Just a short walk from Kyoto Station, RYOKAN GINKAKU KYOTO offers a fresh take on traditional hospitality. After five years of rest, this ryokan reopened in May 2023 with a new design that blends Kyoto’s elegance with playful modern touches. The building reflects Kyoto’s history and culture—tea ceremony, Noh, ikebana—all set within a universal design that reduces steps and barriers, so everyone can feel comfortable.
You’ll stay in a space where every corner expresses the beauty of Kyoto life, down to the wall textures and colors. Whether you come to explore Kyoto’s seasons or simply relax, this ryokan invites you to enjoy a stay that’s both graceful and welcoming.
Accommodation
Step into one of 29 uniquely named rooms, each inspired by Kyoto landmarks, seasonal transitions, or scenes from The Tale of Genji. Floors are arranged by theme, and every room carries its own story through design and detail.
Special Japanese-Modern Room (9F): Relax on a raised tatami platform with a futon or enjoy the open layout with spacious interiors. Located on the top floor, these rooms give you a quiet, elevated retreat.
Comfort Japanese-style Room (8F): These wide rooms include a small entryway and a glassed-in veranda space for added comfort. Perfect for unwinding with your travel companions.
Deluxe Japanese-style Room (4–7F): These two-room suites are ideal for larger groups or multigenerational trips, offering privacy and space to spread out.
Wide Japanese-style Room (3–4F): Designed with separate bath and toilet areas, these rooms offer functional comfort in a serene setting.
Superior Twin Room (3F): Located close to the elevator and built for accessibility, this room works well if you need barrier-free design.
Standard and Moderate Japanese-style Rooms (3–8F): These simple yet cozy rooms let you enjoy the warmth of tatami flooring. While they don’t include private baths, you can use the large communal bath downstairs.
Every room includes essential amenities such as shampoo, conditioner, foam soap for face and hands, toothbrushes, razors, and more. From the purple hues of Genji-inspired rooms to the seasonal touches across other floors, you’ll find design that gently reflects Kyoto’s history and charm.
Dining
Dining at RYOKAN GINKAKU KYOTO is an experience that reflects the heart of Kyoto cuisine—where presentation, setting, and flavor blend in harmony.
Dinner: Enjoy a seasonal multi-course kaiseki meal crafted by the head chef. Each course uses carefully selected ingredients to reflect the season—grilled tilefish, matsutake mushroom soup, fresh sashimi, and delicate garnishes bring out both beauty and flavor in every bite.
Breakfast: Start your morning with rice cooked in a traditional earthenware pot, accompanied by Kyoto-style side dishes that highlight local produce and seasonal flavors. It’s a warm, nourishing way to begin your day.
Onsen and Wellness
Unwind in one of five beautifully named communal baths, each inspired by the writings of Noh master Zeami. The baths rotate daily between men’s and women’s access.
Kadennoyu: Reflect on the fleeting beauty of life as you soak under elegant lighting and textured stone.
Jokano-yu: A place to connect with emotion and subtlety—this bath invites you to relax with soft lighting and smooth surfaces.
Kakyounoyu: Inspired by the mirror metaphor in Kakyō, this bath encourages you to pause and see yourself clearly.
Kashinoyu: A bath about awakening your own inner strength and blooming in your own time.
Hikanoyu: This private bath captures the concept of hidden beauty. Please ask the front desk to reserve this quiet, secluded bath.
Guests with Tattoos
If you have tattoos, you can use the private bath without concern.
Facilities
RYOKAN GINKAKU KYOTO includes both historical references and modern comfort. Explore the common areas, each with a unique story:
Lobby: East and West wings are themed after Chinese guardian beasts—Seiryu and Byakko—with rich materials like cedar, granite, and traditional paper adding depth to the decor.
Lounge “Ginsadan”: Inspired by the raked sand gardens of Ginkaku-ji, this space gives you a calm view of a courtyard garden, complete with water features. Enjoy a drink here while listening to the sound of flowing water.
Meeting Rooms: Thoughtfully named after moonlight and temples, these quiet rooms are perfect for workshops or small business sessions.
Banquet Hall “Shiun”: This versatile space seats up to 400 people and includes screens, audio systems, and partitions for flexible use.
Sky Oasis Subaru: Take in panoramic views of Kyoto’s skyline and Kyoto Tower from the rooftop terrace. This space captures both sunrise light and nighttime city glows.
Garden “Ryugin no Taki”: Modeled after the mythical Silver Dragon rising in a waterfall, the rock garden and water features create a quiet space for reflection.
Activities
Banquets and Group Events: Host farewell parties, welcome dinners, or celebrations in one of the banquet halls. Choose from kaiseki plans tailored for special gatherings.
Seasonal Kaiseki Experiences: In winter, enjoy plans featuring crab or hotpot, including Kyoto pork shabu-shabu or sukiyaki.
Cultural Themes by Floor: Each floor has a distinct motif—from the flower-filled elegance of spring to the sharp colors of Kyoto’s winter. Stroll through the corridors to notice thoughtful details in wallpaper and room names.
Additional Features
- A location just four minutes on foot from Kyoto Station
- Rooftop views of Kyoto’s tower and skyline
- Private and public baths with artistic design
- Room styles ranging from modern to deeply traditional
- Accessibility-friendly spaces and universal design
- Original banquet and workshop venues
- Lounges, galleries, and water gardens for relaxation
