Overview

SANOYA, located directly in front of JR Kyoto Station, offers an ideal location for enjoying the charms of Kyoto. Just a three-minute walk from Kyoto Station, the ryokan serves as a perfect starting point for sightseeing and immersing yourself in Kyoto’s historical and cultural atmosphere. SANOYA has a long-standing history of welcoming travelers from across Japan, and prides itself on providing traditional Kyoto hospitality with a personal touch. Its easy access to major transportation—including JP, city bus, Kintetsu, and subway lines—ensures a smooth travel experience for visitors from anywhere in the country.

SANOYA’s location and dedication make it a favored choice for educational trips, with extensive experience in hosting students and organized groups. Whether you’re here for a short visit or a more extensive stay, SANOYA helps you carve out memorable moments in Kyoto.

Accommodation

SANOYA offers a variety of accommodation options centered around traditional Japanese-style rooms. The ryokan features rooms ranging from 10 tatami mats (perfect for solo travelers or couples) to 14 and 20 tatami mat rooms for families or larger groups. There are also four Western-style twin rooms available for guests who prefer beds.

Each Japanese-style room features tatami flooring, sliding paper doors, low wooden tables, and comfortable futons that allow you to rest well after a day of sightseeing. Standard amenities in each room include a TV (local channels only), telephone, and a refrigerator stocked with chargeable beverages. Bathrooms and washrooms, equipped with modern washlets, are available in every room. Guests are provided with a full set of amenities, including a towel set, yukata, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, razor, comb, and a hairdryer for convenience.

The larger rooms (14 tatami and 20 tatami) are ideal for family gatherings or group stays, allowing everyone to stay together comfortably in a relaxed, traditional setting. The large rooms offer a unique “big room” experience that can be particularly fun for bigger groups. The Western-style rooms offer a different touch, but still maintain the traditional atmosphere of Kyoto.

Dining

SANOYA is proud to offer a variety of Kyoto-style dining options, showcasing seasonal ingredients carefully prepared by skilled chefs with over three decades of experience. Guests can enjoy meals in different settings, including banquet halls and private rooms, depending on the occasion.

The “Shiki no Kyokaiseki” offers an authentic Kyoto kaiseki experience crafted to bring out the essence of seasonal ingredients. SANOYA also provides daytime set meals, perfect for relaxed luncheons with friends or family.

For those looking for something heartier, nabe (hot pot) options are available. The special miso-chan-ko hotpot and sukiyaki or shabu-shabu made with premium wagyu beef carefully selected by the ryokan’s dedicated meat specialist are particularly popular. For group gatherings, SANOYA offers banquet plans that can be customized according to your requirements, complete with private rooms or larger halls. Guests also have the option of selecting all-you-can-drink packages to accompany their meals.

SANOYA also caters to educational groups and large parties, providing a variety of tailored menus to suit different needs. The culinary offerings are designed to make your stay in Kyoto even more enjoyable, and bring you closer to the traditions and flavors of this historic city.

Onsen and Wellness

SANOYA provides several communal bathing options, allowing guests to unwind after a day of exploring Kyoto. The large communal bath, known as “Kutsurogi no Yu,” has ample space with 40-person capacity and 22 washing stations, ensuring a relaxing experience even during busier times. The “Seseragi no Yu” medium-sized bath, recently renovated in September 2023, accommodates up to 30 guests and features 11 washing stations. There is also a family bath for up to 10 people, with 4 washing stations.

Guests can also enjoy the newly installed sauna, offering a fresh and rejuvenating way to end a day of exploring the city. The baths are open from 16:00 to 00:30 and, during peak periods, additional morning hours are available from 6:00 to 8:00. The baths use Kyoto underground water, which helps soothe tired muscles after long walks through the city’s cultural sights.

Guests with Tattoos

If you have a tattoo, you may use the public baths at SANOYA, provided your tattoo is covered by a waterproof seal. Please bring your own seal, as they are not supplied by the ryokan.

Facilities

SANOYA provides a range of facilities to enhance your stay:

• Lobby Lounge: The spacious lobby, decorated with seasonal flowers, creates a welcoming atmosphere for travelers. Relax and enjoy the warm hospitality from the staff who are ready to answer any questions you may have.
• Banquet and Dining Rooms: SANOYA offers dining spaces for a variety of group sizes, from private rooms to banquet halls. Options include the Dining Arashiyama with a soft atmosphere reflecting the beauty of Kyoto’s seasonal landscapes, and larger banquet halls like the Saga no Ma (68 tatami mats) and Gosho no Ma (37 tatami mats), suitable for bigger gatherings. Rooms can be customized for individual dining or group banquets.
• Bathing Areas: Featuring the large bath (“Kutsurogi no Yu”), the medium bath (“Seseragi no Yu”), and a family bath, each of these spaces allows you to unwind after a day of exploring Kyoto.

Activities

SANOYA offers easy access to Kyoto’s famous attractions, given its close proximity to Kyoto Station. Guests can visit nearby sights like the Higashi Honganji and Nishi Honganji temples, as well as popular destinations like Kiyomizu Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Kyoto is also known for its many seasonal events, and staying at SANOYA provides convenient access to festivals such as the Hina Matsuri at Hokyoji Temple in March, the Miyako Odori dance in April, and many more, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Additional Features

• Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the ryokan, including guest rooms and public areas.
• 24-Hour Front Desk: The staff is available at all times to assist with your needs.
• Luggage Storage: Free luggage storage is provided before check-in, allowing you to make the most of your time in Kyoto.
• Ample Amenities: All rooms come with yukata, towels, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, razor, comb, and hairdryer to ensure a comfortable stay.
• Excellent Accessibility: Just a three-minute walk from Kyoto Station, with access to city buses, subway lines, and Kintetsu lines, making it an ideal spot for exploring Kyoto and beyond.
• Bus Access at Entrance: Convenient for large groups, as buses can pick up or drop off passengers directly at the ryokan’s entrance.