Ryokan Nihonkan Hotel

The family who runs this place made sure we got a clear guide, even though English wasn't their strongest. I felt safe staying here alone as a woman. It's very close to Kyoto station, and the room was a reasonable size, though sound carried from other rooms and I could hear people talking. The public bath has an onsen; when I went at 8PM, I had it to myself. There are hairdryers and washing machines beside it, plus very clean, pleasant separate toilets on the second floor.

After a long day on foot, the traditional public bath was just right. The rooms are comfortable and lovely, and the family looking after the ryokan made us feel especially welcome. I'd happily stay here again on my next visit to Kyoto.

Nihonkan ended up being our favorite stay of the trip, even after several nights in more upscale, Western-style hotels in Tokyo. It gave us a much more local, traditional feel and helped us connect with the culture. The room was small and simple, but cozy and had what we needed. It felt like being on a rhapsody. The owners were so friendly, and even gave us adorable presents when we left. We thought the price was great for what we got. We had a private bathroom attached to our room, which suited us since I'm not really keen on showering with strangers.

The owners and staff were hardworking and really friendly, which made this one of my favorite stays during two weeks in Japan. The place felt homey, and while the room and amenities weren't flashy, everything was clean and comfortable. Its location is handy too, with Kyoto Station, downtown, and several temples easy to reach on foot. Just be aware that there's an 11pm curfew, so guests need to be back by then.