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Best Budget Ryokans in Kyoto

Last Updated March 7, 2023 William Tang

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If you’re planning a trip to the culture capital of Japan, you might have caught on that one of the things you have to do is related to your accommodations.  Instead of staying in a regular hotel or hostel, what you’re actually looking for is a very traditional form of a B&B called a ryokan.  To keep your costs reasonable, here is a curated list of the top budget ryokans in Kyoto.

Read more about Japan

  • Where to stay in Hiroshima
  • Best time to go to Kyoto
  • Looking for suggestions for the best places to eat in Tokyo?
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  • Our best Japan content

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Table of Contents

Looking for something specific in this guide?  Jump to what you want to read.

Here's what we're covering:

  • What Are Ryokans?
  • Best Budget Ryokans in Kyoto
    • 1 – Shimizu Ryokan
    • 2 – Ryokan Ryokufuso
    • 3 – Matsubaya Ryokan
  • JR Pass

What Are Ryokans?

Kyoto is one of the best cities in Japan to experience authentic dwellings of the past. These traditional Japanese inns once accepted weary travelers on their journeys at a time when samurais roamed the land and shoguns held power.

Nowadays, they’re for visitors wanting to experience old traditions and culture. Staying in a ryokan while visiting Kyoto is a must because there aren’t many places in the world where you can sleep on a futon over traditional tatami (rice-straw matting) in an undivided room floor, with a single low table being the main piece of furniture. Shoji (sliding doors) lead you into a room decorated with simple ink drawings.

Most ryokans will have communal baths, but some are en suite. You also get a yukata (traditional Japanese robe), which further adds to the experience. Another big draw with the ryokan is the traditional Japanese breakfast consisting of multiple dishes, local, and seasonal specialties.

Best Budget Ryokans in Kyoto

Here are my picks for 3 of the best ryokans in Kyoto that are considered to be for budget travellers.  Don’t let the prices shock you though because ryokans are known to be very expensive.  Anything that’s under $200 USD is a great price as far as ryokans are concerned.

1 – Shimizu Ryokan

ryokan shimizu is one of the best budget ryokans in kyoto
Image via Flickr theloud1

While you won’t get the zen gardens, attached onsen (Japanese hot springs), or fancy meals of high-end ryokans, travelers will be able to sleep on futons in a Japanese-style room. If you book the room the night before for an extra cost, you get a traditional breakfast every morning. Location-wise, this ryokan is also within walking distance from the train station, which makes it extremely convenient.

Visitors can stay at the Ryokan Shimizu while in Kyoto. As a budget and foreign-friendly hotel, the staff is incredibly friendly and all speak English, which is helpful for directions and general assistance.

We personally stayed here as part of our 12 day Japan itinerary.  As you can tell, I was very excited!

our stay at ryokan shimizu in kyoto
Our little ryokan room.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Average Price:  $184 USD

English address:
644 Kagiya-cho, Shichijo-dori, Wakamiya agaru, Shimogyo-ku

Japanese address:
下京区七条通若宮上ル鍵屋町644

Read the reviews

Check rates

2 – Ryokan Ryokufuso

best ryokan ryokufuso room in kyoto

Ryokufuso is a ryokan in Kyoto that evokes a sense of class and hospitalty but at a more reasonable price compared to some of the luxury properties.

Located 15 minutes away from JR Kyoto Train Station, you’ll have free wifi, access to  a public bath (onsen), air condition, TV, toiletries, and hair dryer.  Rooms are incredibly spacious and clean.

Guests also opt for meal inclusive packages at Ryokufuso that can include breakfast and dinner which are a must-do if staying in a Ryokan.

A recent guest said:

From the moment you enter the hotel you are looked after by fabulous, helpful, polite and professional staff.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Average Price:  $184 USD

English address:
600-8323 Kyoto, Kyoto, Shimogyo-ku, Kanayacho 490, Japan

Japanese address:
〒600-8323 京都府京都市下京区西洞院六条上ル金屋町49

Read the reviews

Check rates

3 – Matsubaya Ryokan

matsubaya ryokan in kyoto
Image via Flickr arugulapalace

Like the others, this is another no-frills ryokan where you’ll experience what it’s like to sleep on futon-on-tatami mats. Conveniently located near Kyoto Station, Matsubaya Ryokan is also a 15-minute walk, which makes it a convenient launch pad for your adventures in the city.

the rooms are basic but have everything you’d need to have a comfortable night’s sleep. Wi-Fi is free as well. Matsubaya Ryokan does not include breakfast, but it can be added on for a fee.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Average Price:  $162 USD

English address:
Nishi-iru, Higashinotouin, Kamijuzuyamachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku

Japanese address:
下京区上珠数屋町通東洞院西入ル

Read the reviews

Check rates

With the above ryokans you not only get to save money, you also get to step out of the standard hotel routine and into a different experience that is 100% Japanese.

For more recommendations, make sure to check out the ultimate Kyoto neighbourhood guide on where to stay.

JR Pass

If you’re looking to do any travelling around Japan, I highly recommend picking up a JRailPass.  Keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase it before your trip and ship it to your home.

JRailPass

What you should read next

  • 12 Day Japan Itinerary – The Ultimate Trip Planning Guide
  • Ultimate Tokyo Food Guide in Japan – Where And What To Eat
  • When Is The Best Time To Go To Kyoto?
  • Where to Stay in Kyoto, Japan – A Guide To The Best Hotels, Ryokans, and Neighbourhoods
  • Immerse Yourself in Japanese Culture in Kyoto
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Filed Under: Accommodations 3 Comments

About William Tang

William is the Chief of Awesome at Going Awesome Places which is focused on off-the-beaten-path, outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring others to travel, writing detailed trip itineraries to help others plan their own trips, and providing helpful tips and tricks to guide readers to travel better. He is based in Toronto, Canada but you'll find him on the road more often than not. Make sure to learn more about William to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

author will tang going awesome places profile photoHey, my name is Will and I'm here to help you travel to some awesome places around the world and my home country of Canada by providing insanely detailed itineraries, travel guides, and packing lists.

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