Traveling to Kyoto always feels special. Living in Tokyo is exhilarating: a city that never stops, full of light, motion, and constant change. Kyoto tells a different story, however. Its quiet elegance, living history, and slower rhythm invites you to breathe differently. Every visit to Japan’s ancient capital reminds me that this country is also made of silence, ritual, and contemplation. So, every time I have the chance to return, I do so with excitement. This time, the trip was short, but with a very meaningful purpose: staying at NISHIYAMA RYOKAN, a traditional ryokan located in the very center of Kyoto. It was my first time staying in a ryokan within the city, and if you’re curious about the experience, keep reading. A small spoiler: I loved it.
- NISHIYAMA RYOKAN: A Ryokan of Tradition, Elegance, and Warmth
- Rooms That Blend Classic Japanese Style with Modern Comfort
- Cultural Activities That Bring Japanese Traditions to Life
- Hot Spring Baths and a Seasonal Japanese Breakfast
- NISHIYAMA RYOKAN: Japanese Hospitality at Its Warmest Expression
- How to Get To NISHIYAMA RYOKAN
- A Farewell That Stays With You
NISHIYAMA RYOKAN: A Ryokan of Tradition, Elegance, and Warmth
As soon as I arrived, I slid open the entrance doors and was greeted by an employee wearing a beautiful kimono. She asked if she could help me in clear and fluent English. I’ll admit I was surprised at first, but soon realized that many staff members speak English to make communication easy for international guests.
While my luggage was being attended to, I observed the reception area: warm wooden tones, soft lighting, and large windows looking out onto an inner garden that changes with the seasons. I didn’t have the opportunity to see its red autumn leaves this time, but that gives me a reason to return, right?
One feature particularly caught my eye: a large mosaic of a geisha on the wall. The pattern reminded me of Gaudí’s trencadís technique from home. And for a moment, I felt a familiar warmth, thousands of kilometers away.
Rooms That Blend Classic Japanese Style with Modern Comfort
I had the chance to see several rooms, as the ryokan is currently renovating them to make them spacious, refined, and comfortable. The Family Suite is particularly striking: 77 square meters with an entrance area, two Japanese-style rooms (one with futons for sleeping and the other with low tables and sofas), as well as a large bathroom.
I stayed in a Japanese Twin-Bed Room, smaller but incredibly cozy. The slanted ceiling and tatami floor made it feel like a traditional Kyoto home. The space also offered several modern comforts: several lighting options, plenty of outlets, and enough space for luggage.
Inside the closet was a yukata, the light cotton robe worn when staying at ryokan. Putting it on marked the beginning of the experience.
Cultural Activities That Bring Japanese Traditions to Life
One of the highlights of NISHIYAMA RYOKAN is its effort to bring Japanese culture closer to its guests through complimentary activities offered throughout the year.
I was able to attend a koto concert, and it is always a pleasure to listen to Japanese music, with a distinctive sound and harmonies. The next morning, I participated in a tea ceremony led by the father of the current owner, while his wife guided us through the etiquette and meaning behind each movement. It was intimate, respectful, and profoundly human.
Hot Spring Baths and a Seasonal Japanese Breakfast
After the activities, I went down to the hot spring baths, where a small waterfall from the garden carries water down into the indoor onsen. It is a quiet, calming environment where guests with or without tattoos are welcome.
In the morning, breakfast was beautifully set: yudofu (simmered tofu), grilled fish, Japanese omelet, vegetables, miso soup, and rice, though the ingredients change with the season. There is also the option to request vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-friendly menus in advance. This flexibility is something I value deeply.
NISHIYAMA RYOKAN: Japanese Hospitality at its Warmest Expression
If there is one defining quality of this ryokan, it is its hospitality. The Japanese concept of omotenashi can sometimes feel formal or distant in certain establishments, but here it is expressed with sincerity and closeness. I felt not only welcomed, but included, as though I had been invited into a family home.
The balance between tradition and modern convenience is exceptionally well handled. Nothing feels forced. Everything feels thoughtful.
How to Get To NISHIYAMA RYOKAN
NISHIYAMA RYOKAN is located in the heart of Kyoto, near the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, a wonderful place to enjoy autumnal scenery. The nearest subway station is Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae on the Tozai Line, though Karasuma Oike Station and several bus stops are also within walking distance. It is easy to access historical districts, major temples, and Kyoto Station.
A Farewell That Stays With You
On the morning of my departure, as I waited with my luggage, I looked out at the garden one last time. There, I saw the owner’s father offering a prayer at a small altar. The same person who had led the tea ceremony the day before. A quiet gesture, almost invisible, wishing for the continued well-being of the ryokan and its guests.
Watching him, I understood something clearly: NISHIYAMA RYOKAN is not just a place to stay. It is a place where you are welcomed, even if just for one day. A temporary home. A memory that stays. And that is, perhaps, the true magic of Kyoto.
NISHIYAMA RYOKAN
lodging- 433 Yamamotocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0933, Japan
- ★★★★☆
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