Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping
When it comes to accommodation, you're spoiled for choice in
Kyoto. You can choose from traditional ryokan (Japanese-style
inns), luxury hotels, 'business hotels', guesthouses, youth hos-
tels and even capsule hotels. And this being a tourist city, you'll
find that most places are perfectly at home with foreign guests.
Ryokan
Ryokan are traditional Japanese inns, with tatami mats on the floor and futons instead of
beds. The best places serve sublime Japanese cuisine, have attentive service and beautiful
rooms, often with garden views. Note that many places that call themselves ryokan are
really just hotels with Japanese-style rooms. That isn't to say they aren't comfortable: they
are often friendly and relaxing and may cost less than hotels. Also note that ryokan may not
have en suites, and at some places even toilets may be shared; inquire when you make a re-
servation. Finally, note that some simpler ryokan may not accept credit cards. For more on
Business Hotels
In Japan, 'business hotels' are budget or midrange hotels with cramped but efficient rooms
and small 'unit baths' (en suite tub/shower/toilet). They usually cost between ¥6000 and
¥12,000 per room and most accept credit cards. There is no room service but some of the
nicer places have large shared bathrooms and saunas on their premises. The front desk staff
usually speak some English. These are often your best bet in terms of price versus perform-
ance, and there is none of the formality and confusion that you might encounter at a ry-
okan.
Luxury Hotels
There are several four- and five-star luxury hotels in Kyoto, including some of the top in-
ternational brands (with two others - the Ritz-Carlton and the Four Seasons - rumoured to
be opening properties shortly). Kyoto's luxury hotels are similar to their counterparts else-
