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Reviews of Kyoto Watazen Ryokan

3.5 out of 5
Kyoto Watazen Ryokan
Rokkakku - sagaru, Yanaginobaba, Nakagyo - ku, Kyoto, Kyoto

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 275 out of 502 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 184 out of 502 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 28 out of 502 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 11 out of 502 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 502 reviews" "

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

William

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A fantastic traditional experience, but also very accessible for tourists. We loved the hospitality, food and location. Would recommend for sure.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alex

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was the best place I stayed durung my first visit to Japan. I traveled throughout the country, and no place was better. It reminded me of staying at my grandmother's home when I was younger. The staff was especially kind and helpful. The bath was clean and relaxing. I especially felt honored by the formal welcome from the staff. They had a lady welcome me at the room and prepare green tea for me as she explained the facility. I had never stayed in a ryokan before, and my stay here was a great experience. Thank you all for enriching my life. Also, thank you for a restful place for during my tiring travels. I felt blessed to be there.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

sasha

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
we had a great time here, the place was really well located, the staff was friendly and helpful, it was very comfortable. The hot bath was a huge plus.

10/10 Excellent

Ronald

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous ryokan. Breakfast hall and hotel room had nice view.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

KING TIN RAPHAEL

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unbelievably great services, amazing food, brilliant staff
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

James, Ottawa

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Bryan

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a great experience to stay in a traditional inn. And we loved the traditional breakfast. The public bath was very clean and relaxing after a long day seeing the sights. Location was very central and easy to walk to many different areas. Staff was extremely welcoming and helpful and I would stay here again if I could!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Taka on 29 Dec 2023
Thank you for your wonderful comment!!We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed Kyoto to the fullest.Please come to KYOTO again.Also, WATAZEN too.

8/10 Good

Helene

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Mr Kata at the front deak is very helpful and courteous. Clean Ryokan with wonderful kaiseki breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Taka on 29 Dec 2023
Thank you for your heartwarming comments.And we are very happy to your stayed again.We are looking forward to meeting you in next time!!Actually my name is Taka _

10/10 Excellent

Luan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic service. Accomodated a lot for us
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cui-Zhu, Cos Cob

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really enjoyed our stay at this Classic small ryokan - older facility but this is as classic as it gets for a nice ryokan. 5 of us stayed in a tatami room for 2 nights . The meals were excellent. Called ahead and they accommodated vegan meals for one of us. Kaiseki was delicious and so beautifully presented. Japanese breakfast was great too. Wonderful staff. Be prepared to walk. Subway and bus stops nearby. Subway is a good 10-15 walk. Nearby is the Nishiki market which was great to walk around and enjoy snacks and buy souvenirs. The hot public bath downstairs to relax after a long sightseeing day was wonderful. - no one was there so we enjoyed it just by ourselves each night. Convenient coin laundry was a plus. Would highly recommend to those looking for a cozy ryokan with excellent meals. Bravo to the chefs - excellent Kaiseki!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

John

Travelled with family and small children, Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Hotel hours are too short for facilities like the onsen and coin laundry
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

4/10 Poor

Mina

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Disappointing. Room was depressing, mats were hard and uncomfortable. The hotel controlled the temperature so they would blast heat from midnight to noon so we had to turn the system off and open the rickety window to cool the room so we could sleep and street noise was unavoidable. No lotions in the bathroom so had to buy one. Noticed stains on the pillows. Liked the green tea bags and cookies they left after servicing. Electric water heater with hot water always available. Did not experience the dinner or breakfast. Walked to Tullys for coffee in the morning. Close to Nishiki market and the mall.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

sana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very unique stay
It was a very unique stay in a ryokan and onsen, the staff was very helpful and welcoming , and welcomed us with a tea ceremony in our room and gave us traditional japanese robe.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
great traditional room. however there wasn't a lot of space once it was converted into "bedroom". my kids loved the onset. the staff was really helpful and gave us lots of recommendations. breakfast was no the best as just bread and boiled egg but it was OK I would stay again as location was good and staff helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020

8/10 Good

Karen, Seattle, WA

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was our first time staying at a ryokan, and it was a cool experience. Your bedding is laid out on the tatami mats by the staff at night. We had a kaiseki meal the first night and it was pretty nice, wearing our yukata and enjoying our multi-course meal in our room. Our room was really spacious. In addition to a traditional table where you sit on the tatami mat, there was also a table with two chairs. And the amenities included a mini fridge. Our bathroom was clean, and we had access to the public baths which we used on our first night. Overall, the hotel itself is really nice and clean, and located in a great location, near the Nishiki Market. Our room felt slightly dated but it was clean and comfortable. I'd recommend this hotel to anyone wanting to stay at a ryokan.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Nobuo on 22 Sept 2019
Thank you very much for your comment. I and our stuff are very glad to hear you. We hope we can serve you again in near future. Thanks again.

8/10 Good

Kuch, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The service here is amazing and the gentleman with the glasses at the front (possibly the owner) is one of the best human beings you’ll deal with in the service industry. Extremely helpful and he’s funny too (I didn’t get his name). The room is big and I recommend using a few futons as one is too thin to sleep on for anyone that weighs closer to 90kgs or more. Onsen is nice and although a little small, it was clean and nobody was in there when I used it. Breakfast is light yet you can opt in for the Japanese breakfast for a small price and do it if you haven’t had one before. Enjoy.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Nobuo on 1 Sept 2019
Thank you very mech for your comment. I am so happy to hear you! and you enjoyed youself in Kyoto. I hope I can serve you again when you travel Kyoto. Thnaks again

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Taka on 27 Aug 2019
Thank you for stayed at WATAZEN. We are looking forward to meeting you in next time!

8/10 Good

Yali

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good family hotel
Very good location. It's right next to a popular Nishiki market.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Taka on 27 Aug 2019
Thank you for stayed at WATAZEN. Did you enjoy KYOTO? KYOTO city has meny good plice. Please come again!!

2/10 Terrible

Francesca

Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
To avoid, really dirty and breakfast consists of bread and jam!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from WATAZEN on 14 Aug 2019
We are sorry that I did not like it. We will endeavor to meet your expectations.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019
Response from 綿善旅館 on 16 Aug 2019
ご宿泊ありがとうございました。 また京都へお越しの際には是非お立ち寄り下さいませ。

8/10 Good

Chukwuemeka

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Ryokan
It was a nice ryokan(the first I've ever stayed in). For some reason I thought there would be more explanation of tradition and serving of food. My reservation said I would get breakfast. I did not get the traditional Japanese breakfast. Instead I just got some bread and coffee. You had to pay extra which I was unaware of.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019
Response from Nobu on 24 July 2019
Thank you for your comment. Did you enjoy yourself in Kyoto? We hope we can serve you again in near future. Thank you again.

10/10 Excellent

Lee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place to experience a ryokan! Staff was super helpful with this family with 10 bags! Very clean, including the public bath. Location was super close to shopping district. Great way to experience Japan and Kyoto!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Response from Linda on 8 June 2019
Thank you for staying in our ryokan.Please come and visit Kyoto again.We are looking forward to seeing you!

10/10 Excellent

Man Kiu Mandy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019
Response from Taka on 13 Apr 2019
Thank you for your saty at WATAZEN. We are looking forward to meeting you again.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Response from Taka on 13 Apr 2019
Thank you for your stay at WATAZEN. How was KYOTO? We are looking forward to meeting you in near future.

8/10 Good

Regina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019
Response from Taka on 13 Apr 2019
Thank you for your stay at WATAZEN. The KYOTO has meny good spot. Please come again!! Also, please stay again.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019
Response from Watazen Ryokan on 9 Apr 2019
Thank you for your feedback.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Response from Watazen Ryokan on 2 Apr 2019
Thank you for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Aaron

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The onsen and brands of shampoo, body wash are if high quality. The breakfast was really good and the location is wonderful as we were within walking distance to Gion, Nishiki Market as well as main shopping district.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Response from Watazen Ryokan on 2 Apr 2019
Thank you for your comment! We are glad that you enjoyed staying here. We are looking forward to see you again.

4/10 Poor

Catharine

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disappointed
Was very disappointed. This Inn has definitely seen better days, it felt very drab. It said it could fit six, but we were cramped at three people. The teeny seating area overlooking the maintenance shaft of the building opposite only afforded two seats. But the biggest disappointment was the location, it was only close to an alley like lane of shops and restaurants, which we loved, but far from all of the sites. It was a few blocks walk to the closest bus station, and a taxi ride to the nearest train. The breakfast was dismal, in an uninspired room, just really took the enjoyment out of Kyoto. The staff was very pleasant and helpful, but for all the other points I can’t recommend this Inn. There are much better Inns around Kyoto and Nara that far exceed this one.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Response from Watazen Ryokan on 2 Apr 2019
Thank your for your review.

8/10 Good

Russ

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019
Response from Watazen Ryokan on 2 Apr 2019
Thank you for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful ryokan tucked perfectly in Kyoto. 10 minute walk from Kyoto Station, and minutes from two different shopping/eating districts. It was well worth the experience! The staff were arguably the most accommodating hotel staff I have ever encountered. They held our bags before our check in time so we could go explore the city! The room itself was marvelous. Traditional tatami flooring, tea ceremony in a kimono, and mat bedding all laid out for you. There is even a traditional bathhouse for free! Very worth it, I would highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019
Response from Kang on 5 Feb 2019
Thank you for your response. We will welcome everytime and We will welcome anyone who come to our ryokan.

10/10 Excellent

Lily, New York

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very happy and please with my stay at watazen. Staff were professional and friendly. Space was clean
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019
Response from Kang on 22 Jan 2019
Thank you so much. We are looking forward to your next visit to our Ryokan :)

8/10 Good

A

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice ryokan, friendly staff, however the room is a bit dusty
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
Response from Wataru on 14 Jan 2019
Thank you for your kind comment and point out. We would try to improve. Best regards,

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018
Response from Wataru on 15 Jan 2019
Dear our valued customer Thank you for your kind comment and assesment for us. We would continue to improve our service. Looking forward to serving you again. Best regards,

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Lovely hotel near Nishiki market and walking distance to tube. Very clean.. lovely onsen.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly Staff and comfortable stay
We had a fabulous time here. The front desk staff was so friendly and helpful. They went out of their way to give us directions, and recommendations. The onsen was amazing and relaxing! Our room was spacious and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Oskar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Staff was amazing. Each guest is received personalized attention from staff. It was a wonderful experience staying in a traditional Japanese inn with exceptional service.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018
Response from Taku on 16 Sept 2018
Thank you your good evaluation! I'm glad you enjoyed stay in our hotel.

10/10 Excellent

Trevor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Kyoto Visit
Our experience at the Watazen Ryoo was excellent from the moment we arrived. The front staff in the afternoon of August 18th were very friendly and welcoming. They assisted us with directions as well as storing our things until check in. The room was comfortable and clean and the breakfast in the morning was sufficient. In this hot and busy summer in Kyoto the staff gets top marks. The area is also excellent and only two stops from Kyoto Station. Would recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018
Response from Riho on 16 Sept 2018
Dear Trevor, Thank you for your comment. We are glad that you liked our ryokan. We hope you enjoyed traveling in Kyoto and are looking forward to see you again!

10/10 Excellent

CHI LEUNG

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice traditioal Japanese hotel
Nice traditional Japanese hotel. A bit off from the subway but not too far.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018
Response from Front Desk on 15 Aug 2018
Thank you for your review. Did you enjoy Kyoto? We hope we can see you again in Kyoto.

8/10 Good

Steven, Singapore

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Nice ryokan near Nishiki Market
Watazen is a 180-year old ryokan chain. Very nice Japanese style tatami room. Kaiseki dinner with wagyu beef is an excellent dinner, though somewhat pricey. Enjoy it with family in the comfort of your own room. Short walk to Nishiki market.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018
Response from chen on 7 Aug 2018
thank you for your comments! we are very glad that you had a nice stay with your family in our ryokan and looking forward to see you again!

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Reasonable price Japanese style hotel. The room is a bit old but with a new unit bath inside the room.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2018
Response from Taka on 1 Aug 2018
Thank you for your comment. We hope meeting you again. Thank you.

8/10 Good

Jess, Los Angeles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice Japanese style hotel with hot springs
Staffs were friendly and helpful, one staff was fluent in english and japanese. I had been to Japan, but it was my boyfriend first visit, so I picked this hotel for him to experience the Japanese style room, it was Tatami room, if you prefer a nice comfy mattress, and not to experience Japanese culture, please do not book this hotel. We booked the small room with shower only, since there was public bath (hot springs), we didn't need to use the shower room once. The public bath area wasn't huge, but it was good to dip in after all the walks in Kyoto. The walls and windows weren't thick, you can easy to hear loud noise from the street and people passing by hallway once awhile, also the slide door noise too. But so far it was a nice hotel to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018
Response from Watazen Ryokan on 10 June 2018
Dear Jess Thank you for your email and for staying here at Watazen hotel. were glad that you have a wonderful stay .we apologize for the inconveniece about the noises outside and the hallways. hope to see you again here in Watazen! Thank you very much!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything was lovely. We really enjoyed our stay, and traditional breakfast. too.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2018
Response from Watazen Ryokan on 10 June 2018
Thank you for starying with us here at Watazen Ryokan. We're really glad that you enjoy your stay and our traditional breakfast. hope to see you again!

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely but Noisy Ryokan
Room, service, and Japanese breakfast were all great. You get a free gift when you arrive and tea and local snacks every night. The one factor which made our stay not so pleasant was the noise - there was a lot of noise from the other guests staying there through the night. People upstairs were slamming the wooden sliding doors shut until nearly midnight or later, kids were yelling in the corridors, and one night the guests in the room next to us were so noisy someone else complained. It was a pity as if it hadn't been for the noise, we would have had an excellent stay.
Response from Watazen Ryokan on 10 June 2018
Thank you for staying with us here at Watazen Ryokan We're really glad that you have enjoyed our little welcoming ceremony when you check-in. We apologize about for the noises from the other guest. hope to see you again here at Watazen Ryokan!

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
great staff but had extra charge on late checkout
Great staff, average hotel but they charged us 20$ for the late checkout (for one hour)
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location is the reason why we picked this hotel. On the other hand we also wanted to experience the old Japanese living style. The room is very spacious for 4 people. Very clean and welcoming environment. Got to try the onsen bath in the basement, very relaxing. Great staff. I forgot my phone on the taxi and they went all out to help me find the taxi and get my phone back. Excellent experience overall. Highly highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2018
Response from Kang on 10 Apr 2018
Thank you for coming to our Ryokan. we had so worried for lost your phone, but we had relieved that you could find your phone on the taxi. If you come to kyoto, we would wait to come back to Watazen :)

10/10 Excellent

Kaustubh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Awesome location and very friendly saff. Great place to stay at japanese traditional style hotel.
Response from Kang on 10 Apr 2018
Thank you for coming to our Ryokan. We will always do our best for our customers staying with Watazen Ryokan feel happy.