Description
Tawaraya is a three-centuries-old Ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn, located in the heart of Kyoto. Here an authentic taste of Japanese life can be sampled in wonderful surroundings. Perhaps one of the finest Ryokans in the world, Tawaraya’s elegance and attention to even the tiniest detail is incredible.
All the rooms are traditional tatami-mat rooms, with simple but tasteful decorations and the heated floors in the bathrooms are a welcoming treat. Each year, one of the 18 rooms is chosen for refurbishment making it a showcase for some fabulous new design. Breakfasts and dinners are brought to you in your room and the service is simply exceptional.
The Japanese and English libraries at Tawaraya are brimming with art and design books and have fascinating information about the history and evolution of Kyoto. Guests at this Ryokan have included the imperial family, overseas royalty and celebrities. Please note that early booking is highly recommended.
Accommodation
There are 18 Japanese-style rooms at Tawaraya categorised as bedrooms, small rooms and suites, and all have tatami mat flooring and wonderful large windows or doors overlooking the exquisite gardens. The bathrooms are luxurious and modern but still retain the traditional Cypress wood deep bathtubs for a wonderfully relaxing aromatic soak.
Childcare
Children are welcome at Tawaraya where the personal service means families are very well looked after but there are no specific facilities.
Facilities
Breakfast and dinner are served to you in your room at Tawaraya. There are 2 libraries (one Japanese and one English) with an impressive collection of books specialising in Japanese art and design. Spa treatments are also available for guests wanting to indulge in a bit of pampering.
Activities
The Tawaraya ryokan is well stocked with historical artefacts and meticulously curated references to the city so you can learn a lot about Kyoto while staying here; relax in one of the two libraries with their extensive collection of art and design books.
When to travel
The best and most popular times to visit Kyoto are the climatically stable seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November). The highlight of spring is the cherry-blossom season, which usually arrives in Kyoto in early April. Bear in mind, though, that the blossoms are notoriously fickle, blooming any time from late March to mid-April. Autumn is an equally good time to travel, with pleasant temperatures and soothing autumn colours, which usually peak between late October and mid-November. Be warned that Kyoto is crowded with domestic and international tourists during the cherry-blossom and autumn-foliage seasons.
Of course, you can visit Kyoto at any time of year, although the summer, from June to August, can be very hot and humid, and winter can be a little chilly for some people’s taste.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Kyoto, Japan
Located in the heart of Kyoto, close to the business district and central shopping district of Shijo-Kawaramachi, within walking distance from the Imperial Palace.
How to get there
12-hour International flight to Tokyo International Airport-Haneda, followed by a 2-hour Shinkansen (bullet train) journey to Kyoto. Tawaraya is 15-minutes by car from the train station.
