Reviews of Toshiharu Ryokan 4 stars
600-8428 Kyoto, Kyoto, Shimogyo-ku Benzaiten-cho 326 , Japan

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Reviewed: 29 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewThe Ryokan is a gem. Privately owned, beautifully kept, fully authentic, build 1909 (end of edo period). Tea room now library for fun and relaxing day planning sessions after your superb japanese breakfast; dressed in your jucata
Nothing
Reviewed: 23 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 5 August 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 4 August 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 21 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewI saw a lot of reviews complaining about the shared-bathroom situation. Honestly? We quite enjoyed the sento-like experience. Of course, you do need to like Japanese-style bathrooms. I also liked the little snacks in the common area and the Nespresso machine.
First: The breakfast is wildly overpriced. I honestly don't know why anyone would go for it. The rooms, too, felt like they could use a bit of care. Ours had a hard pillows and the futons were placed right under the air conditioner. Still, those are details we could have easily overlooked… if it weren’t for the ryokan’s biggest flaw: they simply do not read the room. Literally. It’s fine to hover if your guests are into that. Maybe some people enjoy being gently policed while on vacation. But here, we found ourselves tiptoeing around the staff like misbehaving teenagers. They took our room keys hostage, kept watch like sentinels, asked constantly where we were going (um, out?), and entered our room without asking. The worst: you cant use the shower when you want to even if you are the only ones present there at that moment. Unless you booked a time at least 12 hours in advance, the shower room it seems is off limits. If you enjoy spending $400 a night to feel policed, this might be for you. Otherwise, maybe keep looking. Japan has plenty of gems that don’t come with a chaperone.
Thank you very much for your stay and for sharing your review. We appreciate your comments about enjoying not only the bath, beverages, snacks, and shared areas outside of the guest rooms but also your overall experience at our inn. We offer both breakfast-included and non-breakfast plans, which guests can select at the time of booking. Since you chose the non-breakfast plan, you did not dine with us during this stay. However, our breakfast is prepared with great care using ingredients personally sourced by the owner daily, with a focus on safety, seasonal ingredients, and domestic produce. It features a main egg dish and grilled fish, four small vegetable side dishes, a hearty and generous miso soup, and freshly cooked rice. We offer a different menu each day, and many guests have praised the high quality and freshness of our breakfast. Regarding key custody and communication at the front desk, these measures are necessary for safety and security. Unlike card keys, our keys are larger and less convenient to carry, so leaving them with us before going out helps ensure a comfortable outing and reduces the risk of losing the key. Returning by midnight allows us to lock the premises securely and maintain nighttime security. We apologize if this gave any impression of surveillance; please be assured that our only goal is guest safety. We always consider our guests’ well-being—offering umbrella rentals in case of rain, providing items to help cope with heat or cold, and seeing guests off with safety in mind. When guests go out or return from dinner, we greet them warmly, exchange pleasantries—including returning keys—and thank them for their stay. To ensure a comfortable stay, we clean guest rooms after outings, but if you prefer not to have your room cleaned, please let us know in advance, and we will accommodate your request. The bath is a shared facility, but it can be reserved for private use with prior booking. This service is available both in the evening and in the morning. You may also use the bath after returning from sightseeing or dinner during unreserved times. However, please note that availability depends on the schedule, so we recommend making reservations in advance. To ensure all guests can enjoy a clean and well-maintained bath in privacy, we kindly ask for your cooperation in making reservations. Our inn is a traditional Japanese house registered as a cultural property, with a history of 117 years. While preserving its heritage, we strive to create a peaceful and comfortable environment for all guests. We hope that your experience here allows you to feel Japan’s rich history, culture, and warmth, and we will continue our efforts to deepen your appreciation for Japan. We sincerely appreciate your valuable feedback and thank you very much. Toshiharu Ryokan Ayako Kanematsu
Thank you very much for your stay and for sharing your review. We appreciate your comments about enjoying not only the bath, beverages, snacks, and shared areas outside of the guest rooms but also your overall experience at our inn. We of… Show more
Reviewed: 16 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 16 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewEverything was Perfect, the hotel, the room. The staff members were so kind especially Yoshiko sama ! She was so sweet, professional and explained the history of this establishment to us perfectly. Without her, our experience would not have been the same. Thank you so much! It was the best hôtel of all our Japan trip and of my life, you need to experience a ryokan here !
Everything was Perfect !
Thank you very much for your stay and for your wonderful comments. Yoshiko is a highly popular staff member who has been mentioned many times in other reviews as well. She is truly kind and considerate, and we are very proud to receive such praise for her. Staying in an old building alone does not fully allow one to understand the culture and history, but we are delighted if our hospitality has helped foster even a little interest or understanding of Japanese culture. We are glad to hear that you were satisfied with your stay. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future. Toshiharu Ryokan Ayako Kanematsu
Thank you very much for your stay and for your wonderful comments. Yoshiko is a highly popular staff member who has been mentioned many times in other reviews as well. She is truly kind and considerate, and we are very proud to receive suc… Show more
Reviewed: 7 July 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewThank you very much for your stay and for your excellent review. We are truly delighted to hear that you were satisfied with your stay. We hope to have the pleasure of hosting you once more in the near future. Toshiharu Ryokan Ayako Kanematsu
Thank you very much for your stay and for your excellent review. We are truly delighted to hear that you were satisfied with your stay. We hope to have the pleasure of hosting you once more in the near future. Toshiharu Ryokan Ayako Kanem… Show more
Reviewed: 1 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 30 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewEveryone was so welcoming. The room was beautiful and so spacious with view of garden. The breakfast was the best we had in Japan and they made it vegetarian for us. We loved the more traditional experience, thank you so much!
Nothing!
Thank you very much for your stay, as well as for your wonderful review and comments. The room you stayed in is our largest and most prestigious room. It features a spacious garden immediately in front of it, offering a beautiful view. If you could provide more details about ingredients you cannot eat, we can prepare a vegetarian breakfast for you. Our Japanese-style breakfast is handmade by the owner using seasonal ingredients and vegetables, and it is well-received for being both healthy and satisfying. We are delighted to hear that our inn served as an opportunity for you to experience Japan’s traditional culture. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you again on your next visit. Toshiharu Ryokan Ayako Kanematsu
Thank you very much for your stay, as well as for your wonderful review and comments. The room you stayed in is our largest and most prestigious room. It features a spacious garden immediately in front of it, offering a beautiful view. I… Show more
Reviewed: 29 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 29 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewAuthenticity and staff very friendly and helpful
Had to sit on the floor all the time. I know that is a Japanese style but a couple of chairs would have been nice
Thank you very much for your stay and for your wonderful review. Since our guest rooms are tatami-floored, guests can relax sitting directly on the floor. We sincerely appreciate your feedback regarding the convenience of having chairs, especially considering different lifestyles and health considerations. We are actively considering adding furniture such as chairs or sofas to enhance comfort in our rooms. Currently, we have some low chairs available for loan, and we will inform our guests about this option. Your valuable comments help us improve our services, and we look forward to providing an even more comfortable experience for our guests in the future. Toshiharu Ryokan Ayako Kanematsu
Thank you very much for your stay and for your wonderful review. Since our guest rooms are tatami-floored, guests can relax sitting directly on the floor. We sincerely appreciate your feedback regarding the convenience of having chairs, e… Show more
Reviewed: 21 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewThis Ryokan is a true gem! Most comfortable night of sleep after private onsen time, and hearing rain fall in the zen center garden. We loved every breakfast and could not recommend the staff, the beautiful house, all the extra details (from a complementary birthday gift for my husband to the library snacks upstairs and matcha ceremony) more!! Would definitely come again.
Thank you very much for your stay and for your wonderful comments. It truly makes us happy to hear from our international guests that they were able to sleep comfortably on tatami mats and traditional Japanese futons. If you let us know about special occasions such as anniversaries or birthdays, we would be delighted to give you a small commemorative gift and celebrate together, which helps us feel closer to our guests. In addition to the gift, offering snacks in the library and providing matcha tea and homemade sweets at check-in are our ways of welcoming you free of charge. Seeing our international guests enjoy experiencing Japanese culture is truly the most rewarding part of our work. We sincerely look forward to the opportunity to see you again. Toshiharu Ryokan Ayako Kanematsu
Thank you very much for your stay and for your wonderful comments. It truly makes us happy to hear from our international guests that they were able to sleep comfortably on tatami mats and traditional Japanese futons. If you let us know ab… Show more
Reviewed: 18 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewIt’s like staying in a traditional Japanese home. The staff was lovely and you can feel the history in the home. The breakfast was excellent traditional Japanese and unlike anything you can buy at a restaurant or hotel.
Thank you very much for your stay and for your excellent review. I still vividly remember you sitting and relaxing in front of the garden. Seeing you so happy and at ease truly warmed my heart. I was also very pleased to hear that you enjoyed our breakfast, with each day offering a different menu, and that you finished everything each time. Since it is homemade family-style cooking prepared by the owner, it’s quite rare to find such menus at restaurants, so I am truly glad you liked it. All I can think of are the joyful memories we shared together. We are very much looking forward to your next visit. Toshiharu Ryokan Ayako Kanematsu
Thank you very much for your stay and for your excellent review. I still vividly remember you sitting and relaxing in front of the garden. Seeing you so happy and at ease truly warmed my heart. I was also very pleased to hear that you en… Show more
Reviewed: 16 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewAbsolute highlight of our months in Japan. The authenticity of the ryokan and the privacy even though it was full was beautifully managed by the staff. The tatami room, the authentic breakfast and the polite staff were brilliant mid we go to Kyoto again we will stay there
Everything was perfect
Thank you very much for your stay and for your excellent review. Our inn is a small establishment with only five rooms. In the shared spaces, we kindly ask for your consideration and cooperation, in addition to our staff’s diligent cleaning, to ensure that all guests can enjoy a comfortable stay. We truly feel that by guests being considerate of one another, we are able to maintain an environment where privacy is respected and comfort is preserved. We deeply appreciate your courteous behavior, which contributes greatly to creating a welcoming atmosphere. We would be delighted if you choose to stay with us again when you visit Kyoto in the future. Toshiharu Ryokan Ayako Kanematsu
Thank you very much for your stay and for your excellent review. Our inn is a small establishment with only five rooms. In the shared spaces, we kindly ask for your consideration and cooperation, in addition to our staff’s diligent cleanin… Show more
Reviewed: 10 June 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewThe ryokan is a very old building, full of character and provided a unique experience. The staff were very attentive and friendly.
Not having shower/toilet facilities in our room but then again this is part of the experience.
Thank you very much for your stay and for your wonderful comments. Our inn is housed in a building that was originally constructed 117 years ago as a private residence. While we have carried out renovations to the water facilities and other areas, we have preserved the original atmosphere of the building to allow guests to experience its historical charm. The bath and toilet facilities are shared, but the bath can be reserved for private use at designated times. We hope that staying at our inn provides you with an enjoyable opportunity to experience Japanese lifestyle habits and traditional culture. We are delighted to hear that you were satisfied with your stay. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future! Toshiharu Ryokan Ayako Kanematsu
Thank you very much for your stay and for your wonderful comments. Our inn is housed in a building that was originally constructed 117 years ago as a private residence. While we have carried out renovations to the water facilities and othe… Show more
Reviewed: 5 June 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewHow authentic it is, the elegant Japanese hospitality, the serene atmosphere
There was nothing not to like!
Thank you very much for your stay and for your wonderful review. Your comments truly reflect your trust in us, and we are proud to receive such high praise. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future. Toshiharu Ryokan Ayako KAnematsu
Thank you very much for your stay and for your wonderful review. Your comments truly reflect your trust in us, and we are proud to receive such high praise. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future. Toshiharu Ryokan Ayako KAn… Show more
Reviewed: 2 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 2 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 1 June 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 27 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewIt was absolutely beautiful and the staff was wonderful.
Thank you very much for staying with us and for your kind review and comments. We treat our guests like family and strive to provide the best hospitality possible. We are very honored to receive your kind words. We look forward to seeing you again soon! Toshiharu Ryokan Ayako Kanematsu
Thank you very much for staying with us and for your kind review and comments. We treat our guests like family and strive to provide the best hospitality possible. We are very honored to receive your kind words. We look forward to seeing… Show more
Reviewed: 26 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewThe staff were extremely friendly, the breakfast was delicious and the place is very charming. This was the highlight of our time in Japan and I would highly recommend staying here.
Thank you very much for your stay, kind comments, and high rating. We are honored and deeply grateful that you chose our inn from the many accommodation options available and received such a wonderful comment. The breakfast prepared by the owner is made mainly from seasonal ingredients and vegetables and is lightly seasoned, healthy yet filling, and has been well received by all guests. We are glad that you enjoyed your stay. We look forward to welcoming you again! Toshiharu Ryokan Ayako Kanematsu
Thank you very much for your stay, kind comments, and high rating. We are honored and deeply grateful that you chose our inn from the many accommodation options available and received such a wonderful comment. The breakfast prepared by th… Show more
Reviewed: 24 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewThis is a beautiful peaceful inn with wonderful hosts. We are a family of five (three adult children) and loved the comfort, beauty and simplicity of the rooms and the chance to gain perspective in the lovely Zen garden. The hosts were warm and gracious and so organized with scheduling what had to be the best onsen/bath experience I've ever had. We all slept well in the comfortable beds. When we come back to Kyoto, we hope we are able to stay here again.
Thank you very much for your stay, warm comments, and high praise. Your family’s visit remains a fond memory in our hearts. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay, including experiences unique to Japan such as sleeping on tatami mats with futons and taking baths in wooden tubs. We appreciate your cooperation with these traditional customs. We sincerely look forward to the day we can welcome you again. Please take care and stay well. Toshiharu Ryokan Ayako Kanematsu
Thank you very much for your stay, warm comments, and high praise. Your family’s visit remains a fond memory in our hearts. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay, including experiences unique to Japan such as sleeping on tat… Show more
Reviewed: 24 May 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewVery nice and considerate staff. The rooms are big and with plenty of space to place your baggages. The mood on the library was excellent for a relaxing time and a short break .
Thank you very much for your stay and for your warm comments. In addition to the guest rooms, we have spaces such as a library and a cafeteria where you can relax comfortably while enjoying drinks and sweets. Regarding the bedding, it is placed on tatami mats, so it may feel unfamiliar to guests from abroad. However, we can raise the futon or add extra pillows to ensure a comfortable stay. Please feel free to let us know if you have any preferences. We are delighted to hear that you experienced and understood Japanese culture, and that you were satisfied with your stay. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you again in the future. Toshiharu Ryokan Ayako Kanematsu
Thank you very much for your stay and for your warm comments. In addition to the guest rooms, we have spaces such as a library and a cafeteria where you can relax comfortably while enjoying drinks and sweets. Regarding the bedding, it is … Show more
Reviewed: 23 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewOur stay at this lovely ryokan was everything we could have wished for - and more! The staff were so thoughtful and attentive, from the warm welcome on arrival through to catering for all our needs during our stay; they were also incredibly helpful prior to our arrival. Very close to links to all the major attractions, the ryokan is tucked away on a small street and stepping inside was like entering a different world of calm and tradition. Our room was lovely with a small private garden and we also had access to other areas of the ryokan. A trip to Japan wouldn't be complete without experiencing a stay in such a place and to this end, we couldn't recommend Toshiharu Ryokan more highly. Thank you to everyone there for making it one of the highlights of our trip.
Just that we couldn't stay longer!!
Thank you very much for your stay and for your excellent rating. We are delighted that your prior research on traditional Kyoto events allowed you to enjoy and appreciate them more deeply. It was our pleasure to assist with memorable arrangements such as ticket bookings. The room you stayed in features a private garden, offering a beautiful view, and it is our most popular room. We truly appreciate your trust and reliance on us both before and during your stay. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future! Toshiharu Ryokan Ayako Kanematsu
Thank you very much for your stay and for your excellent rating. We are delighted that your prior research on traditional Kyoto events allowed you to enjoy and appreciate them more deeply. It was our pleasure to assist with memorable arran… Show more