Kyoto is one of the most exciting places to explore — not just in Japan, but in the whole world! This amazing city is known for its classic Buddhist temples, beautiful imperial palaces, amazing Shinto shrines, and more. It’s a city where tradition is truly everywhere and that creates something truly magical.

We believe the best way to enhance your Kyoto experience to the max is to stay at a ryokan! These traditional Japanese inns are not just for eye candy. They also provide unbelievable service and hospitality! Experience the authentic Japanese lifestyle while staying at a gorgeous hotel. Treat yourself and book a few nights at a ryokan! We guarantee that you won’t regret it.

Here we’ve listed just 14 of the most beautiful luxury ryokans in Kyoto. Take your pick and have the time of your life!

1. Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei

We’re starting things off strong with undoubtedly one of the most beautiful ryokans in the country. Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei just has it all. Guests can’t stop raving about the exquisite traditional interiors. The owners sure know how to maximize space. Every square inch of this ryokan is full of character! The rooms are comfortable and perfectly designed for relaxing. Plus, this ryokan features a cypress wood bathtub that will ease all your worries!

Many great ryokans are pretty remote, but not this one. Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei is conveniently located near the Kyoto Station. It’s also close to a lot of nice restaurants and bars that you’ll definitely want to check out. Pair all that with the amazing hospitality of the staff here and you’ve pretty much got a perfect hotel stay.

Book It Here: Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei

2. Ishibekoji Muan

Up next we have this lovely ryokan in Kyoto’s Gion District! Ishibekoji Muan has that charming, old-school vibe that will make you feel like you’ve transported back in time. The entire space is very well thought-out, evoking traditional Japanese aesthetics at every turn. Here, guests are also given a choice between staying in futon rooms or rooms with Western-style beds. Of course, we recommend going for the futon-style since you’re already here. Might as well go for the whole traditional experience!

Ishibekoji Muan also has incredible facilities to pamper their guests. Despite its more traditional look, rooms are still packed with state-of-the-art gadgets like high-end hairdryers. Guests also love to make use of the various bath facilities here. The baths have automatic temperature regulation so you can feel warm for as long as you like. This is a godsend during winter! We also recommend starting each day with the ryokan’s breakfast. It’s a healthy and balanced meal that will give you all the energy you need for the day ahead!

Book It Here: Ishibekoji Muan

3. Gion Oyado Kikutani

Here we have another Gion gem, the Gion Oyado Kikutani! This charming ryokan is located at the heart of Kyoto’s geisha district. That means there are plenty of traditional sites just waiting to be explored around the ryokan! In Gion, you can find hostesses dressed in vibrant kimonos walking the streets. We recommend checking out the Tatsumi Bridge, Hanamikoji Street, and Gion Corner. You won’t run out of things to do or places to go when you stay at this ryokan!

Of course, what can be better than staying in a comfortable and luxurious room after a long day of sightseeing? Gion Oyado Kikutani makes sure all of its guests feel well-rested and taken care of. The staff are very friendly and will acquaint you with everything you need to know about the property. It’s a quiet and peaceful place that’s perfect for relaxation. Above all, Gion Oyado Kikutani also has a lovely private onsen where you can unwind after a long day.

Book It Here: Gion Oyado Kikutani

4. Auberge AZABU

You don’t know true hospitality until you’ve stayed at Auberge AZABU. This beloved Kyoto ryokan is best at providing incredible service and ambiance to all of its guests. As soon as you arrive, the staff will greet you with delicious tea and cake. They will also provide a map of Kyoto and tell you everything you need to know about the area.

Of course, they’re more than happy to tell you all the best places you should go to! Auberge AZABU is also conveniently located at both a subway line and a bus stop. You won’t have trouble getting around the city if you stay here.

Auberge AZABU is also quite well-known for its delectable eats. The owner and his wife spent more than 20 years in Paris learning from the best chefs and patissiers. Then they brought all their knowledge back here in Kyoto! The meals are perfectly crafted and just oh-so delicious. Besides, each dish is cooked right in front of you. A feast for the eyes and tastebuds!

Book It Here: Auberge AZABU

5. Ryokan Inakatei

If you’re going to Kyoto, we bet you also have a bit of love for history. After all, this city is known for housing some of the most well-preserved historical sites in the country! Well, then we simply have to recommend this next ryokan. Ryokan Inakatei boasts over 200 years in the hospitality service.

Guests love to rave about the authenticity of the place. Indeed, the amazing interiors will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. The owner and staff are also extremely proud of their ryokan’s history. You can tell they put a lot of love into this place!

Ryokan Inakatei is also conveniently located near a lot of must-see Kyoto sites. It is right next to the beautiful Koda-ji Temple and just within walking distance of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Along the way, you can also check out the famous Kyoto Starbucks and Ninenzaka. Ryokan Inakatei hits that sweet spot of being near many popular places while still being in a peaceful and quiet neighborhood.

Book It Here: Ryokan Inakatei

6. Yado Kiramachi

Our next ryokan makes sure its guests have a memorable stay. Yado Kiramachi has a nice central location. There’s a bus stop right outside as well as a metro station just a short walk away. That way, you can conveniently explore the city! This ryokan has that classic beauty that’s best featured in historical dramas. It’s a quaint little getaway spot that will make you feel as if you’re the main character in a movie. Homey and cozy, it also has some nice facilities like a hot spring bath. Traditional Japanese breakfasts are also included in every stay!

The staff at Yado Kiramachi floor every guest’s expectations. They are very sweet and accommodating. Don’t worry if you don’t know any Japanese. The staff here will still make sure you can communicate well. They are also very considerate so just let them know if you will check in or check out earlier or later than your agreed time.

Book It Here: Yado Kiramachi

7. Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado

Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado is a lovely and comfortable ryokan in Kyoto. It’s located quite close to the metro station as well as many of the popular sights in Kyoto. As soon as you walk in, you will immediately notice the care given to the ryokan’s design. Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado adds modern touches to their mostly traditional interiors. The warm colors and fiery hues also make this place even more inviting.

Aside from your regular rooms and baths, Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado also has other facilities for guests to enjoy. There is a nice little library where you can relax or perhaps even get some work done during your trip. Guests also love raving about the food that the excellent chefs provide. Each breakfast is hearty, healthy, yummy, and 100% authentic.

Book It Here: Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado

8. Seikiro Ryokan Historical Museum Hotel

Up next we have another gorgeous ryokan that has stood the test of time. The Seikiro Ryokan Historical Museum Hotel has been proudly serving guests for over 320 years! Aside from being a beacon of hospitality, it is also now known as a registered cultural landmark. Inside the property, you will also find a historic garden that has been thriving for over a hundred years. This awesome place is definitely a must-see site on its own.

Aside from the large comfortable rooms, there are also plenty of other facilities you can enjoy here. This ryokan includes a museum that the staff will gladly tour you in. This place is as much of a traditional hotel as it is a time capsule! You can tell just how much care and love was put into this place to help it survive for more than three centuries. The earnest staff and the lovely meals served will truly make your experience memorable.

Book It Here: Seikiro Ryokan Historical Museum Hotel

9. Luck You Kyoto

The name says it all! Anyone would be lucky to stay at the Luck You Kyoto. This beautiful ryokan has some of the coziest vibes you could ever dream of. Luck You Kyoto is a charming stay that will make you feel right at home as soon as you step through its doors. Of course, this comfortable atmosphere is further boosted by the extremely attentive staff. They are more than willing to accommodate you with your every need. All you have to do is inform them!

Rooms here are pretty much spotless. You will not find a single flaw or speck of dust anywhere. There is also a lovely onsen bath that guests are welcome to help themselves to. It’s an amazing experience after such a tiring day of going around the city! The daily breakfasts are also not one to miss. It’s the perfect way to start your adventure for the day ahead.

Book It Here: Luck You Kyoto

10. Ryokan Genhouin

For picturesque ryokans, you can hardly do better than Ryokan Genhouin. Every square inch of this property is just picture-perfect — from the beautifully manicured gardens to the classic interiors. Ryokan Genhouin is one of the best getaway spots in Kyoto. It’s a true luxury ryokan that’s been perfectly designed to maximize guests’ relaxation. When staying, we definitely recommend getting a room with a garden view. The sight of that beautiful lush garden is the perfect thing to wake up to every morning.

Ryokan Genhouin also has lovely wooden baths, bamboo water features, stoned paths, traditional lanterns, and more. It’s just the perfect place to relax and unwind. You can tell the staff put a lot of effort into making this ryokan as good and as comfortable as it is. Put your phones away and just enjoy being in one of the most luxurious ryokans not just in Kyoto but in all of Japan!

Book It Here: Ryokan Genhouin

11. Kamishichiken Oku

Kyoto is just chock-full of gorgeous traditional ryokans that perfectly complement the city’s style. Kamishichiken Oku is another one of those ryokans with that classic flair that feels like it could have been featured in a Kurosawa movie. Despite its traditional vibes, the amenities here are full-on modern. Enjoy the comfy rooms that have lots of free goodies for each guest! The bathrooms are also very large and spacious, perfect for some quality alone time.

Kamishichiken Oku has both indoor and outdoor baths that you can choose from. Of course, we recommend the outdoor one since you can have a beautiful view while having a nice warm soak. The staff here boasts the best of the best of Japanese hospitality. They even have an entire directory of restaurants, bars, and cafes to help you look for the perfect places to dine in! Overall, Kamishichiken Oku is an absolutely breathtaking ryokan that will give you the full authentic experience.

Book It Here: Kamishichiken Oku

12. Ryokan Sumiya Kihoan

The perfect trip feels like a dream you don’t want to wake up from. With Ryokan Sumiya Kihoan, your trip to Kyoto is guaranteed to feel like this! The tranquil environment will immediately pull you in as you step through its doors. The antique wooden interiors paired with the delicate landscaping provide an immersive and picturesque environment. This ryokan is located in one of the most picturesque places in Japan. Yet even the ryokan itself is already worthy of a photoshoot!

Ryokan Sumiya Kihoan has it all. They have beautiful spacious rooms you can relax in, intimate gardens where you can have a cup of tea, and gorgeous hot spring baths where you can unwind. This ryokan is also very well known for its food. They offer Kaiseki-style dinners. Every meal in this multi-course dinner is a surprise! Taste the authentic flavors of Japan through Ryokan Sumiya Kihoan’s phenomenal dining experiences.

Book It Here: Ryokan Sumiya Kihoan

13. Hifumi Ryokan Kyoto

Our penultimate pick is the Hifumi Ryokan Kyoto! This ryokan has a great central location that’s close to both metro and bus stations. It’s also pretty nearby a lot of establishments like different restaurants, cafes, and bars. That way, you can rest easy knowing you won’t have a hard time heading home after exploring the city!

That being said, Hifumi Ryokan Kyoto also offers some incredible meals of their own. They’re so good that you won’t even have to leave your hotel to get a taste of authentic Japanese dishes! Both breakfast and dinner options are available, both in Kaiseki-style dining.

Guests love staying at this ryokan over and over again because of its great value for money. You get incredible service and delectable meals for the price you pay. The attentive staff are also definitely a plus! They are extremely considerate toward their guests, even going out of their way to prepare any umbrellas or raincoats when the forecast says it’s going to rain. That’s just the kind of hospitality you should expect from a top-notch ryokan!

Book It Here: Hifumi Ryokan Kyoto

14. Ryokan Motonago

And finally, we have the one and only Ryokan Motonago. Considered one of the best ryokans in Kyoto, Ryokan Motonago offers the full authentic experience you would want from a ryokan. Ryokan Motonago offers serenity in every corner. The staff have somehow found a way to fully envelop their guests in a peaceful and quiet environment even though the ryokan is also located quite near many popular sites. The gardens are perfect to lounge in. It’s the best spot for planning your day ahead or looking back on the adventures you’ve had on your trip.

This ryokan also has some lovely onsens for you to rejuvenate yourself in. The bathing experience is made even more astounding by the beautiful natural surroundings. Staying at this ryokan will simply melt all your worries away! It’s a peaceful haven that we guarantee will be one of the highlights of your trip.

Book It Here: Ryokan Motonago

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We hope you enjoyed our list of the best luxury ryokans in Kyoto! Which one of these are you most excited to stay in? Let us know in the comments!

Kyoto is one of the most beautiful places in the country. It’s the perfect place to travel to if you have an eye for the beauty of the past. See how the past and the present meet in every corner of the city. And of course, what better way to enjoy this convergence than by also staying in a ryokan? These traditional inns offer gorgeous authentic experiences paired with world-class Japanese hospitality.

If you’re going to Kyoto, then your experience wouldn’t be complete without staying at a luxury ryokan!

Looking for more recommendation of luxury Japanese inns? Make sure you check out our collection of the best luxury ryokans in Japan, the best luxury ryokans in Tokyo and the best luxury ryokans in Osaka!