Gallery – AlexRockinJapan

Destinations Japan Kansai Region Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City ~ Where to Stay in Kyoto ~ Best Area Ryokan Guide Best Ryokan Best Hotels Cheap Hostels Disclaimer: My family is coming to Japan this May, so this is my recommendation for them. The post is not finished yet, but since they want to book the hotels in the near future I have already published it. Best Area to Stay in Kyoto Central Kyoto (Nakagyo) Nakagyo is the center of Kyoto and really in the middle of everything. The name literally means "central capital" and you can think of it as downtown Kyoto. It's one of the best places you can stay in Kyoto. Especially if you are into food and shopping! There are plenty of hotels, shops, and restaurants in this area and the famous Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades. Furthermore, you can explore a lot of the main attractions located in Central Kyoto and Higashiyama on foot when you choose to stay here. The main attractions you can find in Central Kyoto, are Nishiki Market, Pontocho Alley, Nijo Castle, the Kyoto International Manga Museum, and the Kyoto Art Center. Best place to stay if you: Would like a good base to explore Kyoto on foot or by bicycle Are into food, shopping, and entertainment Want to experience Kyoto's nightlife Don't mind to pay a little more Attractions: Nishiki Market, Nijo Castle, Pontocho Alley, Teramachi, Museums Stations: Nijo (JR), Shijo, Karasuma Oike, Karasuma, Kawaramachi Location: About 3.5 km north of Kyoto Station (42 min on foot) Access: JR San-in line (15 min), Karasuma Line (15 min) Best Ryokans Mitsuki Kyoto Matsui Honkan NAZUNA Kyoto Nijo-tei Best Hotels Seibido Inn Hotel Vista Premio Kyoto Village Kyoto East Kyoto (Higashiyama) Higashiyama is THE sightseeing district in Kyoto. It is usually divided into two areas, Southern Higashiyama and Northern Higashiyama. Southern Higashiyama is considered the most important one since it contains Gion, Kyoto's main geisha district. Other famous sights in Southern Higashiyama are Kiyomizudera Temple, Sanjusangen-do Temple, Yasaka-no-to Pagoda, and Kyoto's most popular (and crowded) cherry blossom viewing spot Maruyama Park. Northern Higashiyama has at least as many must-see attractions, but it's less crowded. Some of the more famous ones include Nanzenji Temple, Ginkakuji Temple, the Philosopher's Path, Heian-Jingu Shrine, and Kyoto's most famous autumn foliage spot Eikan-do Temple. Best place to stay if you: Want to be in walking distance to Kyoto's top tourist attractions Love traditional Japanese culture, shrines and temples Are dying to see or meet a Geisha / Maiko Aren't looking for budget-friendly hotels Attractions: Kiyomizudera, Yasaka-no-to Pagoda, Nanzenji, Ginkakuji, and many more Stations: Kiyomizu-Gojo, Gion-Shijo, Higashiyama, Sanjo, Keage Location: ~2.7 km north-east of Kyoto Station (32 min on foot) Access: Bus or Karasuma Line + Walk / Bus Best Ryokans Gion Maifukan Hotel Kyoto Gion Hatanaka Kinoe Ryokan Best Hotels Kyoto Inn Gion Kyoto Inn Gion The Second Kyoto Granbell Hotel Kyoto Station (Shimogyo) Kyoto's station area isn't really my favorite place to stay in Kyoto,. It's pretty far from Higashiyama and also not as beautiful. All the concrete and neon around the station just doesn't match the image you have of Kyoto... However, you're very close to Kyoto Station, which is convenient if you want to travel to Osaka, Nara or do all kinds of other day-trips! Most likely it's also the place where you'll arrive. So your hotel should be very close! Another good reason to stay here is the number of hotels you can choose from. There are a lot of hotels around the station and they usually offer better value. Some of the sightseeing spots here are Higashi-Honganji Temple, Nishi Honganji's Shoseien Garden, Toji temple with its pagoda and Kyoto Tower. You can also find a lot of restaurants, department stores and an underground shopping mall here. Best place to stay if you: Plan to travel to a lot of other places like Osaka, Nara, Uji, etc. Like big shopping centers and electronic stores Want to get the best value for your money Don't mind traveling to Kyoto's sights Attractions: Higashi-Honganji, Nishi Honganji, Toji, Kyoto Tower, Kyoto Station Building Stations: Kiyomizu-Gojo, Gion-Shijo, Higashiyama, Sanjo, Keage Location: Directly next to Kyoto Station (1 - 10 min on foot) Access: Tokaido Shinkansen, JR Lines, Karasuma Line Best Ryokans Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei Traditional Kyoto Inn Serving Kyoto Cuisine Izuyasu Lucky You Kyoto Best Hotels Hotel Granvia Kyoto Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto Hotel Kuu Kyoto West Kyoto (Arashiyama) The west part of Kyoto, Nishikyo, or let's better say Arashiyama is the second-most important sightseeing district in Kyoto. It's outside of the city center and it will take you about 30 minutes to get there. So booking a hotel here is not the first choice for most travelers. While it's not the most popular location to stay at, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove has to be a must-see on your list. It's incredibly beautiful! And there are a lot of other amazing things to see as well! Like Tenryuji Temple, the moss temple Kokedera, wild monkeys at Kameyamakoen Park, and the list goes on and on and on. I recommend you to stay here if you have been to Kyoto before or if you want to escape the crowds and busyness of Kyoto city. Also, if you are a nature lover, Arashiyama is THE best place for you. Best place to stay if you: Have been to Kyoto before and want to escape its crowds Prefer to be in nature and love outdoor activities Want to get the chance to see wild monkeys Don't mind that you're not directly in Kyoto Attractions: Arashiyama Bamboo Groove, Kameyama Park, Ternryuji, Kokedera Stations: Saga-Arashiyama (JR), Arashiyama Torokko (JR), Arashiyama Location: 10 km north-west of Kyoto Station (~30 min by train) Access: JR Sanin Line, Randen, Hankyu-Arashiyama Line Best Ryokans Ryotei Rangetsu Japaning Hotel Liv Ranrokaku Arashiyama Benkei Best Hotels Nagi Kyoto Arashiyama Hotel Binario Saga Arashiyama Suiran A Luxury Collection Hotel Kyoto Other places you could stay are: Northern Kyoto (Kamigyo): Kinkakuji, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kitano Tenmangu Southeast Kyoto (Fushimi): Fushimi-Inari Shrine, Fushimi Castle Osaka City (30 min - 1 h from Kyoto) Nara (35 min - 75 min from Kyoto) So now that we have an idea where to stay, let's have a closer look at Ryokans, Hotels, Hostels & Guest Houses in Kyoto. Best Ryokans in Kyoto Most of you probably want to have the Ryokan experience in Kyoto. And I totally agree that Kyoto is one of - or the - best place for it. However, finding the right Ryokan for your stay in Kyoto can be the toughest task of your whole preparation and the booking sides are usually not a great help. I think the most confusing part is, that there isn't "a Ryokan". There are actually different types of Ryokan. And depending on what you like or would like to experience you should choose accordingly. So let's have a look at the Ryokans you can choose from: Traditional Ryokan In a Traditional Ryokan, you'll have the most authentic Ryokan experience. It's a Japanese inn with a traditional atmosphere and history. The buildings are made of wood and look very Japanese since the owners do their best to preserve their original form. A lot of Traditional Ryokan also have a very nice Japanese garden. Here you will definitely be able to feel like you're in ancient Japan, however, you might miss some modern conveniences. If you care about a really authentic experience that is affordable, choose this type. Modern Ryokan I have the feeling that these Ryokan are the most booked ones. From the outside, a Modern Ryokan looks like a small hotel, but they feature Japanese-style rooms and baths. So your room will have Tatami mats and you can experience sleeping on a Futon. Usually, these Ryokan look very stylish and new and offer modern conveniences, but have no history. So while you'll definitely be able to have the Ryokan experience here, it's actually not a 100% authentic one. However, don't worry! It's probably good enough and an awesome experience, especially if you like hotel comfort. Luxurious Ryokan In a Luxurious Ryokan, you won't only be able to have an authentic Ryokan experience. You'll also experience Japanese hospitality and traditional Kaiseki-style meals at its finest. These Japanese inns have a very long history and a very traditional atmosphere. However, they also offer modern conveniences. The Japanese-style rooms and baths are usually more comfortable than in Traditional Ryokans. Furthermore, the wooden building and Japanese-style gardens are just gorgeous. As you can imagine Luxurious Ryokan are expensive, but staying and eating here will make for an unforgettable experience. Budget Ryokan This type of Ryokan is for you if you're already worried about the costs traveling to Japan. It's a concrete building that looks more like a hotel and it offers just a little traditional Japanese atmosphere. The rooms are Japanese-style but very plain and simple. Therefore, staying here can be a nice Japanese experience. However, I wouldn't recommend you to stay here for an authentic Ryokan experience. However, if you can't afford any other hotel and you really, really want to experience sleeping on a Futon, then this is your type or Ryokan. The good point about this type of Ryokan is the cheap price! Now you hopefully know what to expect and you have an idea of what kind of Ryokan you should be looking for. So let's take a look at the best choice for each type of Ryokan in Kyoto. Best Traditional Ryokan in Kyoto Most of these Ryokan are very small and only have a few rooms available. So if you would like to stay here you should reserve the room well in advance! Sawaya Honten Sawaya Honten is located just a little bit north of the famous Higashiyama district. Top sights like Heien Shrine and the Imperial Palace are right around the corner. And also the main Geisha district Gion is just a 21 minutes walk away. The Japanese-style rooms have a private bath, but you can also enjoy the shared (same gender) indoor bathing facilities. And if you want to the Ryokan will serve you a Japanese-style breakfast. Stay here when you: Want to stay at a traditional inn dating back to the 1920s Like spacious rooms and public bathing facilities Don't mind the distance from Kyoto Station Traditional Style: 2,5-star ryokan, Room with seating area and private bath Location: North-east Kyoto, 4.7 km from Kyoto Station (56 min on foot) Access: Jingu-Marutamachi via JR & Keihan Line (23 min, 7 min walk) Nearby: Heian Shrine, Kyoto Municipal Zoo, Ginkakuji Price: 15,000円 - ¥¥ HotelsCombined: 9.1 Superb "Great bath. Well located." Booking.com: 8.8 Fabulous "Public bath. Cleanliness." Hotellook: 9.3 Excellent "Wellness Area. Service." Expedia: 4.5 Wonderful! "Free Wifi. Cleanliness." Agoda: 8.9 Excellent "Cleanliness. Service. Facilities." Check Deals Yuzuya Ryokan Hotel Kyoto Yuzuya Ryokan is located in the middle of Gion in downtown Kyoto and right next to Yasaka Shrine. The famous Geisha street Hanamikoji Dori and Maruyama Park are also just a few steps away. So perfect location! The public bath is a special Yuzu Indoor Bath and when you opt in for the highly recommended dinner you can enjoy an exquisite 12 course meal. Stay here when you: Would like to experience the antique atmosphere of an inn that opened in 1932 Want to be right next to Gion to increase your chances of seeing a Geisha Are okay with paying the steep price Antique Style: 5-star ryokan, Rooms with private bath and seating area Location: Higashiyama, 3.2 km from Kyoto Station (39 min on foot) Access: Gion-Shijo via JR & Keihan Main Line (19 min, 6 min walk) Nearby: Yasaka Shrine, Gion, Maruyama Park, Nishiki Market Price: 30,000円 - ¥¥¥ HotelsCombined: 9.0 Superb "Great Location. Loved the Bath." Booking.com: 8.9 Fabulous "Traditional Japanese & Breakfast." Hotellook: 8.6 Very Good "Breakfast. Cleanliness. Location." Expedia: 4.5 Wonderful! "Free Wifi. Breakfast included." Agoda: 9.0 Exceptional "Location. Cleanliness. Service." Check Deals See more pictures Ryokan Izuyasu Ryokan Izuyasu or Traditional Kyoto Inn serving Kyoto cuisine IZUYASU is one of the oldest Ryokan in Kyoto. It openend 1839, but has been renovated in 2013. The rooms are very traditional, but the public facilities look stylish and modern after the renovation. Each room has a private toilet, but the bath is shared. However, you can reserve it, so that you have it for yourself. If you want to have a Keiseki dinner you need to make a reservation at least 3 days prior. Another impotant thing to know is that you can't enter or leave the property after 23:00. Stay here when you: Are looking for a historical and one of oldest Ryokans in Kyoto (opened in 1839) Prefer a place close to Kyoto Station and therefore convenient for day-trips Don't mind the curfew and shared bath Traditional & Modern Style: 4-star ryokan, Japanese rooms with private toilet only Location: Shimogyo, 0.8 km from Kyoto Station (9 min on foot) Nearby: Higashi Honganji Temple, Kyoto Tower, Kyoto Porta Price: 20,000円 - ¥¥ HotelsCombined: 9.0 Superb "Delicious Breakfast. Great Location." Booking.com: 8.8 Fabulous "Kaiseki Dinner. Great Experience." Hotellook: 8.8 Wonderful "Cleanliness. Location. Food." Expedia: 4.6 Wonderful! "Room Cleanliness. Service." Agoda: 9.0 Exceptional "Near Station. Free Wi-Fi." Check Deals See more pictures These are my top picks for you if you want to have an authentic Ryokan experience. Other traditional, but highly recommended Ryokans are Gion Yoshiima, Inn Kawashima, Sakanoue Hotel Kyoto and Yadoya Kikokuso. If all of them are booked out you can also try Sumiya Ryokan, Dozen Ryokan, Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo or Ryoan Kazuki Hotel Kyoto. The last two ones have amazing bathing facilities, but they already feel like modern Ryokan or Ryokan Hotel. Another really wonderful choice is Togetsutei, but it's in Arashiyama and not directly in Kyoto. IMPORTANT: When you book these Ryokan be careful that you select the right room type. Some of the more modern/expensive ones also have rooms with normal beds instead of Futon. On agoda and booking.com they usually indicate very nicely which type it is. Most Luxurious Ryokan in Kyoto Arashiyama Benkei Arashiyama Benkei was an esteemed country estate for nobles during the Heian Period. The current facilities opened in 1966, though. As the name suggests it is located in Arashiyama and therefore a bit outside of Kyoto city. However, the Ryokan offers a free shuttle service to the nearest stations in Arashiyama. In this Ryokan you can enjoy real hot spring baths indoor and outdoor. Furthermore, the Japanese-style dinner is served in your room. Stay here when you: Want to stay at a real traditional Onsen Ryokan with indoor and outdoor baths Like nature and want to avoid the crowds in Kyoto Don't mind the distance to Kyoto city Luxurious & Traditional Style: 4-star ryokan, Japanese rooms with outdoor onsen available Location: Arashiyama, 9.9 km from Kyoto Station (30-40 min by train) Nearby: Tenryu-ji, Bamboo Street, Arashiyama Monkey Park Price: 30,000円 - ¥¥¥ HotelsCombined: 9.2 Superb "Stunning Views. Great Breakfast." Booking.com: 9.2 Superb "Great Experience. Private Onsen." Hotellook: 9.2 Wonderful "Location. Breakfast. Wellness Area." Expedia: 4.7 Exceptional! "Multilingual Staff. Free Wifi." Agoda: 9.2 Exceptional "Cleanliness. Hot Spring Bath." Check Deals See more pictures Seikoro Ryokan Hotel Kyoto Seikoro Ryokan Hotel Kyoto offers traditional Japanese-style accommodation, a public bath and massage services. It's located in the famous Higashiyama ward and therefore a perfect choice if you want to explore Kyoto on foot. Stay here when you: Want to taste authentic local dishes that are served in a traditional Japanese setting Would like a Ryokan where you can soak in wooden bathtubs Don't mind the antique atmosphere Luxurious & Antique Style: 4-star ryokan, Japanese Rooms with garden view available Location: Southern Higashiyama, 1.7 km from Kyoto Station (21 min on foot) Nearby: Sanjusangen-do, Kyoto National Museum, Higashi Hongan-ji Price: 30,000円 - ¥¥¥¥ HotelsCombined: 9.3 Superb "Great Service. Convenient Location." Booking.com: 9.7 Superb "Traditional Japanese. Breakfast." Hotellook: 9.1 Wonderful "Service. Breakfast. Location." Expedia: 4.7 Exceptional! "Traditional Experience. Staff." Agoda: 8.9 Excellent "Hot Spring Bath. Service." Check Deals Kanamean Nishitomiya Kyoto Kanamean Nishitomiya Kyoto is located in downtown Kyoto and the perfect base to explore Kyoto on foot. A lot of of major sites and famous temples are nearby. The rooms are very Japanese, but also modern. If the weather is nice, you can also relax on the outdoor terrace. Stay here when you: Are looking for a luxurious Ryokan located in the heart of Kyoto city Want to have hosts that will go above and beyond for you Don't mind that there aren't many reviews available Luxurious & Modern Style: 4-star ryokan, Japanese rooms with private and shared baths Location: Nakagyo, 2.8 km from Kyoto Station (34 min on foot) Nearby: Honno-ji, Ponto-cho Price: 30,000円 - ¥¥¥ HotelsCombined: 8.0 Very Good "Great Bathroom. Loved the Food." TripAdvisor: 4.0 Excellent "Kaiseki Dinner. Quiet. Beautiful." Hotellook: 9.6 Excellent "Amazing Food and Service." Agoda: 10.0 Exceptional "Near Station. Location." Check Deals See more pictures These are my top 3 recommendations for you if you want to spend a little bit more money to experience superb hospitality and Japanese cuisine. In case you want to have a look at a few more Ryokan before making your choice Kinoe Ryokan Hotel Kyoto, Hiiragiya Bekkan and Ryugin are amazing, too. There aren't many pictures of Hiiragiya Bekkan on HotelsCombined.com, so here are more. There is one more Luxurious Ryokan I would like to recommend, Tawaraya Ryokan. However, this one can only be booked by phone or e-mail. Here's a booking guide for Tawaraya. Best Modern Ryokan in Kyoto Details about the must Luxurious Ryokan will follow next Friday so stay tuned! ٩(⌒ω⌒)੭⁾⁾