Inn Kawashima

The house was charming and comfortable. The shared bath was comfortable and relaxing. The location was convenient. Hot water for a lovely tea and inexpensive Japanese snacks were served daily. There was a female staff member, who was friendly and helpful.

The elder owner seemed to take an instant dislike to us. He was not at all welcoming. He didn’t explain anything about the room, thermostat, house rules, meal offerings, etc. He acted as though we were bothersome by just being there.

The exact ryokan experience we were hoping to get in Kyoto. Beautiful, traditional building and rooms, absolutely incredible Japanese breakfast each morning, and comfortable futons. The hosts were incredibly accommodating for us and all our requests. Plus the location could not be beat for traveling Kyoto. Super clean and super quiet. We stayed 5 days and enjoyed every minute.

The shared shower can be difficult when the ryokan is busy, but we knew this going in and had minimal complaints.

Had a wonderful stay the Ryokan was so lovely and the rooms were beautiful. Everything was very convenient with amenities and room cleaning done daily. The little snacks were adorable and showers clean. The location is also really nice with lots of restaurants nearby with a station within walkable distance. The owner was very kind and responsive to all the breakfast plans and check in and check out processes. They were also very kind and answered questions before the stay too.

As it is a shared inn need to be mindful that the bathroom and showers are shared and you will meet other residents during the stay so will need to be respectful of others and the owner during the stay. Some residents didn't seem to understand and were expecting hotel level responsiveness and privacy which is not what this Ryokan is for.

traditional style of Ryokan atmosphere, access to restaurants and public transport were exceptional. walking distance to some of tourist destinations

stairs were too steep. one bath room and toilet in the facility. not many access to go around the whole facility. middle garden was a bit smaller than it looked in the photo.

Beautiful traditional ryokan. Highly recommended to have the experience, it feels like being in another world. We had a room on the back of the inn on the second floor and we couldn’t hear any noise during the night. I’m a light sleeper and was worried about it but it turned out great.

For us 3 nights was too much, we wanted to have the experience but we weren’t thrilled with the shared bathroom downstairs and not having a lock on the doors

Well located, I liked that everyday they came in to clean and gave fresh towels

It’s a nice place but doesn’t feel private at all, you can hear everything around house with very thin walls and therefore even going to the shared bathroom is kind of difficult because everything is heard around the house. I felt like we had to tiptoe to not be rude. Also doors don’t have locks

I really wanted to experience the traditional Japanese ryokan along with traditional breakfast and that’s exactly what it was. The tatami room with futon was very comfortable, and breakfast in the room was exactly right: grilled fish, an egg, vegetable of the day, homemade pickled vegetables, miso soup, rice and tea. Best way to start the day.

One night a family with a small child stayed, which was a bit noisy (thin walls) but such things can’t be avoided all the time.

Very close to both Nishiki market and the train station.

The staff were difficult to get a hold of and were not prepared to provide meals. If you want to partake in the meals, please notify them before your stay. By the time you check in, it may be too late for them to prepare, even a couple of days ahead.

Perfect little spot in great location close to the areas to explore but still chill in the place. Japanese style, futon on the floor and shared bathroom facilities

It’s perfect place.

Affordable ryokan with a very good location. The building is beautiful, the futon was very comfortable, even better than regular beds. They always have tea with a different cookie every day. The shared bathroom was always clean, and the shampoo/conditioner made my hair very soft, I wish I knew what brand it is. I liked how they provided new towels every day.

No room number, I was worried I would get into somebody's else room.

This tucked away piece of serenity is a great way to stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan in the heart of Kyoto. Staff were so friendly and polite and the room was a modest size. It was very peaceful and private and I wish I could have stayed longer.

Good location, cleanliness is good, owner can speak English, can store luggage, the room will be tidied while you are out and the amenities are fantastic

Absolutely beautiful property in the heart of Kyoto and next door to a fantastic bakery. Lovely host, with superb English having lived previously in London. Highly recommend! Loved the ganmaicha provided and the host gave me a recommendation for where to get the good stuff, so I’ve taken a little bit of Kyoto back with me. Thank you!

Amazing, spacious, traditional japanese rooms in a heart of Kyoto.

A beautiful inn, with an inner courtyard garden and a well appointed shared set of sinks and bathrooms. The futons were the most comfortable we stayed on for our entire trip, and the staff and interior gave the place a remarkable sense of calm.

Breakfast was delivered right into our room on time and it was delicious! It wasn’t what I would typically eat when at home and was great to experience an authentic Japanese breakfast

Only one shower for the inn, but we got up earlier than other guests so it was never an issue

Clean, well organised, authentic and well located next to a bakery, taco bar, subway and night markets.

Kids didn’t liking sharing bathroom but that’s mostly their problem.

We stayed in Inn Kawashima only one night, but it is a magical place that lets you completely immerse in the Japanese culture. The shared bathrooms are clean and well organised, and the futons are absolutely amazing to sleep in!

First of all, the location and stuffs hospitality are amazing. I don’t usually stay at “Ryokan” in Japan but hope every Ryokan in Japan can offer the same quality of hospitality as them. Our stay, the corner of second floor room, was enough size and space for couple could be three, air conditioner works very well and also window are openable, well sun right comes in we can adjust the lightness by shade as well. The amenities with the room that Japanese’s tea and snacks always touch our hearts every single days, and Japanese Ofuro were amazing. Gino area and there are touristic avenue quite close to the Kawasgima inn, location is can’t complain really. Stuffs are always heartwarming and so much kind, always try to support when we need help, if I had a chance to visit Kyoto, I would stay with them again. We could stay with full of classic Japanese life while staying, thank you very much.

The perfect traditional little ryokan! It’s located very near the shopping area and only 15-20 bus ride away from popular destination such as Kiyomizu-dera temple. . The hosts were so lovely and friendly. My room was so cute and cozy and the futon was thick and comfortable. The shared bathroom and restrooms were also very clean, it was so nice to soak in the bath tub after a long day.I was able to book this place only for one night since it’s so popular, and it was definitely one of the highlights of my Kyoto trip.