Matsubaya Ryokan
Tatami room with low beds, shoji screens and wooden table at Matsubaya Ryokan in Kyoto
Indoor stone soaking tub with window and wooden ceiling, Matsubaya Ryokan, Kyoto, Kansai, Japan
Indoor tiled onsen bath with large windows and balcony access at Matsubaya Ryokan in Kyoto
Interior lounge with wooden tables, stools, piano and large windows overlooking greenery at Matsubaya Ryokan, Kyoto
Lounge with wooden tables, round stools, exposed beams, bar counter and large windows at Matsubaya Ryokan, Kyoto
Four-story ryokan facade with wooden lattice windows and main entrance in Kyoto
Warm wooden reception counter with noren and lanterns at Matsubaya Ryokan Kyoto

Matsubaya Ryokan

9.1
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.1/10, based on 2 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 / Check-out until 10:00 AM
City Center Station Access
Staff 9,1/10
Facilities 9,1/10
Cleanliness 9,1/10
Comfort 9,1/10
Value for money 9,1/10
Location 9,1/10

Ryokan highlights

A long-running traditional ryokan in central Kyoto with easy station access and classic Japanese rooms.

Near Kyoto StationAbout 1 km from JR Kyoto Station for simple rail arrivals and departures.
Walk to Higashi Hongan-jiJust a short walk from Higashi Hongan-ji Temple and nearby historic streets.
Traditional Tatami RoomsMost rooms feature tatami floors, futon bedding, and yukata for a classic stay.
Private Bath OptionPrivate bath availability adds convenience for travelers wanting more personal bathing space.
Long Ryokan HeritageHosting guests since 1884, giving the property a strong sense of continuity.
Japanese Garden CalmAn on-site Japanese garden adds a quieter, more restful atmosphere in the city.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay2 nightsAccess is the strongest reason to stay here: arrive via Kyoto Station, settle in, use one full day for eastern Kyoto or Fushimi Inari, then move on without backtracking. One night works for a transit stop; three can work if you prioritize transport convenience over atmosphere.
Trip-planning verdict: A practical Kyoto Station-area ryokan for travelers who want tatami-and-futon atmosphere with easy transport, not a scenic onsen retreat.

Know before booking

No real onsenThis Kyoto city ryokan is not a hot-spring destination property, so do not book it expecting a true onsen stay.
Area feels practicalThe setting is near Kyoto Station and Higashi Hongan-ji, convenient but less atmospheric than Gion or quiet nature areas.
Traditional, not luxeVerified descriptions point to simple tatami-and-futon lodging and breakfast/private bath features rather than high-end ryokan indulgence.

Food & drinks

This traditional Kyoto ryokan appears to offer breakfast on-site, with more varied dining found a short walk away near Gojo and Kyoto Station.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

In-house breakfast service with Japanese or Western-style morning meals.

  • Japanese breakfastfoodTraditional set breakfast by advance request.
  • Western breakfastfoodSimple Western-style morning option.
  • CoffeedrinkMorning coffee service.
  • Matcha teadrinkGreen tea often noted by guests.
Gojo Paradiso (nearby)
nearby8 min walk

Popular casual restaurant and bar for dinner and drinks.

  • Mediterranean platesfoodCasual shared dishes and mains.
  • PastafoodWestern-style comfort option.
  • WinedrinkGood pick for an evening drink.
  • CocktailsdrinkBar-style mixed drinks.
Kyoto Tower Sando Food Hall (nearby)
nearby10 min walk

Useful nearby food hall with many quick Kyoto and casual options.

  • RamenfoodEasy casual noodle meal.
  • SushifoodJapanese seafood option.
  • Local sweetsspecialtyKyoto-style snacks and desserts.
  • Beer and sakedrinkGood for a casual drink stop.

Access, transport and nearby sights

A traditional ryokan in central Kyoto with easy access from Kyoto Station and Gojo Station, making rail arrival straightforward and taxis practical with luggage.

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

Should you choose this ryokan?

A solid traditional-style stay in central Kyoto for travelers who want tatami rooms, warm service, and easy access to Kyoto Station without paying top luxury-ryokan rates. It suits first-time ryokan guests especially well, but it is not the best fit if you want an onsen, elaborate kaiseki dining, or a deeply secluded atmosphere.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Walkable Kyoto Station baseIt is in Shimogyo, within easy reach of Kyoto Station, Gojo Subway Station, Kyoto Tower, and Higashi Hongan-ji, which makes arrival and sightseeing straightforward. This is especially convenient if you plan day trips by train.
  • Traditional rooms without losing comfortThe ryokan offers tatami-floor rooms with futons and yukata, while still providing practical modern touches like air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and in many rooms a fridge and kettle. That balance works well for travelers who want a Japanese-style stay without going fully rustic.
  • Long-running Kyoto characterThe property has been welcoming guests since the 19th century, giving the stay a sense of local continuity that chain hotels cannot replicate. The overall atmosphere leans classic Kyoto rather than generic business-hotel style.
  • Private bath appealThis ryokan is better suited than many budget traditional stays if you value a more personal bathing setup rather than only standard hotel bathrooms. That can make the experience feel more special for couples or first-time ryokan guests.
  • Consistently praised hospitalityGuest feedback repeatedly highlights kind, attentive staff and a welcoming atmosphere, which matters a lot in a ryokan stay. Helpful service can make check-in, local questions, and the tatami-room experience much easier for international travelers.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • No onsen experienceIf you picture a ryokan with hot-spring baths, this is likely to disappoint because it is a city ryokan rather than an onsen property. Travelers seeking the full soak-and-unwind ritual may find the experience incomplete.
  • Not a luxury ryokan retreatWhile charming, it is generally positioned more as a comfortable traditional stay than a high-end Kyoto ryokan splurge. If you want refined multi-course dining, standout design, or premium in-room extras, there are stronger upscale options.
  • Urban setting over serenityThe location is convenient, but it is still in the Kyoto Station area rather than a scenic garden or mountain setting. Travelers dreaming of a secluded retreat may find it more practical than magical.
  • Futon sleeping is not for everyoneSleeping on futons in a tatami room is part of the appeal, but some guests may find it less comfortable than a Western bed, especially on longer stays. This matters most for travelers with back, knee, or mobility concerns.
  • Limited classic ryokan dining focusThis stay is better known for accommodation and atmosphere than for being a destination culinary ryokan. If your priority is an elaborate in-house kaiseki dinner and breakfast-centered experience, this may feel lighter than expected.

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: 88th out of 141 ryokans in Kyoto.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
83rd Wajimaya Ryokan 8.9/10 445
84th Kyoto Ryokan SAKANOUE 8.9/10 424
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 Current ryokan 9.1/10 2
89th Genmyoan 8.8/10 24
90th Inn Kawashima 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
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