10 Family-Friendly Ryokans in Kyoto for an Unforgettable Holiday

1. Auberge AZABU

(Image: Klook)

Auberge Azabu is where European aesthetics meet the classic Ryokan bells and whistles. Set in a century-old former townhouse, this six-room boutique hideaway is run by a family that knows a thing or two about hospitality—they spent 17 years running a restaurant in Paris before bringing their expertise back to Japan.

Large Twin Room “Asagao” 32 m² (Image: Klook)

Asagao (Image: Klook)

Their rooms are surprisingly spacious—the twin futon setup stretches to a comfortable 32 m², excellent for families of three. For those who need more room, the interconnecting rooms Asago and Sakura, provide closeness but also personal space.

Auberge Azabu’s on-site Bistro serves elegant French plates and boasts a fabulous wine list. But, it’s the breakfast that’s a true highlight. With butter and cheese flown in from France, and freshly baked bread and cookies still warm from the oven, mornings here are worth savoring.

(Image: Klook)

Staying here makes it easy to go on day trips to nearby cities. It is just two minutes on foot from Gojo Station and a quick five-minute ride to Kyoto Station.

Good to Know: Kids six and up are welcome here, which makes it a great choice for parents traveling with pre-teens or teens.

2. Seikoro Ryokan – Established in 1831

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For those chasing an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime family-ryokan experience, Seikoro is where the search ends. With its location near the peaceful Kamo River and away from the racket of downtown, staying at Seikoro is an outstanding Kyoto-specific immersion.

Enter through its gates, swap shoes for wooden geta, and wander into an inn that feels like a living museum. With roots in the 1830s Meiji era, Seikoro’s vintage decor and rare antiques fit innately with the inn’s grand past. Even more remarkable, this nearly two-century-old ryokan remains in the hands of the original family, a legacy proudly displayed in faded photographs that line the walls.

Seikoro’s kaiseki meals leave a lasting impression, with courses of fresh fish, hearty soups, and sushi that taste as exquisite as they look. For guests opting for the kaiseki (Japanese or Western) breakfast and dinner, bedding is tucked away each morning and evening by the English-speaking staff to transform the room into an elegant dining space.

(Image: Klook)

Japanese style deluxe room with garden view (Image: Klook)

The 70 m² Family Room, with its tatami layout, comfortably hosts up to eight guests. The ryokan also has a sublime onsen for a hot dip on chilly nights.

Good to Know: Children under the age of 2 can stay free of charge

3. Yasaka Yutone Kyokoyado

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Surrounded by landmarks like Yasaka Pagoda, Kōdai-ji Temple, and Ryoma’s Tomb, Yasaka Yutone Kyokoyado scores high for its prime location. Even though it sits in such a busy area, walking through the ryokan’s sleek wooden doors instantly brings calm and quiet.
Choose from seven en-suite rooms, each featuring a cypress tub, soft mood lighting, and plush beds—Kyokoyado’s take on comfort, with beds instead of futons for ultimate relaxation.

Double Room – “Usubeni” 25.5 m² (Image: Klook)

Double Room – “Kikyo” 25.0 m² (Image: Klook)

For families, “Kikyo” is a splendid choice: a light-filled lodging with a triple bed arrangement that gives each guest enough wiggle room to get comfy and drift off to sleep.

After a day of wandering around Kyoto, unwind with a hot soak, slip into a yukata, and get ready for an in-room kaiseki dinner by chef Hirofumi Tsuchitani, who focuses on regional and seasonal specialties to delight all the senses.

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Good to Know: This family-friendly ryokan has a curfew from midnight to 5 am, so those planning to sneak out for a late-night ice cream run might prefer another ryokan. Children aged 7 and up are welcome at Yasaka Yutone Kyokoyado.

4. Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei

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For families keen on checking out Kyoto’s must-see spots without breaking the bank, Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei is conveniently located near the Kawaramachi district and within walking distance of the Kaleidoscope Museum of Kyoto—a hit amongst little ones. The helpful concierge is also on hand with recommendations for nearby kid-friendly attractions.

Junior Suite – 36 m² (Image: Klook)

Guests can choose between Western-style rooms or traditional Japanese futon rooms, with the 36 m² Junior Suite offering a combination for those who would like to try out both bedding options.

(Image: Klook)

(Image: Klook)

Parents with toddlers can book this Ryokan with peace of mind, as it’s well-prepared for young families. Thoughtful touches include safety bars on sliding doors, a kids’ menu tailored to young tastes, and tall feeding chairs—all adding ease to your family vacay.

Good to know: Children of all ages can stay at the property, but those above six years of age are charged as adults.

5. Watazen Ryokan – Established in 1830

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Watazen, hidden behind swaying vermillion noren (Japanese curtains), has welcomed guests since 1830. It’s surrounded by several stations, historic temples, shops, and eateries, with Nishiki Market just a short walk away.

Japanese-Style Room – 20 m² (Image: Klook)

Watazen may not be a luxury hotel, but the staff consistently goes above and beyond to make every stay as dreamy as possible. Ikebana (floral arrangement) greets you in your room, echoing Watazen’s commitment to meticulous detail and tradition. Yukata are provided for both adults and children, perfect for strolling the grounds—and, of course, snapping a few selfies.

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For those interested, there’s an in-house onsen available, and also a kaiseki dinner option that pays homage to Kyoto’s culinary goodness—an excellent way to cap off the day. Breakfast is served each morning in the common hall overlooking the garden.

(Image: Klook)

(Image: Klook)

Good to know: Children of all ages can stay at the property, but those above six years of age are charged as adults.

6. Nishiyama Ryokan

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Just steps from the Imperial Palace, Nishiyama Ryokan treats guests to a stay fit for royalty. Since opening in the 1950s, the ryokan has mastered the fusion of traditional Japanese minimalism with contemporary comforts. Guests can choose between Japanese-style and Western-style rooms, with the spacious traditional deluxe family room comfortably accommodating families of four or five, while smaller groups often prefer the cozy deluxe Western room. Each room is bright, minimal, and surprisingly roomy, creating an inviting retreat right in the heart of Kyoto.

Deluxe Family Room – 40 m²

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Throughout Nishiyama Ryokan, you’ll find Kyo-uchiwa fans and Chabitsu tea containers made from materials unique to Kyoto.

For breakfast, pick between Japanese and Western options. If dietary choices allow, the Japanese breakfast is highly recommended, as it’s not only flavorful but also evolves with each season.

Keep aside a day to slow down and absorb the Ryokan’s magic.

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Head to the lobby for a tea ceremony or live music performance—complementary events organized by the ryokan. Spend an evening settled on the couch in front of the garden with a book you’ve been wanting to get lost in, or slip into a kimono and make your way to the in-house onsen for a warm, quiet soak. When night falls, sink into the futons for a deep, undisturbed sleep.

Good to know: Children ages six and above can stay at the property.

7. Matsui Honkan

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Tucked away in Kyoto’s bustling downtown, Matsui Honkan is a quiet sanctuary and one of the city’s top ryokans. With 27 spacious rooms and a beautifully lit entrance guiding you in, this luxury ryokan is pricey but worth every yen.

Room with tatami area – 32 m² (Image: Klook)

Room options include suites, traditional Japanese or Western-style rooms, and, for larger families, connecting rooms or rooms with a peaceful garden view.

At Matsui Honkan, guests are greeted with matcha tea and sweets, and for those looking to treat themselves, a kaiseki dinner can be pre-booked. After a relaxing evening soak in the on-site tattoo-friendly onsen, you’ll find a delightful surprise: a beautiful origami surprise waiting on your pillow, courtesy of the thoughtful turndown service.

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Traveling with toddlers? They’ll love their own kid-sized yukata, and with an advanced request, you can arrange for essentials like a diaper bin, baby chair, bouncer, and kids’ tableware—taking the stress out of your stay.

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Good to know: Children of all ages can stay at the property, but those above six years of age are charged as adults.

8. Luck You Kyoto

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Lucky You Kyoto, an architectural masterpiece designed by Uchida Yasuhiro, channels the spirit of Kyoto’s Meiji-era machiyas. This influence shines through in its details, from the koshi mado (lattice windows) and Shomei (soft lighting) to the delicate sliding doors and carefully placed Japanese lanterns that dot the property.

A 2020 renovation brought new additions, including a spacious Triple Room with a Garden View—an excellent choice for families traveling with kids.

Your reservation includes a scrumptious Japanese-style buffet breakfast with favorites like tsukemono (pickled plates), eggs, soup, sweet bread, and more. Guests with allergies can contact the chef in advance for adjustments.

(Image: Klook)

(Image: Klook)

(Image: Klook)

While the ryokan doesn’t have its own onsen, the rooms feature private bathtubs. Plus, you have complimentary access to “Gokoyu,” a nearby tattoo-friendly public bath.

Good to know: Children under 3 stay free if they don’t require a separate futon or breakfast.

9. Sowaka

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From the outside, Sowaka might look like just another Kyoto machiya building, but step through its fluttering noren, and you’ll feel like you’ve been plopped into another world. The property is split into two sections: a restored main building and a shiny newer annex.

Superior Room with Garden View, King Bed Annex – 48.0 m² (Image: Klook)

Sowaka, meaning “well-being” in Sanskrit, fully embraces this philosophy. Once a teahouse, it’s now a “restored ryokan” with a contemporary edge. Its Sukiya architectural style fuses old-fashioned Japanese aesthetics with the minimalism of modern Kyoto, using shoji screens, mood lighting, creaking tatami floors, and carefully, locally sourced items such as the Iwata Larkowl mattress.

(Image: Klook)

(Image: Klook)

(Image: Klook)

The ryokan’s personal touch extends to the multi-course meals prepared by Gion Loka, the on-site restaurant. They happily accommodate vegan and vegetarian diets and are mindful of allergies. Adults looking to sample local spirits will find multiple drink options in the bar.

Reach out to the resourceful concierge to organize family tours and door-to-door excursions.

Good to know: Families with children under 12 are welcomed into one of the 12 rooms in the new annex.

10. Gion Oyado Kikutani

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At Gion Oyado Kikutani, you’ll find all the hallmarks of a fabulous family stay— large rooms with luxury beds, lush garden views, the warm scent of cedar, and attentive service from bilingual staff.

Standing in Kyoto’s historic Geisha district, this ryokan merges the cultural character of ryokans with the modern comfort of hotel rooms. Mornings begin with a traditional Japanese breakfast spread, and each room comes with flat-screen TVs, a dressing area, and a cozy seating nook—making it a fantastic choice for guests who want the best of both worlds.

While there’s no onsen, rooms are fitted with wooden baths to relax in after visiting nearby landmarks like Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka-Jinja.

Superior Twin Room – 34 m²

Good to know: Children of all ages can stay at the property, but those above seven years of age are charged as adults.

By now, one of these ryokans is surely calling your name. So, pack up the suitcases for you and the kids, and get ready for a family trip of a lifetime in the Land of the Rising Sun. And don’t forget to leave a little extra room—those soft kimonos, gachapon prizes, and endless matcha KitKats are bound to make the journey back with you!

Written by:

Himanshi is a seasoned travel writer, photographer, and graphic designer. After graduating from Ecole Intuit Lab in 2015, she began designing for global brands. Drawn by Japan’s landscapes and culture, she traveled extensively—from Tokyo’s neon-lit streets to the peaks of Hokkaido. She’s also lived in the Seto Inland Sea and volunteered in Fukushima. Through her blog, Nomadic Travelscapes, Himanshi uncovers stories rooted in authenticity instead of influencer-led experiences. Her work has been exhibited at Nox Gallery, Tokyo.