Toshiharu Ryokan

9.9
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.9/10, based on 563 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
City Center Station Access Old Town Reservable Bath Indoor Bath
Staff 10,0/10
Facilities 10,0/10
Cleanliness 10,0/10
Comfort 10,0/10
Value for money 9,0/10
Location 10,0/10

Ryokan highlights

A small historic Kyo-machiya ryokan in central Kyoto with strong heritage character and easy transit access.

Historic Machiya StayBuilt in 1909, offering an authentic Kyoto townhouse ryokan experience.
Cultural Property BuildingMain building and storehouse are designated Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan.
Only Five RoomsVery small scale stay that supports a quieter, more personal atmosphere.
Distinctive Room DesignsRooms include a renovated kura, tea-room heritage, and courtyard-facing layouts.
Gojo Area AccessConvenient Shimogyo location for subway access and reaching central Kyoto sights.
Kyoto-Style HospitalityFocused omotenashi service in a traditional setting rather than full luxury amenities.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsAccess is the strongest stay-length driver here: you can arrive from Kyoto Station quickly, check in for an old-machiya experience, reserve a bath, sleep in a tatami room, take the Kyoto breakfast, then use the next day for central Kyoto walks or move onward without backtracking. A second night works if you want a slower Kyoto rhythm and nearby temple, river, market, and dining time.
Trip-planning verdict: Well-suited as a 1–2 night traditional Kyoto stay for travelers who want machiya character and easy city access, not an onsen-resort retreat.

Know before booking

Not a true onsenBaths are traditional shared-use family baths, not natural hot spring facilities.
Shared facilities in most roomsSeveral rooms use common washrooms and baths, so privacy expectations should be checked carefully.
Dinner not providedPlan evening meals outside the inn; this is important for late arrivals or tired travel days.
Small historic buildingTraditional machiya atmosphere may bring stairs, older layouts, and less hotel-like convenience.

Food & drinks

This Kyoto machiya ryokan at 326 Benzaitencho offers a room-delivered Kyoto-style obanzai breakfast and otherwise relies on nearby local restaurants.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Kyoto-style breakfast service, often delivered warm to the room.

  • Obanzai breakfastspecialtyKyoto home-style seasonal set.
  • Grilled fishfoodClassic Japanese breakfast fish.
  • DashimakifoodSoft rolled egg with dashi.
  • Miso soupfoodWarm soup with breakfast.
  • Matcha teadrinkTea served with welcome sweets.
Tuzuri (nearby)
nearby3 min walk

Nearby spot noted for Kyoto-style obanzai dishes.

  • Obanzai platesfoodSmall Kyoto-style side dishes.
  • Local vegetablesfoodSeasonal Kyoto produce.
  • Set mealsfoodUseful casual meal option.
  • SakedrinkGood match with obanzai.
Common Dining (nearby)
nearbynear the ryokan

Casual nearby izakaya-style dining option.

  • Izakaya dishesfoodCasual shareable plates.
  • Japanese drinksdrinkBeer or simple local pours.
  • Light bitesfoodEasy stop for supper.

Access, transport and nearby sights

Toshiharu Ryokan is a central Kyoto machiya ryokan best reached on foot from Gojo or Shijo subway access, with Kyoto Station as the main rail gateway.

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 strong pick for travelers who want a small, atmospheric Kyoto stay in a preserved machiya rather than a generic hotel. It is especially appealing if you value heritage, quiet character, and easy access to central Kyoto on foot.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Authentic Kyoto machiya feelThis ryokan is set in a preserved Kyo-machiya built in 1909, so the stay feels far more rooted in Kyoto tradition than a standard modern hotel.
  • Very intimate small-scale stayWith only five rooms, the property offers a quieter and more personal atmosphere than larger inns. That smaller scale can make the experience feel calm and memorable.
  • Distinctive room characterThe rooms are not cookie-cutter: some face courtyards, one is a renovated storehouse, and another draws inspiration from Katsura Imperial Villa. That gives the stay a strong sense of place.
  • Convenient central Kyoto baseIt is within walking distance of Gojo and Shijo stations, and Kyoto Station is a short taxi ride away. This makes it practical for sightseeing without losing the old Kyoto mood.
  • Traditional Kyoto breakfastThe obanzai-style breakfast with seasonal ingredients and local vegetables adds a real Kyoto touch to the stay. It is a meaningful bonus if you want more than just the room itself.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not ideal for luxury facilitiesThis is a heritage-focused ryokan, not a resort-style property with extensive amenities. Travelers wanting spa-like facilities or a broad service menu may find it limited.
  • Historic style may reduce convenienceA traditional machiya layout often comes with quirks compared with modern hotels. If you prioritize full contemporary comfort over atmosphere, the trade-off may stand out.
  • Small property means fewer optionsWith only five rooms, availability can be tight and room choice is limited. If your preferred room type is booked, there may not be much flexibility.
  • Location is central but not scenic-firstThe ryokan is practical for transport and city walking, but it is not in Kyoto's most postcard-like temple district. Travelers dreaming of stepping straight into Gion or Higashiyama may prefer another area.
  • Traditional stay may not suit every travelerTatami rooms and a classic ryokan atmosphere are charming, but they are not for everyone. Guests who prefer a fully Western-style room experience may be more comfortable elsewhere.

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: 1st out of 141 ryokans in Kyoto.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
🥇 1st Toshiharu Ryokan Current 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 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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