Ryokan Nakajimaya

This traditional inn gave me exactly the stay in Kyoto that I'd hoped for! A short walk from the bustle of the Shijo Karasuma shopping area, in a quiet back street, this is a comfortable home where the sweet ladies who run it welcome you back at the end of the day like family. They speak very little English so if you have some Japanese ability, it's very helpful, but they have a welcoming area at the entrance with English language guide books, maps, pamphlets, and other useful items for their visitors, and they have made up handy sheets in the rooms explaining (in English and with pictures!) how to use a Japanese bath and put on a yukata and other unfamiliar aspects of staying in this type of lodging. And while you stay here you will have a comfortable futon to sleep on, a deep hot Japanese bathtub they will heat up for you in the evening (as well as a shower you can take any time), and a fresh thermos of hot water with tea bags and a cup in your room to come back to in the evening. The location is very convenient for using public transportation as well as for local shopping: both the foodie Nishiki market and the very broad-ranging Teramachi shopping street are just the other side of Karasuma St, and both subway lines that cross the city are there too as well as multiple bus lines. Gion and Pontocho, with their geisha-centered streets, are 10-15 minutes' walk away across the Kamo River. There are convenience stores nearby where you can drop off your luggage to be sent to the airport or your next destination, as well as pick up something to have for breakfast. Lots of interesting restaurants of various kinds, too. There are lots of modern hotels of various luxury levels around this city where you can have the same comfortable, familiar experience as in any city. Staying here will give you a uniquely old-fashioned Kyoto experience that will make you feel you have really traveled to a specific place that is not like where you have been before.

I loved it!! First time in a Japanese traditional house and I enjoyed so much. I travelled in august so was very hot, but room has AC so temperature was not a problem. (Also, No mosquitos at all). My room was super cozy, they provided towels and a Yukata to wear in the room, and mattress was so comfortable! The owners, two ladies, are the most lovely owners I’ve ever met!! Kind and always willing to help you, they gave me a cup of tea with a small dessert to welcoming me. I definitely recommend this experience! Just a little advice! For some reason the address brought me in front of the temple near the Ryokan not exactly in front of the property, I recommend to write “Ryokan Nakajimaya 旅館 中島家” on Google Maps to find it!

Traditional Ryokan with a very friendly host. Almost too friendly! We enjoyed the experience but personally was glad it was only 2 nights, as it is an alternative experience. All and all a great time at the Ryokan :) the location is fantastic and close to many great and interesting places in Kyoto.

Truth is I debated whether I should share widely my laudatory comments about a gem of a ryokan I was not expecting to come upon in the heart of the city. While I am certain similar places can be found by the dozen, I doubt there are many more where one can fully enjoy the true experience of Japanese lifestyle in a 100-year old traditional house ran by a charming young octogenarian. Do not expect anything flashy: the beauty, here, is in the simplicity and authenticity of the decor. All six rooms are lined with tatami, which you will find surprisingly pleasant to sleep on thanks to comfy top and bottom futon. Although there are Western showers, you may prefer relaxing in a furo available on request. The ryokan is located on a side street, about half a mile away from the subway and bus stops, with many decent eateries and bars in the vicinity.

Location was perfect for us as there is a lot of places of interest to eat nearby and good transport connections. The people who run it are very sweet and we enjoyed our time interacting with them. The experience was a very different to the other hotels we stayed at. It was a welcome change to staying at yet another hotel. There is stricter rules staying here, but we didn't mind these, once you understand and are happy with these then you should enjoy your stay here.