Yadoya Kikokuso

The family bath was a lovely experience, and I’m glad I booked a time after a day out. We stayed one night as three people and really enjoyed the traditional style and calm atmosphere. The clean rooms were charming, and the owners were kind and welcoming. The hostess explained everything and poured us tea in our room as we settled in. Very glad we came.

The ryokan is beautiful, 140 years old, centrally located in Kyoto and just 15 minutes from Kyoto train station. The traditional atmosphere and location were great, and our room was spacious and nice, though it faced a loud street, so we needed earplugs. Drinks were available to buy in a fridge, but we didn’t know about them. We paid 332€ for 2 nights (2 persons, so 160€ per night). At check-in they told us about the strict rules, especially curfew from 7am until 11pm, and there were no keys. We asked to use the beautiful bath / Sento bath shown in the pictures. The owner agreed after a while. We also asked whether we could pay for breakfast, and were told they didn’t offer it. At checkout, though, we saw them preparing and bringing breakfast to another customer’s room. The stay was OK, but it felt like there were more rules to keep in mind than nice services available, like breakfast, Sento bath, or drinks.

The hosts at Kikokuso are so welcoming that it feels like coming home each night. You can tell they care about the place, which is well maintained, and the host would be happy to show you the quaint little koi pond. I stayed there last October and can’t recommend it more for anyone wanting to experience a ryokan. It’s not too far from Kyoto Station if you’re willing to walk a bit, and there’s a gorgeous garden right across the street. One of my most memorable experiences in Japan. I hope to return and pass along my regards to the lovely couple who own the inn.

If you want an authentic Japanese stay with genuinely gracious hosts, this place is a wonderful find. My wife and I extended our Kyoto trip by a day, but our hotel had no availability, so we had to search in a hurry. We found Kikokuso by chance and weren’t sure what to expect. It felt special as soon as we walked in. The husband and wife who run this traditional ryokan are the third generation of their family to care for it, and they were incredibly kind and accommodating. After a day out, they welcomed us home, set out slippers, left hot tea and cookies in the room, and prepared our beds. They speak enough English to make check-in smooth. The rooms are beautiful and well maintained, the beds comfortable, and our room stayed warm on a cold night. There’s also a full bathtub in the room. We chose the 8:30 breakfast, a traditional Japanese meal with small rolled omelets, fish, rice, pickled vegetables, miso, and hot green tea. I usually don’t like pickles, but these were delicious, and I ate everything while looking out at their beautiful garden and koi pond. You can stay in a fancy hotel, but for a true Japanese living experience, come here. Please give this place and its owners the attention they deserve. Thank you for an amazing stay!