The best ryokan in Kyoto in 2026 are Hiiragiya and Tawaraya, two historic inns facing each other downtown, Hoshinoya Kyoto reached by boat in Arashiyama, Gion Hatanaka near Yasaka Shrine, Yoshida Sanso in a former imperial villa and Nanzenji Yachiyo by Nanzen-ji. Each includes a kaiseki dinner and Japanese breakfast.
A ryokan is a traditional inn: tatami rooms, futons, a bath and a multi-course dinner and breakfast. Kyoto's historic ryokan are small, so book months ahead, and tell them about dietary needs.
A historic ryokan run by the same family for generations.
Hiiragiya has hosted guests since 1818, with rooms looking onto small gardens and refined kaiseki meals.
It is one of Kyoto's two legendary inns.
Good to know: Book months ahead.
Fuyacho Anekoji-agaru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8094
Kyoto's most famous ryokan, over 300 years old.
Tawaraya, opposite Hiiragiya, has welcomed guests for over three centuries, with rooms opening onto private gardens.
It has no website; book by phone or through an agent.
Good to know: Book by phone or through a travel agent.
278 Nakahakusancho, Fuyacho Aneyakoji-agaru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8094
A riverside retreat reached by private boat.
Hoshinoya Kyoto sits upriver from Arashiyama and is reached by the inn's own boat, with modern rooms in restored buildings.
It is peaceful and secluded.
Good to know: Book the boat transfer from Togetsukyo.
11-2 Arashiyama Genrokuzancho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto 616-0007
A ryokan near Yasaka Shrine with maiko dinners.
Gion Hatanaka is a traditional inn near Yasaka Shrine, known for its Kyoto Cuisine and Maiko Evening, where guests dine with maiko.
It is in the heart of Gion.
Good to know: Book the maiko dinner well ahead.
505 Gion-machi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0074
A small inn in a former imperial family villa.
Yoshida Sanso occupies a 1932 villa built for an imperial prince, on Mt Yoshida, with a handful of rooms and kaiseki meals.
It is intimate and quiet.
Good to know: Ask for a room with a garden view.
59-1 Yoshida Shimo-oji-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 606-8314
A garden ryokan next to Nanzen-ji.
Nanzenji Yachiyo has a pond garden and serves yudofu and kaiseki, steps from Nanzen-ji.
It is convenient for the Philosopher's Path.
Good to know: Walk to Nanzen-ji before breakfast.
34 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 606-8435
A traditional Japanese inn with tatami rooms, futon beds, a bath and usually dinner and breakfast included.
Tawaraya and Hiiragiya, both centuries old and facing each other on Fuyacho-dori.
Top ryokan often cost ¥80,000 to ¥200,000 or more per person per night, including meals.
Few have natural hot springs; most offer private wooden or cypress baths.
Ryokan provide yukata (cotton robes) to wear around the inn.