Matsumoto Ryokan

I was traveling solo and really appreciated how roomy the rooms felt. It was also nice to stay in a traditional Japanese-style room. The bathrooms are spacious and very nice for Japan, and the hotel was spotless. Staff were so friendly and accommodating. It’s right by Kyoto Tower, across from Kyoto Station, with plenty of good restaurants and bars nearby.

We loved the traditional breakfast and dinner. At mealtimes, someone greets you by the elevator, then serves the courses at your table. They even lay out the futon while you’re having dinner. The room is dated but very clean. The toilet felt a bit small, so we used the onsen to shower instead. There are two small onsens for each gender, and luckily it was empty both nights, so I could soak by myself. Great service, and the location is right beside Kyoto main station and close to the bus terminal.

Dinner was a highlight, with lots of variety and food that was flavorful and rich in nutrients. While I was eating, they even slipped into my room to make up the beds 😂. The onsen and service were great too. The location is good, though finding the way from Kyoto Station takes some navigation, and you might have to climb stairs with your luggage.

The meals were all delicious, and each one was different and distinctive. The staff are very friendly. They found it a bit hard to understand English, but still did their best to find a solution that worked for me. I came for the ryokan experience and definitely thought it was worth it. It’s very close to the train and metro, just up a flight of stairs. I’d recommend it if you want a full Japanese experience.