Enjoy the atmosphere of the ancient capital and healing hot springs. We introduce 14 recommended Onsen Ryokans and hotels in Kyoto, categorized by area, available for booking on Expedia.
| Area | Hotel Name | Price Range (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Arashiyama & City Center | Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto | 150,000 JPY~ |
| Soraniwa Terrace Kyoto | 25,000 JPY~ | |
| Soraniwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei | 50,000 JPY~ | |
| Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Kadensho | 30,000 JPY~ | |
| Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Togetsutei | 40,000 JPY~ | |
| Higashiyama Shikikaboku | 60,000 JPY~ | |
| Yunohana Onsen (Kameoka) | Syoenso Hozugawatei | 25,000 JPY~ |
| Sumiya Kiho-an | 45,000 JPY~ | |
| Yunohana Resort Suisen | 55,000 JPY~ | |
| Northern Kyoto (Amanohashidate) | Monjusou Shourotei | 70,000 JPY~ |
| Genmyoan | 60,000 JPY~ | |
| Taiza Onsen Sumihei | 80,000 JPY~ | |
| Ohara & Uji | Kyoto Ohara Ryokan Seryo | 35,000 JPY~ |
| Kyoto Uji Hanayashiki Ukifune-en | 22,000 JPY~ |
Arashiyama & City Center Area
1. Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto
Located along the Hozu River in Arashiyama, this is a luxury brand hotel by Marriott International. It features guest rooms that blend traditional Japanese beauty with modern comfort, and some rooms are equipped with open-air natural hot spring baths. Bathing while gazing at your own private Japanese garden is exceptional. At dusk, there is a Champagne Delight (free flow) exclusively for guests, offering a supreme extraordinary experience.
2. Shijo Kawaramachi Onsen Soraniwa Terrace Kyoto
A new style of hotel where you can enjoy natural hot springs from its own source while being located in Shijo Kawaramachi, the center of Kyoto. From the “Soraniwa Rooftop Bar” on the top floor, you can overlook the grand panorama of the Kamo River and Higashiyama, and enjoy drinks while soaking in a foot bath. The large public bath features “Yasaka no Yu” and “Niwa no Yu,” complete with a standing bath of 1.2m depth. Ideal for those who want to balance sightseeing convenience with the healing of an onsen resort.
3. Shijo Kawaramachi Onsen Soraniwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei
A luxury annex adjacent to “Soraniwa Terrace Kyoto,” emphasizing a more private atmosphere. All guest rooms come with an open-air natural hot spring bath, allowing you to enjoy bathing in your room whenever you like. The guest rooms, unified with a Japanese modern interior, are calm and have the atmosphere of an adult hideaway. Of course, you can also use the rooftop terrace of the main building, making it a luxurious inn where you can enjoy both superb views and private hot springs.
4. Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Kadensho
A Japanese-style hotel by Kyoritsu Resort, located right in front of Hankyu Arashiyama Station. Its appeal lies in its Kyoto-style Japanese furnishings and extensive hot spring facilities. In addition to the large public bath, there are five free private rental baths that can be used as many times as you like without a reservation if they are vacant. Perfect for those who want to enjoy bath hopping. Free “Yonaki Soba” (night noodles) service is available at night, offering a taste of Japanese hospitality. A very popular base for sightseeing in Arashiyama.
5. Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Togetsutei
Founded in 1897, this long-established Ryokan stands at the foot of the Togetsukyo Bridge. A traditional inn loved by literary figures and celebrities, you can enjoy authentic Kyoto Kaiseki cuisine and natural hot springs. There are also rooms with open-air baths and private rental baths, allowing you to enjoy hot springs in a private space. You can stay as if blending into the iconic scenery of Arashiyama, and enjoying a walk in the quiet Arashiyama in the early morning or at night is a privilege unique to guests.
9. Higashiyama Shikikaboku
A small luxury hotel with only 8 rooms facing Sanjo Dori in Higashiyama. All rooms are equipped with tea sets and carefully selected furniture, and you can overlook the Higashiyama mountain range from the rooftop terrace. There is a private open-air bath where you can relax and soothe your travel fatigue. The quiet and sophisticated space is perfect as a hideaway for adults. A stay where you can feel the aesthetics of Kyoto.
Yunohana Onsen Area (Kameoka)
6. Syoenso Hozugawatei
A large Ryokan located in Yunohana Onsen, the “Inner Parlor of Kyoto,” about 25 minutes by scenic train from Kyoto City. With extensive hot spring facilities on vast grounds, you can enjoy bath hopping including large public baths, open-air baths, and mist saunas. Kaiseki cuisine using local ingredients is also well-received, making it recommended for group and family trips. An inn full of hospitality where you can fully enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese Onsen Ryokan.
7. Sumiya Kiho-an
A hidden inn in a mountain village wrapped in silence as you pass through the thatched gate. A famous inn also visited by John Lennon. The hot springs are full of ingenuity, such as an open-air bath hollowed out of a thousand-year-old cherry tree and a large public bath where you can feel the seasonal nature. For meals, enjoy rustic yet luxurious flavors such as rice cooked in an “Okudo-san” (traditional stove) and charcoal grilling. Perfect for those who want to forget everyday life and spend time slowly.
8. Yunohana Resort Suisen
A quiet inn with only 13 rooms, based on the concept of “guests relaxing as adults.” Since it does not accept group guests or children under elementary school age, the inside of the building is very quiet and calm. Rooms with open-air baths and private rental open-air baths are also available, popular with couples and spouses who value private time. You can refresh yourself physically and mentally with attentive hospitality and sophisticated space.
Northern Kyoto Area (Amanohashidate/Taiza)
10. Monjusou Shourotei
A famous Sukiya-style Ryokan nestled in the pine grove of Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s three scenic views. It has a history loved by writers and artists, exuding silence and dignity. From the guest rooms, you can view the Aso Sea across the garden, enjoying scenery like a single painting. “Amanohashidate Onsen” is known as a beautifying hot spring, which can be enjoyed in the large public bath or rooms with open-air baths. The Kaiseki cuisine inheriting the tradition of Kyoto cuisine is also exquisite.
11. Genmyoan
An inn boasting a superb view built on a hill overlooking Amanohashidate. From guest rooms and the large public bath, you can overlook the entire view of Amanohashidate with pine trees stretching into the sea, enjoying the view called “Hiryu-kan” (Flying Dragon View) from a special seat. While being a prestigious Ryokan also used by the Imperial Family, its warm hospitality is also attractive. You can spend a special time with dishes using fresh seafood.
12. Taiza Onsen Sumihei
A long-established cooking inn in Taiza, Tango Peninsula, founded in the first year of Meiji. It is famous for dishes using fresh seafood, including the “Taiza Crab” known as a phantom crab, impressing gourmets. All rooms have an ocean view, and the open-air bath entered while watching the sunset over the Sea of Japan is exceptional. There are also six private rental baths with different tastes, offering a sense of openness as if the sea, sky, and hot springs are united.
Ohara & Uji Area
13. Kyoto Ohara Ryokan Seryo
A cooking inn with a beautiful Japanese garden located in front of Sanzen-in Temple. You can spend a quiet time in the village of Ohara, a little away from Kyoto City. The Kaiseki cuisine served while gazing at the garden colored by seasonal flowers and plants is exquisite. There is also an open-air bath of Ohara Onsen, allowing you to heal your body and mind in nature. Access to Sanzen-in is excellent, making it convenient for visiting first thing in the morning.
14. Kyoto Uji Hanayashiki Ukifune-en
A cooking inn with all rooms offering a river view, built on the banks of the Uji River. Close to World Heritage Sites such as Byodoin Phoenix Hall, it is ideal as a base for sightseeing in Uji. There is a panoramic bath where you can bathe while gazing at the Uji River, healing the fatigue of your trip. The scenery of each season, such as cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green in summer, and autumn leaves in autumn, is also attractive. Along with Kyoto Kaiseki cuisine, you can also enjoy dishes using tea unique to Uji.
Access to Each Area
Main access methods and travel times from Kyoto Station to each area.
JR Kyoto Sta. → JR Saga-Arashiyama Sta. (Approx. 15 mins)
Hankyu Kawaramachi Sta. → Hankyu Arashiyama Sta. (Transfer at Katsura Sta., approx. 20 mins)
JR Kyoto Sta. → JR Kameoka Sta. (Approx. 20 mins by rapid train) → Shuttle bus of each Ryokan (Approx. 15 mins)
JR Kyoto Sta. → Take Limited Express “Hashidate” → Amanohashidate Sta. (Approx. 2 hours)
Kyoto Sta. → Amanohashidate Sta. (Approx. 2 hours)
Kyoto Sta. → Kyoto Bus (No. 17) → Ohara (Approx. 1 hour)
JR Kyoto Sta. → JR Nara Line → Uji Sta. (Approx. 17 mins by rapid train)
