Matsubaya Ryokan
Location: Higashinotoin Nishi-iru, Kamijuzuyacho-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 600-8150, Kyoto, JP
Star Rating: 3 Stars
Property Type: Guest houses
About this Property
Experience a serene stay at Matsubaya Ryokan, where modern comfort meets traditional hospitality in the heart of Kyoto.
Unwind in Comfortable Accommodations
Our 32 air-conditioned rooms are designed with your comfort in mind, featuring refrigerators and complimentary toiletries to enhance your stay. Stay connected with free wireless internet access in every room.
Start Your Day Right
Indulge in a delicious English breakfast each morning from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM*. Our friendly staff is always ready to assist you with concierge services to make your trip unforgettable.
Convenient Amenities for Your Comfort
Enjoy added conveniences including a computer station, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and laundry services to ensure a hassle-free stay. Self-parking is available onsite for your convenience.
Don't miss the chance to create lasting memories at Matsubaya Ryokan—book your stay today!
Important Information
- Reservations are required for private bath/onsen. Reservations can be made by contacting the guesthouse prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
- The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ). Additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file.
Policies
Check-in: 03:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Garden
- Luggage storage
- Designated smoking area
- Concierge service
- Wheelchair accessible
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Television in common areas
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Multilingual staff
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Front desk (limited hours)
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Computer station
- Shared microwave
- Shared refrigerator
- Water dispenser
- Japanese garden
Rooms Available
-
Suite room Kinran, Non Smoking
2 Large Twin Beds and 1 Twin Futon
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and electric kettle
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - Bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries
Practical - Safe, desk, and iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping, no rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Slippers
- Electric kettle
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- Bedsheets provided
- No housekeeping
- Window screens
-
Japanese-Style Superior Twin Room, Non Smoking
2 Twin Futons
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and electric kettle
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, bathrobes, and slippers
Practical - Safe, desk, and iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping, no rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Slippers
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Bidet
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Partially open bathroom
- No rollaway/extra beds
- Bedsheets provided
- No housekeeping
- Window screens
-
Western-Style Standard Twin Room, Non Smoking
2 Twin Beds
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and electric kettle
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, bathrobes, and slippers
Practical - Safe, desk, and iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping, no rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Slippers
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Bidet
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Partially open bathroom
- No rollaway/extra beds
- Bedsheets provided
- No housekeeping
- Window screens
-
Japanese-Style Deluxe Room with Kitchen, Non Smoking
3 Twin Futons
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Kitchen with refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and electric kettle
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, bathrobes, and slippers
Practical - Safe, desk, and iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping, no rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Slippers
- Kitchen
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Bidet
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Partially open bathroom
- No rollaway/extra beds
- Bedsheets provided
- No housekeeping
- Window screens
-
Japanese-Style Superior Twin Room with Garden View, Non Smoking
2 Twin Futons
Overlooking the garden
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and electric kettle
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, bathrobes, and slippers
Practical - Safe, desk, and iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping, no rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Slippers
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Partially open bathroom
- No rollaway/extra beds
- Bedsheets provided
- No housekeeping
- Window screens
-
Japanese-Style Standard Twin Room with Bathroom, Non Smoking
2 Twin Futons
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and electric kettle
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, bathtub or shower, bathrobes, and slippers
Practical - Safe, desk, and iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping, no rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Slippers
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Partially open bathroom
- No rollaway/extra beds
- Bedsheets provided
- No housekeeping
- Window screens
-
Japanese-Style Deluxe Room with Garden View, Non Smoking
3 Twin Futons
Overlooking the garden
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and electric kettle
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, bathrobes, and slippers
Practical - Safe, desk, and iron/ironing board (on request); rollaway beds (free) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Slippers
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Partially open bathroom
- Bedsheets provided
- No housekeeping
- Window screens
-
Japanese-style Single Room, Non Smoking
1 Twin Futon
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and electric kettle
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - Partially open bathroom, shower, bathrobes, and slippers
Practical - Safe, desk, and iron/ironing board (on request); rollaway beds (free) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Slippers
- Electric kettle
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Partially open bathroom
- Bedsheets provided
- No housekeeping
- Window screens
-
Japanese-Style Family Room with Kitchen, Non Smoking
4 Twin Futons
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Kitchen with refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and electric kettle
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, bathrobes, and slippers
Practical - Safe, desk, and iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping, no rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Slippers
- Kitchen
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Bidet
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Partially open bathroom
- No rollaway/extra beds
- Bedsheets provided
- No housekeeping
- Window screens
-
Japanese-Style Deluxe Room with Bathroom, Non Smoking
2 Twin Futons
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and electric kettle
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, bathrobes, and slippers
Practical - Safe, desk, and iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping, no rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Slippers
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Partially open bathroom
- No rollaway/extra beds
- Bedsheets provided
- No housekeeping
- Window screens
-
Suite Japanese Western Style Room with Bathroom, Non Smoking
2 Twin Beds and 3 Twin Futons
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and electric kettle
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - Shower/tub combination, bathrobes, and slippers
Practical - Safe, desk, and iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping, no rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 5 (5 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Slippers
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Bidet
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- Bedsheets provided
- No housekeeping
- Window screens
-
Japanese-style Deluxe Room, with Shower, Non Smoking
3 Twin Futons
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and electric kettle
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - Shower, bathrobes, and slippers
Practical - Safe, desk, and iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping, no rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Slippers
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Bidet
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- Bedsheets provided
- No housekeeping
- Window screens
-
Japanese-style Standard Twin Room with Shower, Non Smoking
2 Twin Futons
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and electric kettle
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - Shower, bathrobes, and slippers
Practical - Safe, desk, and iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Air conditioning
Need to Know - No housekeeping, no rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Slippers
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Bidet
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- Bedsheets provided
- No housekeeping
- Window screens
Guest Reviews
- Brett (10/5): - Great.
- The (10/5): - Staff was excellent and very caring. They went the extra mile and helped us a lot. People working at the property were super nice and great. Breakfast was fantastic. Very quiet and easy to find. Very near many places to shop and eat. Easy access to Kyoto station but if you have luggage it's slightly farther than you would think, without luggage very quick access. Beautiful temple across the street.
- Xiaohong (6/5): - It’s Japanese style bed. Shared shower. Staff are friendly.
- Kadiza (10/5): - Loved that we experienced this. Clean small room, provided us with nightwear and mattress and blankets to sleep on the floor. Station is 8 mine away connecting to tourists sites bamboo forest. Hotel is next to a beautiful temple and is 15mins away from Kyoto station.
- Gregory (10/5): - The hosts were friendly and the property was clean.
- Ethan (10/5): - Quiet and peaceful
- Aprilyn (10/5): - Especially loved the whole experience of staying in a traditional Japanese inns.
- Alexandra (6/5): - Great staff, but ryokan is definitely no frills. Any of the traditional accommodations (onsen, breakfast) are additional fees. Massage was great.
- Jean (8/5): - It was a very nice ryokan in a residential area, walkable to the Kyoto Station. The only complaint was the AC in the room was not strong enough and the room was kinda stuffy and warm with the 3 of us.
- Clifford (10/5): - As far as price for what you get, this Ryokan offers incredible hospitality and service for a fraction of the price of some the pricier Ryokan around town. You can rent a private onsen for a mere ¥1000 per hour, a nice reprieve after a day out and about on your feet. With breakfast included, this location should be well consideree for your Japanese Ryokan experience. Thank you from my wife and I.
- KATHERINE (10/5): - Walkable.
- Lineker (10/5): - Great Ryokan experience. I’ve stayed in my fair share of Ryokans and this offers that experience with a western flair. Each room has private bathrooms but there is a private onsen bath on location you can reserve. We stayed in a more traditional room which had a tatami room with futon beds. It’s a good compromise if you’re not ready to be in a shared onsen!
- Catherine (10/5): - I was really looking forward to staying at an authentic Ryokan and it didn't disappoint. I would definitely recommend this property
- Sue (10/5): - Great experience to stay in a traditional ryokan in Kyoto with tatami mats, yukata (that you can wear) and Japanese traditional breakfast! Also very convenient to Kyoto station and staff were very friendly.
- James (10/5): - The staff were very friendly and the room had a nice garden view. The location was nice, about a 10 minute walk from Kyoto station, making it easy to get to all sides of town and see the major sights.
- Salome (8/5): - Matsubaya Ryokan is a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station where many food options are available. There is a convenience store in between. We split our time in Kyoto between this ryokan and a modern hotel near Kyoto Station. The modern hotel was wonderful, however, it will in time be blended in with all the other wonderful hotels we've stayed at, while it's unlikely we'll forget the traditional Japanese experience we got at the ryokan. We had a deluxe room with garden view. It was clean and had everything we needed. The futon beds were very comfortable. The only issue we had was that we couldn't turn off the lights at night while keeping the air-conditioning on at the same time. We opted for a Japanese breakfast - booking ahead of time is a must - and we really enjoyed it (we even learned from our host the correct way to eat the rice, namely, wrapping it in the seaweed wraps provided). In short, we recommend this ryokan if you're looking for a traditional Japanese experience in a reasonably-priced ryokan.
- Ali (10/5): - I really enjoyed the friendliness of the staff. Thank you!
- Ming-Hsiang (10/5): - Very Friendly.
- Benjamin (10/5): - I only stayed a short period of time, but it’s a nice little property that’s a short distance from the station
- Dianna (10/5): - Cozy Japanese style rooms with table, futons, water kettle, fridge, Yukata. Excellent host - super warm, welcoming and helpful. Friendly staff. This Ryokan is very convenient to Gion and the Kyoto Station. Bathroom is not large but it's not too small either.
- Denise (10/5): - The property and service was lovely. The private bath was very relaxing.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Location to the train station my second time saying here
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Excellent and kind staff. Even helped us order food in the rain. Only complaint is that the bathrooms are a bit cramped.
- Jo (10/5): - Very quaint, old world style. Clean, well located.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - We stayed here 15 years ago, although the building has been renovated it still retains the charm of a Ryokan.
- Tim (10/5): - I had the pleasure of staying at Matsubaya with my class a week and a half before my stay with my wife and both times were a true pleasure. The staff there is phenomenal and quite kind. I will definitely return the next time I find myself in the Kansai area.
- Carmen (8/5): Part Traditional - Great stay but rooms modern and renovated not Ryokan however traditional breakfast was excellent! Staff great, location a little confusing but original old area
- Verified traveler (8/5): - The tatami room had a strong smell bcoz of the bamboo mats... so you might need to keep the window open all day.. not recommended if you stay during winter or summer coz u can't open window all day... the ryokan said to be opened in 2016 but everything inside is old style... the tv is like the size of my android tablet ... and toilet is old style as well..lol... but overall was ok if you want to try out Japanese ryokan.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - The Japanese breakfast was great! The staff was welcoming.
- Chang Xian (10/5): Exceptional service - Wonderful showcase of Japanese service. We were given a welcome tour of the hotel and when we came back to check in, they had moved our luggage into the room. Also, guests who do not have their rooms cleaned receive a free gift. One downside is that the room walls are thin.
- Laura (8/5): Decent place to stay - Lovely staff, decent English, and helped me when I was sick. Rooms felt like apartments rather than a ryokan.
- Susan (8/5): - Convenient, clean, quiet, efficient. Balcony a nice touch. Easy to find from train station.
- Jade (10/5): Great hotel apartment - Amazing rooms all u could ever need! Able to cook noodles and wash and dry our cloths and all.
- Benjamin (8/5): Stay in Japanese style room - Stayed in the Japanese style room. The room was large enough for us. It was a 10 minute walk to get to the subway area. Some members of staff were more helpful than others, but good overall.
- Dawn (10/5): A lovely small ryokan - Members of staff are all very friendly and eager to help. The ryokan's location is also very convenient for any activity. The roomis comfy and quiet. Highly recommendable.
- Verified traveler (10/5): Great location and extremely helpful staff - Great location, close to train station and attractions but on a very quiet street. Very friendly and helpful staff going out of their ways to help us. Japanese style room and very comfortable. Great Japanese breakfast
- Christian (10/5): - Great hotel with helpful and friendly staff. I stayed in a Japanese style room which was comfortable, compact, and had all that we needed.
- Michael (10/5): Comfortable stay for family - Modern new tatami style room with small kitchen. Suitable size for 2 adult 2 young children. Only 1 washing machine, 1 dryer. Small TV. Wifi unreliable and slow during peak, otherwise good speed. Close to train station
- Michael (10/5): Great place, great location! - We love the Japanese room for our stay. Very comfortable and unique experience. Would recommend it.
- Gerry (10/5): Excellent hotel, clean, practical and comfortable. - Can't put it better than the title, super staff and just a ten minute walk from the railway station.. Breakfast extra but good. All round a terrific place to stay.
- oc (6/5): Good hotel near Kyoto station - The hotel was clean and the staff were friendly and helpful. We stayed in a western room which was somewhat outdated but spacious.
- Anne (10/5): Fabulous tradition ryoken with great staff - Amazing traditional ryoken in great, convenient and interesting neighborhood. Staff give excellent advice for sightseeing and restaurants. Absolutely great experience. Perfect place to stay for experiencing Kyoto.
- Verified traveler (8/5): cozy and comfortable - friendly staff and clean. Great way top experience a ryokan in japan
- Japan vacation (8/5): Good location and very courteous staff - The location is about 10 minutes walk from Kyoto station and 2 minutes from Higashi Honganji temple. The staff is very courteous. Japanese breakfast is the best bargain. There are eggs, salmon, vegetables, soup, and assorted pickle dishes which change daily. The room is relatively small but clean. Hot water kettle, tea pot, and green tea bags are provided. Building insulation is not good.
- Verified traveler (10/5): Friendly, almost traditional ryokan. Clean! - Very friendly staff. Clean everywhere you go. Since I got the type E room, it was small, but enough for one person. Only complaint is that the wall was not sound proof and could hear person next door when person was on the phone. Stayed 3 nights, and they cleaned my room every morning after I left for the day. Ryokan was about a kilometer away from Kyoto station. Just walk.
- Morgan (8/5): Traditional Japanese experience - You won't get luxury but you will be looked after by the friendly, welcoming staff at this small, local ryokan. The rooms are small with traditional futons and yukata provided for sleeping. They are adorned with traditional Japanese artwork to add to the overall experience. It's close to Kyoto station (~8 minutes walk), Higashi-Honganji (<5 minutes) and many other destinations are within 30 minutes walking distance. They offer a great looking Japanese breakfast, which you need to order the night before, in a pleasant lounge. Eating in the hotel is advisable as many places don't tend to open early in the local area.
- Siew Thin (10/5): A cosy and convenient place - Owner was super friendly and helpful. It was a very pleasant stay.
- Ashley (10/5): Great location, convenient but quiet - This was a great place to stay in Kyoto! The hotel is an easy walk from Kyoto station making it super convenient not only to arriving, but also for getting around and exploring the city while you're there. And it's on a safe and quiet side street, which was really nice. The staff were all so friendly and helpful, they were great! Their English was some of the best I encountered on the trip so there were no communication errors. We stayed in a Western-style room and the beds were comfortable and the room was very clean. There is a Western-style breakfast too that was cheap (not the best quality, but when all you want is eggs and toast after a week of Japanese breakfasts, it hits the spot). Highly recommended!
- yuxuan (10/5): Best place I've stayed in - The staffs here are so kind. They make me feel at home.When i went back,the gentleman still sees me outside in the cold weather.The room is so comfortable I slept like a baby.Thank you and I will stay here again:)
- Irfan (10/5): Simple & Friendly traditional Inn. - It's was nice, located in very quiet neighborhood with food and shops nearby; the room is small but the futon & the shared bathroom is very clean. the optional breakfast is very good.
- Verified traveler (10/5): Nice hotel walking distance to Kyoto Station - We loved our stay at Matsubaya Ryokan! Location was key for us since we intended to travel by train quite a bit during our stay in Kyoto. So we picked a hotel that is walking distance to Kyoto Station. Aside from the good location however, we were pleasantly surprised by the size of the western room we booked. It is definitely larger than most typical Japanese hotel rooms. Our family comfortably fit in it. The room and the rest of the hotel was always clean and tidy, our room was comfortable to stay in. Hotel staff were very warm and welcoming and it felt like we were staying over at a family's place. Overall, very well run hotel with clean and roomy amenities in a great location. Would definitely recommend this hotel.
- David (10/5): First rate Japanese cultural accommodation - Loved this ryokan (one of our most pleasing finds in Central Honshu for accommodation). And by the way we loved Nagoya - a pleasant surprise. We had the largest room, a traditional tatami room but with modern shower/toilet. Also has dorm style for less money. Hiroshi was very helpful. 20 min. flat walk from main train station. Short walk to castle & other sights. Well priced (for Japan). Outstanding Japanese breakfast. Only thing I'd say that if western hotels and food are what you want, best select a different hotel. But for experiencing Japan, excellent choice.
- Astrid (10/5): A Great Hotel That Is Reasonably Priced! - The Matsubaya Ryokan deserves nothing but praise! The staff was very helpful and kind. I loved the fact that they spoke English and could recommend places to visit and the best way to get to the Kansai Airport. My room was extremely clean and comfortable. The location was very quiet and centrally located. This hotel also has a decent and reasonable western-style breakfast. If given the opportunity to visit Kyoto again, then I would definitely stay at Matsubaya Ryokan.
- Lauren (10/5): Great staff, easy location - We had a lovely stay at Matsubaya Ryokan. The staff was very friendly, helpful, and flexible, and our room was clean and comfortable. The location is very convenient to Kyoto Station. I would very much recommend booking a room here!
- Siddique (8/5): - Breakfast is at a communal table and there are only about a dozen seats.
- javier (4/5): it is like a hostel - The hotel for me is like a hostel, the room, with western style was clean but too basic, I would not come back again. The staff I have to say that was very kind . too expensive for being like a hostel
- Teneille (10/5): Clean and cute Kyoto - Impeccably clean little ryokan in the streets of central Kyoto. 5 minute walk to Kyoto Station and close proximity to various Temples. Staff were super friendly and helpful. Can't recommend enough
- Verified traveler (8/5): - The people that work there are friendly and very helpful. The Japanese breakfast was excellent. I found the bed to be very comfortable. The only downside was that they were in the middle of construction when we were there.
- Mark (8/5): Great place to stay, great staff - Nice hotel, close to all you need, great bike hire shop at end of the street which made it easy to get around. Staff were great, good English, always helpful and smiling. Like all big cities in japan you need to travel to get around, this was close to main train station, bus stops and taxi.
- Jennifer (10/5): Great Ryokan at a resonable price - The highlight of our Osaka trip was our stay at the Matsubaya Ryokan. We had a lovely spacious room with a garden view..traditional japanese room so that was a nice experience. Room and toilet were very clean..spotless. It would be even better if they served a traditional japanese kaiseiki dinner at the ryokan. Still they were great and Budi was extremely helpful and reccommended really nice restaurants.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Good location and friendly staff! They speak very good English and are very hospitable. The location is 10 min walking distance from Kyoto station, very convenient!
- Peter (8/5): The Ryokan experience - Ryokans are a love/hate experience.I enjoyed the stay - my wife hated it preferring comfort over tradition.
- Verified traveler (10/5): Close to JR station - Easy walk from station. Staff very helpful and spoke very good English.
- Colin (10/5): Near to kyoto station - We only stayed one night in one of the ground floor rooms which was very traditionally furnished but with a modern en suite. There were 3 of us and we all slept well on the traditional japanese beds. The staff were very friendly and helpful. I would have no problem going back and staying longer.
- Matthew (8/5): Excellent first Ryokan stay - I must admit it was my first time staying in a Ryokan and was initially shocked at how small and basic the room was. However, after a few adjustments it turned out to be a very cosy, comfortable and relaxing stay. The room is spotlessly clean with good air con. The shared bathroom was fine. The staff are very welcoming. They sell the City Bus 1-day pass and the closest stop is only a 5 min walk. In fact, the location of this Ryokan is good for sightseeing which makes it great value. Not difficult to find.
- Yilin (8/5): Comfortable ryokan - Though the ryokan is quite a distance from the station especially with some bulky luggages. The moment where I stepped in the ryokan, I'm shocked by the flight of stairs and I thought I need to carry the luggages up the stairs. But the friendly staffs from the ryokan carried them all up the room for me and even when check out. The room space is just enough for me and it's quite comfortable for a night stay! Will definitely be back for a other stay.
- tokyorose (6/5): Get a downstairs room if you need sleep. - The host were good and welcoming. The price was the most expensive I paid in Japan and stayed at two lovely hotels in Tokyo. First night the novelty of a floor bed and kimono was good but bathroom small like a caravan. 2nd night a child made noise until midnight( the walls are paper) No window so relied on daylight from the room next door. A washing machine beneath me made noise til about 1 am and then what sounded like a drier til 4 am. (Sleeping on the floor) no one in the room with a window to close the streetlight out so had light through paper wall all night. I think they could put more effort into guest experience. 1 night is probably enough to experience the Ryokan aspect.
- Carla (10/5): Nice Ryokan near the Station - We stayed for 2 nights at the Matsubaya Ryokan. Our check in was simple and easy and the traditional room was very clean and nice. The futon beds were very easy to use and very comfortable and the doona was also great! The bathroom was nice and the coffee/tea facilities were simple. I liked this Ryokan and its kind and pleasant staff very much. Close to the Kyoto train station and close to the bike hire shops. The staff kindly let us park our hire bikes over night at the hotel. Short bike ride or walk to shops/restaurants.
- Verified traveler (10/5): The best place we stayed in japan - The staff were fantastic with recommendations of place to eat and could not be nicer.
- Angel (8/5): - excellent service
- Natalie (10/5): Would go again! - Staff very ready to help and the room was very nice and relaxing
- Not Provided (10/5): Great Japanese Style experience - The staff were super friendly from the moment I stepped in and their English was very good, easy to communicate. I chose the Japanese style room which was spacious enough and had an en-suite toilet and sink. The shower was shared with one other room but was clean and modern. Overall I had a fantastic stay here, it is within walking distance to Kyoto station and opposite a large temple. Gion district is 20 min walk around, I recommend walking along the river it's just beautiful. Would recommend this accommodation
- Not Provided (6/5): Tried it but not our thing. - The ryokan was very close to station and bus station. Easy to get around the area and lots of bike shops nearby to rent for the day. The staff all spoke a little bit of English and were very friendly. I have stayed in ryokans before and this one wasn't as good as others and way more expensive than a western room hotel. Bathroom very small and as tall Aussies was a bit uncomfortable for us. At least we have tried the experience of a ryokan now but would do again, very difficult with creaky knees and backs to sleep on futon on floor to get down and up from them plus we found we could not sit on the floor chairs as would not have been able to get up again. The rooms were very thin walled and could hear every one else in their room, I felt as though we were camping.
- King (10/5): Awesome ryokan - This ryokan is in walking distance from JR station. Awesome traditional decor and feel. Extremely helpful and courteous staff. They even gave me a souvenir on my departure and wished me safe travels. The room is spacious and homey. Facility is very clean and inviting. Will definitely come back. They even do day passes for the bus which is well worth the convenience.
- Sc (8/5): Great staff and close to Kyoto Station - The staff are so nice. They can speak some English and explain how to use your room. They have traditional japanese style beds and green tea.
- Cherry (8/5): good location，small but clean room - About 1km away from Kyoto station on a quiet street. Smaller room but clean and equipped with everything needed - electrical kettle, hair dryer, tub and shower and shampoo & body wash, but no microwave
- Ryan (10/5): Great place to stay near Kyoto Station - The room was fantastic! We stayed in both the superior and standard Japanese style rooms. The only main difference was the bathroom in the standard didn't have the fancy bidet toilets and the shower wasn't a separate room. The futons were very very comfortable, probably the best sleep we had our entire trip! The staff was also very very friendly and even gave us a parting gift when we went. The walk was about 12-15min would from Kyoto station. If I'm in Kyoto again I would stay here again.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Very friendly, helpful, and polite staff. Have the Japanese breakfast at least once.
- vinh (10/5): Nice Japanese style hotel - I enjoyed the large bathroom. The people there were extremely kind and polite. 7 mins walking from the station. Convenience store is 3 min walking distance.
- Mary (10/5): Very nice East-West experience - I stayed in this ryokan 6 nights. From the very first day it felt like being home away from home. My room was on the top floor (5th floor) and I had a great view of Kyoto rooftops. On the table there was green tea, a tea cup set and a cookie waiting for me. It was a Western-style room but with the Japanese elements in lighting, yukata with a traditional belt and two kinds of slippers.The staff was polite and friendly. I was always greater with with a smile and a bow. When I was leaving, the owners gave me a small present thanking me for the stay with them, walked out with me on the street and bowed.
- John (10/5): The perfect place to stay in Kyoto - If you are looking for the authentic Ryokan experience then look no further. The hotel perfect in every way from the rooms to the breakfast. What really stand out more than anything though, is the staff. We were made to feel like their personal guests and the day we departed the manager even waived us off ! Absolutely love our stay here and would recommend it to anyone visiting Kyoto. Our favourite hotel of the holiday !
- Polly (10/5): Sayonara -- a Japanese goodbye - The staffers are all very nice and several of them are English fluent. I've long heard that a Japanese sends their guests goodbye all the way until they can't see the guests anymore from outside the door. It was heart felt to finally experience so. We'd been gone for some 80m and about to turn. 'They couldn't be still...', a thought went thru my mind and guess what?! The staffers were still outside and waving goodbye at us. We happily waved goodbye back.
- Verified traveler (10/5): Great location, close to the station. - Lovely Ryokan. Traditional in many ways. Friendly staff (very), and helpful. Loved it.
- Xiaoxing (10/5): Not Luxury but enough if your focus is the culture - 2.5 bus stops from Kyoto Station. The Kyoto Bus Day Pass costs only 500 JPY. Get it and make sure you know how to use the public transportation. This place would be a very cost friendly place to stay.
- Sergio (10/5): +++++ - Nice hotel, clean and friendly
- Aaron (10/5): Excellent and worry free stay - Excellent service from friendly staff. Japanese breakfast is alright for its price. Room is comfortable and clean. Ryokan is near Kyoto station but off main street but easily located by Google map.
- Yuri (8/5): - Really enjoyed our stay! There was plenty of room for my husband, twin 13yo, my mom and myself! It's a little difficult to find. There's not much around the hotel for things to do. But just a few short stops away from Nishiki Market by bus! Ramen shop close by. A bit of a walk to the Kyoto station but we took a bus which was the next stop! People friendly there!
- Pascal (10/5): Good hotel - large room and great breakfast - Although this is a Ryokan style hotel, we opted to stay at the american style hotel room. This is perhaps the biggest hotel room you can find in anywhere japan. Strongly recommended if you have kids or a big family. A nice 10 mins walk from the Kyoto station, and you can have traditional japanese cuisine (extra cost) for breakfast! Great stay and may try the ryokan next time.
- Duke (8/5): Cosy ryokan experience - Nice place to experience a ryokan. Tha place is a low rise building decorated as a ryokan. The people running it are sweet and try to help as much as possible. Near Kyoto station and very quiet at night. Spent all daytime around Kyoto on bikes from place to place, this was a good place to come back at the end of the night
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Kind reception. 7 mins walk from central train station. Environment is nice. Price not bad for last min booking
- rita (8/5): Peaceful - This was my first experience in a ryokan. Stayed with my daughter for a few nights and we absolutely loved it. Felt soo relaxed and at peace. The location is perfect.. 10 min walk to Kyoto station. Would loved to have stayed longer but at the time of booking only a few nights were available. Would definitely come back again. The staff are really warm n welcoming.
- Natti and Bree (10/5): A Little Apt in Kyoto! - Man I wish I booked this longer! I didn't realize that I was staying in a modern Japanese style apartment! It lived up to the things I read about and watched on TV. You walk into the entrance for shoes, Bathroom on you left then on through the kitchen and next into the living/ sleeping room + Mini balcony. I had a great view of the city and my sister and I had a great sleep. It was a great experience. I have to do this one again.
- gudogn (6/5): Small Ryokan...not exactly near Kyoto station - I was looking for a traditional Ryokan with easy access to/ from the Kyoto station, after hours of searching and reading customer reviews, I was convinced Matsubaya would only be 10mins walk from Kyoto station, nice/ clean traditional Ryokan with very reasonable prices. Unfortunately, I was left a little disappointed. Matsubaya required more than 10 minutes walk , under normal circumstances, we wouldn’t mind so much. It was the fact we had to drag our luggage; (the day we arrived was raining cat and dog) , expecting just to walk 10 minus that turned out to be two- fold of the time on a rainy day just a little much. We booked the room with the garden , located on the ground floor, that turned out to be very small and not worth getting it. While we thought the Ryokan is quite clean, it looked very tired. We really didn't mind to pay more for a better Ryokan but from previous reviews, we were led to believe this Ryokan is the one---a clean established Ryokan and 10 mins walk from Kyoto station but ...we were let down.
- Fernando (8/5): Great to experience traditional Japanese lifestyle - Staying in an authentic Japanese ryokan was one of the best experiences we had in Kyoto. Sleeping and eating on the floor was super cool and fun. We stayed with one of our sons (23 years old) in a three persons room with kitchen. We had so much fun wearing the kimonos and sitting down around the low table having dinner. The location is good (if it were two blocs closer to the station it would have been even better, but we cannot complain). Being near the station is great because you have all the transportation (bus, subway and train), PLUS a lot of shopping and eating opportunities. Do not miss buying food in the basement of the Isetan department store at the station (first basement they have sweet delicatessens and second they have a great food market and supermarket, it is an amazing experience to but in those stands with vendors shouting to advertise their products). We bought there and took to the ryokan. There are also a lot of food options at the 11th floor of the station, you can go up using the longest and most beautiful staircase I have ever saw. We took the kimonos provided by the hotel on day to take pictures wearing them at the Golden Pavillion Temple, they are super nice. We did not have breakfast downstairs because we had the kitchen (with electric kettle and fridge), but it looked good. Staff was super polite One last piece of advise: do not miss a tea ceremony very near there, at Ju-An tea room. you will experience another Japanese tradition at its best
- Merrill (10/5): Want the full experience, this is a great option - If you really want the full experience, you need to stay here. Go for the Japanese style rooms only! Honestly, we was a little nervous at first but are very glad we did. We went for a guest room with with the kitchen. It's nothing like American hotels so get ready for much smaller quarters and less amenities. If that's what you're looking for, find an American styled hotel. :) The staff there are superb. Extremely helpful and nice to be around. They spoke enough English to get by. The hotel is refurbished and has a lot of history (ask them) but it's not run down in anyway. Very, very clean and well maintained. It's in a great location. The hotel is about half way between the JR Rail Station and the Kyoto shopping district (downtown). Both are about a 1 km walk (1km to the station and about 1.25 km to downtown). We never took a cab and always felt safe walking. There is a real Japanese bathing house close by so check that out as well. There isn't much directly adjacent to the hotel so you'll have to walk a couple of blocks anyway. We had trouble finding it from the Station when we first got there so if you walk down the main street toward the big temple there. It just as you pass the temple. It's on a side street to the right.
- Tina (8/5): Great for a stressfree first time Japan experience - My ONLY drawback for this place is cost. However, this might be mitigated by the ease of finding and getting to this ryokan from the train station and the superb friendliness of the staff. Usually a ryokan's price includes meals, typically a breakfast which is something all visitors should experience. This place offers breakfast, but as an additional cost. Also , I do think that as a hotel room solely, it is overpriced as well. But, one can easily walk to this place from the Kyoto train station ( exit from the Hotel Granvier side which is the main entrance ) Just straight ahead, hang a right and there you are. With luggage, it's an easy, 10 minute walk. Taxi ride should be around 700 yen. The ryokan itself is very authentic , comfortable and clean. My sister, who had never been to Japan before was quite charmed with the accomodations. The owners of this place are FLUENT in English, so no worries there. Also, they are very interested in your comfort. The owner noticed my little nieces and went out of his way to bring them yukata ( japanese comfy wear ) in their sizes. This is only my opinion, but I have noticed that the more traditional ryokans are not as accomodating to nonJapanese speakers. Not that they are not polite, just that they seem really uncomfortable with the language barrier. As a fluent Japanese speaker, I don't think I would have chosen this place. But for the first time guest, it's the easiest way to experience traditional Japanese accomodations.
- ANDREIA SOFIA (10/5): Perfect Ryokan for solo traveller - The location was perfect very close to Tokyo station and staff very friendly. The room was small but had all amenities.
- Verified traveler (4/5): Too small, way overrated - We took this Japanese style hotel for the cultural experience, but found the room too small for comfort. It had a bath but I could hardly sit in it, and I am not that big. There are no closets, drawers, etc.. so one is on the floor all the time but in a very small area mostly taken up by the bedding. There is also killer step between the room and bathroom that one can forget about at night. Furthermore, the window screens are transparent so that at 4:30 am (in late May) the room is brightly lit with little hope of further sleep.
- rob pan (8/5): Good experience - Spent one night solely for the experience. Was very satisfied with hotel staff and service eg. taking our big luggage to our room personally Room was exactly what we expected so no complaints. Recommend to anyone who is visiting Kyoto
- Wendy (8/5): Clean, comfortable hotel with great staff! - I would highly recommend Matsubaya. It's clean, quiet and safe, and the staff are really friendly and helpful.
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