Matsumoto Ryokan

I stayed for two nights in September 2026. This is a lovely ryokan near Kyoto Station. The front desk staff are genuinely warm people who truly love this place ❤️. Although the facilities are a bit old, everything is kept perfectly clean and tidy. All the essentials are provided, and there's daily housekeeping. Most attractions in Kyoto are easily accessible by subway, with a station conveniently located nearby.

Fantastic Location Just a 2-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station's Karasuma Central Exit, directly facing Kyoto Tower. It's right next to the bus terminal, making it super convenient to get to Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, and Gion. Plus, it's incredibly easy to transfer to the Shinkansen or the Kansai Airport, perfect for travelers arriving from or departing on long journeys with a lot of luggage. There are also plenty of convenience stores, restaurants, and the Kyoto Station underground mall dining options nearby. Authentic Japanese Atmosphere This is an established machiya ryokan. The Japanese-style rooms feature hand-crafted tatami mats and earthen walls by Kyoto artisans, along with shoji screens and low Japanese tables. Yukata are also provided. There's a wide variety of room types, from cozy 6-tatami mat rooms to spacious multi-tatami mat rooms, as well as Western-style twin rooms. This caters to both those who prefer a traditional experience and those unaccustomed to sleeping on the floor. Practical Amenities There's a public large bath (onsen hot spring) where you can soak away your fatigue after a day of sightseeing. All guest rooms also have private bathrooms. A Japanese breakfast is offered, with fresh ingredients and exquisite presentation. You can also book a Kaiseki dinner in advance. Excellent value for money!

Pros: The hotel is perfectly located directly across from the train station. The staff are very kind and accommodating. The rooms and bathrooms are clean. The onsen in the basement is great for relaxing. Cons: Sleeping on futons isn't for everyone. At over 190cm and 95kg, even two futons weren't enough to prevent feeling every bone. The rooms have a distinct smell that might not suit everyone (I thought it smelled like matcha and grass). The hotel closes the main entrance from 12 AM to 6 AM, meaning you can't get back into the building and would have to spend the night outside. The windows don't close properly, so there's always a slight draft in the room.

Facilities: The facilities are very complete, and there's a public hot spring bath, which is very comfortable. Cleanliness: The room is cleaned every day and is very neat and tidy. Environment: The whole inn has an old Japanese style, which is very comfortable. I really like the tatami-style room; it's very comfortable to sleep in. Service: The service is attentive and patient, and the attitude is excellent.