Inn Kawashima
Wooden signboard with Japanese characters and Inn Kawashima text beside green foliage, exterior ryokan signage in Kyoto
Stone lantern and stepping stones leading to a tatami room at Inn Kawashima, Kyoto, Kansai
Bamboo spout with yellow flower above courtyard garden with stones and water basin at Inn Kawashima, Kyoto
Traditional tatami room with low table and shoji screens at Inn Kawashima Kyoto Kansai
Traditional tatami room with futons, low table, shoji screens and calligraphy scroll at Inn Kawashima in Kyoto
Tatami room with low wooden table, floor chairs, shoji windows and alcove at Inn Kawashima Kyoto
Tatami room with low wooden table, tokonoma alcove with flower and hanging scroll, Inn Kawashima, Kyoto

Inn Kawashima

8.8
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.8/10, based on 220 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 3:00 PM
City Center Station Access Shopping Area Food District Indoor Bath Kaiseki Cuisine
Staff 9,0/10
Facilities 8,4/10
Cleanliness 9,0/10
Comfort 9,0/10
Value for money 8,5/10
Location 9,5/10

Ryokan highlights

A small traditional Kyoto ryokan on a quiet central lane near Shijo and Nishiki Market.

Central Kyoto BaseNear Shijo area sights, dining, and shopping in one of Kyoto’s most convenient districts.
Walkable to NishikiNishiki Market and lively downtown streets are reachable on foot in just minutes.
Easy Subway AccessAbout a short walk from Shijo Subway Station for simple city and station connections.
Quiet Backstreet SettingSet off the busier main roads, giving the stay a calmer neighborhood feel.
Traditional Ryokan FeelKnown for Japanese-style lodging with a more classic, local Kyoto atmosphere.
Intimate Small StayA compact inn with few rooms, suiting travelers who prefer quieter accommodations.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsAccess is the strongest driver here: arrive, settle into a tatami room, enjoy a Japanese breakfast or dinner, walk Nishiki and central Kyoto, then move on or continue Kyoto sightseeing from the Shijo/Karasuma area.
Trip-planning verdict: A small traditional ryokan in central Kyoto best used as a cultural city base for 1 to 2 nights, not as an onsen retreat.

Know before booking

No onsen stayThis is a Kyoto city ryokan with shared-style bath expectations, not a hot-spring destination property.
Stairs matterUpper-floor access may be difficult with large luggage or for travelers wanting elevator convenience.
Can overstayChoose it for central Kyoto access and ryokan atmosphere, not for resort-style facilities or long in-house downtime.

Food & drinks

Verified ryokan at the listed Kyoto address with in-room Japanese breakfast and Japanese dinner, plus strong nearby dining around Nishiki Market and Shijo.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Meals are served in guest rooms; Japanese breakfast and dinner are available.

  • Japanese breakfastfoodTraditional set breakfast.
  • Grilled fishfoodCommon breakfast main.
  • RicefoodServed with breakfast.
  • Japanese dinnerfoodIn-room evening meal.
  • TeadrinkHot tea with meals.
Menya Inoichi (nearby)
nearby8 min walk

Popular nearby ramen shop known for refined Japanese-style noodles.

  • Dashi ramenfoodClear, delicate broth ramen.
  • Seafood-style brothspecialtyLight umami-led flavor.
  • Chashu toppingfoodPork topping option.
  • Soft drinkdrinkSimple drink options may be available.
Ippudo Nishiki-Koji (nearby)
nearby6 min walk

Well-known ramen option near the ryokan and Nishiki area.

  • Tonkotsu ramenfoodRich pork-bone broth ramen.
  • GyozafoodClassic side dish.
  • BeerdrinkGood with ramen.
  • KaedamaspecialtyExtra noodles refill.

Access, transport and nearby sights

Inn Kawashima appears to be a traditional ryokan in central Kyoto, best reached from the Shijo/Karasuma/Kawaramachi area rather than directly from Kyoto Station on foot.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

This is a small, long-running family ryokan in central Kyoto that suits travelers who want a traditional stay in a highly walkable area. It is a strong fit for atmosphere and location, but less ideal if you expect hotel-style facilities or on-site extras.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Quiet lane near Kyoto highlightsIt sits on a small backstreet in central Kyoto, within easy walking distance of Nishiki Market, Gion, and the downtown shopping area. That gives you a calmer base without feeling cut off from the city.
  • Authentic machiya characterThis property is a family-run machiya-style ryokan with Japanese-style rooms rather than a generic business-hotel feel. It is a better pick for travelers who want a more traditional Kyoto atmosphere.
  • Long-standing family hospitalityThe inn has been operating since 1901 and remains in family ownership, which suggests a more personal and rooted guest experience. That kind of continuity often appeals to travelers looking for charm over standardization.
  • Small-scale and intimateWith only a handful of Japanese-style rooms, the ryokan feels much more intimate than larger city accommodations. It can be a pleasant choice if you value a quieter, more personal stay.
  • Easy access from ShijoThe ryokan is a short walk from Shijo Station, making it practical for reaching Kyoto Station and getting around the city. This is especially useful if you want a traditional stay without sacrificing transport convenience.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • No onsen experienceDespite being a ryokan, it does not offer hot spring baths. Travelers specifically hoping for an onsen-style stay may find the experience incomplete.
  • Limited facilities overallThis is a simple traditional inn, not a full-service property with extensive amenities, dining options, or leisure facilities. If you want spa, gym, or multiple common areas, it may feel too basic.
  • Traditional rooms may not suit everyoneThe accommodation is centered on Japanese-style rooms and futon-based sleeping rather than Western room layouts. Some guests may find that charming, while others may find it less comfortable for longer stays.
  • No on-site parkingThe property does not provide its own parking. If you are arriving by car, you will need to rely on nearby paid parking instead.
  • Not ideal for travelers wanting modern polishIts appeal comes from heritage and simplicity, so travelers expecting sleek design or a contemporary luxury finish may be underwhelmed. This place is more about traditional atmosphere than upgraded urban style.

Ranking around this ryokan in Kyoto

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 90th out of 141 ryokans in Kyoto.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
85th Yamamoto Ryokan 8.9/10 161
86th Ryokan Kyoraku 8.9/10 51
87th Kyōka, auberge de Gion 9.4/10 1
88th Matsubaya Ryokan 9.1/10 2
89th Genmyoan 8.8/10 24
90th Inn Kawashima Current ryokan 8.8/10 220
91st Yadoya Nishijinso 8.8/10 268
92nd Ryokan Sanoya 8.8/10 270
93rd Ryokan Nenrinbo 8.8/10 341
94th Yuhigauraonsen ShizukaHanaogi 8.8/10 369
95th Ranzan 8.8/10 1,918
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