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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 29 May, 2023
Expert travel writer: Rob Goss

To stay a night at one of Japan’s ryokan (traditional inns) is to immerse yourself in living history – the oldest hotel in the world is a ryokan, established in 705 and still going strong 51 generations later.

Ryokan can be modest or uber-luxurious, but there are defining traits.

Almost all have tatami mat rooms and futon beds, staff wearing traditional attire like kimono, and an air of calm and quiet. Many have in-house onsen baths, and serve traditional kaiseki-ryori dinners (if not the full 12-course extravaganza, then at least simpler multi-course dinner that focuses on local produce and specialities).

But it won’t be for everyone. Kids can find ryokan a bit dull – and the food challenging. The service, though often superb, can also be inflexible, with mealtimes locked into narrow windows and many mid-range and above ryokan not offering room-only stays. The best approach is to stay for just one night.

Hoshinoya Kyoto

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan

Contemporary resort meets traditional ryokan at this uber-luxe retreat in a tranquil corner of the bustling Arashiyama district. An experiential stay, that includes an artistically presented kaiseki-ryori dinner.

Official star rating:

Price from: £-
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Duration: 1 night

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Miru Kyoto Nishiki

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan[0.7 miles]

Old-Kyoto meets contemporary Japan at this centrally located boutique hotel geared to budget-conscious travelers.

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Ace Hotel Kyoto

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan[0.8 miles]

A plush hipster hangout smack in the heart of central Kyoto, ideal for arty and creative types.

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BnA Alter Museum

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan[1.2 miles]

One for art aficionados – a minimalist boutique that’s a living art gallery. All rooms are created by local artists.

Official star rating:

Celestine Kyoto Gion

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan[1.5 miles]

An affordable hotel offering modern Japanese simplicity and hospitality in the historic Gion geisha district. A great base for sightseeing.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Kyoto

Kansai, Japan

Ancient temples and shrines, sublime cuisine, manicured gardens, colourful geishas and living history in spades – Kyoto is traditional Japan at its best.

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Kyoto’s must-see temples & shrines

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan[0 miles]

Kyoto’s unique, historic (Buddhist) temples and (Shinto) shrines are breathtakingly beautiful to the visitor, and play a pivotal role in local life – from birth to death.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Kaiseki-ryori dinners in Kyoto

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan[0 miles]

The pinnacle of Japanese cuisine, this traditional dinner features a succession of up to 12 dishes, artfully presented and culinarily sublime. Tastes range from the familiar to the wonderfully indecipherable.

Best for ages: 18+ | £100 | 3-4 hours

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Geishas in Gion

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan[0.9 miles]

The place to see Japan’s mysterious and enigmatic geisha – colourful kimonos, elaborate hairstyles and oshiroi make-up.

Best for ages: 10+ | Free

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Busy covered market
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Nishiki Market

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan[0.8 miles]

Stretching along five shop-lined blocks, Kyoto’s oldest food market immerses visitors in Kyoto’s culinary heritage. Over 100 stalls and restaurants offer all and anything food related.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Yasaka Shrine
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Yasaka Shrine

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan[1.3 miles]

The shrine that protects the Gion geisha district is one of Kyoto’s most distinctive sights. Entered through a roofed gateway painted a vivid vermillion, its grounds include a striking dance stage – used for performances during festivals – that’s adorned with several hundred lanterns lit each evening.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Sunrise on tempe between trees
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Kenninji Temple

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan[1.3 miles]

Established in 1202, this temple at the southern end of Hanami-koji has traditional Zen gardens and incredible ceiling murals of dragons (added in 2002). It claims to be the oldest temple in Kyoto.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Kiyomizu-dera Temple
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan[2.4 miles]

Founded in the late 700s, this World Heritage temple in the Higashiyama area is best known for its five-story pagoda and main hall, the latter of which features a photogenic veranda jutting out over a maple-covered hillside.

Best for ages: 13+ | £3

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