Ryokan
 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 282 reviews)

Real guests • Real stays • Real opinions

9.4
Wonderful
282 reviews

The room, facilities, and breakfast were perfect. But what set this place apart from all of the other places I've stayed were the hosts. I can honestly say they are the most genuinely nice people I have ever met in the industry, and that says a lot!

Masato United States of America

The staff was very helpful and friendly. The place is super clean and well organized. Highly recommended if you want to experience a traditional Japanese house

Ahmed United States of America

The staff were super friendly and spoke English. The hotel felt very cozy, and the breakfast exceeded my expectations.

Ethan Japan

The staff was more than friendly and helpful when we had a few issues with checking in. All in all a great place to stay

Noah United States of America

The place was really great. Loved the traditional style but still super comfy futons, loved the private use of the onsen and the bikes were super handy. I really appreciated that they opened early for us to drop off bags and hire bikes. Would definitely stay there again.

Kirstin Japan

Staff is very courteous. The little surprise we got at check out was a very nice gesture on their part. I’ll keep it a secret at this stage 😊. It was value for money.

Manoj Australia

Kind and attentive staff. Very clean, spacious, and comfortable rooms. Will be back again!

Lilah United States of America

The decorations and atmosphere are very sweet and comfortable. The private bath is also awesome.

Xiaoyi Germany

Awesome location, near to the Kyoto Train station and shrines! In a quiet, quaint neighborhood with great accommodations, with the futon bed, tatami floors and private onsen bath. The staff, fantastic and very accommodating and helpful!

Judith United States of America

Location is great, very close to Kyoto Station. The room is clean and quite spacious for two persons. The host is really friendly, he provided us with basic info about tourist attractions. The hospitality is very good, they gave us citrus tea as welcome drink and offered if we want to book their private onsen, of which is very nice, clean and relaxing. We will definitely stay here again when we are back in Kyoto!

Natasha Indonesia
9.4
Wonderful
282 reviews
  • What guests loved the most:
  • “The room, facilities, and breakfast were perfect. But what set this place apart from all of the other places I've stayed were the hosts.”
    Masato Masato United States of America United States of America
  • “The staff was very helpful and friendly. The place is super clean and well organized. Highly recommended if you want to experience a traditional Japanese house”
    Ahmed Ahmed United States of America United States of America
  • “The staff were super friendly and spoke English. The hotel felt very cozy, and the breakfast exceeded my expectations.”
    Ethan Ethan Japan Japan
  • “The staff was more than friendly and helpful when we had a few issues with checking in. All in all a great place to stay”
    Noah Noah United States of America United States of America
  • “The place was really great. Loved the traditional style but still super comfy futons, loved the private use of the onsen and the bikes were super handy.”
    Kirstin Kirstin Japan Japan
  • “Staff is very courteous. The little surprise we got at check out was a very nice gesture on their part. I’ll keep it a secret at this stage 😊. It was value for money.”
    Manoj Manoj Australia Australia
  • “Kind and attentive staff. Very clean, spacious, and comfortable rooms. Will be back again!”
    Lilah Lilah United States of America United States of America
  • “The decorations and atmosphere are very sweet and comfortable. The private bath is also awesome.”
    Xiaoyi Xiaoyi Germany Germany
  • “Awesome location, near to the Kyoto Train station and shrines! In a quiet, quaint neighborhood with great accommodations, with the futon bed, tatami floors and private onsen bath.”
    Judith Judith United States of America United States of America
  • “Location is great, very close to Kyoto Station. The room is clean and quite spacious for two persons. The host is really friendly, he provided us with basic info about tourist attractions.”
    Natasha Natasha Indonesia Indonesia

Categories:

  • Staff 9.8
  • Facilities9.2
  • Cleanliness9.6
  • Comfort9.4
  • Value for money 9.5
  • Location9.2
  • Free WiFi9.1
High score for Kyoto

Stay in the heart of Kyoto – Excellent location – show map

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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Ryokan Shimizu has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Dec 26, 2011

Show me more

Most popular amenities

Non-smoking rooms
Parking
Free WiFi
Garden
Heating
Daily housekeeping

Property Highlights

Located in the real heart of Kyoto, this property has an excellent location score of 9.2!

Breakfast Info

Asian

Private Parking Available On Site

Saved to 2761 lists

Availability

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4 reasons to choose Ryokan Shimizu

  • Prices you can't beat!
  • Booking is safe
  • Manage your bookings online
  • The staff speaks English

Guest reviews

9.4
Wonderful · 282 reviews
Read all reviews
Categories:
  • Staff 9.8
  • Facilities9.2
  • Cleanliness9.6
  • Comfort9.4
  • Value for money 9.5
  • Location9.2
  • Free WiFi9.1
High score for Kyoto

Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Masato
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “The room, facilities, and breakfast were perfect. But what set this place apart from all of the other places I've stayed were the hosts. I can honestly say they are the most genuinely nice people I have ever met in the industry, and that says a lot!”
  • Ahmed
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “The staff was very helpful and friendly. The place is super clean and well organized. Highly recommended if you want to experience a traditional Japanese house”
  • E
    Ethan
    JapanJapan
    “The staff were super friendly and spoke English. The hotel felt very cozy, and the breakfast exceeded my expectations.”
  • Noah
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “The staff was more than friendly and helpful when we had a few issues with checking in. All in all a great place to stay”
  • Kirstin
    JapanJapan
    “The place was really great. Loved the traditional style but still super comfy futons, loved the private use of the onsen and the bikes were super handy. I really appreciated that they opened early for us to drop off bags and hire bikes. Would...”
  • Manoj
    AustraliaAustralia
    “Staff is very courteous. The little surprise we got at check out was a very nice gesture on their part. I’ll keep it a secret at this stage 😊. It was value for money.”
  • Lilah
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “Kind and attentive staff. Very clean, spacious, and comfortable rooms. Will be back again!”
  • Xiaoyi
    GermanyGermany
    “The decorations and atmosphere are very sweet and comfortable. The private bath is also awesome.”
  • Judith
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “Awesome location, near to the Kyoto Train station and shrines! In a quiet, quaint neighborhood with great accommodations, with the futon bed, tatami floors and private onsen bath. The staff, fantastic and very accommodating and helpful!”
  • Natasha
    IndonesiaIndonesia
    “Location is great, very close to Kyoto Station. The room is clean and quite spacious for two persons. The host is really friendly, he provided us with basic info about tourist attractions. The hospitality is very good, they gave us citrus tea as...”
Property questions and answers
Browse questions from guests for anything extra you want to know about the property

The property usually replies within a few days

  • Hi, how much is the parking fee?
    1日1000円＋TAXです。
    Answered on February 16, 2021
  • What time are the communal baths available?
    16時から23時まで利用できます。
    Answered on February 16, 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 cms
    We have some rooms available 3,4and5th . If you 'd like to booking ,please check it again.
    Answered on April 28, 2021

  • Still looking?

    Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.

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Area info *
Guests loved walking around the neighborhood!
Excellent location – show map
What's nearby
  • Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
    0.1 miles
  • Nishi Hongan-ji Temple
    0.3 miles
  • Kyoto Tower
    0.3 miles
  • Kyoto Porta
    0.3 miles
  • Sauna Verde Club
    0.4 miles
  • Kyoto Aquarium
    0.5 miles
  • Aeon Mall Kyoto
    0.6 miles
  • Taisho-yu
    0.6 miles
Restaurants & cafes
  • Cafe/Bar スイートマロンカフェ
    0.1 miles
  • Restaurant なか卯　七条新町店
    0.1 miles
  • Restaurant 大西
    0.2 miles
  • Restaurant ちゃばな　七条新町店
    0.2 miles
  • Cafe/Bar カフェ・ベローチェ 京都駅前店
    0.3 miles
Top attractions
  • Kyoto Shigaku Kaikan Conference Hall
    0.7 miles
  • Sanjusangen-do Temple
    0.9 miles
  • Gion Shijo Station
    1.3 miles
  • Old Rissei Elementary School
    1.3 miles
  • Tofuku-ji Temple
    1.4 miles
  • Kyoto International Manga Museum
    1.5 miles
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    1.7 miles
  • Nijo Castle
    1.7 miles
  • Samurai Kembu Kyoto
    1.7 miles
  • Imperial Palace
    2.3 miles
Natural Beauty
  • River 鴨川
    0.7 miles
  • Mountain 東山（清水寺）
    2.2 miles
  • Ocean/Sea 琵琶湖
    8.7 miles
Public transit
  • Subway Gojo Station
    0.4 miles
  • Train Kyoto Station
    0.4 miles
Closest Airports
  • Itami Airport
    22.9 miles
  • Kobe Airport
    39 miles
  • Kansai International Airport
    48.1 miles
How to get to Ryokan Shimizu from Kansai International Airport
    Public transportation
    Parking available
* All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.
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Amenities of Ryokan Shimizu

Most popular amenities

Non-smoking rooms
Parking
Free WiFi
Garden
Heating
Daily housekeeping
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Guest bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Slippers
  • Private Bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Bathrobe
  • Hairdryer
  • Bathtub
  • Shower
Outdoors
  • Garden
Kitchen
  • Dining table
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
Room Amenities
  • Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
Living Area
  • Dining area
  • Desk
Media & Technology
  • TV
Internet
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Private parking is available on site (reservation is needed) and costs JPY 1100 per day.
Services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Vending machine (drinks)
  • Baggage storage
Front Desk Services
  • Invoice provided
Safety & security
  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV outside property
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Security alarm
  • Key access
  • 24-hour security
General
  • Adults only
  • Air conditioning
  • Smoke-free property
  • Heating
  • Non-smoking rooms
Languages Spoken
  • English
  • Japanese
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Sustainability initiatives
This property has taken steps to provide more sustainable and eco-friendly travel

House rules Ryokan Shimizu takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Check-out

6:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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 over 12 are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

There's no capacity for cribs at this property.

This property doesn't offer extra beds.

Age restriction

No age restriction for check-in. (Only children 12 and up are allowed)

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

Smoking is strictly prohibited in the property. If guests are found smoking within property premises, they will be asked to leave immediately. No refunds will be given.

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.