Live prices for your dates · free cancellation on many rooms

EN

Ryokan · Kyoto · Kyoto

Ishicho

A traditional Japanese-style hotel in central Kyoto, steps from the Kamo River and within easy reach of Pontocho and Shijo-dori.

  • Hot spring bath and public bath on site
  • 5-minute walk to Kamo River
  • Well-regarded staff service (rated 9.1)
8.3 Great 826 reviews Booking.com 8.3 · 826 reviews

About

Ishicho

Ishicho is a 4-star hotel in Kyoto's Nakagyo ward, set back from the main streets yet only about five minutes on foot from the Kamo River. The property blends traditional Japanese aesthetics—think tatami, futon beds, and intricate decor—with modern conveniences like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. With 105 rooms spread between a main building and a tower annex, it offers both Western-style and Japanese-style accommodation.

Guests praise the hotel's atmosphere: incense in the lobby, traditional background music, and thoughtful touches like daily hot water for tea and sweets. The on-site hot spring bath is a highlight after a day of sightseeing. Staff are frequently mentioned for their attentiveness and problem-solving—whether helping with a bike lock or carrying luggage. The hotel also provides practical amenities like a 24-hour reception, luggage storage, laundry, and vending machines.

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

3 reasons to book
  • Excellent staff service — Guests consistently mention the attentive and helpful staff, from carrying luggage to quickly resolving a bike lock issue. Staff rating is 9.1, the highest category.
  • Traditional Japanese experience — Japanese-style rooms with tatami and futon beds, plus an on-site hot spring bath and public bath, offer an authentic stay in central Kyoto.
  • Great location near Kamo River and central Kyoto — A 5-minute walk to the Kamo River, with Pontocho, Shijo-dori, and the Kyoto International Manga Museum all within easy reach. Well placed for bus routes to historic sites.
–

Worth weighing

3 to weigh
  • Mixed reviews on beds — Some guests loved the Japanese-style futon beds, while one rated the experience lower. If you prefer Western beds, consider requesting a room with beds or the tower rooms.
  • Value could be better — While several guests felt it was good value, the overall value rating is 8.3, and the area average is higher at 8.7. Rates may feel high for some.
  • Facilities rated lower than other aspects — Facilities score 8.0, the lowest rating category. While basic amenities are well covered, some may find the on-site facilities less extensive than larger modern hotels.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Standard Tower Room

Deluxe Tower Room

Japanese-Style Annex Room

  • 4 Single beds
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

Japanese-Style Main Building Room

  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

Bath & Wellness

  • Hot spring bath
  • Public Bath
  • Free toiletries

Room Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Dining table
  • Trouser press
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Electric kettle

Services & Facilities

  • 24-hour reception
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Safe deposit box
  • Vending machines
  • Coffee shop
  • Leisure/ TV room
  • Board games

Safety & Policies

  • No smoking on site
  • No pets allowed
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Connectivity

  • Wi-Fi

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8.3
Great 826 reviews

Guest-rated 8.3/10 from 826 reviews

Booking.com · 8.3 · 826 reviews
8.3Verified guest

“The traditional setting is beautiful, with intricate decor throughout.”

8.3Verified guest

“We loved the large room overlooking a pretty garden. Breakfast offered plenty of local options that satisfied everyone. The location was stunning, close to the Kamo River and its restaurants, as well as Pontocho and Shijo-dori in central Kyoto.”

8.3Verified guest

“Rooms are a nice size and well-equipped. The large shared hot water bath was a plus, and the safe box, central heating, and TV were thoughtful touches.”

8.3Verified guest

“Spacious rooms with bath and bed made for a relaxing stay. The location is exceptionally convenient for the Kyoto International Manga Museum, and we thoroughly enjoyed the area.”

8.3Verified guest

“I appreciated the incense in the lobby, the interesting interior and decoration, the room arrangements, and the great bath. The traditional background music was also a nice touch.”

8.3Verified guest

“We were impressed by the spacious, clean room. The front desk staff speak decent English and truly anticipate guests' needs. When we had a problem with a rented bike lock, five or six staff gathered to help fix it within minutes. Every female staff member we encountered was quick to take our luggage and carry it for us.”

04 — Location

Getting around Kyoto

The property sits in Kyoto.

Kamo River: A 5-minute walk away, the riverbanks are perfect for a stroll, especially in the evening. Restaurants line the area, making it a lively spot for dinner.

Pontocho: This historic alley is within easy walking distance and is known for its traditional eateries and atmospheric dining along the river.

Shijo-dori: The main shopping street in central Kyoto, about 15 minutes on foot, offers department stores, boutiques, and a wide range of dining options.

Kyoto International Manga Museum: A short walk from the hotel, this museum is a hit for fans of manga and Japanese pop culture, with extensive exhibits and a reading room.

Higashi-Hairu,Takeya-Cho,Kawaramachi,Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 604-0901, Japan

Open in Google Maps

05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 15:00-23:59
Check-out
By 07:00-10:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
110 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 15:00 to 23:59, and check-out is from 07:00 to 10:00.

Is parking available at the hotel?

Yes, parking is available on site. The property lists parking as an amenity.

Are pets allowed at Ishicho?

No, pets are not allowed at this hotel.

Does Ishicho have a hot spring bath?

Yes, the hotel has a hot spring bath and a public bath on site, which guests often highlight as a relaxing feature.

What room types are available?

Ishicho offers Standard Tower Rooms, Deluxe Tower Rooms, Japanese-Style Annex Rooms (with 4 single beds), and Japanese-Style Main Building Rooms.

Is Wi-Fi available at the hotel?

Yes, Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property.

Nearby

Other top-rated stays in Kyoto

Want a different style or budget? Here are more highly-rated options in the area.

9.4

Auberge Azabu

Guest-rated 9.4/10 — among the top stays in Kyoto.

Kyoto

8.5

Tazuru

Guest-rated 8.5/10 — among the top stays in Kyoto.

Kyoto

9.2

Nissho Besso

Guest-rated 9.2/10 — among the top stays in Kyoto.

Kyoto

9.3

Matsui Honkan

Guest-rated 9.3/10 — among the top stays in Kyoto.

Kyoto

8.1

Kkr Kyoto Kuniso

Guest-rated 8.1/10 — among the top stays in Kyoto.

Kyoto

9.7

Benten Residences

Guest-rated 9.7/10 — among the top stays in Kyoto.

Kyoto

The bottom line

For travelers seeking a traditional Japanese hotel experience in central Kyoto, Ishicho delivers with authentic rooms, a soothing hot spring bath, and staff who consistently go above and beyond. Its location near the Kamo River offers a peaceful retreat while still being close to the city's main sights.

8.3A solid choice for those wanting culture and comfort, though value-conscious travelers might weigh the price against similar options.

Ready to book Ishicho?

Tap through and we’ll open our booking partner’s site, with live prices and availability for your exact dates.

No payment on this site — you complete the booking on our partner’s site.

Contact us

Send us a message and we will answer by email.