Ryokans in Kyoto

Kyoto Ryokans

Kyoto is an immense old-world metropolis set in the central stretch of Japan’s main Honshu Island. This vibrant, bustling city provides a window into Japan’s traditional culture, where tranquil Buddhist temples abound, and graceful Geishas glide through cherry tree-lined streets. But Kyoto celebrates contemporary culture, too - from its fine art museums to its booming department store shopping scene. Partygoers will find thriving nightlife districts, while lovers of the outdoors will discover rejuvenating mountain hikes.

Things to see

Begin your bright Kyoto morning with a refreshing excursion to the Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine, which rests at the foot of a tree-carpeted mountain southeast of the city centre. This mystical 1st century shrine is surrounded by dozens of traditional Japanese torii - timbered gateways painted bright orange. The torii coil up the mountain path, where smaller stone shrines are scattered. Later, visit the Kinkaku-ji Buddhist temple, renowned for its glimmering gold-leaf facade, which is brilliantly reflected in the adjacent blue-green pond. After, architecture-buffs should see Nijo Castle- a 17th century stone-walled fortification of sparkling moats, mossy turrets, and Edo-period chambers. Art-fiends, on the other hand, should head to the Kyoto National Museum, which showcases pre-modern Japanese and Asian art, from paintings and calligraphy to metalwork and handicrafts. Splurging shoppers can finish their day along Shijo Street, where flashy multi-storey department stores flourish.

Hotels in Kyoto

Ryokans are a type of traditional Japanese guesthouse. Centuries ago, they would accommodate road-weary travellers, offering simple tatami-matted rooms and communal dining areas. Today, many Kyoto ryokans offer much the same - no-frills 2 star accommodation with basic private rooms and communal eating areas. Of course, they come with some modern conveniences - like free WiFi. Other Kyoto ryokans have evolved the traditional model to create 3 star boutique ryokan-style hotels, with in-house restaurants and tour and ticket assistance. Others Kyoto ryokans have gone all-out to create luxury 4 star accommodations, which include full spa facilities and indulgent 24 hour room service. Our 4-star rating hotel recommendation is Hotel Kanra Kyoto.

Where to stay

For a quintessentially rustic Kyoto atmosphere - where winding streets lead to serene temples and peaceful gardens dotted with lily-ponds - stay in one of the 2 sightseeing neighbourhoods, either Northern or Southern Higashiyama, on the eastern side of the city. Northern Higashiyama is a little less crowded, and proffers from a welcoming residential vibe - perfect for families. Southern Higashiyama, meanwhile, contains the traditional Gion entertainmentdistrict, where Geishas still silently slip through the streets. Urban-explorers and splurging shoppers seeking a more modern setting should stay in either Downtown or central Kyoto - home to the city’s shopping and nightlife hubs.

How to get to Kyoto

While Kyoto doesn’t have its own international airport, the enormous Kansai International Airport is based just 100 kilometres away, outside the city of Osaka. This airport serves year-round flights from top European cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. To reach Downtown Kyoto, catch a Haruka Limited Express train direct from the airport. They depart every hour, and take around 75 minutes. Kyoto’s expansive mix of public transport - which includes light rail, a subway system, and a bus network - will get you almost anywhere within the city. Cycling is a great way to whizz around the sightseeing areas, too.