An expert analysis based on customer reviews and knowledge of Kyoto
The Hoshinoya in Kyoto
Overview
Ryokans are perfect for those looking for an authentic Japanese experience. The typical definition of a Ryokan is a Japanese-style guesthouse, commonly including an onsen, which focuses on traditional Japanese hospitality. They provide a more historical experience and offer more cultural immersion than modern hotels. Luxury Ryokans take this to the next level. But the right accommodation can be a very time-consuming process. How do you know which location to choose? How can you be sure it will be worth the price? And how can you trust the recommendations on other websites? We aim to solve all these problems and save you time, ensuring you have the absolute best experience during your holiday.
Our Expertise
After working as a tour guide in Kyoto for 3 years I decided to compile this list based on my expert knowledge of this incredible city. On top of this knowledge, I've analyzed thousands of customer reviews to determine an accurate list of the best luxury ryokans in Kyoto. Luxury accommodation comes with a high price tag, but as you know, time is more valuable than money. Unlike other websites, this is not a generic article with a top ten list, instead of providing a subjective opinion full of sponsored content and Google Ads, this article gives you measurable data and metrics.
The only filters I've personally applied are:
— a minimum average review rating of 9 out of 10
— the location must be convenient for sightseeing
— a minimum of 100 reviews
— a minimum price point above $300 per night
Our listing for each place has a convenient summary including the:
Gallery
Description
Highlights
Average Price
Location
Review Score
Review Example
The 5 Best Luxury Ryokans In Kyoto
(Sorted by rating & number of reviews)
The Nazuna Nijo Castle ─ 9.6
The Gion Kyoka Ryokan ─ 9.6
The Nazuna Gosho ─ 9.5
The Kyokoyado ─ 9.4
The Izuyasu Ryokan ─ 9.3
Editor's Choice
1. The Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo
The Nazuna brand prides itself in establishing the absolute best luxury Ryokans in Kyoto, and their property at Nijo Castle is one of their finest offerings. The Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo is a beautiful tea-themed ryokan offering private open-air baths in every room. The property is a restored machiya - a traditional Kyoto-style building that has become synonymous with the ancient capital. The history and culture can be felt throughout the property, and the staff are super kind, attentive, and professional, making you feel like a unique guest rather than just another customer. The rooms also include a private Zen garden, and the exclusive kaiseki cuisine is prepared before your eyes from the freshest, locally sourced ingredients.
• Highlights:
─ Luxurious rooms featuring outdoor baths, private Zen gardens, and rainfall showers.
─ Staff are super friendly and go above and beyond, offering expert tips on sightseeing and making restaurant reservations for you.
─ Located right next to Nijo Castle and only a 5-minute taxi to downtown Kyoto with access to the major attractions.
• Price Range: $700 - $1200 per night
• Location: Nijo Castle, near downtown Kyoto
• Google Review Score: 9.6 ★ (150+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"I don't typically write reviews, but in certain cases an exception must be made. Our stay at Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo was absolutely spectacular! Perfect staff that were kind, genuine, and attentive. We had a perfect welcome with matcha, snacks, and a tour. Loved that our fridge was full of local Kyoto drinks that were included free of charge. Loved that there was a tea set in my room that was always stocked. The room was spotless and beautiful. The design was wonderful. Very modern, including rainfall showers. The beds and tatami floors were very comfy. Food was incredible, we ate dinner in our room every night because it was just so pleasant to be in the room. The outdoor onsen was an amazing touch and helped us relax after lots of walking. The room always smelled outstanding."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2. The Gion Kyoka Ryokan
The Gion Kyoka Ryokan is so authentically Japanese that it's not even labelled in English on booking.com, instead, it's known as 祇園の宿 杏花. This traditional ryokan feels like a preserved piece of history and yet still offers modern comforts such as a Western-style mattress and exquisitely prepared Kyoto cuisine. The lovely 100-year-old building was originally a teahouse, which gives it a unique and charming atmosphere. The location is right in the heart of Gion and surrounded by historically preserved streets, a 2-minute walk to the Kamogawa and a 4-minute walk to the Yasaka Shrine.
• Highlights:
─ Traditional ryokan experience in the heart of Gion, with private gardens and onsen baths.
─ A charming 100-year-old teahouse converted into a luxury ryokan.
─ Spacious room options that can sleep up to 5 people.
• Price Range: $500 - $1000 per night • Location: Gion
• Review Score: 9.6 ★ (200+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"We were absolutely ecstatic with our stay here! The ryokan had the charm of historical Japan, but is modernized and impeccable in every way. We were surprised with how large our accommodations were with a tatami tea room, a compact yet efficient kitchen, beautiful onsen bath and a spacious bedroom... all with a gorgeous view of our own little zen garden. Loved the smell of the cedar hardwood that permeated the space. We will always remember our stay here for the Kyoto experience we always dreamed of."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
3. The Nazuna Kyoto Gosho
The Nazuna Gosho is located on a quiet street between Nijo Castle and downtown Kyoto. The architectural design of this property is stunning, featuring handmade wooden floors, beautiful shoji screen doors, and luxurious open-air bathtubs in every room. This ryokan is quickly becoming famous for the unbelievable cuisine which is prepared in front of you by their award-winning chef, who also speaks English. The ryokan also offers complimentary alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and light meals in the Irori Lounge, perfect for unwinding after a long day or meeting fellow travellers. Its location gets you away from the noisy crowded streets and lets you experience a peaceful Kyoto life in an upmarket area. Taxis are always available and you're only a few minutes' ride to most of the main attractions.
• Highlights:
─ Famous for incredible food and cuisine, prepared in front of you by their exclusive chef.
─ Complimentary alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and light meals in the Irori Lounge.
─ An architectural marvel, featuring handmade wooden floors, beautiful shoji screen doors, and open-air bathtubs in every room.
• Price Range: $600 - $1200 per night
• Location: Between Nijo Castle & downtown Kyoto
• Review Score: 9.5 ★ (100+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Everything about our stay was amazing. The vibe was very cozy, relaxing and intimate in a traditional Japanese way, which was exactly what we were looking for. The bathroom was exceptional with an amazing bathtub, it felt like I was in a movie. And the food - oh my! The breakfast and dinner were the best meals of our entire 4 weeks stay in Japan. More than anything, the service was the highlight of our stay, so kind, and helpful in every way. I cannot describe in words how good this ryokan was."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
4. The Kyokoyado Yasaka Yutone
The Kyokoyado Yasaka Yutone has one of the best locations for an authentic ryokan experience in Kyoto - right in the heart of the historically preserved streets of Higashiyama. You have ancient temples such as Kodaiji and Kiyomizudera right on your doorstep, and you're only a 5-10 minute walk to Gion. They provide drinks and snacks free of charge in your room and also in the lounge area, including free matcha. All seven rooms feature a wooden cypress bath, and their exclusive chef serves incredible kaiseki cuisine which has become famous in Kyoto.
• Highlights:
─ Complimentary drinks and snacks provided in the rooms and in the lounge.
─ Incredible location in the historically preserved area of Higashiyama, within easy walking distance to Kiyomizudera Temple, the Yasaka Shrine, and Gion.
─ All rooms feature wooden cypress baths, and an exclusive chef serves amazing Kaiseki cuisine.
• Price Range: $300 - $500 per night
• Location: In the heart of Higashiyama
• Review Score: 9.4 ★ (200+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"What a charming experience! The view of the garden from our window, the smell of the wooden onsen, the fresh pyjamas every night, the yukata robe for comfort at breakfast and dinner, delicious treats and drinks at no charge, every detail was considered. Highlights were certainly the breakfast and dinner where the food was not only delicious, it was also beautifully presented. Amazing location and access to Gion, the best staff, very attentive and caring."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
5. The Izuyasu Ryokan
The Izayasu Ryokan prides itself on providing a traditional, authentic, Japanese experience. The owners combine this traditional focus with an emphasis on luxury, incorporating beautiful decor, antique furniture, and historical aesthetics. It's located only a 7-minute walk from Kyoto station, next to the Shoseien Garden which is a great option for escaping the tourists, featuring both cherry blossom and maple trees. The original building is nearly 200 years old, offering a historical atmosphere while seamlessly integrating modern restorations to ensure a high level of comfort.
• Highlights:
─ Prides itself on offering a traditional Japanese ryokan experience.
─ A 200-year-old building with subtle modern restorations.
─ Next to the Shoseien Garden, which is a great option for escaping the tourists, featuring both cherry blossom and maple trees.
• Price Range: $400 - $600 per night
• Location: Kyoto Station
• Review Score: 9.3 ★ (200+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"A lovely traditional Ryokan that has been beautifully refurbished to create a comfortable stay. The staff are so polite and helpful. You are given a warm welcome and really well looked after. The pictures do not do it justice. The breakfast was traditional with a lot of variety, tasty, and always served with warmth and smiles. Our evening meals were an absolute delight and we learnt so much about Japanese food and traditions. It felt a relief at the end of a day of sightseeing to return to the tranquillity of the ryokan and a welcome bath. Our host and the rest of the staff made our stay one of our best travel experiences ever."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
Editor's Choice
1. The Hoshinoya Kyoto
The editor's choice for the best luxury ryokans in Kyoto is the award-winning Hoshinoya located in Arashiyama. This is often referred to as the most luxurious ryokan in Japan and it's easy to see why. The Hoshinoya feels like you're living in a cinematic film, and the experience begins before you even reach the property. After braving the crowds of Arashiyama during the 10-minute walk from the station, you're transported to the ryokan on a traditional wooden boat that gently glides through the emerald-green water. The architecture of the property is carefully designed to seamlessly integrate with nature, and each room highlights different aspects of the beautiful scenery that surrounds you. The average customer review is lower than would be expected, but upon inspection, these negative reviews are primarily due to the price - this is not a ryokan for those concerned about money. However, if you can afford it, it offers a unique experience unlike anything else in the world.
You can read a full description of the Hoshinoya on our dedication page: The Most Exclusive Ryokan In Kyoto
• Highlights:
─ Access to the ryokan is via a traditional wooden boat that gently glides through Arashiyama's emerald-green river.
─ An award-winning ryokan, renowned for its excellent service, high standards of luxury, and unmatched cultural immersion.
─ All rooms feature views of the Oi River, plus bamboo furniture, tatami sofas, and custom wallpaper, all handmade by local artisans.
• Price Range: $1200 - $3000 per night
• Location: Arashiyama
• Review Score: 8.6 ★ (50+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"The Hoshinoya Kyoto is a unique and truly memorable ryokan. The hotel is located in a gorgeous setting that was especially lovely in May. The hotel staff were so welcoming and kind. We were celebrating a special birthday and the staff went beyond our expectations to give us an exquisite dinner and a remarkable Japanese breakfast. The view from our rooms was mesmerizing and the Western-style bed was extremely comfortable. There was a cedar bathtub as well as a shower. A wonderful and relaxing experience. We loved staying here."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices for Hoshinoya on Agoda
