Watazen Ryokan

8.6
Excellent
(280 reviews)

Japan, 〒604-8113 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Izutsuyacho, 413

+81 75-223-0111

Access the hotel social media

Hotel Description

Watazen Ryokan, located in the heart of Kyoto, Japan, offers a unique and inviting stay for travelers looking to experience the charm of traditional Japanese hospitality combined with modern comfort. Nestled in the vibrant district of Nakagyo Ward, this historic 19th-century inn stands just a short walk from the famous Nishiki Market, known for its abundance of fresh sushi and local delicacies. The hotel’s wood-paneled exterior and understated rooms provide a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a true Japanese experience. The location is ideal for tourists, with many of Kyoto’s top cultural landmarks, including Nijō Castle and the Museum of Kyoto, within easy reach. The property’s proximity to Gion-Shijo Station makes it an excellent choice for travelers looking to explore both the cultural and modern sides of Kyoto.
The hotel’s rooms are thoughtfully designed to offer comfort and relaxation, with traditional elements such as tatami floors, chabudai dining tables, and sliding paper doors that lend an authentic touch to the space. Guests can choose from rooms with en suite or shared bathrooms, with some featuring modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and teamaking facilities. Many rooms also offer space for futons, enhancing the hotel’s traditional Japanese charm. Whether you’re in Kyoto for business or leisure, Watazen Ryokan provides a restful environment that balances comfort with Japanese tradition.
Watazen Ryokan also offers a variety of special amenities to make your stay even more enjoyable. Guests can enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and those looking for additional comfort can opt for rooms with private bathrooms or a hot tub. The public bathhouses provide an authentic communal bathing experience, where guests can relax after a long day of sightseeing. The hotel’s restaurant serves both breakfast and dinner, including refined Japanese cuisine, and the service is highly praised by past guests. The ryokan is also known for its kid-friendly environment, making it a great choice for families.
The hotel is easily accessible by public transportation, with Gion-Shijo Station just a 12-minute walk away, making it simple to explore Kyoto and beyond. The hotel is also a 13-minute taxi ride from Kyoto Station, where travelers can catch trains to nearby cities like Osaka and Nara. For those arriving by air, Watazen Ryokan is well connected to major airports, including Osaka International Airport (59 minutes by taxi) and Kyoto Station (38 minutes by foot). This convenient location allows for quick access to Kyoto’s cultural and historical attractions, as well as easy connections to other parts of Japan.
In addition to its rich amenities and services, Watazen Ryokan places a strong emphasis on guest safety and well-being. The hotel implements comprehensive health and safety measures, ensuring that visitors can enjoy their stay with peace of mind. Whether it’s through high-standard hygiene practices or thoughtful precautions, Watazen Ryokan is committed to creating a secure environment for every guest.
For those staying at Watazen Ryokan, there is no shortage of things to do and see in the area. The nearby Nishiki Market offers an authentic taste of Kyoto’s culinary scene, while the iconic Kiyomizu-dera temple, with its scenic views and rich history, is just a short distance away. Other top attractions include the stunning Fushimi Inari Taisha, the tranquil Kinkaku-ji temple, and the historic Nijō Castle.
If you're looking for dining options near the hotel, you'll find a wide variety of restaurants offering unique culinary experiences. ELOVE is a short 5-minute taxi ride away, offering a diverse menu of Japanese fusion dishes. Locanda Senese, a renowned Italian restaurant, is just 4 minutes by taxi, and Nakashimaya, a top-rated Obanzai restaurant, is a 6-minute taxi ride. For something more casual, Bistro Nami is a great option, just 3 minutes away, while Shokudo Torizuki, a delicious chicken-focused restaurant, is 7 minutes away by taxi.
In summary, Watazen Ryokan offers an exceptional blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern amenities, making it a perfect choice for travelers looking to experience Kyoto at its finest. Whether you're in the city for sightseeing, business, or a leisurely vacation, the hotel’s prime location, rich offerings, and commitment to guest satisfaction will make your stay memorable. We invite you to enjoy the comfort and charm of Watazen Ryokan and discover the best of Kyoto during your stay.

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. Proximity to Nishiki Market, known for its authentic Kyoto cuisine

2. Historic 19th-century ryokan with traditional tatami floors and futon space

3. Public bathhouses available for an authentic Japanese bathing experience

4. Convenient location near Gion-Shijo Station and cultural attractions

5. High-speed Wi-Fi and kid-friendly facilities for family stays

6. Elegant on-site restaurant serving refined Japanese breakfast and dinner

7. Complimentary in-room amenities such as flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges

8. Private and shared bathroom options for diverse guest preferences

9. Easy access to major airports and Kyoto Station for convenient travel

10. Emphasis on guest safety with rigorous health and safety measures


9.8 Exceptional

Location rating

Top sights

Kiyomizu-dera
16 min
Fushimi Inari Taisha
21 min
Nishiki Market
3 min
Nijō Castle
9 min
Kinkaku-ji
22 min

Nearest locations

Tominokoji Yamagishi
1 min
Cantina Arco
2 min
kitchen NORITA
2 min
Nokuru
2 min
Bistro Nami
3 min
Locanda Senese ロカンダ セネーゼ
4 min
ELOVE
5 min
Nakashimaya
6 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in16:00
Check-out10:00
Location rating9.8
Nearest airportOsaka International Airport (Itami Airport)
Travel time to airport59 min

Location

Japan, 〒604-8113 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Izutsuyacho, 413

Airports:

Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport)

Taxi: 59 min

Transit: 1 hr 24 min

Nagoya Airport (Komaki Airport)

Transit: 1 hr 44 min

Taxi: 2 hr

Kobe Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 27 min

Transit: 1 hr 42 min

Chubu Centrair International Airport

Transit: 1 hr 42 min

Taxi: 2 hr 9 min

Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Taxi: 1 hr 35 min

Transit: 2 hr 10 min

Transit:

Kyoto Station

Taxi: 13 min

Walking: 38 min

Sanjo Station

Walking: 14 min

Karasuma Station

Walking: 9 min

Nijo Station

Taxi: 10 min

Walking: 35 min

Demachiyanagi Station

Taxi: 11 min

Walking: 47 min


Nearby locations

9.8

Exceptional Location

Nakagyo Ward

Shopping area with sushi at Nishiki Market & samurai history at Nijō Castle, plus Museum of Kyoto.

Top Attractions

Top Restaurants


Amenities and Facilities

Activities

Banquet hall

Pets

No pets

Services

Front desk

Public bath

Public bath

Accessibility

Wheelchair rental

Food & drink

Restaurant

Bathrooms

Private bathroom in some rooms

Bathtub in some rooms

Shower

Wellness

No fitness center

No spa

Children

Kid-friendly

Internet

Wi-Fi

Pools

No pools

Hot tub

Rooms

Air conditioning

Refrigerator


Reviews

100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo

10.0

8 reviews

Wonderful
8
Excellent
0
Good
0
Below Average
0
Not Good
0
Cover Image for だだ

だだ

5/5
I stayed at GW, and the food, rooms, and service were great! !All the staff members were kind and helpful.I'm glad I chose this place because I was able to enjoy a variety of experiences unique to a ryokan.This is a ryokan that I would like to visit again!

Cover Image for Tommy Lai

Tommy Lai

5/5
We had a lovely stay at this Ryokan. Service was great. The baths were clean and nice to use. The sukiyaki dinner was in a private room next door to ours, breakfast was a wonderful traditional spread. If you are reading this just go ahead and book. It’s a nice little inn and it’s central and easy to get to. Staff are helpful and it’s a lovely place to relax.

Cover Image for N n

N n

5/5
I used it when traveling.In conclusion, it was very good. The customer service was the best of any hotel I've ever stayed at. The customer service was particularly great, and what left a lasting impression on me was the sudden rain in the outside smoking area, where people from overseas were drenched and immediately grabbed towels to help warm my heart. Ta.The food was very delicious, and since the public bath was open on weekdays, I was able to enjoy it by myself. The bathtub was also very clean and I had good memories of my trip.Even when I was checking out, they took the trouble to look into things for me and provided me with information, so it was very fulfilling! thank you very much! If I have a chance, I would like to use it again!

Cover Image for Cristóbal Poza Cruz

Cristóbal Poza Cruz

5/5
With high levels of quality, this old Ryokan in Tokyo combines exquisite service and good prices. Very nice. You cannot leave Japan without putting on a Yukata and spending a night in a Ryokan, sleeping on a futon on tatami and letting yourself be entertained by the hospitality of Japanese hospitality. Relax in an onsen and eat kaiseki.

Cover Image for Nancy Cai

Nancy Cai

5/5
Staying at this ryokan was a highlight of our stay in Kyoto. I had always wanted to experience staying at a Ryokan but didn’t have the budget for it 8 years ago as a college student. I came back to Japan this time with the intent to stay in one, specifically one in Kyoto, as Kyoto is known as the cultural capital of Japan.This ryokan is located in a convenient location that is really close to Nishiki Market and several other shopping streets. We were doing a lot of other cultural activities in the neighborhood, so this place was a great option. Getting to Kiyomizudera and Kinkakuji is easily doable by City Bus from this ryokan as well.The service of the staff is impeccable. Everyone is really patient and friendly. We left our luggage with them before check in time and when we came back for the night, all of our things were already brought to our room. We had a bit of a spill accident on our comforter the first night and they had it fixed for us the next day. When we forgot our breakfast ticket in the room where we had our kaiseki dinner, they had staff fetch it for us right away. And even when we checked out on our last day, they helped us with our luggage to the taxi.They have a lot of amenities (toothbrushes, haircombs, hair ties, facial washes, etc.) you can pick up from the first floor as well as yukatas in various sizes you can borrow to wear around the ryokan. You are also provided flipflops to be worn around the ryokan, but do not wear any shoes when you step onto the tatami. There is also a laundry room conveniently located in the basement. The dryer isnt super strong though, so be mindful. They also have a public bath in the basement. I only got to enjoy it for one night, as I only enjoyed going when I was alone and the second night there were three other people lol. But I really enjoyed it when I was by myself. A/c worked like a charm and we had plenty of outlets to plug our electronics into.We opted for one kaiseki dinner (which isnt brought to our room but a communal room specifically for dinners) and one breakfast (set up in a dining hall on the first floor) as we were only staying two nights. I really enjoyed the dinner experience overall but the food wasn’t my favorite. This could just be that Im not super used to the style of it, that’s all. But the staff was super great at making us feel like honored guests through the whole experience. The Japanese style breakfast was much more to my taste and the service was also impeccable. Overall I would recommend trying both services if you can.I definitely recommend staying here.

GM

Gina M

5/5
We had a great stay at Watazen. The service was exceptional. It was comfortable and relaxing. The kaiseki dinner was beautiful! We were stuffed by the end, but the food was all well worth it. The traditional atmosphere was a rare and unique experience.

DF

David F

5/5
We had an excellent experience at Watazen. It is more than just a hotel stay. We enjoyed all of the facilities from the laundry to the onsen. We were welcomed with tea in our room and all of the staff were great. The dinner and breakfast service will amazing as well. We highly recommend this ryokan.

Cover Image for 近江延浩

近江延浩

5/5
It's close to Nishiki Market and Kyogoku Street, so it's a good location if you're planning on sightseeing in Kyoto. The facility is reserved for students during the school trip season, but the facility itself was built in the Showa era, but the staff were friendly and the food was delicious.