Didn't have any breakfast at all, though I'm almost certain that was among the booking.com requirements I looked for before reserving. That was disappointing. Some of the bedding feels very used and in need of renovation.

Location is great to move around Kyoto. The facilities are excellent, well-kept, and the place in general feels extremely cozy, warm, and welcoming.

Stayed in July 2025

Not one complaint.

Loved staying at Sawaya Honten, an unpretentious but lovely traditional ryokan. Facilities are exceptionally clean and the space is beautiful. The men's onsen is small but clean and absolutely wonderful after a full day of exploring. The "economy room" was huge, could very comfortably accommodate two guests. Breakfast each morning was a highlight of my stay in Kyoto. I also really like the location, it's a quieter neighborhood but is conveniently located near bus and subway lines and is walking distance to some major attractions. I truly enjoyed my stay here. Highly recommend if you're interested in the true ryokan experience at a moderate price point.

Stayed in July 2025

For an authentic Ryokan experience, this is a great hotel. It is very close to attractions and easy access to buses, trains and taxis.

Stayed in July 2025

Address provided slightly incorrect- Google (and our taxi driver) took us around the back of the building

Koi pond outside our room (we had a traditional Japanese room with a garden view), very comfortable (bedding, temperature). Traditional bath facilities clean and relaxing

Stayed in July 2025

Great location - close to subway and bus routes. Quiet neighborhood near university and hospital.

Stayed in May 2025

Everything about it was amazing. I believe we had gotten a bigger room with a garden view, and it was honestly worth every penny, not to mention the fact that it was so cheap and located in such a good area.

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing. The decor has been very well looked after but is slightly faded; I loved it but might not be for everyone. I am a side sleeper and needed to double up the floor mattress to be comfortable (my husband is a back sleeper and was comfortable without any changes).

Lovely quiet area near to Kyoto University. Close to transport links and nice restaurants and bars a short walk away. Ryokan staff were quietly friendly and helpful. Everything was spotlessly clean and tidy. Was lovely having onsen facility. Clear rules on the outside of the baths but recommend reading up before your first onsen. In 3 out of 4 times husband and I had it to ourselves (separate male and female facilities). Nini hostel is round the corner and has a nice cafe for morning coffee. Didn’t try the breakfast; tea making facilities in room.

Stayed in June 2025

The luggages can be kept only until 3 pm on the checkout day.

The tatami room was spacious and comfortable. I liked the public bath too.

Stayed in May 2025

It was a shame that breakfast was not available (as there seems to be a limit on how many rooms can avail of breakfast).

Nice old style ryokan with a private onsen. Good atmosphere. Glad we chose the room with the garden view. Would stay there again and recommend to others.

Stayed in May 2025

The location was quiet and close to a lot. The koi pond and bath were very relaxing.

Stayed in May 2025

Single room key

Very nice feel to the place, quiet and peaceful at night time, Large room and felt very authentic as a ryokan

Stayed in May 2025

The quality of the toilet paper and there was no tissue in the room.

The building and the room are very beautiful. We enjoyed the onsen after a long day. The staff was very handful.

Stayed in May 2025

Location was a little further from food shops than we expected but still within walking distance.

Generous sized rooms. First time sleeping on tatami mats and had the best sleep ever! The onsen was the perfect way to end the day.

Stayed in March 2025

The Ryokan is a beautiful hotel near the museum area. It’s accessible via both bus and metro (short walks away). We shared a quad Tatami room with our adult daughter and thoroughly enjoyed it. The room was spacious, with AC, small refrigerator and private WC & deep bath. It was very clean. The staff is friendly and helpful, but not intrusive. They let us try our limited Japanese, yet spoke quite good English. We didn’t try the breakfast option.

Stayed in April 2025

More variation would be nice. Also fresh vegetables and fruit.

Stayed in April 2025

Very comfortable and authentic.

Stayed in April 2025

Spacious and a lot of facilities, washing machine, toilets and hot water in the common areas; clean and lovely; cash withdrawal machine at the front desk

Stayed in March 2025

Strong chlorine smell in the public baths.

Great traditional hotel without the crazy prices, good quality breakfast, comfortable. Excellent staff.

Stayed in February 2025

Nothing

Simply Excelent on all points.

Stayed in February 2025

Onsen, spacious room, friendly staff

Stayed in December 2024

The water temperature in the shower can sometimes change slightly.

Very specious property, friendly staff, and absolutely amazing garden view in the room. I will definitely stay there again!

Stayed in December 2024

The rooms and breakfast were excellent, and the staff provided wonderful service, creating a lovely homey atmosphere at the ryokan. I kindly suggest being on time for breakfast, as they do wait for you.

Stayed in December 2024

The surrounding area felt a bit random.

I liked to experience the traditional Japanese ryokan. A 20 min walk brings one to nice paths along a river, which I enjoyed in the morning. In 30 minute walk, one can arrive to Kyoto Palace.

Stayed in November 2024

n/a

had a very comfortable stay, staff were very accomodating and kind, room was nice and clean, offered great amenities - loved the onsen

Stayed in November 2024