Name: Ryokan Uemura
Address: 605-0825 Kyoto, Kyoto, Higashiyama-ku Gion Shimogawara Ishibei-koji, Japan, Higashiyama-ku Gion Shimogawara Ishibei-koji, Kyoto, 605-0825, Japan
Price range: Prices for upcoming dates start at $96 per night (We Price Match)
Rating: 9.4

Info & prices
Facilities
House Rules
The Fine Print
Guest Reviews (193)

Ryokan Ryokan Uemura

This neighborhood is a great choice for travelers interested in old-town exploration, walking and ancient landmarks – Check location 605-0825 Kyoto, Kyoto, Higashiyama-ku Gion Shimogawara Ishibei-koji, Japan – This neighborhood is a great choice for travelers interested in old-town exploration, walking and ancient landmarks – Check location

*8.8* Kodai-ji: only 2 minutes away! (550 feet by foot)

*8.5* Yasaka Shrine: only 5 minutes away! (1,300 feet by foot)

*8.4* Maruyama Park: only 6 minutes away! (1,400 feet by foot)

Lock in a great price for Ryokan Uemura – rated 9.4 by recent guests!

to get started.

Give yourself a minute to accept what this place for what it is. King sized bed and room service it is not. But for one night, it’s the most charming experience you can ask for. The “staff” consists of a single tiny old lady who is the epitome of your favorite grandma. And the sleeping quarters, while a bit drafty and involve sleeping on the ground, are shockingly comfortable.

Peter, United States of America

The lady was very good. Awsome gift, handmade towel. Location, near Kizomizu Dera. Good breakfast. Quiet place.

Sideridis, China

Ms. Uemura is such a lovely hostess. She was very kind and thoughtful throughout our stay. She lent my daughter a much-needed umbrella every day as it was very hot in August. The ryokan is small but a 125-year-old gem on a lovely backstreet in the heart of Gion.

Robert, United States of America

This ryokan is so amazing - it's a little house in a magical neighborhood, where you can feel like you're home. The breakfasts are great (ask for a Japanese breakfast at least once). Our room was on the bottom floor and had this tiny patio looking over a little Japanese garden that had a couple of devious cats roaming around. It was just perfect.

Erin, United States of America

this ryokan is a special place in a beautiful part of gion. the beautiful woman who owns it is kind, gracious, generous, and thoughtful. i loved every minute of my stay here!

Julie, Thailand

Warm hospitality, kindness and great room stayed in.

Dale, United States of America

This ryokan is run by the sweetest old lady in the entire world. The Japanese-style breakfast she cooked every morning was delicious and the futon were ultra comfortable. The neighborhood is full of temples and shrines and is super walkable.

Sara, United States of America

Our hostess was fantastic--so kind and welcoming! And the location is perfect, right in the old town. We really loved our stay and will happily return.

Sean, United States of America

Hideko-san was the best host imaginable. It was such a pleasure meeting her and I really hope we get the chance to return in the future, it would be great to see her again.

Michael, United States of America

The owner was super nice and helpful, from being very accommodating overall to providing an umbrella in the rain, and more. Her English wasn't great, but it was good enough.

David, United States of America

9.9

Staff
Great neighborhood
Great neighborhood
Great neighborhood
Great neighborhood
Great neighborhood
Great neighborhood
Room sizes
Room sizes
Room sizes
Room sizes
Room sizes
Room sizes
Room sizes
Room sizes
Room sizes
Room sizes
Room sizes
Room sizes
Room sizes
Room sizes
Room sizes
Room sizes
Great neighborhood
Great neighborhood
Great neighborhood
Great neighborhood
Great neighborhood

What guests loved the most:
“Give yourself a minute to accept what this place for what it is. King sized bed and room service it is not. But for one night, it’s the most charming experience you can ask for. ”

Peter United States of America
“The lady was very good. Awsome gift, handmade towel. Location, near Kizomizu Dera. Good breakfast. Quiet place.”

Sideridis China
“Ms. Uemura is such a lovely hostess. She was very kind and thoughtful throughout our stay. She lent my daughter a much-needed umbrella every day as it was very hot in August. ”

Robert United States of America
“This ryokan is so amazing - it's a little house in a magical neighborhood, where you can feel like you're home. The breakfasts are great (ask for a Japanese breakfast at least once). ”

Erin United States of America
“this ryokan is a special place in a beautiful part of gion. the beautiful woman who owns it is kind, gracious, generous, and thoughtful. i loved every minute of my stay here!”

Julie Thailand
“Warm hospitality, kindness and great room stayed in.”

Dale United States of America
“This ryokan is run by the sweetest old lady in the entire world. The Japanese-style breakfast she cooked every morning was delicious and the futon were ultra comfortable. ”

Sara United States of America
“Our hostess was fantastic--so kind and welcoming! And the location is perfect, right in the old town. We really loved our stay and will happily return.”

Sean United States of America
“Hideko-san was the best host imaginable. It was such a pleasure meeting her and I really hope we get the chance to return in the future, it would be great to see her again.”

Michael United States of America
“The owner was super nice and helpful, from being very accommodating overall to providing an umbrella in the rain, and more. Her English wasn't great, but it was good enough.”

David United States of America

In the center of Gion district, Ryokan Uemura features authentic Japanese-style accommodations with tatami (woven-straw) floors. Gion Shijo Train Station is a 10-minute walk away.

Guests sleep in Japanese futon beds and can relax by the sitting area, which has a low table. Japanese Yukata robes are provided as sleepwear and rooms have traditional shoji paper screens. Bathrooms and toilets are shared.

Uemura Ryokan is a 20-minute walk from Kiyomizu Temple and a 10-minute walk from Maruyama Park. JR Kyoto Train Station is a 15-minute drive away.

Free wired internet is available at the lounge. Luggage storage is provided at the front desk. A Japanese set-menu is served for breakfast.

The property has a curfew at 10 pm. Guests cannot enter or leave the hotel after this time. You must inform the property in advance what time you plan to check in.

Higashiyama Ward is a great choice for travelers interested in old-town exploration, walking and ancient landmarks.

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.

This property also has one of the top-rated locations in Kyoto! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.8 for a two-person trip.

This property is also rated for the best value in Kyoto! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.

We speak your language!

Ryokan Uemura has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Sept 4, 2012

Missing some information?

Brilliant!

Most Popular Facilities

Free WiFi

Heating

Good for couples – they rated the facilities 8.7 for two-person stays.

Guests love...

“japanese breakfast”
18 related reviews

“lovely hostess”
6 related reviews

“traditional japanese”
5 related reviews

Want a great night's sleep? This property was highly rated for its very comfy beds.

No credit card needed to book. We'll send you an email confirming your reservation.

Checkin day

Checkin month

Checkout day

Checkout month

Availability

When would you like to stay at Ryokan Uemura?

Check-in Date

Check-out Date

Rooms

Adults

Children

Just booked in Kyoto 7 properties like Ryokan Uemura were just booked

Contact the host

Area Info – This neighborhood is a great choice for travelers interested in old-town exploration, walking and ancient landmarks – Check location Guests loved walking around the neighborhood!

Closest Landmarks

Ishibe Alley
0 miles
Kodai-ji
0.1 miles
Yasaka Shrine
0.2 miles
Maruyama Park
0.3 miles
Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
0.3 miles
Gion District
0.3 miles
Hanamikoji Street
0.4 miles
Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple
0.4 miles
Jishu Jinja Shrine
0.5 miles
Shogunzuka Seiryuden Hall
0.5 miles

Closest Airports

Itami Airport
24.4 miles
Kobe Airport
40.4 miles
Kansai International Airport
49.4 miles

What Travelers Love About This Location

“Everything. Was like a home stay. Delightful hostess in a delightful location. Perfect for the solo (woman) traveller who wants to experience the real Japan. It...”

Sylvia

United Kingdom

“- The wonderful welcome from Madame Uemura - Spacious traditional room - Great breakfast, I was stuffed! - Nice and quiet location near Kodaiji Temple and Gion ”

Livburgos

Philippines

8.7

“The location is superb - right in the middle of the "old town" of kyoto. The room is spacious and the futon beds are really comfortable. the breakfa...”

Karoline

Germany

8.7

Are you missing any information about this area?

Brilliant!

4 reasons to choose Ryokan Uemura

Why book with us?

Manage your bookings online

The staff speaks English

Booking is safe

House Rules Ryokan Uemura takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in

3:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Check-out

Until 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.

Children and Extra Beds

All children are welcome.

Free! One child under 5 years stays free of charge when using existing beds.

There is no capacity for extra beds in the room.

No age restriction

There's no age requirement for check-in

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Cash only

This property only accepts cash payments.

The Fine Print

The property has a curfew at 22:00. Guests cannot enter or leave the hotel after this time.

You must inform the hotel in advance what time you plan to check in. If your check-in time changes, please update the hotel.

Please inform Ryokan Uemura 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.

An accommodation tax per person, per night is not included in the price and must be paid at the property.

“Give yourself a minute to accept what this place for what it is. King sized bed and room service it is not. But for one night, it’s the most charming experience you can ask for. The “staff” consists of a single tiny old lady who is the epitome of your favorite grandma. And the sleeping quarters, while a bit drafty and involve sleeping on the ground, are shockingly comfortable.”

Peter

United States of America

“Ms. Uemura is such a lovely hostess. She was very kind and thoughtful throughout our stay. She lent my daughter a much-needed umbrella every day as it was very hot in August. The ryokan is small but a 125-year-old gem on a lovely backstreet in the heart of Gion.”

Robert

“This ryokan is so amazing - it's a little house in a magical neighborhood, where you can feel like you're home. The breakfasts are great (ask for a Japanese breakfast at least once). Our room was on the bottom floor and had this tiny patio looking over a little Japanese garden that had a couple of devious cats roaming around. It was just perfect.”

Erin

“This ryokan is run by the sweetest old lady in the entire world. The Japanese-style breakfast she cooked every morning was delicious and the futon were ultra comfortable. The neighborhood is full of temples and shrines and is super walkable.”

Sara

“Hideko-san was the best host imaginable. It was such a pleasure meeting her and I really hope we get the chance to return in the future, it would be great to see her again.”

Michael

“The owner was super nice and helpful, from being very accommodating overall to providing an umbrella in the rain, and more. Her English wasn't great, but it was good enough.”

David

See all guest reviews for Ryokan Uemura

Newest Reviews for Ryokan Uemura

Reviewed: January 22, 2019

Anonymous
Switzerland
8.3

Very Good
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Japanese-Style Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
- • Stayed 2 nights
Lovely woman running the Ryokan, she was incredibly helpful and kind. Great traditional experience.

Stayed in January 2019
Reviewed: January 21, 2019

Sundee
United States of America
7.5

Good
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Japanese-Style Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Very friendly, clean. Excellent breakfast. Traditional ryokan. Great location. Good value

Stayed in January 2019
Reviewed: January 4, 2019

Peter
United States of America
8.3

Very Good
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Japanese-Style Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Give yourself a minute to accept what this place for what it is. King sized bed and room service it is not. But for one night, it’s the most charming experience you can ask for. The “staff” consists of a single tiny old lady who is the epitome of your favorite grandma. And the sleeping quarters, while a bit drafty and involve sleeping on the ground, are shockingly comfortable.

Stayed in January 2019
Reviewed: December 24, 2018

John
United States of America
10

“A great host in a historic place”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Japanese-Style Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
A 10pm curfew made our nightly excursions a little difficult. Also, heating is a little spotty. There’s a heater in the room, as well as a space heater by the bathrooms, but they struggle at times. That said, visitors should expect this as part of a Ryokan stay. These lodgings were built in the 1800’s, and Uemura-san runs the place mostly on her own. There may be places that don’t have these issues, but you lose some of the experience I mentioned earlier.
Uemura-san is an incredible host. Her food is top notch, her lodgings are cozy, and she’s kind as can be. She endured my awful Japanese, and gave us a little gift on departure. We were sad to leave. The inn is in the heart of Gion. It puts you close to spots like Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji. The character of the Ryokan itself is amazing. So many of the furnishings go back to the 1800’s. The stone walls that enclose the place, the gardens outside the rooms, sliding doors, brass fittings, the list goes on. Everything adds up to an experience with history that puts you close to life as it was 130 years ago.

Stayed in December 2018
Reviewed: December 13, 2018

Friedrich
Australia
10

“Best place we stayed at in Japan”
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Japanese-Style Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Very authentic, great location, excellent breakfast great value for money, very sweet host, all in all best place we stayed at on our two week trip in Japan. Can highly recommend it, especially when travelling with teenagers who want to learn about the traditional Japanese life.

Stayed in December 2018
Reviewed: November 27, 2018

Renate
Norway
10

“Beautiful and friendly stay at Ryokan!”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Japanese-Style Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Nothing to dislike here, this place is absolutely perfect and Mrs Uemura is the loveliest host in the world. The location is amazing and there’s even a little onsen in the bathroom!! Breakfast is included and cooked in her own kitchen, and because I was there alone she gave me two newspapers to browse. Keep in mind that this has been run for over 60 years (!) so if you want state of the art modern facilities you need to look somewhere else. This is a cozy and authentic place that feels like a home-stay and it is the most relaxing stay I’ve had in my 12 days in Japan so far!!

Stayed in November 2018
Reviewed: November 23, 2018

Emily
United Kingdom
5.4

“I don’t recommend this”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Japanese-Style Single Room with Shared Bathroom
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
It’s so old, and run down. Toilets loose, so sitting on the seat is a challenge. Ancient hairdryer doesn’t work, cold taps only in room. Tv signal is from 1986. Downstairs toilet smell really damp. Lovely old lady host was absent and gossiping on the phone whenever I needed her.
Location is interesting, in the old and preserved part of town. Room itself was nice and cosy, with nice decorations. Feels like staying with a very old neighbour, where you help her out with everything and put up with things being old and broken. But here you’re paying to stay. For this price I think there are better places. Or, spend a bit more and have a much better time somewhere else.

Stayed in November 2018
Reviewed: October 30, 2018

Sideridis
China
9.6

“Perfect ryokan.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Japanese-Style Single Room with Shared Bathroom
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
No late open restaurants near there. No many shops.
The lady was very good. Awsome gift, handmade towel. Location, near Kizomizu Dera. Good breakfast. Quiet place.

Stayed in October 2018
Reviewed: October 27, 2018

Nicki
Japan
9.2

Awesome
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Japanese-Style Single Room with Shared Bathroom
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Nothing, it was a genuine Japanese experience.
The hostess makes this Royken a delight to stay in. She is welcoming and wants you to have a good stay. Breakfast was delicious and plentiful, my room,up a steep flight of stairs, had a great view of the Pergoda. The futon was was very comfortable. The shared bathroom may not be to everyones taste but it is all part of the experience. The situation is perfect. Easy to see some of the main attractions but also some of the lesser known. I thought Gion was delightful. Take time to fully.explore the area. Ate out, loads of choice. I would thoroughly recommend the area as THE place to stay.

Stayed in October 2018
Reviewed: October 23, 2018

Sylvia
United Kingdom
Age group: 65+

1 helpful vote
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Japanese-Style Single Room with Shared Bathroom
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Nothing
Everything. Was like a home stay. Delightful hostess in a delightful location. Perfect for the solo (woman) traveller who wants to experience the real Japan. It's rustic pleasures may not be for everyone, they can go to one of the big hotels near the station. I loved it.

Stayed in October 2018
Reviewed: September 29, 2018

Daniel
Australia
10

“A must to experience a traditional Ryokan ”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Japanese-Style Single Room with Shared Bathroom
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Really enjoyed my 1 night stay here. Would highly recommend to experience a Ryokan in Kyoto. The owner is a gentle old lady who makes you feel so welcome. She makes your stay very comfortable. The breakfast was really delicious and you can request either a western or Japanese breakfast. It is great value for the service and experience you get.

Stayed in September 2018
Reviewed: September 24, 2018

Chicca
Italy

4 helpful votes
8.8

“A special night in ryokan district”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Japanese-Style Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The sweet lady who welcomes you immediately puts you at ease. the structure is an ancient ryokan and in good condition. She give you everything you need. It is in an enchanting place, is located in the ryokan district.

Stayed in September 2018
Reviewed: September 22, 2018

Jonathon
Australia
9.6

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Japanese-Style Single Room with Shared Bathroom
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Nothing. Stairs to top floor are steep. Fine for me just beware if you struggle with stairs
The care and hospitality. The breakfasts were great

Stayed in September 2018
Reviewed: September 17, 2018

Anonymous
Singapore
9.2

Awesome
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Japanese-Style Single Room with Shared Bathroom
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Location was great!

Stayed in September 2018
Reviewed: September 16, 2018

Sebastiaan
Ukraine
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Japanese-Style Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The hostess was so kind and hospital. We had a big beautiful traditional room with a view on a garden. We slept very well because it was quite and dark. On request the lady made a nice hot bath. The location and surrounding are amazing. Also breakfast was great! All in all an example of real Japanese curtacy. Sebastiaan

Stayed in September 2018

Sleeps	Room Type
	Japanese-Style Single Room with Shared Bathroom 1 futon bed	Show prices
Start of dialog content Guests sleep in Japanese futon bedding on tatami (woven-straw) floors and can relax by the seating area, which has a low table. Japanese Yukata robes are provided as sleepwear and rooms have traditional shoji paper screens. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Room Facilities: • Air conditioning • Hairdryer • Shared bathroom • Sitting area • Free toiletries • Heating • Shared toilet Select everything you want to know more about (Your response helps provide better info for travelers) Beds Bathroom Kitchen Breakfast Room capacity Room view Room facilities Parking Smoking Other What do you want to know about the options you selected? Enter your feedback Submit Cancel Thanks for your time! Your feedback will help us improve so you can book more easily next time. Close Sorry – there was an error submitting your response. Please try again. Retry Missing some information? Yes / No Great! Thanks for your response. Check-in Date / / Check-in Date Check-out Date / / Check-out Date Rooms Adults Children End of dialog content
	Japanese-Style Twin Room with Shared Bathroom 2 futon beds	Show prices
Start of dialog content Guests sleep in Japanese futon bedding on tatami (woven-straw) floors and can relax by the seating area, which has a low table. Japanese Yukata robes are provided as sleepwear and rooms have traditional shoji paper screens. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Room Facilities: • Air conditioning • Hairdryer • Shared bathroom • Sitting area • Free toiletries • Heating • Shared toilet Select everything you want to know more about (Your response helps provide better info for travelers) Beds Bathroom Kitchen Breakfast Room capacity Room view Room facilities Parking Smoking Other What do you want to know about the options you selected? Enter your feedback Submit Cancel Thanks for your time! Your feedback will help us improve so you can book more easily next time. Close Sorry – there was an error submitting your response. Please try again. Retry Missing some information? Yes / No Great! Thanks for your response. Check-in Date / / Check-in Date Check-out Date / / Check-out Date Rooms Adults Children End of dialog content

Most often used by people in the United States

All languages

Ryokan Ryokan Uemura