644 Kagiyacho Shichijodori Wakamiyaagaru, Shimogyo, Japan | (618) 248-8274
A 10-minute walk to Kyoto Station and Higashi Honganji temple
Traditional rooms with frosted windows, tatami
mats, and private bathrooms
Two onsen hot-spring baths
Friendly, helpful staff with plenty of area recommendations
Free calligraphy workshops
Late night quiet hours ensure tranquil vibe
Free Wi-Fi throughout
No breakfast or restaurant
Midnight curfew
Tube-style TVs
Fee for parking
For guests who want to experience a reasonably priced traditional Japanese inn in central Kyoto, Ryokan
Shimizu is a solid choice. Rooms features tatami mats and futon mattresses spread on the floors plus private bathrooms. There’s no restaurant and breakfast isn't served, but the staff is quick with tips and directions to nearby eating spots. Two large on-site baths can be reserved for private groups, and the Higashi Honganji Temple is just a 10-minute walk away. Guests leave their keys at the hotel when going out for the day -- be aware that there's a midnight curfew, and the inn enforces a quiet policy in the later part of the evening.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Traditional ryokan with friendly, helpful owners
Ryokan Shimizu is in a
charming, two-story, homelike building with a colorful flower garden in front. Inside,
a wooden cabinet holds guests’ shoes, while slippers are spread out on the
floor for wear inside the inn. Upon arriving, guests are often greeted with a cup of tea and an overview of the city as the owner points out places of interest on a
map. Guidebooks are available for guests to read, and a rack holds colorful kimonos
for guests to try on. Glossy wooden floors and lucky cat figures add to the Japanese
charm. The lounge area has wooden tables and chairs, where guests can play games or take a calligraphy class. Most visitors are couples, though families and solo travelers also find their way here.
Location
In a central residential area, a 10-minute walk to Kyoto Station
Ryokan Shimizu is in a residential area of the city, between Higashi
Honganji and Nishi Honganji temples (both take about 10 minutes to reach on foot). A grocery store shares the block with
the hotel, and several restaurants are within a short walk. Kyoto Station, which houses a railway station, a shopping mall, a hotel, and a movie theater, is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel is less
than a 30-minute ride on public transportation to the Gion Geisha District -- or a 15-minute drive -- and
Pontocho, a vibrant and famous alley full of restaurants. Osaka International Airport is a
45-minute drive or a 90-minute ride on public transportation.
Rooms
Traditional Japanese rooms with private bathrooms
Ryokan Shimizu has traditional Japanese rooms with sliding doors, tatami mats, frosted _shoji _windows, and
futon mattresses on the floors -- don't expect to find chairs or other typically Western comforts. Rooms have wood floors and light framed walls, and as with all ryokan, there is little in the way of decor or wall art. Spacious shower/tub combos and sinks with white
vanities are located in entryways, while toilets are in small rooms of their
own. All rooms have
mini-fridges, electric kettles with green tea, and tube-style TVs. Hairdryers
are provided, along with shampoo and body wash in dispensers. The inn's late-night quiet hours ensure that the hotel stays peaceful and tranquil, meaning there's little to no noise from neighbors in other rooms.
Features
Two aromatic baths can be reserved for private parties, and free calligraphy workshops
There is no restaurant on site and breakfast is not offered. There are two large baths at the hotel
that guests can reserve for private groups. The baths are prepared daily, with
fruits or flowers providing aromatic enhancements, and showers are available
for rinsing off. The staff offers free calligraphy workshops, and kimonos
are available to try on. Bicycle rentals and parking are offered for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
