5 Gorgeous Ryokans in Arashiyama for a Getaway

Planning a relaxing trip to Kyoto? Read this post for the best ryokans in Arashiyama, from riverside retreats to historic inns with private onsen baths.

If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto and want to stay somewhere peaceful but still close to the action, Arashiyama is a great choice.

This western district is known for its bamboo groves, mountain views, and that picture-perfect Togetsukyo Bridge. It’s a little quieter than central Kyoto, but still full of temples, riverside paths, and beautiful places to explore.

And when it comes to where to stay? You can’t go wrong with a ryokan. Whether you want a riverside retreat, a historic inn with private kaiseki dining, or an onsen bath with mountain views, Arashiyama has it.

Below, I’ve rounded up the best ryokans in Arashiyama. Let’s find the one that fits your style.

Kadensho

Kadensho is one of the best modern-style ryokans in Arashiyama if you want both comfort and a bit of fun. It’s right across the street from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, so you don’t need to drag your suitcase too far.

The real draw here? The private baths. You’ll find five different themed onsen rooms, each with its own personality. O

ne looks like a rustic barrel bath. Another has sleek stone walls and soft lighting.

And you don’t need to reserve ahead! Just wander down, check which one’s open, and it’s all yours. That alone makes Kadensho stand out from most ryokans in Arashiyama.

Dinner is Kyoto-style kaiseki, but with a little twist: you get an all-you-can-eat tempura bar alongside your multi-course meal. It’s fancy but still fun.

And if you book a room with a semi-open-air bath on the balcony, you can soak under the stars without ever leaving your space.

From here, it’s easy to explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, walk across Togetsukyo Bridge, or hop a train to Fushimi Inari Taisha. You’re already at the edge of Arashiyama, so the sights start the moment you step outside.

Ranzan

Ranzan gives you that peaceful, classic ryokan vibe, but with a few unexpected extras. It’s set just off the main street, near the bamboo grove, in a quiet area full of trees and old homes.

Here’s what makes it different: there’s a karaoke room on site. Not many ryokans offer that. If you’re traveling with friends or want to have fun after dinner, it’s a great way to spend the night.

The building also has meeting and banquet spaces, so it works well for small groups or business travelers too.

Food is seasonal and simple. Their restaurant, Kyoga, serves Kyoto-style dishes that change depending on what’s fresh. You might get silky yudofu in winter or light, refreshing broths in spring. Locals often stop in just for lunch.

Tenryu-ji Temple, the monkey park, and the bamboo forest are all nearby. You can walk to Arashiyama Station in under 10 minutes. If you’re planning a trip around Kyoto but want a quiet base, Ranzan is a smart pick.

Togetsutei

Want to stay somewhere with real history? Togetsutei has been running since 1897. It’s one of the oldest ryokans in Arashiyama, and it still feels timeless.

Every room is designed with classic Kyoto charm. If you love old-school hospitality, you’ll feel right at home here.

Meals are served privately in your room, and the presentation is just as beautiful as the food itself. Expect lots of seasonal ingredients, including fresh tofu and handmade yuba.

The onsen uses real hot spring water from Arashiyama Onsen. If you have tattoos, you can book a private bath instead of the public one.

It’s a good option if you prefer more privacy anyway. Some rooms also face the mountains or the river, giving you peaceful views you won’t forget.

Location-wise, it doesn’t get better. You’re literally next to Togetsukyo Bridge, with the river and mountains right outside. Tenryu-ji, the bamboo grove, and all the little souvenir shops? Just a short walk away.

Momijiya Annex Ryokan

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, Momijiya Annex gives you something rare near Arashiyama: real peace and quiet in the forest.

This riverside ryokan sits right along the Kiyotaki River, hidden among the trees in Takao.

It’s not walking distance from Arashiyama Station, but that’s the point. You come here when you want to unplug. The rooms face the river, and the semi-open-air baths let you soak while listening to nothing but birds and water.

The highlight here is the seasonal kawadoko dining, a wooden deck set over the river, where you eat your kaiseki meal in the open air.

If you visit in summer, you might even catch a live Maiko performance, complete with dancing, chatting, and photos. It’s intimate and surprisingly moving.

They also run special events like firefly evenings in June, which feel like something out of a Ghibli film.

Dinner is centered around the seasons. You’ll get wild vegetables in spring, grilled river fish in summer, matsutake mushrooms in autumn, and warming hotpots in winter. If you’re a foodie, it’s worth timing your stay to the menu.

Even though it feels remote, you’re only a short taxi or shuttle ride from Arashiyama. It’s a perfect detour if you want nature, tradition, and a slower rhythm before heading back into the buzz of Kyoto.

Hanaikada

Hanaikada is for you if you want the best onsen views in Arashiyama, and I mean right-on-the-river views.

This small ryokan is just steps from Togetsukyo Bridge, so it couldn’t be more central. But what sets it apart is the natural hot spring baths, which are surprisingly hard to come by in Arashiyama proper.

You’ll have access to six different bath styles, including one you can reserve for private use. If you’re lucky, you’ll score a room with its own open-air bath and fall asleep to the sound of the Ōi River flowing outside.

Food here leans classic and elegant. The kaiseki dinner is made from seasonal, local ingredients and is served in your room, just like the old days.

You’re also just a few minutes from everything: Tenryu-ji Temple, the bamboo grove, and the riverside promenade.

Most visitors walk past this ryokan without even noticing it. But once you’re inside, it feels like your own private hideaway in the middle of it all.