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Ryokan · Kyoto · Kyoto

Nishiyama Ryokan Established In 1953

A long-standing ryokan in central Kyoto, a short walk from Karasuma-Oike Station and within easy reach of Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace.

  • Authentic ryokan atmosphere since 1953
  • High guest ratings for service and rooms
  • Central location near metro and attractions
9.1 Perfect 581 reviews Booking.com 9.1 · 581 reviews

About

Nishiyama Ryokan Established In 1953

Nishiyama Ryokan has been welcoming guests in Kyoto since 1953, offering a non-smoking, traditional Japanese stay in the Nakagyo Ward. The property features a garden, public bath, and on-site massage, alongside practical conveniences like a vending machine, lift, and laundry services. Rooms are simple and comfortable, with air conditioning, heating, and flat-screen TVs, while some include family-friendly configurations.

The ryokan's central location puts it within a 25-minute walk of Kennin-ji and about a 5-minute drive from Nijo Castle. With an underground station nearby, exploring Kyoto's historic sites and dining scene is straightforward. Staff are consistently praised for their attentiveness, and the hotel can arrange cultural experiences like tea ceremonies for deeper immersion.

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Safe deposit box
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage

In brief

What works, what to weigh

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Strengths

5 reasons to book
  • Exceptional service — Guests consistently highlight the polite, attentive, and efficient staff, with a service rating of 9.6 and staff rating of 9.8.
  • Beautiful traditional rooms — Rooms are praised for their traditional Japanese decor and high-quality maintenance, reflected in a 9.5 room rating.
  • Prime central location — A short walk to the metro station and within easy reach of restaurants, attractions, and the Imperial Palace.
  • Cultural experiences — Tea ceremonies and other activities enrich guests' understanding of Japanese culture.
  • Relaxing amenities — Guests enjoy the public bath, garden, and massage services for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.

Worth weighing

5 to weigh
  • Limited check-in window — Check-in is only available from 16:00 to 21:00, which may be restrictive for late arrivals.
  • No on-site parking — Parking is not listed, so guests arriving by car may need to find alternative arrangements.
  • Early check-out time — Check-out is from 07:00 to 10:00, which might feel early for some guests.
  • No pets allowed — Pets are not permitted on the property, which could be a drawback for pet owners.
  • Price for the class — With rates from £693 per night, it's positioned at a premium level for a ryokan, though ratings suggest good value.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Standard Twin Room

  • 2 Single beds
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

Superior Twin Room

  • 2 Single beds
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

Family Suite

  • 1 King-size bed
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

Deluxe Family Room

  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

Standard Triple Room

  • 2 Single beds
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

General

  • Wi-Fi
  • Non-smoking property
  • Lift
  • Safe deposit box
  • Key access
  • 24-hour security

Wellness

  • Public Bath
  • Massage
  • Garden area

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Special diet menus
  • Electric kettle
  • Vending machine

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Luggage storage
  • Meeting/Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

In-room

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Ironing facilities
  • Free toiletries
  • Flat-screen TV

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

9.1
Perfect 581 reviews

Guest-rated 9.1/10 from 581 reviews

Booking.com · 9.1 · 581 reviews
9.1Verified guest

“The hotel was unique with polite staff, and the location near the metro station was excellent.”

9.1Verified guest

“Enjoyed a comfortable three-night stay; the short walk to the city centre was ideal, with restaurants and bars close by.”

9.1Verified guest

“The staff were consistently polite and courteous.”

9.1Verified guest

“Extremely pleasant, tastefully decorated room with a nice ambiance; quiet setting with eateries within walking distance, and staff responded quickly and helpfully to requests.”

9.1Verified guest

“Excellent service with attentive staff providing seamless assistance; cultural activities like the tea ceremony enriched our understanding of Japanese culture.”

9.1Verified guest

“Ideal for a group; the room was well-maintained and traditionally styled, just off major attractions, restaurants, the imperial palace, and transport. Enjoyed an evening at Le Bouchon nearby.”

04 — Location

Getting around Kyoto

The property sits in Kyoto.

Around the Ryokan: The ryokan sits in Nakagyo Ward, close to Karasuma-Oike Station. Nijo Castle is a 5-minute drive away, and Kennin-ji is within a 25-minute walk. Restaurants, bars, and the Imperial Palace are also just a short stroll from the property.

433 Yamamoto-Cho, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto-Shi, Kyoto 604-0933, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

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05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 16:00-21:00
Check-out
By 07:00-10:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
23 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times at Nishiyama Ryokan?

Check-in is from 16:00 to 21:00, and check-out is from 07:00 to 10:00.

Is parking available at the ryokan?

Parking is not listed as an amenity, so you may need to use nearby public parking or other arrangements.

Are pets allowed at Nishiyama Ryokan?

No, pets are not allowed on the property.

What cultural activities can guests enjoy?

Guests have participated in tea ceremonies, which have been praised for enriching their understanding of Japanese culture.

What room types are available?

The ryokan offers Standard, Deluxe, and Superior Twin Rooms, a Family Suite, a Deluxe Family Room, and a Standard Triple Room.

The bottom line

Nishiyama Ryokan delivers a genuinely traditional Kyoto experience with standout service and a central location. If you value authentic ambiance and attentive staff over modern extras, this is a strong choice.

9.1Best for culture-focused travellers seeking a classic ryokan stay in Kyoto's centre.

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