Ryokan in Kyoto

I recommend this lovely ryokan if you are going to visit Kyoto for a few days. Staying in a ryokan will considerably develop your japanese experience, in opposition to a traditional "western-style" hotel.

Most ryokans in Japan are rather old and do not have private bathrooms. People use the common bath, or Onsen, to wash. That habit is not always popular with foreign tourists. Plus, bathing has a very special process, not your regular 3 minutes shower.

But in the 70s, some ryokans have built tiny private bathrooms in order to enable tourists to enjoy the tatami experience, without having to bathe in public. Those are not always easy to find. And when you find them, the manager rarely speaks english.

The Heianbo ryokan is located 5 minutes from the Kyoto central train station and has such private bathrooms. Rooms are less than 100 USD.

In case you're wondering, sleeping on the floor on tatami matresses is much more confortable than you would imagine. Heianbo Ryokan address is :

725 Nishiiru-higashishiokojicho, Shichijo-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8216

〒600-8216京都市下京区烏丸通七条下ル西入ル東塩小路町723

TEL:075-351-0650 　FAX:075-371-1173

You can find more information on ryokans in Japan (including those with private bathrooms) on this useful website: http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/index.htm