Ryokan Shimizu
600-8317 Kyoto, Kyoto, Shimogyo-ku Shichijo dori Wakamiya agaru Kagiyacho 644, Japan – Excellent location – show map
Excellent location – rated 9.2/10! (score from 326 reviews)
Real guests • Real stays • Real opinions
The room was incredibly clean! You have so much space and is an excellent value for the price. You have your own bathroom and they also have a "Japanese bath" that you reserve for free and it was lovely. I loved sleeping in a Japanese inn. They were so hospitable and provided recommendations for what to do in the area. The best thing about my stay was the breakfast!! It was the best breakfast I have had and was traditional Japanese breakfast. I loved my stay so much I extended it. Highly recommend.
United States of AmericaThe room was very clean and tidy, a decent amount of space for one person. It was excellent to have bathroom facilities included in the room. I found the hotel a little difficult to find, however I think that was down to my navigation app. The staff were incredibly welcoming, friendly and their hospitality was well beyond expectations. The private onsen was an excellent way to wind down for the night. The room was nice and quiet. Breakfast was lovely, very generous and delicious. On my checkout I was gifted a Polaroid photograph, some Kyoto coasters and an umbrella because it snowed overnight and the weather was a little iffy.
New Zealandeverything! The staff is very nice and able to speak English very well. The room is clean and comfortable. They also provide the private japanese-style bath for free. Breakfast is superb!!! I had the Obanzai style breakfast and the rice is cooked so well 🥰 really enjoy the stay!
ThailandThe breakfast was great, the staff were so accommodating and the location was very convenient.
United States of AmericaThe hosts helped us so much! They gave us maps and helped us shop for the souvenirs we were looking for. When we went out walking they gave us hand-warmers to use. They called us our taxi, made us great breakfast, and served us tea in our room. We were not there long, but it was a great stay.
United States of AmericaThe people running the Ryokan were so kind and hospitable. The breakfast was delicious and a little of everything, and it was nice to have the private onsen reserved for us as a couple. The room was comfortable and the beds as well! They have very quaint decorations and the location was perfect, very close to the main station and lots to eat and see in the area.
United States of AmericaStayed here for 2 nights and it was super amazing!! Loved every bit of this Ryokan - very clean and comfortable. There is a private onsen where you can book and use at level 1. Great to end the night esp in winter. Also, hosts were very thoughtful! They passed us heat packs knowing during one of the days where temperature dropped a lot.
SingaporeVery clean. Loved the breakfast and the owners were very hospitable. They even have me hand warmers on my last day because it was so cold outside!
United States of AmericaThe hosts were very welcoming, friendly, and helpful. The rooms were clean, tidy and big. The breakfast is very lovely and comes with plenty of rice, different kinds of side dishes, soup, tea or coffee. It gets you really energized for the day. The hosts also respond to your dietary needs. Overall I really like the very cozy and welcoming feeling you get from staying here.
GermanyLocation, 8 minutes leisure walk from the Kyoto station; cleanliness; attentive and accommodating owner who knows the place and the different areas of interests and already mapped the place and all I have to do is follow the procedures. The breakfast is superb.
United States of America
- What guests loved the most:
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Behnam
United States of America
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Chloe
New Zealand
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Pariya
Thailand
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Leah
United States of America
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Elisabeth
United States of America
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Hudson
United States of America
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Sherlyn
Singapore
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Andrea
United States of America
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Kang
Germany
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Ellis
United States of America
Categories:
Stay in the heart of Kyoto
About a 7-minute walk from JR Kyoto Train Station and a 3-minute walk to Nishi-Hongan-ji Temple, Ryokan Shimizu is a nonsmoking property that provides air-conditioned Japanese rooms with free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom. Rental bicycles are available at an additional charge.
Guests at Shimizu Ryokan can experience traditional Japanese-style sleeping arrangements, with futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor. Rooms include a TV, a fridge and a tea maker. The en suite bath has toiletries.
Higashi-Hongan-ji Temple is a 5-minute walk away, while Gojo Subway Station is a 10-minute walk. Sanjusangen-do Temple is 1.2 mi away. On-site parking is possible, for a fee.
Housed in a traditional “machiya-zukuri” building, the hotel includes a small garden and a hot bath that can be reserved for private use.
This property is a ryokan, which is a type of traditional Japanese Inn. Learn more
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- What's a ryokan?
- A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. They usually feature bathhouses, multicourse dinners, communal spaces where guests can relax, and rooms with woven-straw flooring and futon mats. Like hotels, a range of ryokans (from budget to luxury) is available. What originated centuries ago as a free rest house for long-distance travelers has evolved into a popular destination for relaxation surrounded by therapeutic mineral springs.
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- What are the big differences between a ryokan and a hotel?
- Unlike a hotel, where the guest room is just a place to turn in for the night, a ryokan is more than just a place to sleep. In Japan, many travelers journey long distances to relax in a hot spring bath and feast on a traditional multicourse dinner – staying in a ryokan is an experience in and of itself. These ryokans typically have Japanese-style rooms with woven-straw floors and futon beds (no Western beds and carpeting). You should also remove your shoes at the entrance of the room, or before you enter it. Modern ryokans might serve buffet-style meals in a dining area, while more traditional ryokans tend to serve in-room dinners. Some ryokan rooms have a private bathroom, and others might just have a shared bathroom.
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- What's a kaiseki meal?
- Kaiseki is the culinary highlight at a ryokan, embodying beautifully presented dishes that delight both the palate and the eyes. Every one of the 10 to 15 dishes that make up the multicourse Japanese dinner is prepared in a way that highlights the unique textures, colors, and flavors of featured seasonal ingredients and local specialties. Most commonly served at special restaurants and ryokans, a traditional kaiseki dinner usually consists of bite-size appetizers, fresh sashimi (raw fish, like sushi), soup, grilled fish or meat, a hot-pot dish, rice with miso soup, and a small dessert.
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- What's a yukata?
- A yukata is a casual summer kimono or robe, typically made of light cotton. Many ryokans provide guests with yukata robes during their stay. In some areas, it's common to see guests strolling through the neighborhood in their yukatas. The loose-fitting garment is perfect for sleeping and relaxing in.
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- How should I wear a yukata?
- First, put your arms through the sleeves like you would with a robe. Take the right side of the yukata and wrap it across your body. Then, take the left side and wrap it over the right, making sure that the robe is level at your ankles. Pinning the yukata closed on the right side, wrap the sash around your waist a couple of times and then tie a bow. Generally, the bow is tied around the waist for women, and the hips for men.
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- What's a Japanese hot spring (onsen)?
- Onsen (literally "hot spring") is a term often used to refer to both the mineral-rich hot springs and the bathing facilities that house them. Whether the bath is public or private, gender-segregated or mixed, indoor or outdoor, soaking and unwinding in the soothing geothermal waters at an onsen is a millennia-old custom deeply embedded in Japanese culture.
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- What's standard bathing etiquette?
- At a bathhouse—onsen or not—guests are expected to remove all clothing in their respective changing rooms before entering the bathing area. As a common courtesy, once inside the bathing area, guests should wash and rinse their bodies thoroughly before quietly stepping into the hot water. Whether you relax in solitude or converse softly with others is up to you, but guests should always be mindful of others. Wash towels are often used to cover one’s private areas while walking around. However, note that you should not put towels in the water.
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- Why are tattoos not allowed?
- While tattoos have become more popular among Japan's youth, many Japanese people still associate them with outlaws and organized crime. Nowadays, not all businesses ban customers with tattoos, but you might still be refused admission to bathhouses and swimming pools. Small tattoos can be covered up using waterproof bandaids, but keep in mind that each property has the final say on what’s acceptable.
This is our guests' favorite part of Kyoto, according to independent reviews.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.3 for a two-person trip.
See what guests loved the most:
- Behnam
United States of America“The room was incredibly clean! You have so much space and is an excellent value for the price. You have your own bathroom and they also have a "Japanese bath" that you reserve for free and it was lovely. I loved sleeping in a Japanese inn. They...” 
Chloe
New Zealand“The room was very clean and tidy, a decent amount of space for one person. It was excellent to have bathroom facilities included in the room. I found the hotel a little difficult to find, however I think that was down to my navigation app. The...”- Pariya
Thailand“everything! The staff is very nice and able to speak English very well. The room is clean and comfortable. They also provide the private japanese-style bath for free. Breakfast is superb!!! I had the Obanzai style breakfast and the rice is cooked...” 
LeahUnited States of America“The breakfast was great, the staff were so accommodating and the location was very convenient.”- ElisabethUnited States of America“The hosts helped us so much! They gave us maps and helped us shop for the souvenirs we were looking for. When we went out walking they gave us hand-warmers to use. They called us our taxi, made us great breakfast, and served us tea in our room. We...”
- HudsonUnited States of America“The people running the Ryokan were so kind and hospitable. The breakfast was delicious and a little of everything, and it was nice to have the private onsen reserved for us as a couple. The room was comfortable and the beds as well! They have very...”
- Sherlyn
Singapore“Stayed here for 2 nights and it was super amazing!! Loved every bit of this Ryokan - very clean and comfortable. There is a private onsen where you can book and use at level 1. Great to end the night esp in winter. Also, hosts were very...” 
AndreaUnited States of America“Very clean. Loved the breakfast and the owners were very hospitable. They even have me hand warmers on my last day because it was so cold outside!”- KKang
Germany“The hosts were very welcoming, friendly, and helpful. The rooms were clean, tidy and big. The breakfast is very lovely and comes with plenty of rice, different kinds of side dishes, soup, tea or coffee. It gets you really energized for the day....” 
EllisUnited States of America“Location, 8 minutes leisure walk from the Kyoto station; cleanliness; attentive and accommodating owner who knows the place and the different areas of interests and already mapped the place and all I have to do is follow the procedures. The...”
- Hi, how much is the parking fee?1日1000円＋TAXです。Answered on 16 February 2021
- What time are the communal baths available?16時から23時まで利用できます。Answered on 16 February 2021
- I wish to book a twin room for the 22nd April and then 3,4,5,6 th of May. Can I leave 2x cycle bag 118 x 90 x 30 cmsWe have some rooms available 3,4and5th . If you 'd like to booking ,please check it again.Answered on 28 April 2021
- Hi, will we be able to store our luggage before check in time and after checkout? Thanks!Check-in you can use your room after 16:00 . Luggage storage is offered free of charge from 08:00 on the check-in date. Luggage storage service is not available after check-out for security .Answered on 30 October 2022
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Guest bathroom
- Bathtub or shower
- Slippers
- Private Bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
- Hairdryer
- Bathtub
- Shower
- Garden
- Dining table
- Electric kettle
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
- Bicycle rentalAdditional charge
- Dining area
- Desk
- TV
- Daily housekeeping
- Vending machine (drinks)
- Baggage storage
- Invoice provided
- Fire extinguishers
- CCTV outside property
- CCTV in common areas
- Smoke alarms
- Security alarm
- Key access
- 24-hour security
- Adults only
- Air conditioning
- Smoke-free property
- Heating
- Non-smoking rooms
- English
- Japanese
Cancellation/
prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.
Curfew
The entrance to the property is closed between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM
Children & Beds
Child policies
Children not allowed.
Crib and extra bed policies
Cribs and extra beds aren't available at this property.
Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Cash only
This property only accepts cash payments.
Credit cards are only needed to guarantee your booking .
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed.
Parties
Parties/events are not allowed
Quiet hours
Guests need be quiet between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
The fine print
In addition, 1-person rooms can only accommodate 1 people, 2-person rooms can only accommodate 2 people, and 3-person rooms must be booked by a group of 3 guests.
Children including infants cannot be accommodated at this property. Guests with children will not be permitted to check-in, and will be charged cancelation fees.
The property will not be able to provide a room for guests checking in with children on the arrival day.
The hotel has a curfew at 00:00. Guests cannot enter or leave the hotel after this time.
When settling the bill, the hotel will accept cash only (in Japanese yen). The full amount of the reservation must be paid when checking in.
All rates are fixed and cannot be discounted.
For security reasons, only guests staying at this hotel are allowed in the guest rooms. Please note friends and family members visiting the guests are not permitted in the guest rooms.
Check-in before 16:00 is not possible. Luggage storage is offered free of charge from 08:00 on the check-in date.
To cancel or modify your booking, you must do so through your account on booking.com or via booking.com customer service.
An accommodation tax per person, per night is not included in the price and must be paid at the property.
This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
Please inform Ryokan Shimizu of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Legal info
FAQs about Ryokan Shimizu
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Ryokan Shimizu is 0.7 miles from the center of Kyoto.
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Guests staying at Ryokan Shimizu can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 9.8).
Breakfast option(s) include:
- Asian
- À la carte
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Ryokan Shimizu offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):
- Bicycle rental
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Check-in at Ryokan Shimizu is from 4:00 PM, and check-out is until 10:00 AM.
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Room options at Ryokan Shimizu include:
- Twin
- Triple
- Single
- Double
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The prices at Ryokan Shimizu may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.
