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 October 21, 2025.
1. Ryokan Shimizu (from USD 120)
Delicious and hearty traditional Japanese breakfast with accommodating options. Superb Obanzai style breakfast.
Reasonable pricing for traditional Ryokan experience with private Japanese-style bath.
Conveniently located near Kyoto Station, close to restaurants and within walking distance of attractions.
Clean, spacious rooms with private bathrooms and a reservable private bath. Friendly and accommodating hosts.
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.
Ryokan Shimizu
Address: Shimogyo-ku Shichijo dori Wakamiya agaru Kagiyacho 644
1.79 km (1.2 mi) from Nishiki Market
2. Matsui Honkan (from USD 338)
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.
Matsui Honkan
Address: Nakagyo-ku, Izutsuya cho 405
229 meters (0.2 ft) from Nishiki Market
3. Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado (from USD 504)
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.
Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado
Address: Shimogyo-ku Tokumancho 199
995 meters (0.7 ft) from Nishiki Market
4. Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei (from USD 132)
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.
Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei
Address: Shimogyo-ku Yanaginobanbadori Takatsuji Sagaru Kichimonjicho 425
563 meters (0.4 ft) from Nishiki Market
5. Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo (from USD 1726)
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!
Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo Established in 1915
Address: Sakyou Nanzenji Fukuchi 34
2.31 km (1.5 mi) from Nishiki Market
6. Yasaka-Yutone Serving Kyoto Cuisine Ryokan (from USD 484)
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.
Yasaka-Yutone Serving Kyoto Cuisine Ryokan
1.44 km (0.9 mi) from Nishiki Market
7. Nazuna Kyoto Gosho (from USD 788)
“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.
Nazuna Kyoto Gosho
Address: Nakagyo-ku Hanatatecho 255-1
1.4 km (0.9 mi) from Nishiki Market
8. Hoshinoya Kyoto
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
9. Nanzenji sando KIKUSUI (from USD 1136)
Superbly crafted breakfast and dinner, with private dining rooms overlooking a beautiful garden.
Luxurious and worth the cost, despite being on the higher end.
Located near Nanzen-ji and Heian-jingu, with a 5-minute walk to an underground train station.
Spacious rooms, exceptional service, and a luxurious spa suite with a large onsen.
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.
Nanzenji sando KIKUSUI
Address: Sakyo-ku, Nanzenji Fukuchi-cho 31
2.31 km (1.5 mi) from Nishiki Market
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.
Ryotei Rangetsu
Address: 7 Susukinobaba-cho, Sagatenryuji, Saga Tenryuji, Ukyo, Kyoto, Kyoto, JPN, 6168385
8.17 km (5.1 mi) from Nishiki Market
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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