This is not the best area of Kyoto to stay in from an attractions standpoint, however it is walking distance from the beautiful Kyoto train station, and we could walk or take transit easily to other areas.

This traditional Ryokan was very easy to find, and just a short walk from the Kyoto train station. The staff was amazing, and greeted us as though we were old friends, or family. The building feels nice and private and comfy. The facilities are very nice including the traditional bath area. We opted for the 7 course dinner which was pricey, but worth it to have such delicious and traditional items. The owner even drove us to the night light-up at a nearby Temple, and also to our hotel the next day. All in all, this is an amazing opportunity to get an feel for a traditional Japanese Inn.

Stayed in March 2025

A charming ryokan with a very good location that will give you a glimpse into the traditional Japanese living (this includes a bit of back pain if you’re not used to this type of beds and pillows). The room is very spacious, a minus is that there are no blinds and it gets light pretty early in the morning. Very friendly staff, ready to give recommendations and attentive. The meals were generous, sukiyaki is especially recommended! Breakfast was too big for us (we are not used to eating breakfast though).

Stayed in March 2025

The building was very inviting and the workers were genuinely happy to see you and talk to you. After my first night, one of the staff offered to move my room to have a better view of the temple and blossoms. If I come back to Kyoto, I will stay here again.

Stayed in March 2025

I don't have a single word of complaint to give, I loved everything!

The staff was so welcoming and nice! Right when we entered we were greeted with an exciting "Welcome!". Our room was ready way before check-in time and we were surprised. We expected to leave our luggage in the morning and explore, but we were able to rest for a while before heading out. They were very thorough in explaining amenities and I always felt like I could ask them questions without feeling like I bothered them.

Stayed in March 2025

Hard to fault as this is a ryokan type, perhaps bath could be little bigger with more facilities but again going back to beginning

Staff super friendly, all wood inside. Very unique experience

Stayed in March 2025

Nothing. Everything was perfect!

Our stay at Ryokan Hokkaikan Ohanabo was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with the warmest hospitality, making us feel at home right away. The staff went above and beyond to ensure every detail of our stay was perfect —t hey are truly the heart and soul of this wonderful ryokan. The traditional atmosphere was beautifully preserved, creating a serene and authentic experience. Our room was immaculately clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully prepared, with every touch reflecting genuine care. The futons were plush, the ambiance was peaceful, and the little details — like the perfectly arranged yukatas and the soothing tea — made all the difference. The kaiseki breakfast was an absolute delight! Every dish was crafted with precision and bursting with flavor, offering a true taste of Kyoto’s culinary excellence. It was a highlight of our mornings and something we looked forward to every day. The location is ideal, just a short walk from Kyoto Station, making it incredibly convenient while still being tucked away in a quiet, charming neighborhood. I genuinely cannot think of a single thing that could have been improved. This was one of the most memorable and heartwarming stays we’ve ever had. If you’re looking for an authentic, welcoming, and truly special experience in Kyoto, this is the place. We will absolutely be back! Thank you to the incredible team at Ryokan Hokkaikan Ohanabo — you made our trip unforgettable!

Stayed in March 2025

Ohanabo was a delight and will always remain in our hearts as a fond memory. It is a special place with special people who are friendly, attentive and accommodating. Best of all, we received a warm and enthusiastic welcome and a genuine farewell with thoughtful gestures by our honest, kind and generous hosts, Ayoko & Mayu. Both exude a beautiful energy, and make you feel as if you have known them for many years. The property was immaculate and well-cared for, with a convenient location. We enjoyed varied breakfasts and dinner during our stay. Everything we ate was consistently delicious and presented masterfully, with no detail overlooked. The traditional kaiseki dinner was particularly impressive. Thank you again; we hope to return someday for another stay! - Shannon & Dominic

Stayed in February 2025

Absolutely nothing!

This was an excellent place to stay in Kyoto, very small family owned ryokan, just 10 min from the main train station. We felt welcome every second of our stay, got lots of suggestions for sightseeing, transportation and help with dinner reservation. Traditional room with tons of amenities, tasty breakfast and nice public bath. Would definitely recommend this place to our friends and stay there again.

Stayed in February 2025

Welcoming and beautiful staff, an awesome traditional experience you will only find in japan.

Stayed in January 2025

More a generalization- but seriously don’t stay at a ryokan unless you have done your reading and know what to expect. This is not a hotel, it’s more like a bed and breakfast albeit a very large one. Shared spaces and thin walls. You need to respect their rules and the quiet times. You will be able to pick your meal times and then are expected to abide by them. They are incredible hosts here, and will call you 5 mins before your booked meal times so you won’t be late. As well, it didn’t bother us (actually I found it rather soothing), but be aware the temple across the street has a bell or soft bong that sounds every few minutes for a bit in the morning starting at 5:50 AM. Only very light sleepers might hear it but thought I should mention it.

Exactly as advertised. This was the quintessential Kyoto ryokan that we read about. Peaceful, welcoming vibe. Quiet except when the Innkeeper greets you in her bright, cheery voice - not shy, she is a beautiful petite woman with true joie de vie! Location could not be better. Easy walk to subway, literally a 10 mins walk (with luggage!) to Kyoto Station. View of the gorgeous Higashi Hogani-ji temple across the steer as well as sight of Kyoto Tower. Excellent amenities which I did not expect, right down to socks and toothpaste paper, as well as sponges to use to clean ourselves before stepping into the shared onsen. FYI - for those shy about getting naked in front of strangers, both nights I went around 8:30 PM and was able to soak and relax by myself, despite the inn being full. Sooooo clean. 10 out of 10 for even those of us particularly picky. And worth every penny for foodies. Kyoto is not always easy for meals as sit down restaurants usually require reservations. So staying at a ryokan with good food is a way to experience the area’s typical dishes. The food at Ohanabo did not disappoint. The innkeeper is third generation as this was originally her grandfather’s inn. Now she runs it and her son is the chef. The first night we had the gorgeous kaiseiki dinner everyone wrote about. It was amazing and met expectations. But I was so happy we had decided to stay two nights. The second night we were able to choose between shabu shabu (Japanese hot pot) or sukiyaki - we chose the latter and ate the most delicious, decadent Omni wagyu beef meal ever. It was so good we could not stop talking about it. The traditional Japanese breakfasts were also top notch, do not pass them up! You can still get regular North American/European coffee - they have a Nespresso machine in the hallway. Come hungry to meals here as the serving size is generous with many courses meant to spoil you.

Stayed in December 2024

The toilet rooms are a bit on the smaller side for 175cm and above and keep in mind to lower your head when entering / leaving rooms, otherwise you might get a headache.

Really friendly and always smiling staff! They’re really happy to chat with you and give you recommendations for sightseeing / restaurants. The rooms are spacious, clean and are carefully maintained in the 100 year old traditional Japanese style. The bathing facility is a bit on the smaller side but helps to relieve the sore muscles after a long day in Kyoto. Towels and Kimonos are provided. The traditional breakfast variates on a daily basis which makes each time a new delicious experience.

Stayed in December 2024

Exquisite facilities, bedding, decor, and super kind and welcoming staff

Stayed in December 2024

None

The attentiveness of every staffs to ensure an enjoyable stay. Every little request is provided for.

Stayed in December 2024

Toilets were too cramped

Location, staff and the experience

Stayed in November 2024

The staff were very accommodating and friendly! One of the best breakfast we’ve had!

Stayed in November 2024

Nothing- everything was wonderful

Property was very clean, beautiful, and comfortable. Our room was spacious and fit our group of 4 perfectly. The tatami mattress and bedding were extremely comfortable and was prepared for us beforehand. The facilities like public bath, shared restrooms, dining rooms were well equipped and added to the wonderful experience we had at this ryokan. Even the toiletries were provided: skincare set, toothbrushes, razors, toothpaste paper strips and mouthwash to name a few. We were provided with yukata and split toe socks for the duration of our stay. Next time we have to stay for more than 1 night! The staff went above and beyond and we were so grateful! They are so warm and attentive, they created a great environment for us to enjoy our stay and use the facilities. The traditional beakfast and dinner are worth any extra cost and prepared with such care and detail- Very yummy and a great experience to add to your trip.

Stayed in October 2024

Staying here was an absolute dream! We arrived an hour early just hoping to drop off our bags, but they had the room ready for us and showed us to check in early! The room was spacious and the onsen was lovely. They had hot tea and traditional sweets waiting for us as well as a pair of socks and robes. Our first night there we asked for a restaurant recommendation and not only did the hostess call for us to reserve, but since it was the end of her shift she actually walked us there. We decided to pay for the breakfast one of the mornings and it did not disappoint! Everything was stunning and tasty and they even had coffee afterwards! We felt it was a bit too much food for us to we only had the breakfast once but it was definitely worth the experience! At check out, they also let us leave our bags there for a few extra hours without an issue. And the location was incredible- 10 minute walk from the bullet train and across the street from a huge temple. And they even had umbrellas for us to borrow when it rained. Seriously the best accommodations I’ve ever stayed at and the staff were all so kind and gracious. If you’re thinking about staying here, book it!

Stayed in October 2024

Everything was as expected

I love my whole experience at this 100 year old ryokan. One of the more memorable places I have stayed at in Japan. The staff is very kind and even allowed us to leave our luggage as storage on our last day until we were ready to leave Kyoto. It was like staying at a family member’s house. I want to return!

Stayed in September 2024

The property provided beautiful Japanese hospitality. We stayed for one night to enjoy the half board experience (dinner and breakfast). The staff were unbelievably warm and kind and the room was clean and very large. The Kaiseki dinner was absolutely exquisite (served in a private dining room). A truly special experience for our Japan holiday

Stayed in October 2024

No complaints

The staff members were all super friendly and helpful. They allowed early bag drop off and gave us recommendations for places to eat and check out while in the area. We got the upgraded breakfast and it was really tasty!

Stayed in September 2024

it was all good!

both lunch and dinner were excellent very convenient location very friendly and helpful staff

Stayed in September 2024

The people are really nice and extremely helpful. They have a strong tradition and are committed to make you feel welcomed and to enjoy your stay.

Stayed in August 2024

The traditional breakfast is outstanding value and should not be missed.

Stayed in September 2024

It really met our expectations in every way.

An incredible stay, exceeded our expectations in every way. The staff were exceptional, so enthusiastic at every opportunity and couldn’t have done more to help us, including ordering our luggage forward at late notice and going above and beyond. Very clean and charming space with a lovely Onsen. It was a must do experience for us and we would stay again if we get the chance. Around 5 minutes walk from Kyoto station and a readily available 10 minute Uber to all the traditional old town sites.

Stayed in September 2024