This traditional inn gave me exactly the stay in Kyoto that I'd hoped for! A short walk from the bustle of the Shijo Karasuma shopping area, in a quiet back street, this is a comfortable home where the sweet ladies who run it welcome you back at the end of the day like family. They speak very little English so if you have some Japanese ability, it's very helpful, but they have a welcoming area at the entrance with English language guide books, maps, pamphlets, and other useful items for their visitors, and they have made up handy sheets in the rooms explaining (in English and with pictures!) how to use a Japanese bath and put on a yukata and other unfamiliar aspects of staying in this type of lodging. And while you stay here you will have a comfortable futon to sleep on, a deep hot Japanese bathtub they will heat up for you in the evening (as well as a shower you can take any time), and a fresh thermos of hot water with tea bags and a cup in your room to come back to in the evening. The location is very convenient for using public transportation as well as for local shopping: both the foodie Nishiki market and the very broad-ranging Teramachi shopping street are just the other side of Karasuma St, and both subway lines that cross the city are there too as well as multiple bus lines. Gion and Pontocho, with their geisha-centered streets, are 10-15 minutes' walk away across the Kamo River. There are convenience stores nearby where you can drop off your luggage to be sent to the airport or your next destination, as well as pick up something to have for breakfast. Lots of interesting restaurants of various kinds, too. There are lots of modern hotels of various luxury levels around this city where you can have the same comfortable, familiar experience as in any city. Staying here will give you a uniquely old-fashioned Kyoto experience that will make you feel you have really traveled to a specific place that is not like where you have been before.

Nothing! I loved staying here and will be happy to be back again.

I chose to stay a night in a Ryokan just to see what it’s like. It turned out to be our most comfortable stay! - Huge room compared to what you typically get in a hotel, we had our own little garden, futons were surprisingly comfortable for a good night’s sleep. - Cleanliness of bathroom, washroom and toilet impeccable! They had all the amenities, even spare packaged toothbrushes! - The property felt very safe and rather private, I did not come accross another guest during my one night stay. I wish I could speak Japanese to properly thank the adorable lady at the entrance, she asked us many times if it wasn’t a problem that the room is traditional Japanese style, but we loved the experience! We could even leave our bags with her for a day after checking out. We wish we had booked more nights here instead of hotels!

No food or breakfast on offer, but kombinis are a short stroll away.

This place is really extraordinary. It is run by a family (that owns this place for more than 70 years!) and you really feel like you are visiting your grandma there. The hospitality at this place was amazing was unmatched and the staff provided us with everything (tea, pajamas, bath supplies, WiFi, small table in our room). The lady was so nice and she greeted us every time we entered and every time we were leaving this Ryokan. Everything was extremely clean and it was a great experience to sleep in this traditional Japanese hotel. Truly it was worth every yen. 11/10, I truly recommend and I will stay there again for sure if I am ever back in Kyoto.

Everything was perfect truly, nothing can get better than it already is.

I loved it!! First time in a Japanese traditional house and I enjoyed so much. I travelled in august so was very hot, but room has AC so temperature was not a problem. (Also, No mosquitos at all). My room was super cozy, they provided towels and a Yukata to wear in the room, and mattress was so comfortable! The owners, two ladies, are the most lovely owners I’ve ever met!! Kind and always willing to help you, they gave me a cup of tea with a small dessert to welcoming me. I definitely recommend this experience! Just a little advice! For some reason the address brought me in front of the temple near the Ryokan not exactly in front of the property, I recommend to write “Ryokan Nakajimaya 旅館 中島家” on Google Maps to find it!

This wonderful family-run traditional Japanese inn in Kyoto was one of my favorite places that I stayed in while in Japan. The rooms are cozy and traditionally Japanese and the bathrooms, like most ryokan, are shared. It is centrally located yet very peaceful. The doors lock at 11pm for security and I didn’t mind at all. It is run by very kind people and every night that I was there, I felt like I was coming home.

Host was extremely courteous and helpful. Location was quite good, being close to kawaramachi. Room was quite spacious for two people, able to fit our big luggage. There was a small garden outside our room (we were on the first floor), and it was extremely beautiful to be in, a great environment indeed!

Going outside of the room to use the toilet was quite cold during the time we were there. Plugs were far away from the bed, not helpful when we needed our phone alarm to wake us up. For the shower rooms, one of them is shower only, so do not use the bathtub in there! We learnt about it a bit late (after one of us took a bath in it) and ended up upsetting the hosts (sorry about that!) Do make sure to clarify with the hosts which shower room is for which purpose so that you don't make the same mistake!

Traditional Ryokan with a very friendly host. Almost too friendly! We enjoyed the experience but personally was glad it was only 2 nights, as it is an alternative experience. All and all a great time at the Ryokan :) the location is fantastic and close to many great and interesting places in Kyoto.

The communication was bad about the baths. We were unsure about when we could take a bath and also if the owner would run one for us. One of us took a bath and unknowingly either upset or offended the owner because she said it was only shower (but there was a bath in the bathroom?) we had also read the owner would prepare a bath, but there was limited information about this. All in all, we had no idea how it worked. The beds were hard to sleep on (part of the experience we’d say though) and the walls are very thin. Another guest unfortunately snores very loud and we could hear it very clearly from the other room.

I had a great stay at the Ryokan Nakajimaya. Location is perfect to explore Kyoto, and has a lot of nice restaurants around. The room is very spacious and comfortable. The hosts very extremely helpful, and helped me organise the shipment of my luggage to the airport. You can make your tea in your room. Wifi (newly setup) worked perfecly fine to organize the rest of my trip and do video calls. Thanks very much, I would definitely come back!

That I only stayed two nights! If you don't like traditional accomodation this is probably not the place for you.

If you want a traditional Ryokan in a good location with a no frills,but very acceptable amenities, this is your place! Very friendly and helpful owners make you feel at home in the Ryokan. No meals or onsen available. Basic traditional home base to explore Kyoto and feel at home.

The authentic ryokan experience with a warm and courteous host. Location is fantastic with bus/ subway station within 5 minutes walk.. very neat and clean with comfortable and traditional bedding and shower

The toilets are not heated and a bit cramped, hence little uncomfortable. You have to access the upper floor through a very narrow staircase, and you will find it extremely difficult (nearly impossible) if you have large suitcase.