Best Budget Ryokans in Kyoto

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.

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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

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!

2 – Ryokan Ryokufuso

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.

3 – Matsubaya Ryokan

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.

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.