[2025 Kyoto Stay] Travel Guide for Tawaraya Ryokan (Updated Apr)

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 My first experience at one of the three great Kyoto ryokans - Tawaraya Ryokan. This ryokan was founded in the Edo period and has a history of over 300 years. It is recognized by experts as the best ryokan in Japan. Tawaraya was originally a branch of a wholesaler of kimono silk from Sekishu in Kyoto. The inn business began because the person in charge stationed in Kyoto at the time, Okazaki Kazusuke, was very good at entertaining guests, and the samurai from Sekishu's hometown would stay here when they came to Kyoto. Tawaraya has been renovated and many Western-style trendy designs have been added to the old Japanese house. There is an entrance corridor with wooden floors and tatami mats. From the entrance, you can see the atrium with natural light at the end of the corridor, the corridor surrounding the patio, and the corridors extending in all directions. My favorite space is the small study room. The greenery of the half window reflects the elegant Goryeo cave, which looks gentle and bright. The elegant garden, exquisite decoration and exquisite light and shadow condense the ultimate beauty of Japanese culture. This is the charm of Tawara-ya. As for the room rates, which are hard to come by, they are also quite shocking. Each Japanese-style garden-view room has a different style and includes kaiseki Japanese meals for breakfast and dinner. The price per person is almost NT$20,000! If it wasn't for the fake birthday celebration, I really wouldn't have been able to stay here, but once I checked in, I didn't want to check out. #京都探店 #京都住宿 #俵屋

🏨🗾Tawaraya Ryokan 📍278 Nakahakusancho, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto ✨The famous Tawaraya Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn with a history of 300 years, located in the heart of Kyoto. The inn is in a great location with convenient transportation, and there are subway and bus stations nearby, making it easy to get to all the major attractions in Kyoto. Despite the bustling surroundings, once you step into Tawaraya Ryokan, you will feel a sense of tranquility and seclusion. 🌸🌿The exterior and interior of Tawaraya Ryokan maintain a traditional Japanese style, with dark brown and black wooden beams and simple yet elegant decor, as if you are traveling back in time to ancient Japan. The beautiful courtyard can be seen from the room window, with a unique neon landscape. Upon entering, the staff greets you with a traditional kneeling ceremony, and the friendly yet elegant service is impressive. The check-in process is also very smooth, and the courteous staff gives you a warm feeling of being at home. 🚪🌺We stayed in a traditional Japanese suite, which was beautifully decorated with tatami mats, a wooden hot tub, and a small private courtyard. The room overlooks a beautiful garden, which is refreshing. The room is comfortable and cozy, with all the modern amenities you need, such as free Wi-Fi. Soaking in the wooden tub at night is relaxing and refreshing. 🥢🍱The food at Tawaraya is truly amazing. Both dinner and breakfast are traditional kaiseki cuisine, with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. However, Western options are also available for breakfast to suit different tastes. The food is not only exquisite, but the tableware is also a work of art, making dining an artistic experience. It is worth mentioning that the time for dinner and breakfast can be decided by yourself, which is very flexible and convenient. 🚶‍♂️🌳There are many famous attractions near the inn. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a must-see, an ancient temple with a long history, and the Otowa Waterfall in the temple is considered a divine spring. The nearby Gion district is also highly recommended, within walking distance, to experience the charm of old Kyoto. In addition, there are various gourmet restaurants, allowing you to enjoy authentic food while savoring the Kyoto style. Recommended are Ninja Experience Cafe and Matsusaka Beef What's, which will satisfy your taste buds. Staying at Tawaraya Ryokan is like embarking on a cultural journey. Not only can you enjoy a peaceful and comfortable stay, but you can also deeply experience the essence of traditional Japanese culture. Although the price is high, the quality of service and unique experience are worth a try. I hope to have the opportunity to experience this tranquility and beauty again!

👑 Hotel: Tawaraya Ryokan 📍 Address: 604-8094 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nakahakusancho, 278 💖 What kind of hotel is it? Tawaraya Ryokan is a 300-year-old traditional Japanese inn that has been the choice of many celebrities. Even in modern times, Tawaraya Ryokan retains its traditional Japanese style. Entering here is like entering a time tunnel, where you can feel a unique sense of simplicity and elegance. Every detail in the inn is full of historical weight. The room decorations are simple yet full of cultural atmosphere, and the courtyard is beautiful, providing a tranquil atmosphere. 🛁 Experience · The service here is extremely attentive, but the staff do not appear frequently, giving guests enough private space. The inn's rooms and suites are not only spacious but also have private gardens. · In addition to traditional Japanese-style rooms, some rooms are equipped with modern beds. The inn pays attention to every detail, including breakfast preparation and hot tub placement, to provide the most comfortable accommodation experience. · Although the dining is not as good as other famous restaurants, it is still first-class, offering delicious dishes including kaiseki cuisine. 🌊 Nearby Attractions · Kiyomizu-dera Temple (10-minute drive): A famous ancient temple in Kyoto with a long history and beautiful scenery, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. · Restaurant recommendations: Ninja Experience Cafe Kyoto Gion, Matsusaka Beef What’s Kyoto Muromachi, Wagyu Ryotei Bungo, Sushi Kizaemon, etc. These places are all within walking distance or a short drive, making them very convenient to visit.