I highly recommend staying at Daiya Ryokan, especially if you want to try a traditional ryokan experience in Kyoto. As the overall rating of this place wasn’t the highest, we were afraid it might not meet our standards. It turned out to be the best accommodation experience during our 10-day stay in Japan. Walking barefoot on tatami mats, wearing yukata, and sleeping on futons was a wonderful experience. The location of the property was also good. The closest konbini was on the opposite side of the street, and it was about a 5-minute walk to the JR station, from which we could easily access Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, other attractions, and continue our trip across Japan. From our window, we also had a nice view of Kyoto Tower and the streets. Moreover, the staff is very friendly and helpful. We had a few nice conversations with Tanaka-san, during which we exchanged stories about Japanese and Eastern European culture. He also helped my friend buy a hand-painted Tanuki figurine.

There is no proper kitchen in the building, which might be difficult for some people.

Everyday new clean towels and every couple of days new yukata (to sleep in: nemaki), clean bathroom. I liked the Japanese style room with tatami and futon (with clean sheets), but that's what I wanted. It's a very low budget accomodation, so it comes with that expectation. I had a TV with Japanese programs in my room and some hangers, a table and two cushions to sit on (I stayed in the old main building). The hosts were very nice and helpful, even driving me to a sento when it was a bit difficult to find in the neighbourhood at night, I had nice chats with them and felt really welcomed. I didn't mind, but be aware: the house is old! It comes with little holes/scratches in the wall and stained paper doors, used furniture/ rusted/calcified tapware/ sinks. It's not like a top-notch ryokan from flashy magazines/guide books about Japan, but more a guesthouse. There is only one toilett for everyone in the main house (but they replaced the broken seat, so it's better now) and a separate shower downstairs, and of course a big Japanese bath, where 2-3 people could wash up at the same time (but it's lockable). I liked the hot tub in the bath, very good to relax, but don't forget to shower and clean up first as it's shared with everyone. Btw, no idea why there are so many pictures of eggs from other travellers (on tripadvisor) ...weird. There is a vending machine next to the bathroom with hot and cold beverages, very good! Also there is a fridge, but I didn't need to use it, as: There is a convenient store just opposite, a kombini, which is great (Family Mart), you get everything there. Overall I'm happy because I didn't expect much more for that good prize and I didn't spend much time except for sleeping there. Just within 5 min. walking I could reach Kyoto station (I walk quickly).

The cleaniness of the room could have been a bit better (spider webs in the ceiling corner, lots of dust on top edges...). I stayed nearly two weeks and it wasn't vacuumed in that time, so dust balls gathered in the corner, but I got fresh sheets for futon. The sinks outside were dirty sometimes, but only for a day, because other travellers can't clean up after themselves... It can be a bit loud from other guests because Japanese walls are thin, but I had good earplugs. But as I said, I didn't stay except for sleeping, so it was fine.

The room was very comfortable and clean, with enough space for a group of four and our luggage. It was very quiet at night, even when there were city workers right outside with open windows. The location was good, near a beautiful temple and a bike rental shop, and about a 16 minute walk from the station. There was one laundry machine and dryer and it was available when we needed it, there were also racks and hangers provided in our room to hang dry clothing and towels. The staff were friendly and noninvasive, and on the morning we checked out we were given an opportunity to do a fun photoshoot wearing a kimono, with no pressure to check out on time. It felt like staying with relatives.

There were not a lot of outlets in the room to charge our devices, we had one by our room door and one high up by the back garden door which we had to get creative to use.

The location was great; it was easy to find and easy to get to (short walk from the train station). The room we were allocated had ample space for a family of four! I was impressed at how clean the toilets and bathrooms are, given it's a shared facility. No one in my family had to 'wait' for the toilet, and I love the fact that they had the slip-on shoes when using the toilets.

nothing much to add here. However given I have to add something, my only little thing is that it would have been nice if a sign was placed in reception advising that we should 'ring the doorbell' outside when we arrived to get someone's attention as we did stand around for more than 15 mins wondering where reception/concierge was.

We love staying here, we really like the hostel atmosphere and when we wanted to go to an event, the owner ended up driving us in his car because he was going that way. We met a lot of other fellow travelers too, which we appreciated. The location was very central and quite helpful. I would definitely stay here again.

Place was definitely a bit worn but felt cleaned. It would’ve been great if there was a little bit more communal space for people to hang out in that way there would be more opportunities for connections with other people staying there.

We had the family room and it had sufficient space for our luggages, our mattresses which were double layered, and our regular bags. The staff were all so lovely. They were moments when people were checking in which might raise the noise levels a little but much quieter than we expected. We enjoyed the privacy of the family room and the convenience of the toilet just across from us. It was well serviced with a washing machine, dryer, hairdryer and large bathrooms with good pressure water showers. The pillows and mattresses provided very good and sweet sleep for us and the pricing is hard to beat. We will be back.

Very friendly & helpful service. Made sure my stay will be comfy and convenient. Showed me to my room in the new building right next to the main one. Family mart is only a few steps away. Air-conditioning was great at keeping the room warm in winter.

This is for budget friendly travellers who are prepared to share the bathroom and toilet. Taps are without warm water too. Instead of using their bathroom, i head to a nearby Sento for a shower and a good soak in their hot tubs. Especially good experience in winter.

The bath was really relaxing. Wash your body first, relax in the bath then cool down your body with a cold shower. It's perfect against the heat. There is a FamilyMart right across if you want to get something and it's a walking distance from Kyoto station. The staff was also really polite and helpful. I realised I lost my Switch on the day of the check and when I returned the next they they accompanied me to the train station and police station. I haven't found it yet. But I do appreciate the help a lot.

The pillow was a bit hard and on the small side. Which made it take a while for me to fall asleep.

Very good, quiet location, but not in the very center. We walked to Gion, but there is also a bus stop nearby. There is a 24-hour shop next to the ryokan. The room was great, clean. Very nicely decorated. The host was wonderful and very helpful. Our stay was fantastic, the only thing that bothered me was the smell of urine in the upstairs toilet.The duvet cover and pillowcases were clean and fragrant, but the duvets could be washed/refreshed l. The price for the stay is not high, and we do not expect a 5-star hotel, so our rating is still 10/10.

perfect location right next to the bus stop, train station, seven eleven and restaurants. spacious three bedroom for our family of five. kids love the stairs and their own beds.

all perfect for us. Just a few recommendations: 1. it took a bit longer for us (foreigners) to figure out how to turn on the hot water for shower :) would love to have the instruction on the check in guide. 2. although we love the steep stairs going up to the house, and the few steps inside the house with three stories, I wouldn't recommend this for senior people of people with disabilities. suggest the host to mention on the property description.