15 Best Ryokans In Gion, Kyoto: Unearth The History Of Japan - Updated 2024

Katie
Katie 
Updated
| 5 min read

There are many hidden gems in Kyoto, and some of them can be found in the Gion District. The district is known to many for its fully active geisha culture, where you can see geishas performing their daily routines as they dart down side streets and back alleys. There are many shops, restaurants, and, of course, teahouses here, which offer different versions of matcha. Made famous in Kyoto, matcha is an absolute must-try. Many tourists also like to rent yukatas and kimonos when visiting nearby tourist sites.

If you’re planning to visit, you first have to determine where to stay in Kyoto. Why not consider staying in a ryokan in Gion? For more recommendations, check out this list of the best ryokans in Gion, 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 April 08, 2024.

1. Kyomachiya Hotel Mifuku (from USD 198)

Kyomachiya Hotel Mifuku is well-situated in the Higashiyama Ward district, which means you’re close to many iconic attractions and landmarks of Kyoto. Some of the places that you might want to check out during your stay include Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, the Kyoto National Museum, and the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts.

After a long, tiring day, come back to this inn to relax. You can lounge in the garden, basking in the serenity. Or you can head straight to your room, where you can watch a fun movie on the flat-screen television from the comfort of your bed.

Stayed at this property?

Kyomachiya Hotel Mifuku

Wifi Available

Address: Higashiyama-ku Gojohashihigashi 6-516
689 meters (0.5 ft) from Kiyomizu-dera

Garden Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Internet services Heating WiFi Available Free WiFi Non-smoking throughout

2. Ryokan Motonago (from USD 415)

Ryokan Motonago is a 4-star Japanese inn featuring rooms equipped with traditional futon bedding, a refrigerator, and flat-screen television. Bathrooms in this inn are shared among guests.

This ryokan comes with a garden full of vibrant greenery. Traditional dining options are also available, so you can get a taste of the local cuisine when you stay here. For entertainment, you can use the WiFi connection to stream movies and shows on your devices. Or you can head out and visit a few attractions, such as Ishibe Alley, Maruyama Park, and the Kyoto International Manga Museum.

Stayed at this property?

Ryokan Motonago

Wifi Available

Address: Higashiyama-ku Kodaiji-dori Washio 511
879 meters (0.6 ft) from Kiyomizu-dera

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

3. Ryokan Nakajimaya (from USD 52)

A 3-star establishment, Ryokan Nakajimaya features Japanese-style rooms equipped with air conditioning, tatami (woven-straw) floors, futon bedding, and a seating area. WiFi access and flat-screen television are provided as well for entertainment.

To make the most of your vacation, you should go sightseeing around the city, visiting iconic attractions such as the Kyoto National Museum, Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, and the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts. If you’d like to travel to other parts of Japan, there are several train stations within walking distance.

Stayed at this property?

Ryokan Nakajimaya

Wifi Available

Address: Shimogyo-ku Takakura-dori Bukko-ji Agaru Nishimae-cho 369
2.19 km (1.4 mi) from Kiyomizu-dera

Garden Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Internet services Heating Luggage storage WiFi Available Free WiFi

4. Yasaka Yutone Kyokoyado (from USD 364)

Enjoy a relaxing vacation when you book a room at Yasaka Yutone Kyokoyado. In this ryokan, the room you’ll get features air conditioning that will keep you cool and comfortable. You can also find an LCD television, so you can watch movies and shows in your spare time.

For more fun, you can use the WiFi connection to log in to your preferred streaming sites on your devices. There’s an on-site library as well that will delight avid readers. For food lovers, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a multi-course dinner in the restaurant. If you’re feeling tired after a long day, you can request a massage.

Stayed at this property?

Yasaka Yutone Kyokoyado

Wifi Available

Address: Higashiyama-ku Shimogawaradori Kodaijikudaru Minamimachi 413
732 meters (0.5 ft) from Kiyomizu-dera

24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Internet services Safety deposit box Heating Fax/photocopying Luggage storage WiFi Available

5. Gion Oyado Kikutani (from USD 213)

Serene and charming, Gion Oyado Kikutani is a 3-star ryokan that features rooms equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen television, and a private room with a bidet. If you’re traveling with your loved ones, you can choose to book a family room so as to accommodate everyone.

Every morning, you and your companions will be served a delicious Asian breakfast. There’s an on-site garden that you can check out for a tranquil time. For more fun, you should explore Kyoto and visit a few beloved attractions, such as Shoren-in Temple, Maruyama, Higashiyama Mount Peak Park, and the Kyoto National Museum.

Stayed at this property?

Gion Oyado Kikutani

Wifi Available

Address: Higashiyama-ku Washio-cho 505-1
885 meters (0.6 ft) from Kiyomizu-dera

Garden Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Internet services WiFi Available Free WiFi Non-smoking throughout Air conditioning

6. Kyoto Ryokan Kinoe (from USD 133)

One of the best ryokans in Kyoto with private onsen, Ryokan Kinoe is an easy five-minute walk from Gion. It has a beautiful stone garden on-site, 24-hour public baths, and en suite facilities, ensuring that you’ll enjoy your stay. The majority of the rooms at this ryokan are Japanese-themed, but they do have Western-style twin bedrooms, which is ideal if you’d rather sleep on a bed. In each room, you’ll also find a television and hot drink facilities. Parking is also provided for the guests here.

Stayed at this property?

Kyoto Ryokan The KINOE

Address: Higashioji,Yasuikado,Higashiyama-ku, Gion, Kyoto, Japan, 605-0812
967 meters (0.7 ft) from Kiyomizu-dera

Parking Garden Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Breakfast in the room Ironing service Internet services Lift

7. Gion Ryokan Q-beh (from USD 24)

This English-speaking ryokan is friendly and welcoming. Rather uniquely, they offer dormitory rooms or Japanese-styled private rooms. There are additional amenities on-site for guests, including a garden, laundry facilities, and a shared kitchen so that you can be self-sufficient when it comes to meals. You can even rent bikes from the property. It is worth noting that other than self-catering, there are no meals served on-site, but there are plenty of fantastic eateries nearby. Free WiFi is also available for your entertainment.

Stayed at this property?

Gion Ryokan Q-beh

Address: Higashiyama-ku Washiocho 505-3
896 meters (0.6 ft) from Kiyomizu-dera

8. Seikoro Ryokan (from USD 354)

This ryokan has many intricate design features, antiques, and historical styling. If you are looking for not only a traditional Japanese experience but also the feeling of history, then Seikoro Ryokan is your ideal match. There is a public bath on-site, and massages can be booked in advance. Guests adore the wooden bathtubs, which seem to perfectly match their surroundings, creating a Zen-like ambiance. The rooms are breathtakingly beautiful with many special designer pieces. You will really feel the lap of luxury by choosing this inn. There is free WiFi throughout the building and the rooms, all of which have en suite bathrooms and flatscreen televisions. For guests with cars, free parking is available.

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Seikoro Ryokan - Established in 1831

Address: Higashiyama-ku Tonya-machidori-gojosagaru 3 Nishitachibana 467
1.5 km (1.0 mi) from Kiyomizu-dera

Parking Room service Garden Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Breakfast in the room Free parking Internet services

9. Tazuru (from USD 89)

This is a quiet ryokan nestled next to Kamo River. There is free WiFi available but only in the main lobby areas. The rooms themselves are bright and airy with traditional Japanese styling. There is one suite that offers a mixture of futon beds and Western beds, a perfect option if some of your party like their home comforts. Dining is offered in the main hall, which boasts views of the river. Guests soaking in the baths can relish the mountain view as well.

Stayed at this property?

Tazuru

Address: Shimogyo-ku Minoya-cho 179-1
1.58 km (1.0 mi) from Kiyomizu-dera

10. Gion Ryokan Karaku (from USD 162)

This spot is particularly popular with couples and is located just 15 minutes from the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. There is free WiFi throughout the property, and guests love that the rooms boast both Japanese and Western-style seating. The rooms are very comfortable and include a television and en suite facilities. There is an indoor public bath, and for an extra treat, you can schedule a massage. Parking is available on-site, but it needs to be booked in advance and has an additional cost.

Stayed at this property?

Gion Ryokan Karaku

Address: Higashiyama-ku Gion-machi Minamigawa 499
958 meters (0.6 ft) from Kiyomizu-dera

11. Gion Shinmonso (from USD 152)

This is a great spot for those of you wanting to be in the heart of Gion as it is within easy walking distance. All of the rooms are Japanese-styled, and they are spacious and can easily fit up to four futon beds comfortably, making them ideal for families. The accommodations are fully air-conditioned and include a small fridge. It is worth noting that only some of the rooms benefit from en suite amenities, while others have the use of shared toilets and bathrooms. There is free WiFi throughout the whole property. A public bath awaits, and massages can also be booked.

Stayed at this property?

Gion Shinmonso

Address: Higashiyama-ku Hanamikoji Shin-mommae
1.57 km (1.0 mi) from Kiyomizu-dera

12. Nisshokan Shoshintei (from USD 71)

This stylish ryokan believes that simple is best. Located just a three-minute walk to the main Sanjo Subway, Nisshokan Shoshintei is a popular destination. The rooms are bright and spacious. They offer two futon beds, tatami mat flooring, and both a Japanese-style low table and a Western coffee table in the seating area. Guests can enjoy sitting in the Japanese garden, which includes a foot bath. There is also an on-site public bath, and yukatas are provided for all guests. Additional amenities include a souvenir shop, vending machines, and photocopying services.

Stayed at this property?

Nisshokan Shoshintei

Address: Higashiyama-ku Sanjoohashi Higashi-iru 2 Chome 57-62
1.88 km (1.2 mi) from Kiyomizu-dera

13. Gion Maifukan (from USD 79)

Just three minutes from Yasaka Jinja Shrine, this property is very popular for those of you who want to enjoy being in the hubbub of the Gion district. The rooms are large, and each one has free WiFi access. This ryokan offers both Western and Japanese rooms, with some of the bigger rooms comfortably hosting up to six people. If you are planning a trip with a large party, this might be your ideal match. Each room includes nighttime clothing, complimentary drinks, a flatscreen television, and a fridge. Additional services include bike rental and massages. Our favorite spot at this ryokan is the rooftop terrace, where you can soak up the sun, along with the sounds and sights of the Gion district.

Stayed at this property?

Gion Maifukan

Address: Higashiyama-ku Kamibentencho 440
941 meters (0.6 ft) from Kiyomizu-dera

14. Gion Hatanaka (from USD 378)

This friendly and welcoming ryokan is boutique-styled, making it ideal if you are looking for something extra special. It is just a short walk to the main Gion area but still feels very peaceful and relaxed. Dining options include a Japanese kaiseki multi-course dinner, which is prepared with only the freshest local ingredients. After a delicious meal, you can spread out in the spacious rooms and enjoy the free WiFi. The rooms feature particularly large windows, so they feel bright and airy. There is a traditional Japanese garden, which can be enjoyed when soaking in the public baths. In-room massage services are also offered but must be booked in advance.

Stayed at this property?

Gion Hatanaka

Address: Higashiyama-ku Gion Yasaka Jinjya Minamimon Mae
998 meters (0.7 ft) from Kiyomizu-dera

15. Yuzuya Ryokan (from USD 227)

With simple and unique antique flowers, the Yuzuya Ryokan is a beautiful five-star ryokan. Its location is in the Gion district, so the decoration style perfectly matches that of the surrounding area. You will truly feel like you are seeing a unique and ancient side of Japan. This inn also offers traditional multi-course meals made with the highest quality standards, and all of the rooms are Japanese-styled with tatami mats and futon bedding. It is worth noting though that there is WiFi on-site and that the staff can speak English. Remember to spend some time soaking in the relaxing public baths at the end of each day.

Stayed at this property?

Yuzuya Ryokan

Address: Higashiyama-ku Gion-cho Minamigawa 545
1.19 km (0.8 mi) from Kiyomizu-dera

Restaurant Garden Internet services Heating Luggage storage WiFi Available Free WiFi Air conditioning

Take a walk down the historical area of Gion, Kyoto

Gion is a place of utmost historical importance, and the best way to truly understand its unique and traditional culture is to stay in a Japanese ryokan. Whether you are with a big group or on a romantic getaway, want home comforts or are willing to try futon beds (which are incredibly comfortable), this list of the best ryokans in Kyoto, gathered by scouring the surrounding areas and chatting with the locals, has the right fit for you. All you need to do is book your pick!

Frequently asked questions about the best ryokans in Gion, 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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Katie is a committed full-time global wanderer and volunteer. She possesses an unerring compass that guides her to the obscure and distant corners of the Earth, where she explores jungles,...Read more

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