Ryokan Shimizu
Ryokan Shimizu descritpion
Ryokan Shimizu sells fast on our site. About a 7 minute walk from JR Kyoto Train Station and a 3 minute walk from Nishi-Hongan-ji Temple, Ryokan Shimizu provides air-conditioned Japanese rooms with free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom. Rental bikes are available.
Guests at Shimizu Ryokan can experience traditional Japanese-style sleeping arrangements, with futon beds on a tatami (woven-straw) floor. Rooms include a TV, a fridge and a tea maker. The private bathroom has toiletries.
Higashi-Hongan-ji Temple is a 5 minute walk away, while Gojo subway station is 10 minutes. Sanjusangen-do Temple is one mile away. On-site parking is available for a fee.
Housed in a traditional “machiya-zukuri” building, the hotel includes a small garden and a hot bath that can be reserved for private use. An internet computer can be used at the lobby for a fee.
This hotel does not have a restaurant. A variety of restaurants, supermarkets and convenience stores are within a 10 minute walk.
This property is a ryokan, which is a type of traditional Japanese Inn. Learn more
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Facilities of Ryokan Shimizu
Outdoors ：Grounds
Pets ：Pets are not allowed.
Activities ：Bicycle Rental
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking ：Private parking is available on site (reservation is needed) and costs JPY 1080 per day.
Services ：Vending Machine (drinks) | Baggage Storage | Daily Housekeeping
General ：Non-smoking Rooms | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private) | Air Conditioning
Reviews for Ryokan Shimizu
Review 1：Staff were all so friendly & helpful! Made our trip truely special,very very accomodating. The rooms were great also!! Location was perfect short walks to the station & buses. Couldn't have asked for anything better :)
Review 2：Nothing! Maybe just that we had to wait for the check in time at 4pm. We arrived very early in the morning but they let us leave our luggage there so it was ok!
Review 3：Clean, beautiful and convenient location :)
Review 4：The manager and all the other staff members are fantastic. They cared so much. The place is really near the Kyoto station. If we came back to Kyoto, we'd surely come back here
Review 5：Bathroom too small n there are no hangers.
Review 6：Small but cosy, very clean and they have all u need. Staff are very friendly n helpful. Location is also ok, 10 mins walk from Kyoto station.
Review 7：Good location, staff were friendly and hire bikes were a great option. Traditional sleeping arrangements were a novelty but maybe not worth the cost.
Review 8：Keep quiet in your room, the soundproof wasn't great, but we had no problem with it.
Review 9：We stay in a doubles room,the room was clean, staffs were friendly. There was enough room for us to place our suitcase.
Review 10：It was inconvenient that there wasn't a single hook inside the bathroom
Review 11：The staff brought in a cup of warm yuzi tea for us when we return to the ryokan every day
Review 12：the location can be a bit tricky to find, even with google maps. But the Japanese people are lovely and kind and are always willing to help which is how we found the ryokan after google maps left us a blocks away.
Review 13：Satoshi-San our innkeeper was amazing with suggestions on where to go in Kyoto and how to get there. We only stayed one night but he was more than helpful and very accommodating. we go there before check in time but he held our luggage the whole time we were not there. He provided us with tea and kimono for us to wear and gave us maps and coaster to take home. The locations he suggested us to visit in Kyoto were definitely the highlight of the trip.
Review 14：The only bad point was that despite the place appearing clean in general, there were old stains on the room walls and comforter cover so it might make people abit squeamish.
Review 15：The owners made our stay especially memorable as they were very warm and nice, and made sure we were comfortable. The hot baths were also a good touch, and the stay was very good.`
Review 16：The toilet bowl is a bit outdated it does not have an automatic cleaner and it will be very cold in winter because the seater does not have the warmer
Review 17：The staffs are very kind and friendly
Review 18：The room was smaller than expected ;it was impossible to walk around when the futons were out.
Review 19：Staff was very helpful, gave us several maps and explained how to get to the sightseeing spots. We got a calligraphy class from one of the staff members in the evening.
Review 20：The location is not in the main street so u need to look it carefully inside the housing area. But it was quite easy to find (thanks to google map)
Review 21：The staff borrowed us kimono and took picture of us with their Polaroid camera as our souvenir. The location also near from Kyoto station. The room is spacious and clean. Overall it was great.
Review 22：As foreigners, we were not used to sleeping on a traditional mattress. That said, it was our choice after all.
Review 23：Location - A close walk to Kyoto station Room and interior - Spotlessly clean Service - Warm and friendly. A+
Review 24：couldn't think of any
Review 25：very clean friendly excellent service! we loved it!! best place we stayed in japan! felt right at home, excellent customer service
Review 26：The perfect place for an authentic cultural stay that is easy on the budget. Close to most everything and yet a quiet neighborhood. Friendly & helpful staff!
Review 27：Smell.. I think.. that is from tadami.. too strong for me.(but not important)
Review 28：Everything is nice. Good location (Near Kyoto Station. Only 10 minutes by walk) Cozy room and kind people!!
Review 29：the ryokan is awesome! if i will go next time,I will choose it again! it's comfortable, clean, and silent. staffs there are very friendly. and the transportation is convenient.
Review 30：accueil chaleureux dans ce ryokan tenu par une famille Le propriétaire parle assez bien anglais et a été de bon conseil pour plusieurs de nos dîners Les chambres sont bien tenues et très propres La location de vélos est un grand plus Excellent rapport qualité prix et quartier agréable (petites maisons résidentielles tout en étant à 2 pas de la gare)
Review 31：Only thing was that the rules were relatively strict - lock out curfew at midnight, no early check in, and had to be out of the room by 10am for cleaning everyday. But these issues were not a big deal, and understandable given the fact that it is obviously family owned and run.
Review 32：The hospitality of the staff was second to none. The location was fantastic. The room was spotlessly clean. To top it off, it was an authentic traditional Japanese experience - what more could you ask for! Also, upon checking out, we were given a little gift to remember our stay there! Definitely recommend!!
Review 33：The staff was incredibly kind, welcoming and helpful. They offered a bike rental service, which is a great way to get around Kyoto. The rooms and facilities were very clean and pleasant. It was an overall great experience.
Review 34：Have to be out by 10 and return after 4 each day even if staying a few nights.
Review 35：Very helpful staff made nice suggestions about things to do in Kyoto. Futon was very comfortable and everything in the room clean and tidy. Shower/bath great.
Review 36：This place does not post that children are not welcome - it would be a good idea to do so. The first interaction with the manager consisted of a panicked phone call he made to booking.com so I could be instructed in English to keep our -relatively well behaved- 4 year old in line. A bucket of toys sitting in the entrance- Geisha head cover, etc- disappeared on day 2, leaving her asking where it went. This is a thin walled little wooden house- understandable. We found MUCH better value in a ryokan closer to downtown, with a larger room for 30% less money.
Review 37：Clean and close to Kyoto station.
Review 38：No meals offered, but this is hardly a problem when the staff is so friendly and has prepared an entire booklet of nearby restaurant recommendations for all three meals of the day.
Review 39：Such a nice traditional Ryokan experience. Tatami mats with comfortable mattresses on top. Private bathrooms for each room which was a definite plus for a ryokan. The owners were absolutely the nicest and most helpful people ever, helping us get directions to visit places and also telling us about the flea market (he even drove us there!). The location is superb too --- it's a 7 minute walk from the station (really not that far, just a few blocks) with a convenience store very near. The fact that we could rent a bike there was awesome too --- my friend and I decided to just bike directly to the Imperial Palace (took about 15 minutes, probably 10 if you bike fast). Overall, amazing staff, amazing room, amazing location, couldn't have asked for better!
Review 40：Quite basic, as a ryokan experience - no food, modern building, self service in the room - but still good value for money in Kyoto.
Review 41：Located very conveniently, close to Tokyo central station. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Rooms are spacious and clean
Review 42：I think unfortunately we were the wrong audience for this place. Our room was a bit musty and dingy and the lighting was unpleasant. The place could use a freshening up. This felt more like a homestay than a true ryokan. This sort of set-up might have been fun for a family with kids, for example, looking for a more traditional Japanese hotel experience on a budget. There seemed to be a lot of different activities (calligraphy, costuming) one could take part in that would be kid-friendly. We preferred to spend our time wandering around the city.
Review 43：This ryokan was well-located, and the staff was friendly and gave us some good dining recs.
Review 44：Bed was a little hard but that's expected at a Ryokan!
Review 45：Although the staff spoke limited English, there tried their best to be very helpful and were extremely friendly.
Review 46：The staff was so friendly and nice- they went above and beyond what they needed to do for us. They booked events for us, and had a calligraphy class set up one if the nights. The morning we wanted to go to a market across town, they even drive us! Very clean, and comfortable. Great place!!!
Review 47：we had a last minute change of plans and ended up requiring a bedroom for 3. There was a mix-up with the phone booking but the property owner made quick fix and we were all accomodated and our room ready in a few minutes on check-in day. Room is very clean and comfortable. Having our own private bathroom and toilet is definitely a plus. This is unusual for most Ryokans. Also, parking was easily arranged for a small fee. The receptionists, who we think are also the owners were very helpful in pointing us to the touristy spots and warning us about the timings so we manage our time better. Location is perfect! just walking distance to the main Kyota train station and just a block away from a grand temple. I highly recommend Ryokan Shimizu and will definitely stay here again in my next Kyoto trip!
Review 48：At the moment we arrive, we realize we could not get in after 12 am or before 6 am... So as we were very tired we did not care but asked again why ... The answer was an unfriendly staff, and an email from booking reminding us the policy. The wi fi speed is poor. Unfriendly staff :(
Review 49：Great location, good sense of a Ryokan... Not much comfort in the beds
Review 50：Love that the whole setting was so intimate. 10min leisurely walk to the train station. Got it last min during Golden Week and it was cheap by Ryokan standards.
Review 51：We booked at this ryokan upon its great review, and they did not disappoint! We came early and were able to check in our luggage. The staff were fantastic, and we had one of the best experiences. Our room was spacious with our own ensuite bath. We didn't mind the curfew, and they made it so memorable for our trip. Would recommend staying more than one night except Saturday is their cleaning day and are closed for the whole day. Make sure you bring something that you can leave as a memory or something from your hometown, we wish we did! Highly recommend again!
Review 52：The family who run this small ryokan are very helpful. They organised transfer of our luggage and allowed us into our rooms although we were 30minutes before check in time. The owner insisted on carrying our heavy bags up the stairs for us.
Review 53：Owners, cleanliness, value-for-money, room layout efficiency and proximity to central train and bus station. When we checked in, we noticed their proudly-displayed Booking.com 8.8 rating sign. Through hard work and attention to their customers they've more than earned that excellent rating.
Review 54：The location was great, just a five minute walk from the station! The wonderful staff could not have been more welcoming, friendly and attentive! Loved the traditional rooms and especially the gorgeous bath which was bliss after a long day sightseeing! We loved them, but be prepared for sleeping on the floor on fouton mattresses! Wouldn't hesitate to recommend!
Review 55：My wife and I definitely will go back to Ryokan Shimizu. The staff was very accommodating, the facilities were clean...the overall experience was such a pleasant surprise. Thank you very much Ryokan Shimizu!!!
Review 56：TV set is small, but there's so much to do in kyoto it's unlikely you'l be sitting around watching it anyway
Review 57：private bath, which you can book for 1 hour cozy futons, great sleep
Review 58：Ryokan rooms may not be suitable for those with knee or hip problems
Review 59：Located in a side alley near Kyoto station so convenient for transport. Friendly family run ryokan. Clean room and futon beds. Small Japanese style sitting area. Bathroom, toilet and washbasin are separate, good if sharing room with others.
Review 60：Staff was very friendly. It was raining during our stay and they gave us some umbrellas when we didn't have any. Very nice, traditional experience for a reasonable price.
Review 61：Nothing! We loved Ryokan Shimizu!
Review 62：Modern, well decorated ryokan with the feel of tradional Japan and the most helpful and friendly staff. Loved the 'welcome home' tea each afternoon - a great touch! The futon bed was double layer for extra comfort and the duvets were so toasty warm it was hard to want to get up in the morning, luckily we were able to rent bicycles direct from the front desk which had locks and baskets all set for days exploring Kyoto. Being able to book the bath privately was an added bonus - nice to share that experience together, rather than separately like most accomodations. The location is ideal, just a few minutes by bike or walking to Kyoto Station - perfect if you get a little lost as you can head back to the main station to orient yourself knowing you're not far from home. There are also some fantastic little izakaya type restaurants nearby so there is always an option for dinner.
Review 63：This quaint little place had everything. The location is perfect, we were greeted by the most wonderful man when we walked in, he was helpful and offered advice on places to eat and sights to see, the room was clean and comfortable. Really a great deal for your money. I would go back there in a heart beat!
Review 64：we arrived at 2 but were told that check in was at 4pm. the next morning, we had to check out at 10am. since the ryokan has no facilities for breakfast, we left at 9.30 to look for a coffee but we were asked to check out at 10.We asked to check out a bit later but the director was a bity angry and said no
Review 65：we liked the location and the cleanliness
Review 66：No breakfast or maybe we didnt ask
Review 67：The owner and staff are so friendly. Its not a backpackers budget place but you get the service you paid for. Our last day of stay was blessed with first snow fall of the season(december 2014)
Review 68：This little ryokan was located very close to the Kyoto Station which made going back and forth easy. The staff was very helpful by providing unmatched service even for a $90 hotel. The staff helped call a taxi for us, carry luggage to/from taxi, and provided us hand warmers since it was really cold outside. The room was very clean just as how most of Japan is. I find sleeping on floor on the futons to be more comfortable than a bed.
Review 69：Nothing.
Review 70：The staff were very friendly and helpful, providing excellent information on how to get around and what to see in Kyoto. Made us feel very at home there. Would definitely return there again. Location was good and they have their own onsen. ;D
Review 71：I would echo what another reviewer mentioned about pillows, I only had one and it was tiny. There is also no wardrobe for hanging clothes. There is a curfew at midnight, which could be a problem if you are planning on a late night out, equally I'm sure this helps to keep things quiet.
Review 72：This Ryokan is superb, I thoroughly enjoyed my brief stay there. The owner is incredibly nice, always smiling and willing to help. Although functional, as you would expect at this price it also has a lot of charm and warmth. The large sunken bath is really impressive, make sure you reserve a slot for this. Highly recommended.
Review 73：This isn't really a negative, but just wanted to point out that there is a midnight curfew. It was fine for us, but good to know :)
Review 74：Friendly staff, great location, clean, everything you need! Would definitely recommend! We loved it!
Review 75：Free WiFi Staff are friendly and polite - lovely family owns and runs this ryokan Warm cozy atmosphere Excellent facilities with private bath and bicycle rental Convenient location Complimentary teas upon arrival (home brewed) Very clean
Review 76：No place to sit down in a regular room or in a common area. No breakfast on site and must walk more than 5 minutes to get something.
Review 77：Well located, very quiet
Review 78：For party animals and night owls, please take note that there is a curfew. No entry after 12am.
Review 79：I moved to this Ryokan since the Ryokan I was staying in was full. I was pleasantly surprised that the facilities provided in this small Ryokan is even better than the earlier one. The room is bigger and it comes with private shower room and toilet.
Review 80：Really lovely ryokan within walking distance from Kyoto Station. Was impressed by the cleanliness and good service. We felt so pampered!
Review 81：Great place to experience traditional japanese ryokan, very nice hosts, very quiet
Review 82：Very attentive staff, you really get what you pay for
Review 83：Super friendly staff, and very clean room. An epitome of Japanese hospitality.
Review 84：Very friendly staff in a beautiful, traditional building. Bike rentals were also great to have.
Review 85：Nothing
Review 86：Located just 1 stop from kyoto station. Staff very friendly and polite.
Review 87：The curfew at 12am makes it a little difficult to view the lovely streets at Kyoto at night.
Review 88：The host is really very kind, helpful, polite.
Review 89：Not so good insulation. Noise from rooms around our room at night and in the morning
Review 90：Excellent and attentive services.
Review 91：The staff were fantastic and really helpful. The baths were great.
Review 92：Pricy, but you definitely get what you pay for.
Review 93：Place was in a good location, quality rooms, very friendly and accommodating staff.
Review 94：Didn't understand English and there was a curfew at 12am
Review 95：Very clean
Review 96：Staff
Review 97：The one minor issue - the room didn't exactly have a pleasant smell.
Review 98：The staff were friendly and helpful. I was very comfortable.
Review 99：The room had a lot of space which is quite rare in Japan.
Review 100：nothing, the whole stay was a great experience, we enjoyed every second at Ryokan Shimizu
Review 101：Everything!!!!!
Review 102：No restaurant (breakfast)
Review 103：Very friendly staff
Review 104：Loved it
Review 105：Very convenient location (just opposite Tokyo station). Clean and comfy room. Lovely staff.
Review 106：Far from where you go out, last bus at 23:15. but anyway curfew at 24:00.
Review 107：Own bathroom and big storage for luggage. Clean.
Review 108：Nice place, with a hot bath available.
Review 109：The owner is super nice, very helpful.
Review 110：Rooms too small
Review 111：The owner and staff were very helpful and tried their very best in making sure we were comfortable and our needs were met.
Review 112：The smell of the place and how it made the rest of my clothes smell. Not a bad smell, but a musty smell.
Review 113：very clean, walkable to Kyoto Station
Review 114：nice staff, home-like living condition,
Review 115：Loved the hot tub! The staff were super friendly and helpful too.
Review 116：Staff were very friendly and helpful. Private baths.
The Fine Print
Smoking is strictly prohibited in the property. If guests are found smoking within property premises, they will be asked to leave immediately. No refunds will be given.Please note that this property cannot accommodate solo travelers. In addition, 2-person rooms can only accommodate 2 persons, and 3-person rooms must be booked by a group of 3 guests.Children including infants cannot be accommodated at this property. Guests with children will not be permitted to check-in, and will be charged cancellation fees.The property will not be able to provide a room for guests checking in with children on the arrival day.The hotel has a curfew at 24:00. Guests cannot enter or leave the hotel after this time.When settling the bill, the hotel will accept cash only (in Japanese yen). The full amount of the reservation must be paid when checking in.All rates are fixed and cannot be discounted.For security reasons, only guests staying at this hotel are allowed in the guest rooms. Please note friends and family members visiting the guests are not permitted in the guest rooms.Check-in before 16:00 is not possible. Luggage storage is offered free of charge from 08:00 on the check-in date.Luggage storage is available free of charge until 16:00 after check-out Monday-Friday. Please note that luggage storage will not be available after check-out on Saturdays and Sundays. At an additional charge, luggage can be delivered to Kyoto Station.To cancel or modify your booking, you must do so through your account on booking.com or via booking.com customer service.