Wajimaya Ryokan — Local services in Kyoto

My husband and I stayed here for 4 nights or so and experienced only the best service. We were really searching for that traditional Ryokan experience. The host was incredibly accommodating and it became clear that he was running it himself as a family venture.

While I specifically chose this due to the close proximity to Kyoto station, those looking to be close to other attractions might find comfort in other areas of this expansive city. We still were able to get around very easily at Kyoto station, and we enjoyed local restaurants, Kyoto Sky Tower, and Yodabashi Camera and the mall. There's also a Don Quijote close by which you will learn is a staple.

The host manages and runs the inn seemingly by himself but always greeted us upon arrival and upon exiting. His English was very good, he was polite and caring, cleaned every day while guests were out (including the shared access tub which is very nice should you choose to use it), and was all around a wonderful host.

Yes, the bathroom and shower are shared but there are only a handful of rooms, and the amenities are all clean. Blow dryers, toothpaste, towels, robes, slippers, and shampoo are all provided complimentary.

If you are looking for an easy destination with luggage on long travels in Japan, I only have positive things to say about this...

Having planned our trip to Kyoto in the middle of a National Holiday, we booked the Wajimaya in desperation. Our first night was at the clean, modern and friendly Matsubaya (across the street funny enough!). The rate was slightly less here and was the only double room we could find araound. ||We checked-in late as we got got stuck in traffic in the heart of the city, and finally arrived at 8pm with our landlord waiting for us (not very friendly and difficult to communicate) thankfully my wife speaks Japanese and seemed to raise a smile from him. Its a much older style Ryokan them our previous nights stay and the room was rather tired! Large double with a run down feeling, and shared shower room/toilets. I guess if I had stayed here when I was younger on a backpacking trip, it would have been ok, but I wouldnt book again.||Checking out the next morning, we met the wife who was much more friendly. You need to be inside by 11pm (they will lock you out if late) and no meals, but you can leave your bags here. Seems popular with young Japanese students and...

We stayed here for 2 nights only because there was really nothing else in the area that could accomodate us for 3 nights. The owners are really nice except they don't speak much english so between our limited Japanese and their limited English, it did prove quite difficult to find out what we could do during our stay. The bike rental place at the end of the street was fabulous for directions and their english was fantastic! ||||The room we had was a private twin room and was surprisingly huge (bigger than my own bedroom at home!) which had a tv, storage area, table/seats and kitchen amenities. ||||**Note: beds are futons which are set up for you by the owners and rolled out on the floor. ||||Not suitable if you have children and can be quite difficult if you're taller than 170cm (doors and hallways are tiny!) Also, curfew is at 11pm or they lock you out and you can't get back in. We didn't want to risk it so we always made sure we were back by 10.45pm for...