Kyoto Ryokan: Where to Stay and Booking Tips
Kyoto is one of the main places in Japan to stay in a traditional ryokan. Most city-centre ryokan are not hot spring inns; for onsen water, Arashiyama Onsen (opened 2004) supplies about five inns in the Arashiyama area.
Getting there
From Kansai Airport, JR limited express Haruka runs to Kyoto Station in about 75-90 minutes. Kyoto Station is served by the Tokaido Shinkansen, JR lines, Kintetsu and the Karasuma subway line, with a large bus terminal in front. Gion is served by Keihan Gion-Shijo and Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi stations; Arashiyama by JR, Hankyu and Keifuku lines.
Good for
- First ryokan experience in a city with many sights
- Evening walks in Gion, a historic district with protected streets around Shirakawa and Hanamikoji
- Travellers who want an onsen ryokan without leaving Kyoto City (Arashiyama)
- Rail-heavy itineraries: ryokan near Kyoto Station keep Shinkansen and Haruka close
Watch out for
- Most city ryokan use ordinary heated water, not natural hot springs. Check if onsen matters to you.
- Ryokan average ¥15,000-30,000 per person per night; Kyoto's popular seasons push prices higher.
- Small family-run inns may have shared toilets or baths. Read the room details.
- Kyoto City charges an accommodation tax per person per night.
Booking tips
- Check whether the plan includes dinner and breakfast. Since around 2017 more ryokan sell room-only plans, and dinner usually starts at a set time, so arrive on time.
- Several Japanese cities charge an accommodation tax per person per night on top of the room rate. Check whether the listed price includes it.
- If you want a private bath, filter for rooms with an en-suite bath rather than assuming one.
FAQ
Are there hot spring ryokan in Kyoto?
Yes, in Arashiyama. Arashiyama Onsen opened in 2004 and supplies about five inns. Most central Kyoto ryokan are not onsen.
How do I get from Kansai Airport to Kyoto?
JR limited express Haruka runs to Kyoto Station in about 75-90 minutes.
How much does a Kyoto ryokan cost?
A typical ryokan stay is ¥15,000-30,000 per person per night, usually with dinner and breakfast. The final price for your dates comes from the list above.