Ryokan Shimizu
Two futons on tatami floor at Ryokan Shimizu in Kyoto
Indoor onsen bath with washing stools, toiletries and wooden walls at Ryokan Shimizu, Kyoto
Fresh vegetables and refrigerated goods display Ryokan Shimizu Kyoto
Tatami room with low table, shoji screens, small TV and fridge at Ryokan Shimizu, Kyoto
Two-story ryokan facade with noren, tiled roof, wooden entrance and potted greenery in Kyoto neighborhood
Tatami room with futon, low table, kettle and shoji window at Ryokan Shimizu Kyoto
Small modular bath with handheld shower, Ryokan Shimizu bathroom in Kyoto

Ryokan Shimizu

9.7
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.7/10, based on 681 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 4:00 PM
Station Access Temple District City Center Reservable Bath Indoor Bath
Staff 10,0/10
Facilities 9,6/10
Cleanliness 10,0/10
Comfort 9,6/10
Value for money 9,2/10
Location 9,6/10

Ryokan highlights

A budget-friendly traditional stay near Kyoto Station with easy temple access.

Kyoto Station AccessAbout a 7-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station for easy city and regional travel.
Near Hongan-ji TemplesClose to Nishi Hongan-ji and also within walking distance of Higashi Hongan-ji.
Traditional Tatami StayJapanese-style rooms with tatami floors and futon bedding offer a classic ryokan feel.
Private BathroomsRooms include private bathrooms, a practical plus for travelers wanting more convenience.
Good Budget ValueWell suited to travelers seeking a simple Kyoto ryokan experience without premium pricing.
Foreigner-Friendly ServiceOften praised as welcoming and easy for international guests new to ryokan stays.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsAccess is the main driver here: you can arrive easily from Kyoto Station, check in, use the reservable bath, walk to nearby Hongan-ji temples, then move on or start full-day Kyoto sightseeing without wasting transit time.
Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a simple Kyoto Station-area ryokan for 1 to 2 nights, especially for arrival, departure, or practical city sightseeing rather than a destination onsen stay.

Know before booking

Not an onsen ryokanIt has a small reservable hot bath, but this is not a hot-spring resort stay.
Limited destination feelChoose it for convenience and budget, not for scenic grounds, luxury rooms, or a retreat atmosphere.
Area is practical firstThe Kyoto Station side is useful for transport, but not Kyoto’s strongest evening strolling district.

Food & drinks

Verified Ryokan Shimizu at 644 Kagiyacho near Kyoto Station appears to have no clearly confirmed named on-site restaurant, so nearby dining is the practical choice.

Kyochabana Minami Shinmachi (nearby)
nearby0.1 mi

Popular nearby spot for okonomiyaki and casual Japanese dishes.

  • Seafood okonomiyakifoodSavory pancake with seafood.
  • Teppan dishesfoodHot-plate Japanese comfort food.
  • BeerdrinkGood with grilled dishes.
Kyoto Station Izakaya Jurakudai (nearby)
nearby0.2 mi

Handy izakaya near the station for sashimi and skewers.

  • SashimifoodFresh sliced seafood.
  • Wagyu skewersfoodGrilled beef skewers.
  • SakedrinkClassic Japanese rice wine.
Sobanomi Yoshimura (nearby)
nearby0.5 mi

Well-known soba restaurant within walking distance.

  • Cold sobafoodRefreshing buckwheat noodles.
  • Hot sobafoodWarm noodle soup option.
  • TempurafoodCrisp fried side dish.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in the Kyoto Station area, with the station reachable on foot and airport access usually easiest via Kyoto Station.

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 good-value Kyoto ryokan for travelers who want a simple traditional stay near Kyoto Station without paying luxury-ryokan prices. It suits practical visitors best, but it is not the right pick if you want upscale facilities, elaborate dining, or a scenic setting.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Easy walk from Kyoto StationIts location in Shimogyo-ku makes arrival simple, especially if you are coming by shinkansen or moving around Kyoto by train and bus. That convenience is a real advantage for short stays and day trips.
  • Traditional feel without a luxury priceThis property is known as a budget-friendly way to try a classic ryokan setup with tatami flooring and futon bedding. It is a practical entry point if you want the atmosphere without booking a high-end inn.
  • Private bathrooms in roomsUnlike some lower-priced traditional inns, rooms here are described with private bathrooms, which makes the stay easier for travelers who want more privacy and less shared-facility hassle. That can be especially useful for couples or first-time ryokan guests.
  • Close to Nishi Hongan-jiYou are within easy walking distance of Nishi Hongan-ji, so the neighborhood already feels culturally rewarding before you even start a full day of sightseeing. It works well for travelers who like exploring on foot.
  • Friendly for first-time international guestsThis ryokan has a reputation for being approachable for foreign travelers, with a straightforward, comfortable style rather than rigid old-school formality. That makes the experience feel less intimidating if it is your first ryokan stay.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not a luxury ryokan experienceIf you are dreaming of a refined high-end inn with premium design, large baths, landscaped grounds, and polished extras, this is likely to feel too simple. The appeal here is value and authenticity, not indulgence.
  • Limited resort-style facilitiesThis is more of a compact city ryokan than a destination property, so you should not expect extensive amenities or a big on-site wellness setup. Travelers wanting to spend long hours enjoying the property itself may feel underwhelmed.
  • Dining is not the main drawThis is not the classic splurge choice for elaborate kaiseki-style ryokan meals. If food is central to your ryokan experience, there are stronger options in Kyoto.
  • Kyoto Station area is practical, not atmosphericThe location is useful, but it does not deliver the most charming Kyoto streetscape compared with areas like Higashiyama or central old-town lanes. For some travelers, the setting may feel more convenient than memorable.
  • Japanese-style bedding may not suit everyoneSleeping on futons over tatami is part of the charm, but it can be less comfortable for travelers who prefer Western beds or need extra back support. This matters more on multi-night stays.

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: 5th out of 141 ryokans in Kyoto.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
🥇 1st Toshiharu Ryokan 9.9/10 563
🥈 2nd Ryokan Mugen (Adult Only) 9.9/10 359
🥉 3rd Ryokan Tori 9.8/10 604
4th Kyo no Yado Ishihara 9.9/10 75
5th Ryokan Shimizu Current ryokan 9.7/10 681
6th Yado Kiramachi 9.7/10 458
7th Ishibekoji Muan 9.7/10 389
8th Seikoro Ryokan – Established in 1831 9.6/10 1,276
9th Rangetsu 9.6/10 869
10th Yadoya Kikokuso 9.6/10 384
11th Yasaka Yutone Kyokoyado 9.6/10 369
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