10 Best Luxury Ryokans in Kyoto

Kyoto Prefecture, with its historic capital city, is a region steeped in Japanese tradition. Offering incredible hospitality, exquisite dining, and relaxing onsen (hot spring baths), ryokans or traditional Japanese inns provide a unique opportunity to experience authentic Japanese culture. Surrounded by scenic beauty and rich heritage, these inns are the perfect escape to immerse yourself in Kyoto's timeless traditions.

Just a brisk walk from the renowned Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto Kadensho is a modern inn that offers the exceptional hospitality ryokans are known for, guaranteeing a fabulous stay. The property features a couple of room options, including a contemporary Japanese-western blend and a more classic Kyoto-style room with traditional accents like tatami flooring for an authentic feel. 

On site, guests can enjoy a wide range of amenities, such as a variety of natural hot spring baths, a spa, a library room, and more. The dining is also exceptional, with a relaxed restaurant offering traditional meals including tempura.

Built along the scenic Amanohashidate Canal, not far from Miyazu, Amanohashidate Onsen Japanese Resort Monjusou exudes a sense of absolute luxury. Accommodations range from a sophisticated hotel-style rooms with traditional accents to classic Japanese rooms, each featuring panoramic windows that allow guests to take in the breathtaking scenery.

Indulge in incredible seasonal cuisine prepared by an award-winning chef, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the nearby sea. To ensure complete relaxation, the resort also offers onsen baths, saunas, and a terrace lounge perfect for sipping an evening cocktail.

Fufu Kyoto is a new ryokan opened in 2021, close to the picturesque Lake Biwa Canal, minutes from Konchi-in Temple. The spacious rooms combine modern design with touches of Japanese style, creating an air of elegant comfort, and each room includes an ensuite hinoki cypress wood bath.

To enhance the serene atmosphere, the property is ensconced in Japanese gardens, with a bar in a detached house where guests can appreciate the scenery. With outstanding Japanese cuisine and the opportunity to participate in cultural activities like ikebana (flower arranging), walking tours, and more, this stay will surely be unforgettable.

With an inviting atmosphere and charming rural location, Syoenso Hozugawatei in Kameoka is an idyllic hideaway perfect for a fun and restful holiday. While stylish, the property maintains the refined atmosphere of the traditional ryokan, with plenty of room styles to match guests' tastes.

There is a generous assortment of amenities for relaxation and entertainment on site, including large communal baths, a rejuvenating spa, karaoke rooms, and more. Finally, the dining is a treat, with kaiseki (traditional multi-course) menus showcasing favorites like fresh seafood, tofu, and local beef.

If you’re seeking an intimate retreat, Hotel Yuraku Kyoyasaka is an ideal choice. This newly opened villa-style ryokan features just 13 guest rooms, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere and personalized service. Each room beautifully blends Japanese and western styles, with a private bath and additional features like terraces or gardens.

On site, guests can enjoy a variety of treatments at the luxurious spa, including reflexology massages and aromatherapy. This stay only serves a delicious Japanese breakfast, but guests are invited to savor the exquisite Kyoto-style kaiseki dining at the nearby sister location, Saka Hotel Kyoto.

Glittering lights and wondrous river views welcome guests to Japanese Hotel Momijiya Bekkan Kawa no Iori, an enchanting ryokan northwest of central Kyoto City. The property features a traditional design, including wood trim, spacious tatami-lined rooms, and sliding screens that open to spectacular landscapes.

Soak away your troubles in one of the excellent baths, or take a stroll to nearby attractions like Saimyo-ji Temple. While the dining is superb year-round, during the warmer months, guests can make a reservation to enjoy meals outdoors to admire the fall foliage while accompanied by maiko performers.

Inspired by Kyoto's rich history and culture, Kyoto Nanzenji Garden Ryokan Yachiyo is an inn that seamlessly blends art with luxury. Located in an historic district only minutes from Nanzen-ji Temple, this stay creates a sense of cultural immersion, enriched by its meticulously landscaped gardens.

The guest rooms feature a modern interpretation of the classic Japanese style, with options like private terraces, saunas, or en-suite baths to ensure complete relaxation. Be sure to visit the stunning open-air restaurant, where you can sample local delicacies while taking in the breathtaking surroundings.

Not far from Kinkaku-ji, Nenrinbo is a bright, airy ryokan offering a modern twist on the traditional experience. Guest rooms feature chic, minimalist design with tatami mats and thoughtful amenities for a comfortable stay. Some rooms, available in traditional Japanese and Japanese-western styles, come with terraces and adjoining baths.

Enjoy panoramic views of the historic city and mountains from the communal onsen baths and the outdoor pool (open during the summer) or while dining on exquisite seasonal cuisine. Art enthusiasts will also appreciate the traditional works displayed at the on-site museum.

Hidden away in a machiya (Japanese townhouse) district on the west end of central Kyoto, Kyokoyado Yasaka Yutone is the quintessential ryokan. This cozy inn boasts seven rooms, each decorated in traditional style with spacious layouts and en-suite hinoki baths.

The proprietor takes special care to provide guests with a “home away from home” experience, from the soft linens to the in-room amenities. The dining is absolute perfection, with a top-class chef curating the impeccable kaiseki menus. With a prime location near the city's most popular sights, this inn truly has it all.

In the heart of the iconic Gion district, Kyoto Gion Ryori Ryokan Karaku offers a cozy, luxurious stay with a classic ryokan touch. Rooms feature tatami flooring, elegant screen windows, and a choice of futon or mattress beds to suit guests' preferences. For added relaxation, the top-floor deluxe room includes an en-suite bath.

Dining is marvelous, with expertly crafted Japanese dishes and specialty parfaits for dessert. On quieter days, guests can unwind in the library, filled with books on Kyoto, novels, and more, or enjoy sake at the garden-view bar overlooking the gardens and cityscape (open on weekdays).