The Best Ryokans in Kyoto Worth the Money in 2025
Not every ryokan in Kyoto earns its price tag. These five do — from historic machiya stays to mountain onsen retreats that will ruin hotels for you.
Most ryokans in Kyoto are fine. A handful are exceptional. The difference matters more than you'd think, because the gap between the two can cost you ¥80,000 a night and leave you underwhelmed. Here's what's actually worth it.
1. Tawaraya (俵屋旅館)
Operating since 1709. Eighteen rooms. A staff-to-guest ratio that means someone is always anticipating something before you ask. The kaiseki arrives in your room. The garden is private. The futon is made properly.
Getting a reservation means planning months ahead and sometimes going through a hotel concierge who already has a relationship. There is no availability page to just check. The effort is worth it. There is no better ryokan in Japan.
¥80,000–¥200,000 per night. Nakagyo-ku, central Kyoto.
2. Hiiragiya (柊家)
Since 1818. The main building — not the annex — is what you're here for. The annex is more modern and considerably less interesting. The original rooms feel genuinely old, not performing old. The kaiseki is seasonal and precise, the kind of meal you're still thinking about on the flight home.
The shared baths are small but quiet. Book a room in the main building and the experience justifies it.
¥50,000–¥150,000. Nakagyo-ku, walking distance from Nijo Castle.
3. Aman Kyoto
Not a traditional ryokan — Aman's interpretation of one, built into a long-hidden garden above Kinkaku-ji. The architecture is extraordinary: moss, concrete, wood, and light handled with complete confidence. The onsen pool is among the best hotel baths in Japan.
If you're coming to Kyoto for the first time and budget is secondary, this is the easiest recommendation to make.
¥150,000–¥400,000+. Northern Kyoto, Takagamine.
4. Yoshida Sanso
Built in 1932 as the private residence of an imperial prince. Seven rooms, each different. The garden is exceptional. The hillside location in Higashiyama means genuine quiet even in peak season. Meals arrive in your room and are sourced with care.
One of the best value propositions in this tier — the price is lower than the experience suggests.
¥40,000–¥80,000. Higashiyama, near Nanzen-ji.
5. The Bettei Furukawa
Arashiyama, which gets overrun during the day, empties out after dark. Furukawa is the ryokan that's genuinely hard to find — small, built around a central garden, with outdoor baths fed by actual hot springs. The food emphasises Kyoto vegetables done plainly and well.
Stay here if you want to walk the bamboo grove before 7am, which is when it becomes a different place entirely.
¥60,000–¥120,000. Arashiyama.
A few things worth knowing before booking any of these: Tawaraya and Aman fill up six months out during cherry blossom and autumn leaves season. Dietary requirements need to be communicated at booking, not on arrival. Check-in is typically 3–4pm; dinner at 6 or 7. Don't plan a rushed afternoon and expect the experience to land properly.
The best ryokan stay isn't a hotel with tatami. It's a place that's been doing this long enough to have figured out what matters.
A note on sources — The information in this article reflects a mix of personal experience travelling in Japan and research from publicly available sources. Prices, hours, and availability change — always verify directly with restaurants, hotels, or operators before making plans.