Japanese-Style Room
- 4 Single beds
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
- Air conditioning
Ryokan · Kyoto · Kyoto
Watazen Ryokan - Established In 1830
A historic ryokan in central Kyoto, near Nishiki Market and Teramachi, offering traditional Japanese rooms, a communal bath, and kaiseki dining.
- 300m from Nishiki Market
- Traditional Japanese-style rooms
- Public bath on site
9.2
Perfect
395 reviews
Booking.com 9.2 · 395 reviews
About
Watazen Ryokan - Established In 1830
Watazen Ryokan has been welcoming guests since 1830, making it one of Kyoto's longest-running inns. The property offers a glimpse of traditional Japanese hospitality with tatami-floored rooms, futon bedding, and a shared bathing area. It sits in the Nakagyo ward, just a short walk from Nishiki Market and Teramachi, and is close to an underground station for easy city exploration.
Guests consistently praise the staff's attentiveness and warmth, as well as the authentic atmosphere. The ryokan provides free Wi-Fi throughout, air conditioning and heating, and a range of practical amenities like laundry and luggage storage. With a high rating of 9.2 out of 395 reviews, it earns particular acclaim for its facilities and service.
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- No pets allowed
In brief
What works, what to weigh
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Strengths
4 reasons to book- Exceptional staff and service — Guests frequently mention the friendly, professional, and attentive staff, with the highest rating category being Staff at 9.8.
- Prime central location — Within a 5-minute walk of Nishiki Market and Teramachi, and close to an underground station. Many reviews highlight the convenience for shopping and sightseeing.
- Traditional Japanese experience — Japanese-style rooms with tatami and futons, plus a public bath (onsen) and kaiseki dinner, provide an authentic ryokan stay.
- Excellent value for the class — With a Value rating of 9.4 and price from £389, guests find the experience well worth it.
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Worth weighing
4 to weigh- Check-in window is narrow — Check-in is only from 16:00 to 21:30, which may be inconvenient for late arrivals.
- Futons may take getting used to — Some guests note that sleeping on futons can be challenging for side sleepers.
- Some traditional charm may be dimmed — One returning guest noted that the ryokan now caters heavily to foreign tourists, and while still good, some of the original charm is lost.
- No pets allowed — The property does not permit pets, so travelers with animals will need alternative arrangements.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
General
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- 24-hour reception
- Lift
- Vending machines
- Key access
Comfort
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Sitting area
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Flat-screen TV
- Parquet floor
Services
- Safe deposit box
- Luggage storage
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Fax/Photocopying
Safety
- Security
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 9.2/10 from 395 reviews
Booking.com · 9.2 · 395 reviews
9.2Verified guest“We had a wonderful time at this ryokan. Being just a 2-minute walk from Nishiki Market was perfect for trying local foods. The kaiseki dinner was a hit with our family of four, and the hot onsen was a relaxing end to our days.”
9.2Verified guest“The rooms are extremely comfortable and nicely decorated, with central heating, an in-room safe, and a TV with many channels.”
9.2Verified guest“I really liked this hotel and would recommend it to anyone. My stay was memorable—I got a lovely room with Japanese decor, plus an electric kettle and refrigerator.”
9.2Verified guest“This is the best-located ryokan I found—very close to Kyoto's center yet in a quiet area. It offers everything you'd expect from a ryokan, including a nice public bath in the basement. Funny enough, I stayed here about five years ago when it was the only ryokan I could find online. Now they cater heavily to foreign guests, and while still fine, some of the charm seems lost.”
9.2Verified guest“Beautiful onsen and a delicious breakfast.”
9.2Verified guest“I felt at home here. The staff were friendly and very professional. Great location and easy to find from Kyoto Station.”
04 — Location
Getting around Kyoto
The property sits in Kyoto.
Nishiki Market: About a 2-minute walk away, this bustling market street is perfect for sampling local Kyoto delicacies and picking up food souvenirs.
Teramachi: Located 400 metres from the ryokan, this shopping street offers a mix of traditional and modern shops.
Transport: The ryokan is near an underground station, making it easy to travel around Kyoto. Kyoto Station is also easy to reach.
Nakagyo-Ku Yanaginobaba-Dori Rokkaku-Kudaru 413, Kyoto, Kyoto, 604 8113, Japan
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 16:00-21:30
- Check-out
- By 07:00-10:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Property
- 24 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times at Watazen Ryokan?
Check-in is from 16:00 to 21:30, and check-out is from 07:00 to 10:00.
Is breakfast included at Watazen Ryokan?
A basic continental breakfast is included in the rate. A Japanese breakfast is available at an extra charge.
Does Watazen Ryokan have parking?
Yes, parking is available on site.
Are pets allowed at Watazen Ryokan?
No, pets are not allowed.
Does Watazen Ryokan have a public bath or onsen?
Yes, there is a communal bathing facility (public bath) in the basement. Some rooms also have a private bath.
How far is Watazen Ryokan from Kyoto Station?
The ryokan is easy to find from Kyoto Station, though the exact distance is not specified. It is near an underground station for convenient access.
The bottom line
A historic, well-located ryokan that delivers on tradition and service. Ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Kyoto stay near the city's food and shopping districts, provided you can work with the set check-in hours.
9.2Best for: traditional experience, central location, and exceptional staff.
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