Expensive but totally understandable

Staff, design, architecture, food

Stayed in June 2025

The property was beautiful and serene. It was perfect for our family of five adults.

Stayed in July 2025

Our stay was stellar! This tastefully decorated 19th century townhouse which has now been transformed into a ryokan blending old and new was an amazing place to stay for our days in Kyoto. The hosts are very nice and welcoming: Tome San went above and beyond to make our stay as pleasant as possible by giving lots of great recommendations and local tips! The Japanese breakfast was outstanding and helped us fuel for our days of exploring. The neighborhood is very quiet and local but access from the train station is fairly easy as the ryokan is close to a few bus stations which is also very practical for getting around the city.

Stayed in June 2025

Only minor annoyance was that I kept bumping my head on the doorways (a bit too low for my height of 178 cm/5 ' 10"). I think next time I would opt for the room on the first floor.

Owner and her husband were lively and helpful, she spoke English well and gave lots of good directions and advice. Building is beautifully maintained and designed, craftsmanship of walls, floors, etc. was superb. Included breakfast was awesome. Also very quiet street.

Stayed in June 2025

No complaints whatsoever.

The welcome from Tome and her husband is exceptional. It was warm and super friendly. Tome is a fount of knowledge about Kyoto and is so happy and willing to help create a specialized itinerary for each individual. The whiskey bar is the icing on the cake!

Stayed in June 2025

This was a very unique and authentic experience of the Japanese culture that you will not get at a regular hotel. The location is good, has this little "suburban" feel and peace. The service was exceptional, the breakfast was amazing, the room was cozy and clean. It is minimalistic in its essence, but also tranquil and mind-opening at the same time. I would definitely suggest trying this if you're curious about the Japanese culture. Just keep in mind that this is definitely not a generic tourist hotel with noisy next-door attractions.

Stayed in June 2025

Ryokan was amazing and the host was great! Tome (host) made us very welcome and gave us tips for the city and restaurants! Japanese style room was spacious and bright. We really enjoyed our stay!

Stayed in May 2025

I normally don’t leave reviews but there is no way I couldn’t leave a good review. If you are going to stay in Kyoto stay here.

Stayed in May 2025

Breakfast was delicious our host was wonderful as well. We had an absolutely amazing time. Accommodation excellent.

Stayed in May 2025

Leaving

What a wonder is Ryokan Mugen. A heritage building which has been lovingly transformed into a peaceful home and haven for travellers. Then you meet the owners Tome and her husband and beautiful daughter. Their care for their guests is extraordinary. The dinner and breakfast were beautiful. Tome’s passion her bar with Sake and Whiskey tasting was such a delight. For a couple who already loved Kyoto this was the best experience.

Stayed in May 2025

Breakfast was great. Romm was very nice and the service was amazing.

Stayed in May 2025

We stayed one night at Ryokan Mugen and we really enjoyed it! Tome and her husband were great hosts; friendly, generous and gave their best advice on things to see & where to eat. Unfortunately, our room was only available for one night this time, but when we’re back in Kyoto we will book even further in advance to secure a few nights more.

Stayed in May 2025

N/a

The owners, design, breakfast, whiskey bar, rooms, bathrooms, ALL OF IT!

Stayed in May 2025

The Owner was very Nice and had done an amazing service! The rooms were very clean and big! The breakfast was excellent! :-)

Stayed in May 2025

Everything was perfect

From the moment we arrived until our departure we were looked after with extraordinary care by Tome. This is a beautiful ryokan with a wonderful bar and breakfast area serving the 4 or 5 excellent bedrooms. Tome served a great breakfast and helped us hugely in planning our days.

Stayed in April 2025

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Everything was perfect! Staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan was truly a dream come true. The accommodation was in a quiet neighborhood and was both very comfortable and clean. The hosts were wonderful—special thanks to Tome for all the helpful tips and suggestions, which made our trip even more amazing! The property was also conveniently close to some of Kyoto’s main attractions, with plenty of great restaurants nearby. There was also a bus stop 5 minutes from the property, to get to the center.

Stayed in April 2025

Nothing!

Beautifully designed, clean, and considered

Stayed in April 2025

Nothing

Everything - our host was very welcoming and friendly - she booked restaurants for us and gave us advice on how to get to places easily. The location was easy find and the room super clean with all you need. The Japanese breakfast was outstanding as well as the traditional house

Stayed in April 2025

Everything was perfect.

I stayed for two nights and honestly, it exceeded all my expectations. Tome, the owner, was incredibly welcoming and helpful throughout my stay. She gave me amazing recommendations for places to visit, eat, and shop—many of which were off the beaten path and far from the typical tourist spots. The inn itself has excellent facilities. You get the full experience of a traditional Japanese ryokan, but with all the modern comforts. One of the highlights was the bar reserved for guests only. I was welcomed there at check-in, and Tome offered me a unique sake that really set the tone for the stay. I definitely want to come back and stay longer next time. This place is truly special.

Stayed in April 2025

I just wish we had had longer to stay!

The decor was beautiful and calming - every detail was thought out. Our hosts were generous with their time and attention and dedicated to making sure everyone had what they needed and to making the most of their stay. The breakfast was traditional Japanese and very tasty. We found connections to the rest of Kyoto were very easy

Stayed in April 2025

Everything! We could not have asked for a better experience. Even before we arrived Tome was texting with me to make sure I could find Ryokan Mugen and get situated. That graciousness, helpfulness, and friendliness made our stay as close to perfect as one could reasonably ask for. Oh, and make a point of visiting the bar! You can tell that Tome is very proud of it and the conversations that happen there.

Stayed in April 2025

We had the absolute best say at Mugen! Tome-san and her husband were lovely hosts and went above and beyond! The breakfast was beautiful and the tailored travel suggestions made our stay in Kyoto just incredible. We would 1000% return to mugen if we return to Kyoto!

Stayed in April 2025

What an excellent stay at Mugan. Welcomed and assisted by the enthusiastic and effervescent Tome, well supported by her hubby, we enjoyed three nights at Mugan and could easily have stayed longer. Tome oriented us very well to the area, which buses went where, local places to eat and experience. The breakfasts were yummy and Japanese. The rooms were beautiful, spacious and spotless clean - just watch your head if you are tall ! The ryokan is well situated and close to bus routes to everywhere. The ryokan has four rooms and is intimate, calm and quiet. We highly recommend and would love to go again. Thank you so much to Tome - you have a gem of a place. 🙂👏🏼

Stayed in April 2025

What a great place! Everything was created with such details and care. Tome, the owner, is amazing, so welcoming, so helpful. Was sad to go but we will definitely come back

Stayed in March 2025