The 5 Best Ryokans in Kyoto: Best Places to Stay in Kyoto's Geisha District 2026

A very special experience that I had in Japan, and something I had high on my bucket list before I even arrived, was staying in a ryokan, which is a traditional Japanese guesthouse.

You can find ryokans all over Japan, to be honest, since they are essentially just traditional inns. But because the Gion area in Kyoto is so old, with loads of traditional houses, and it’s also the famous geisha district, Gion is super popular for its authentic ryokans.

I stayed in a ryokan myself while I was in Kyoto and I absolutely loved the experience! It’s such a cool change of pace compared to a regular hotel, you get the tatami mats, the sliding doors, and that amazing hospitality.

This is why I figured I’d put together this list of the best ryokans in Gion, so maybe you’ll be enticed to stay at one too. I promise you, it is a super cool experience, but let’s get into the best ones first!

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The 5 Best Ryokans in Kyoto: Best Places to Stay in Kyoto's Geisha District 2026

The Best Ryokans in Kyoto – My Experience

I stayed at a ryokan myself while I was in Kyoto! Mine was located a little further out, and unfortunately, it doesn’t actually exist anymore, which I am super bummed about. It was this incredibly cute, little family-run place where I stayed for two nights, and the family running it was just so amazing, hospitable, and friendly.

They made my breakfast every morning and were honestly just the sweetest people ever. It was located right by the Philosopher’s Path, close to Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion). I loved it so much and I have no idea why they closed; it’s super sad because I really wanted to recommend it to you guys!

Other than that, I had an amazing experience at the ryokan, but I’ll be honest, there were definitely a few things I needed to get used to. For starters, our room basically had no real bed. We only had the typical tatami mats (which is basically the flooring), and then we each had a small mattress on the floor to sleep on. That was pretty much everything in the room, no desk, no nothing! Just that and the paper-thin sliding doors.

I do think the ryokan I stayed at was a very traditional, small inn, so it didn’t have an onsen or anything like that.

From what I’ve heard from friends and seen online, ryokans can vary a lot, from more basic, family-run spots like mine to super high-end, luxurious ones with private spas and onsens (Japanese baths).

It’s really up to you what type of experience you want, but it’s traditional and authentic either way! In this list, I’m going to try to give you a mix, ranging from more affordable options to total luxury ryokans.

What is a Ryokan?

Just from my own experience above, you might already have an idea of what a ryokan is, but I still want to talk about it quickly because, truth be told, I didn’t really know exactly what it was before I got there!

So, a ryokan is a traditional Japanese style inn. It’s basically a guesthouse or a small hotel, and that’s what I stayed in. It’s actually quite similar to a Minka, which is a traditional Japanese house (I stayed in one of those too!).

I kept mixing them up at the beginning because, in terms of design, they look very similar. They both have that typical Japanese architecture, the tatami mats, and the specific design. The main difference is that a ryokan is a serviced guesthouse, whereas a minka is just the house itself.

Ryokans can vary a lot, and I mean a lot, just like any regular hotel would in terms of comfort and amenities. The one I stayed at was very family-run, very traditional, and fairly basic, but it also wasn’t very expensive at all.

However, a ryokan can also be a full-on 5-star stay with a spa, amazing restaurants, onsens, gardens, and bars. Some even have their own geisha theater, which is just crazy!

From my own experience, I thought the place I stayed was super interesting, but I think next time (if I can afford it, of course!), I would totally want to stay at a luxury ryokan in Gion Kyoto. I feel like that would be an even better experience!

My Top Ryokans in Gion Kyoto and other Areas

1. Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo (One of the Best Ryokans in Kyoto with Private Onsen)

Without a doubt, one of the best ryokans in Kyoto with a private onsen is Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo. I mean, just look at the pictures, it looks incredible! If I ever win the lottery, I am absolutely staying here because it’s one of the most amazing-looking ryokans I have ever seen. (And hey, if anyone from the ryokan is reading this, I’m totally happy to be invited for a free promo stay, haha!).

Anyway, the whole property is just beautiful. It feels so authentic and traditional but still has that high-end, luxurious touch. The absolute highlight here is the rooms that come with a private open-air onsen made of Japanese cypress.

I’ve been to quite a few public onsens in Japan, they’re basically traditional bathhouses, and they are so relaxing! I loved them, so if you haven’t tried one yet, I highly recommend it. But having one all to yourself in your own room? That is next level.

Another major highlight is that this property is surrounded by cherry trees. If you’re lucky enough to visit during cherry blossom season (usually late March or early April), the whole ryokan is going to look amazing. It’s located right near the famous Nanzen-ji Temple, so the location is also top-notch for exploring.

Book Here: Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo

2. Gion Yoshiima

This ryokan is definitely less luxurious and upscale than the previous one, but it’s also quite a bit nicer than the one I stayed at, so I feel like it’s a perfect mid-range option.

It doesn’t have a fancy private spa or onsen in every room, but it has a beautiful design with stunning rooms and a really peaceful atmosphere. The garden is definitely the highlight here, it’s super peaceful and just looks like the perfect place to relax.

I actually looked into staying here myself when I was booking my trip to Kyoto, but unfortunately, it was totally booked out at the time! Otherwise, I definitely would’ve stayed here, especially because the location is right where I wanted to be,in the heart of Gion.

Gion is honestly one of my favorite areas; I’ve walked through it a few times and have even seen real Geishas wandering around between the teahouses, which was just so cool to witness.

Plus, the breakfast here is supposed to be amazing too, which is always a big win in my book! It’s a great choice if you want that authentic Gion vibe without having to win the lottery first.

Book Here: Gion Yoshiima

3. Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado (This is my top recommendation!)

I actually think this might be my absolute favorite on the entire list, and I’m going to tell you exactly why.

As much as I love the whole traditional experience, I also love the luxury of sleeping in a proper bed. I know there are loads of people out there who feel the same way!

For a lot of travelers, the idea of a ryokan can seem a little intimidating or just plain strange because of the floor-sleeping (honestly, I thought the same thing before I tried it).

This ryokan hits it smack-dab in the middle. It’s a perfect mix of the authentic atmosphere but with all the comforts catered toward tourists.

It’s a stunning luxury spot that gives you the best of both worlds: you get the beautiful architecture and a peaceful hidden garden right in the center, but you also get a massive, plush bed to crash in after a long day of exploring.

The amenities are beautiful, and the Japanese-style breakfast they serve in the morning is a total highlight.

Honestly, after doing all this research, if you aren’t traveling on a super tight budget, this is my top pick. This is 100% where I’m staying the next time I’m in Kyoto!

Book Here: Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado

4. Fujiya Ryokan (Very Authentic & Basic Ryokan in Kyoto)

Up next is Fujiya Ryokan, and this is definitely the one on the list that comes closest to the ryokan I stayed at myself. In fact, now that I’m looking at the pictures, it almost looks exactly the same!

This ryokan is what I would call “authentic”, it’s like an honest, no-frills guesthouse in Japan. The rooms are exactly what you’d expect: traditional tatami mats and futons to sleep on. It has a much more “homey” feel than the others, nothing flashy, nothing commercialized, and definitely no fancy private spa. It’s just a real, raw Japanese experience.

As far as my own experience goes, I would stay here because I’m always curious to see what a true, everyday Japanese ryokan feels like. I wouldn’t book this if I were expecting some type of 5-star luxury treatment, if that makes sense.

But I’m sure the experience here is great, and I bet the staff are super friendly (they even have a resident cat, which is always a plus in my book!). I would totally recommend staying here just for that authentic, local experience.

Book Here: Fujiya Ryokan

5. Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei (Best 5-Star Ryokan Kyoto)

This is the very last one on the list, and I put it last for a reason: I wouldn’t necessarily say this is a full-on, traditional ryokan. It’s more of a mix between a high-end hotel and a ryokan.

I can totally understand if some people wouldn’t want to stay in a “pure” ryokan. Honestly, I was pretty skeptical at the beginning too. Part of me was thinking, “Wait, I’m paying extra to sleep on a mattress on the floor? Like, what?” I still think the traditional experience is 100% worth it for the vibe, but I get the hesitation!

So, if you’re someone who wants a luxury hotel experience but also wants a place that feels traditional and Japanese, I totally recommend Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei.

This is a 5-star hotel, but the design is very much inspired by a ryokan. You get loads of traditional elements, like beautiful tatami-style flooring, but with the comfort of a “real” bed.

The coolest part is that most of the rooms in the Bettei wing actually have their own private open-air onsen on the balcony! It’s definitely a more upscale choice, but I would totally stay here if I wanted that Japanese experience without having to commit to the mattress-on-the-floor situation.

Book Here: Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei

FAQs About Where to Stay in Gion Kyoto

What is the best 5 Star Ryokan in Kyoto?

I’d say the best 5-star ryokan in Kyoto is Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo. With its beautiful amenities, private onsens, and incredible cherry blossoms, this is definitely a spot that’s high on my own bucket list for when I want to splurge.

What is the best Onsen Ryokan in Kyoto?

I honestly think that Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei has some of the best onsens in Kyoto because they are private onsens right in the rooms. Plus, they’re on a balcony, so you get amazing views while taking a hot bath.

Are Ryokans expensive to stay at?

They definitely can be, but they don’t necessarily have to be! Similar to hotels, some are more basic and affordable while others are super high-end. I personally have only stayed at very traditional, basic ryokans so far, but staying in a luxury one is definitely on my list for next time.

Is it worth it staying in a Ryokan?

I absolutely think so! I stayed at a fairly basic ryokan for two nights in Kyoto myself and I loved the experience. However, I’ll be honest, I definitely think a luxury ryokan would be even better. I bet they’re amazing, and having a private onsen to yourself would be so cool.

Final Thoughts on The Best Ryokan in Kyoto

All in all, I can only say that I will always recommend staying in a ryokan. I personally just loved how traditional and authentic the experience felt. Especially in a city like Kyoto, which is so historic in itself, I kind of felt like staying in a ryokan made the city part of my actual stay, if that makes sense!

For instance, in a modern city like Tokyo, I wouldn’t care as much about staying in one since it doesn’t always match the vibe, but here in Kyoto? I’m definitely Team Ryokan.

As far as the ryokans themselves go, I think it doesn’t matter if it’s a more basic one like the one I stayed at or a fancy one; both will give you a great experience.

However, I’m not going to lie, having a private onsen with a view over Kyoto is something I wouldn’t say no to! So, if you can afford it, I definitely recommend a luxury ryokan here.

I hope that this guide I’ve put together gives you a good idea of what’s possible and helps you decide where to stay in Kyoto. Enjoy the magic of Gion!