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'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

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.

4 minute walk to the Kyoto station. Very clean. They let you keep your luggage before check in and after check out (I think only same day) for free. The ryokan we were in was very spacious with comfy futon beds, AC and sink with mirror. The shared bathroom was no problem at all and if you are uncomfy with onsen, there is a private bathroom which we never had to wait for. Free coffee. Vending machine with reasonable price for drinks and water. Affordable laundry service. Most importantly, the staff (owners I think). They were such lovely ladies. Super accomodating with always smile on their face and when we left, they gave us this fan which is my Japanese souvenir definitely.

Honestly personally for me, nothing but people needs to be aware that there are restrictions as in that the door is locked between 6:30 AM and 11 PM so you need to make sure you arrive before 11 PM and you can't go anywhere before 6:30 AM. Also there is strict timing too for showers as well

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.

The room was wonderful. It was both convenient, and tasteful. The ensuite bathroom was very convenient in the mornings, and the large shared bath was wonderful. The provided yukata was cute as well. The location was also very convenient for getting to the station. By going through the nearby mall, it was possible to basically avoid stepping into the sun or rain nearly entirely.

Not being able to get in late at night didn't feel restrictive for our stay but I could see it being an issue for some people. It was also a bit of a close run thing when we missed our train and almost got to the ryokan too late. The fact that the dryer in the laundry isn't very effective is also kind of an issue with the curfew because if your clothes come out a bit wet you might have to just hang them up to let them dry.

This is an amazing traditional Ryokan with very lovely owners located right next to Kyoto Station. The place has a bit of a vintage vibe, so if you want to experience an old school Japanese guest house this is your spot. My room was spacious and the futon was comfortable. Everything was super clean, including the shared bathrooms. I also really enjoyed the Onsen. The Ryokan also offers really good traditional Japanese breakfast, I think you can’t book it via booking.com, just ask at the reception for it. What made my stay special were the really nice owners, who are very welcoming and care about their guests. Will definitely visit again!

The ammenities were amazing, the onsen was so nice and so was the bedroom; the lady running the place was an absolute gem and was so nice to speak with every day. Made it feel like you were returning home to a home stay every night :) The whole room would be cleaned, fresh towels and robes each day with a new snack on the bedside. It was truly luxury.

I honestly can’t say much, if you’re particularly tall you may have to duck a few times 😂 that’s genuinely the extent of it. We will definitely be back!