Nihonkan is a hidden gem! This adorable ryokan has been in the same family for 120 years and is currently managed by the latest generation of mother and daughter. We felt treated as cherished VIP guests at all times. The daughter speaks excellent English. Her mom not so much, but her heart is pure gold. The rooms are very traditional, with tatami mats wall-to-wall and comfortable double futon mats on the floor. The ryokan is located just two blocks from the main Kyoto rail station and is nestled in with other ryokan guest houses and restaurants. The mother and daughter sleep from 11pm to 6:30am, which is when the front door is locked. We were generally asleep by 9pm after long days of exploring Kyoto, so we did not feel constrained. That said, late night party goers might want to consider a more Western style hotel. Nihonkan is a wonderful oasis of traditional Japanese culture for those of us who love the ryokan experience.

We absolutely loved this ryokan. From the moment we arrived, the women who run this place greeted us with the warmest smiles and would go out of their way whenever we asked something. Our room was spacious (so nice after all the very small rooms in Japan!) and very clean and felt so cozy! There was enough space for our two big bags, and to sit and walk around the room. The shared shower downstairs was always clean, and the room had its own toilet & sink which was very nice. The futon beds were more comfy than expected, there was a table, a small fridge, some glasses and everything you need to make delicious Japanese tea. The room was cleaned daily and every day they provided us with a little Japanese snack. The location was perfect, very close to the Kyoto train station and a short walk from several bars, restaurants and konbini stores. Also the photos on booking.com don't do the place justice. If we ever come back to Kyoto, there's no doubt I would book this place again. We were also able to leave our luggage there after check-out, which was very convenient.

A modest, traditional Japanese inn in a very good location, within walking distance of the railway and bus stations, as well as other sites. Pleasant welcome. Arrived early, checked me in and kept my bag for later. I returned to find the room meticulously prepared and my bag in it, a nice touch. It room was spacious, with a tatami bed (futon), air conditioned, a safe, kettle, tea and some cookies; a fresh kimono everyday (called 'pyjamas'!). Very good Wi-Fi. The ryokan is spotless and tidy throughout, including shared facilities, always clean. There are a couple of tables and chairs near the lobby. Laundry facilities. Helpful staff, readily available. A major plus was the sento (as far as I know is is not an onsen), a perfect way to relax after a day's sightseeing. In short, a very good experience, my first in a Japanese inn, where I would happily stay again. Very good value for money too.

Mind the curfew hours, not a problem for me. They will accommodate late arrivals if pre-arranged. Unfortunately I found bed bugs on my first night. The problem was reported and promptly fully resolved with new everything. For this they lose a star.

We've been here befoee and knew that this was a relieble establishment in a good location so we booked without hesitation. The staff is kind and tge service impicable. A bit unusual, but we like it: They keep your key while you are away. No worries, there is alwaya someone in the reception so eady to return to your room. Rooms are clean, comfy and all guests are provided with a yukata and towels. An added bonus of this ryokan is the bath area downstairs. So nice to get clean and relax after a long day of aightseeing.

Kyoto has become much more turisty and much more expensive since last time we visited (2018, i.e. pre-covid), and this is aso true with respect to accommodations. If you are on a low budget, do consider exploring other parts of the region. On our whole journey, these two nights were the most expensive, and on many other spots we stayed at higher standard. This is just something worth considering and is not the fault of Nihonkan.

- The staff were warm, friendly and helpful - they provided me with glue for my sunglasses when they broke and an iron and ironing board, and chatted to me a lot - Right next to the station so that I could get everywhere quickly, and didn't have to look around for the place at all - They kept hold of my luggage from 1pm on the day of check-in and until 7:30pm on the day of check-out! - Free full tea-set including loose-leaf tea and snacks resembling roof tiles in the privacy of my tatami room - Futon took some getting used to on the first night but was very comfortable and cozy by the second - Bath was the perfect temperature - They offer a choice of squat or sitting toilet which is something I never thought I would appreciate but did - Super authentic and cozy Japanese-feeling decor - it seems like every little corner was taken into account - Absolutely spotless, no dust or dirt at all in my room or anywhere I could see (and I'm very picky about that)

If I have to nitpick, I'd say the 11pm lock-in and closing of the baths is inconvenient (I'd like the baths to close at 1am at least), but honestly my stay was wonderful and I don't have any real complaints

An excellent stay with a truly Japanese experience, featuring a tatami-style room and relaxing onsen bath. The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the central station, with easy access by foot or public transport to all major attractions. But don’t miss the chance to explore the neighborhood on foot as well — it’s full of charm. A highlight was the warm hospitality: I was always greeted with a smile when entering or leaving the hotel. Although the building is older, everything was spotlessly clean.

Staying at Nihonkan was delightful beyond belief. Everything was simply fantastic: the room, the futon bed, the location, the whole place — the atmosphere was so genuine and calming. And the lovely lady at the reception desk was as kind and welcoming as one can ever be. I checked out yesterday and I already can‘t wait to come back 🫶

The only thing I wish I had there was a toilet brush. Though all the other hotels in Japan I’ve been to didn’t have one either, so maybe that’s the norm here.

Very centrally placed, barely five minutes by foot from the central station yet in a quiet side street. Cafés, restaurants, convenience stores and vending machines are nearby, a luggage transportation service (in case one doesn't want to travel with their large suitcases to the next destination) is only a very short walk away as well. The Nihonkan team is incredibly kind and friendly. The building retained its old charm but is still modern enough and well-maintained to not leave guests missing anything. The room was more spacious than I expected. I enjoyed my stay greatly and will consider coming back if I visit Kyoto again

Nothing

1. Located very close to the Kyoto station. 2. Good access to trains and buses to go anywhere. 3. Friendly and responsive staff. We informed them of some problems and they were attended to promptly. 4. Laundry onsite. if you don't know Japanese, try to get a primer on how to use the washer from caretaker. The instructions are a bit confusing with translate apps. 5. Bathhouse onsite. 6. Spacious room and toilet.

Although we like the idea of the curfew as it wards off a certain type of crowd and sets up a peaceful night ime, we found oursleves rushing to make the curfew a couple of days. Also we couldn't finish our laundry on one of the days because of the curfew although we were able to line-dry them with the help of the caretaker. But these are more like minor annoyances in an otherwise peaceful stay.

I loved that in the middle of a contemporary urban sprawl, there was a small traditional Japanese hotel that has been in the family for 120 years, and still five minutes from Kyoto Station. I love that you feel the love and pride of the mother and daughter as they greet their guests. I do love a traditional room with tatami mats and futons, a little table with tea service. It even has an onsen. It was simple, clean, friendly, and just enough to feel at home, whether staying for a night or weeks.

Hmmm.. all was lovely.