In a quiet suburb north of the city centre, close to the Botanical Gardens, this calm oasis was a place to relax and rest. It’s quiet, private and our host was friendly and helpful but respectful of our privacy. Our room was spacious, and the communal shower, kitchenette and washing facilities were clean and convenient. Our host had good recommendations for local dining.

We loved everything, but be prepared for a half-hour plus bus ride into Kyoto’s centre, and beyond.

We loved our stay here and will be recommending it to anyone we know who might be coming to Kyoto. The host was super friendly and provided us with great recommendations (go to the ramen place he recommends). The beds were really comfortable and facilities suited our needs nicely.

It’s a little out of the main city centre, but there’s a city loop bus which stops really close by and very regularly. Also, rooms aren’t sound proof but that didn’t bother us at all.

The facilities very clean and they were good. The host was exceptionally nice, and our room was lovely. We had plenty of space and some nice tea in the room. The facilities have pretty much everything you might need. The area and surroundings were calm.

Nothing, really - it was lovely

The place is VERY clean! I felt safe and at peace. The amenities are very nice and available to guests. It was very quiet. Our host made every single accommodation and recommendation you could ever want. Located very close to the bus. Beautiful garden in a quiet neighborhood.

I considered this review for a long time, but have decided to mention the following. The host did unlock and walk into our room one morning at ~10am. I presume this was to deliver fresh towels, which he provides daily! <3 However, we were sleeping and could have been changing. This made my boyfriend uncomfortable for the rest of the time there. It didn’t bother me at all, but it may have if I were a solo female traveler or undressing at the time. Not negative necessarily, but thought it was worth a mention.

The hotel is cute and located on a very quiet street. The room was big enough for 3 of us, including my son who is 19y and 185cm tall. The night close to Xmas was cold and the AC, though does deliver heat, was noisy so we turned it down. The gas heater was efficient and the electric blankets were very nice. The manager was kind and always stand by for any questions and requests. If you have knee problem or not used to sit on the floor, the setting may not suit for you. The hotel is surrounded by some nice local restaurants. We went into a Ramen place later night( 10pm) and had very nice noodles and good chats with the 3 young workers there. 10 minish walk to subway so I would say it is convenience in terms of transit. Overall, we are happy with our stay and would like to recommend it to other budget travelers.

Can't really think of anything, if really needs one, well, would be nice if the shower room has the hand wash soap.

I really liked everything about Rakucho Ryokan. The host was really friendly, welcoming, and helpful. At the start, he gave us a map of the local area for some guidance. There was not much of common areas, but our room had a lovely sitting room where we can eat. It was a very authentic experience sitting and sleeping on the tatami mats! The bedroom was really nice and offered a nice view of the garden. There is a microwave and eating utensils available to use. Toilet and shower areas are kept clean and well supplied with shampoo, toothpaste, and body wash! There's plenty of umbrellas to borrow during rainy days. There's also slippers to use indoors.

Nothing! This is a great place to stay in.

Very clean and comfortable; shared showers and toilets were kept beautifully clean. Wifi was excellent and the futon beds and pillows were also very comfortable. Although not in the centre of Kyoto, the bus and train stations are very close and everything is easily reached by public transport. It was also very calm and quiet. A shared kitchen area was also available.

Only downside was the large traditional window did not have curtains so was very light in the morning so bring an eye mask if light bothers you.

The owner was super friendly and welcoming. The location was perfect for us- near transit but not in the busy area. Convenience store and restaurants nearby, as well as the lovely river. The room was great and the shared showers and toilets were plentiful and clean. The walls are thin as it’s a traditional building but it didn’t bother us as we were tired after busy days then up early anyway. I would stay here again if (when!) I come back to Kyoto.

Very friendly and helpful host. We had a superb view on the zen garden. Every day new towels. Green tea. exelent toilet in the room. Shower was shared but clean and a great amount of water, soooo nice after a day running around. Small fridge , good futon beds, nice and quiet. It exceeded my expectations. Mr Rakucho ;Tomo arigato gozaimash!! Further more it is central for the northern part of Kyoto: Imeperial.palace, botanical garden, Daitikuji Temple with beautiful zen garden close by, Kinkakuji also close, Ryoan-ji etc. etc. Bus 205 is your biggest friend:)

Nothing.

Near the pleasant Kamo River, and about 15 mins by Metro from Kyoto Station, and then 15 mins on foot. The ryokan itself has a tucked-away feel, though in a mixed residential-commercial area and not far from a main road.

Not a “dislike”, but: Be aware that you must tread carefully, both literally (per sign on wooden staircase), and — ideally — in terms of all-round considerate conduct and probably mode of speech (politeness/indirectness).