Nishiyama Ryokan
A Stay at Nishiyama Ryokan
For three generations, the delightful Nishiyama family have run this classic ryokan in the heart of Kyoto providing a warm, welcoming, cultural stay for their guests.
Located in one of my favourite local meandering and eating areas of Kyoto, this ryokan is perfect for those who want to experience a more authentic stay during their Kyoto trip.
Easily accessible from Karasuma-Oike station (an 11 min walk) or you can change lines at Karasuma-Oike station to Kyoto-Shiyakusho-mae station ( 4 mins walk)
A Warm, Welcoming Interior
Walk past the swaying noren curtains and one will enter the cozy, comfortable lobby area with plush lounges and relaxing chairs for guests to enjoy.
Several of the chairs offer pretty views of the small traditional Japanese garden of which one can also go outside to enjoy. It’s especially lovely in Autumn with all the momiji leaves turning their vibrant yellow-orange-red hues.
A highlight for me personally is the absolutely stunning tiled mural gracing one entire wall, depicting gorgeous traditional Kyoto scenery with geisha in kimono.
TIP: they also have a complimentary laundry room for guests to use - perfect if you’ve been travelling for awhile!
Spacious Rooms to Relax In
There are 5 different types of room available to choose from in Nishiyama Ryokan; with the biggest being the Family Suite at 77m2 which can fit up to 6 perfect, so perfect for those family trips and larger groups.
Alternatively there’s also the Japanese Deluxe Room which can sleep up to 5, and if you’re someone who prefers a western style bed over a futon - then the Luxury Twin Bed room is the choice for you.
For me, I’m not fussed either way, I’m happy with the fluffy, comfortable futons or a western bed. Generally speaking a Japanese style room with futons will always be that little bit cheaper than a western style room in ryokans and onsen ryokans.
The Japanese Superior Room
During my stay at Nishiyama Ryokan, I spent my time in the Japanese Superior Room which is very spacious at 40m2 for Japanese accommodation and I loved that you have two separate room areas. As someone who travels a lot for extended periods of time, I’ve gotten to a point where I do like to have an adjacent separate lounging/table area to the sleeping area so I can sit, work, read, relax, eat some snacks etc.
All the rooms have been beautifully renewed over the last few years with gorgeous Japanese features like wooden lattice shoji doors (a fave) which provides a subtle separation from the sleeping area and the sitting area. Intricate chabitsu (Japanese tea boxes) can be found in every room housing your complimentary green tea. Several other little touches decorate each room, from hanging scrolls, Japanese artwork, small Uchiha fans and other little adornments.
Every room has their own private ensuite as well, so guests can feel comfortable bathing and showering if they’re still a bit hesitant about public bathing.
Enjoy FREE Japanese Cultural Experiences!
A particularly wonderful initiative by Nishiyama Ryokan is offering their guests to freely partake in some traditional Japanese experiences like Japanese tea ceremony, seasonal crafts and a walking tour of the area with a local English speaking guide! It’s a wonderful way to kickstart your trip in Kyoto to have these traditional experiences so easily accessible.
Every morning from Monday - Saturday (not on Sundays), Nishiyama-san’s father and mother will teach and allow guests to partake in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony where every participant’s chawan (tea bowl) is lovingly selected and chosen for the season and the feel.
Depending on the day and season, several mini craft workshops are available, so make sure to ask when you check in and also see the availability of the free walking tour which takes you around to some of the local charms of the area including pretty shrines and temples, long standing traditional shops and boutiques.
The family also regularly update their blog with recommendations of not only their favourite restaurants, but events in the area, new shops and restaurants opening up - it’s great way to get a feel of what else you can do in the Karasuma area.
A Soothing Soak in the Public Bath
Though Nishiyama is NOT an onsen ryokan, as a traditional ryokan they still offer a relaxing, bathing experience with their roomy public bath (separate baths for male and female) giving views of a garden. Guests can enjoy bathing from 4.30pm - Midnight and from 6.30 - 9.00am in the morning. It’s also tattoo friendly.
Start the Day with a Hearty Japanese Breakfast
Nishiyama Ryokan offers guests flexibility with ‘only room’ booking options or ‘room & breakfast’, however the ryokan doesn’t provide dinner as it sits in the heart of one of the best local dining areas of Kyoto. In fact, many of my favourite Kyoto restaurants can be found in this area, such as the main honten of Honke Owariya Soba, Cafe Bibliotec Hello! and the flagship of AWOMB Karasuma Honten, plus many others that I still have to write about for you including where I decided to go eat for dinner! Another sushi gem that I love.
I heartily recommend booking a stay with breakfast because its the perfect way to fill up in the morning and have energy reserves as you head off to go exploring in Kyoto. I tend to explore a lot during the day and so can sometimes forget to have lunch or simply munch on the bag of nuts and dried fruit I always have with me; sometimes breakfast is so filling it will last me through to an early dinner.
Breakfast at Nishiyama is a flavoursome feast of Japanese traditional breakfast showcasing one of Kyoto’s renowned food; tofu! (which I love). Along with the tofu, you will be able to enjoy staple breakfast ingredients like tamagoyaki (Japanese egg omelet), grilled fish, rice, seasonal vegetables and other little side dishes.
MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS
FOOD
Though dinner wasn’t an option, breakfast was a delight, simple in it’s traditional Japanese breakfast delicacy; filled with fresh ingredients and produce, along with staples like tamagoyaki and grilled fish. I particularly loved having the steamed tofu, as that’s a specialty of Kyoto and when I visit, I always love having tofu and yuba to enjoy. A great start for the day, and so filling - I only had a small lunch supplemented with my usual snacks I carry around.
ONSEN
N/A: though there is no onsen, their public bath is a pleasant, relaxing experience especially for those who want to dip their toe into Japan’s love of public bathing. It’s also tattoo friendly.
ROOM AMBIANCE
The Japanese Superior Room was perfect for me, and I think it would be perfect for couples to have a place of rest and a place to just chill and relax from all the travelling. I loved all the touches of modern Japanese interior design, especially the wooden lattice shoji doors. The warm, wooden hues, soft lighting give a relaxing atmosphere, allowing you to calm down and rest after exploring all day. Having the ability to separate areas allowed me to focus on my work, whilst also planning the next round of my travels. Having a private ensuite also allowed me to just freshen up in my own room rather than always heading to the public bath.
VENUE AMBIANCE
The whole atmosphere of Nishiyama Ryokan is welcoming and cosy, with the Nishiyama family going above and beyond to ensure you have a charming, intimate, local experience. It provides a comforting, relaxing lounge for guests to enjoy whilst appreciating the traditional crafts and artisan pieces that decorate the premise. Having the Japanese garden and the amazing Kyoto landscape tiled mural is especially eye-catching. The mural was my favourite decorative feature of the whole property.
SURROUNDING AREA
As mentioned in other blog posts, where Nishiyama Ryokan is located, is probably hands down the local area within Kyoto I love the most and have spent the most time in all my trips to Kyoto. Karasuma-Oike area and surroundings are filled with charming small, independent owned boutiques and restaurants, along with some of the prettiest, smaller, local shrines and temples. Teramachi-dori is a pretty shopping street I always like to explore and meander down. It’s also a short walk to Nijo Castle, along with easy bus access to many of the famed tourist stops. For relaxing, slow days when I am in the area, I always head down to Kyoto Gyoen National Park where the Imperial Palace is located, and Nishiyama Ryokan is only about a 10min walk away.
NISHIYAMA RYOKAN FACTS (at time of stay)
COST: starting from ~25,000JPY per person per night (without meals)
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast depending on plan
CHECK IN/CHECK OUT TIME: 1600 / 1030
PAYMENT: Cash or Credit
ROOMS: 30
ENGLISH SPEAKING STAFF: Some
WEBSITE: NISHIYAMA RYOKAN ENGLISH WEBSITE
