What is a Ryokan? Ryokans are the best way to experience Japanese culture and enjoy the true comforts of Japanese hospitality and service.
Hot springs have a very long history in Japan, and they are an intimate part of Japanese culture. There are over 3,000 "onsen" ,or hot springs, in Japan. Many can be found at the ryokans available on Japanese Guest Houses.
The ancient capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, Kyoto remains the most historically important city in Japan. At first glance, Kyoto appears to be like any other Japanese city. It is a sprawling metropolis with a population of over 1.5 million people, and it possesses prosperous industrial and technological sectors. However, with a good map in hand and some planning in mind a visitor will quickly discover the incredible richness of Kyoto's past. There are over 1,700 Buddhist temples, 300 Shinto shrines, palaces and gardens, and some of Japan's top museums and galleries located in this city. Although there is so much to see and do in Kyoto, even a short-time visitor can soon get an appreciation of what this ancient capital has to offer. The best time to visit Kyoto is in the spring and fall when the weather is at its finest.
Welcome to Kurama Onsen. Located in rural Kyoto, this Modern Ryokan is located within a beautiful river ravine. The train ride to Kurama Onsen is wonderful, and the setting of the ryokan within the tall dark cedar trees will make you quickly forget the hustle and bustle of metropolitan Kyoto. There are both indoor and outdoor shared hot spring baths for women and men (same gender only). The outdoor hot spring bath hours are from 7:30 am to 21:00, and the indoor hot spring bath hours are f...
Welcome to Shouenso. Located far outside of central Kyoto, this is a large hot spring Ryokan Hotel with 56 guest rooms and each room has its own private toilet and bath. Three of the guest rooms have their own private outdoor hot spring baths, and in Shouenso's new building all of the guest rooms have their own wooden bath. There are separate hot spring baths for women and men as well as separate steam baths at Shouenso. Handicapped guests have access to their own private wooden bath. Sho...
Welcome to Oharanosato. Located far north of central Kyoto, this Modern Ryokan is a little old and run-down but it is surrounded by some interesting neighborhood shops, temples, and restaurants. There are 26 guest rooms, and most do not have private baths or toilets (the shared toilets are located very close to the guest rooms). The highlight of the ryokan is their outdoor hot spring baths. There are two outdoor hot spring baths for women (one is a hot spring tub and the other is a Japane...
Welcome to Seryo. This family-run Traditional Ryokan is located near historical Sanzen-in Temple in Ohara. Originally a tea farm, there are 10 modern and traditional Japanese-style guest rooms at Seryo. A beautiful Japanese garden surrounds the ryokan and all of the guests rooms have views of the garden. There are indoor and outdoor hot spring baths for both women and men (same gender only). Traditional Kyoto-style cuisine is served to the guests, and all meals are served in the ryokan's dining ...
Welcome to Gyozanen. This Traditional Ryokan is located in rural Kyoto Prefecture, about 70 minutes by bus from central Kyoto. It has 13 rooms (both Japanese style and combined Japanese-Western style), all of which have private baths and toilets. There are several hot spring baths, including a "hinoki" (Japanese cypress) bath, a rock bath and an outdoor bath (same gender bathing only). Traditional Japanese-style cuisine is served to the guests at Gyozanen. Check-in time is from 15:00 and...
