My son and I recently had the opportunity to spend a few nights in a ryokan – a traditional Japanese inn – in Kyoto. We based ourselves for three nights in Kyoto’s Kagihei Ryokan. We appreciated our time in the family-run inn, and I wanted to share our experience so you can decide if a ryokan stay is a good fit for your family (spoiler alert: it probably is).
A ryokan has rooms with tatami mats and futons, and there’s usually a small sitting area (with a low table and seats) and an on-site onsen.
Staying in a ryokan gives you and your family a chance to get closer to the local Japanese culture. Our ryokan was a family-run property and we appreciated our daily interactions with the kind owners.
Let’s take a closer look at Kagihei Ryokan in Kyoto.
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Kagihei’s Location and How to Get to It
Kyonoyado Kagihei (Ryokan)
418 Umeyacho
Nakagyo Ward
Kyoto 604-8057
Kagihei Ryokan -> Info and Rates
Kagihei Ryokan is in central Kyoto, one street over from the famous Nishiki Market. It’s just a 15-ish minute journey from Kyoto Station (3-minute train from Kyoto Station to Shijō Station, followed by a 12-minute walk).
Kagihei is on a quiet street, with plenty of restaurants, shops and convenience stores just steps away.
It was a perfect base for exploring Kyoto; however, we made two day trips from Kyoto, and staying closer to Kyoto Station would’ve been much more convenient.
Helpful Tip: If you’re traveling with a stroller, you can do most of the walk from the Shijō Station subway stop in the underground walkway of Shijō Station. While the above ground sidewalk is more interesting with the shops, it’s also much more crowded.
Our Room at Kagihei Ryokan
We stayed in a ‘Japanese Style’ room. It was very spacious (more than any of the other four rooms we stayed in during our trip to Japan), with simple decor, and it had everything we needed, including:
- Tatami mat main room with two futon beds (very comfortable, with fluffy down comforters)
- Two seating areas with tables and chairs
- Closet and entry area
- Room with toilet
- Bathroom with tub and shower (combo) and vanity area with sink
- Toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, brush)
- Safe
- Mini fridge with water and green tea
- Table with cookies and tea and electric kettle
- Television
- Safe
- Closet space
- Easy-to-use A/C and heat
- Microwave
- Yukata (robes)
We had a view of the street, but it wasn’t anything spectacular.
The room was spotless, and trash was removed daily and towels were changed (I think this just happens for stays of 3 days or more).
The second floor has an onsen that you can use as a guest. We didn’t use it because my son wasn’t interested in it. I did take nightly baths in the tub in our room – so relaxing!
There’s also a sitting area in the lobby with coffee, books, and there nature decorations on the path leading to the front entrance and inside by the stairs. My son was really excited about this part of the inn.
Will I Have to Sell a Kidney to Stay at Kagihei Ryokan?
Nope, it’s actually quite affordable to stay at this ryokan. My son and I stayed at the ryokan in late spring and we paid about EUR500 for three nights (without breakfast).
I booked our stay on Booking.com, but you can also book directly through Kagihei’s official website.
Check-In and Check-Out Process at Kyonoyado Kagihei
Check-in at Kagihei Ryokan is simple – passports are copied and you have to fill out a quick form before getting your key. We also paid for our stay on arrival.
Good To Know: The key is large and heavy – leave it at the desk when you go out.
Check-out was also simple – we just left our key. We left our bags in the lobby of the ryokan while we explored Kyoto in the time between check-out and our train to Tokyo.
Would We Stay in Kagihei Ryokan Again?
Absolutely!
I loved that my son (and I) were able to experience a traditional Japanese ryokan, which was quite different from our hotels in Tokyo.
As a mom and traveler, I felt very safe, loved the location, and the people at the inn. I would definitely stay here again!
Note: I mentioned above that it the location wasn’t super for making day trips from Kyoto, but if I could replan our trip, I’d spend a couple more days in Kyoto in addition to the day trips. In that case, it would be a perfect base for exploring the city.
Kyonoyado Kagihei with Kids
I stayed here with my 9-year-old (almost 10), and I would also bring my 3-year-old and 6-year-old.
The walls aren’t thin, but I could hear people in the hallways, so we tried to keep our voices low while in the room.
If you have a stroller, you’d want to leave it downstairs, as there’s not enough space in the entryway of the room to park it.
You can use the onsen with your kids.
When we checked out, the owners gifted my son a lovely small toy. Such a kind gesture.
The location is great with kids because there are a ton of restaurants and shops in walking distance. It’s also just a 15-minute walk to the river (my son loved the clear water and looking at the enormous fish). You can walk to the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden (and its playground) in just 20 minutes along quiet streets (enter through the South Gate).
I hope this has helped you get an idea of what it would be like to stay at Kagihei, and if it’s the right place for you and your family!
Looking for more on travel to Japan? Check out
9 Reasons to Visit Japan with Kids
Packing List for 10 Days in Japan with a 9-Year-Old
10 Days in Japan with a 10-Year-Old – Our Itinerary
Souvenirs from Japan – What We Brought Back
Things to Do in Tokyo with a 10-Year-Old
Where to Stay in Tokyo with Kids – Areas & Hotels
How to Get Glasses in Tokyo – In One Day
A Day at Universal Studios Japan – Our Experience
Tokyo Disneysea with Kids – Quick Tips
Staying in a Ryokan in Kyoto
