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.

This place is really extraordinary. It is run by a family (that owns this place for more than 70 years!) and you really feel like you are visiting your grandma there. The hospitality at this place was amazing was unmatched and the staff provided us with everything (tea, pajamas, bath supplies, WiFi, small table in our room). The lady was so nice and she greeted us every time we entered and every time we were leaving this Ryokan. Everything was extremely clean and it was a great experience to sleep in this traditional Japanese hotel. Truly it was worth every yen. 11/10, I truly recommend and I will stay there again for sure if I am ever back in Kyoto.

This wonderful family-run traditional Japanese inn in Kyoto was one of my favorite places that I stayed in while in Japan. The rooms are cozy and traditionally Japanese and the bathrooms, like most ryokan, are shared. It is centrally located yet very peaceful. The doors lock at 11pm for security and I didn’t mind at all. It is run by very kind people and every night that I was there, I felt like I was coming home.

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.

If you want a traditional Ryokan in a good location with a no frills,but very acceptable amenities, this is your place! Very friendly and helpful owners make you feel at home in the Ryokan. No meals or onsen available. Basic traditional home base to explore Kyoto and feel at home.