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.

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

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!

- The staff are very helpful and kind, and will also store your luggage for you before/after check-in. - The LOCATION is so perfect. A 5 minute walk from Kyoto Station, super easy for trains/subway/buses. - Lots of convenience stores/cafés nearby, a Donki a few minutes walk and a shopping centre right next door. - The traditional style Ryokan room is very charming, love the personal touch and decor - The staff provide you with tea and sweets every day, plus a clean yukata and fresh towels. - Amenities are great - microwave in the corridor/lobby plus a kettle and fridge in the room. - Excellent value for money and would definitely recommend to friends.

- There is only one shower available to use in the mornings for all guests and only until 9am, which resulted in a queue. - I took a bath in the public onsen, and I suppose it is the fault of other guests rather than the staff, but there was a lot of hair floating around in it, so it did not feel very clean or relaxing. - The towels have a lot of stains/marks on them and could do with a refresh. - The pillows are extremely hard and feel like they are full of beans, I slept okay but my friend had trouble.

It's an amazing experience for those looking for a true japanese style accommodation. The host was absolutely fantastic, such a sweetheart. I absolutely recommend this place. Love it.

To be honest not much. 1- When i moved blanket on my bed there were a couple of long hairs on my pillow. And the floor wasn't vacuumed properly. But it's because it's make out of wood and straw. 2- The check-in time is at 16:00... I checked out of my other hotel at 10 so I had to wait for 6 hours to change and have a shower... 3- If you want to stay out late, choose somewhere else because doors close at 23:00 and you CANT get in.

Traditional Japanese rooms. Everything was very clean. You get futon and yukata. The bathroom / shower is clean. There's a washroom and also public bathtub (traditional Japanese). You have a tea set in the room and a small table to have food if you like. there's microwave and also a beverage machine in the hallway. everyone was ver kind and welcoming. location is perfect as it's 5 minute wslk from train station.

Rooms can get noisy at night because as I said it's a traditional hotel so walls are thin. it's not terrible but if you're a light sleeper it might annoy you.