Monkey Park and a 10-minute walk from Tenryu-ji Temple. If you want to explore further, Hankyu Arashiyama Train Station is near this ryokan in Kyoto, about 15 minutes on foot.

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Ryotei Rangetsu

Address: 7 Susukinobaba-cho, Sagatenryuji, Saga Tenryuji, Ukyo, Kyoto, Kyoto, JPN, 6168385
8.17 km (5.1 mi) from Nishiki Market

Public Bath CCTV outside property Free parking On-site parking Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines First aid kit available Process in place to check health of guests Breakfast in the room

11. Arashiyama Benkei (from USD 501)

Guests looking for natural hot spring baths within their ryokan can look forward to a stay at Arashiyama Benkei. Situated along the Katsura River in west Kyoto, guests can enjoy a Japanese experience with indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, massage facilities and in-room multi-course dining with Nakai service while donning yukata robes. The ryokan also provides free shuttle service to the nearest station, where you can arrive at famed tourist attractions such as Nijo-jo Castle and Kinkaku-ji Temple within 20 minutes!

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12. Gion Hatanaka (from USD 212)

Enjoy and appreciate Japanese hospitality with Gion Hatanaka, just a stone’s throw away from the beautiful Gion district. In this traditional Japanese accommodation, look forward to soaking in a public bath overlooking a zen garden, and indulge in an in-room Japanese kaiseki multi-course dinner prepared with seasonal ingredients. You do not need to leave your room to enjoy more- guests can also get massages in their room, and also enjoy Japanese Geisha dance performances if booked previously!

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Gion Hatanaka

Address: Higashiyama-ku Gion Yasaka Jinjya Minamimon Mae
1.33 km (0.9 mi) from Nishiki Market

Luggage storage Massage Process in place to check health of guests Non-smoking rooms Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities Physical distancing in dining areas Gift shop Fire extinguishers

Immerse and indulge in Kyoto while staying in ryokans

Ryokans allow guests to experience just a bit of the intricate and meticulous Japanese culture steeped in tradition. Kyoto also has hotels for your Japan escapade where you can choose your preferred accommodation. With these luxury ryokans offering an amazing experience to top off your visit to Kyoto, you will be sure to leave with beautiful memories of the city and its rich culture!

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Frequently asked questions about the top luxury ryokans in Kyoto


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Rachel enjoys unwinding with a good cup of tea and journaling. She spends much of her commute to work hunting for flight deals and planning itineraries for her next adventure - but if you see her...Read more

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