Daiya Ryokan

Everyday new clean towels and every couple of days new yukata (to sleep in: nemaki), clean bathroom. I liked the Japanese style room with tatami and futon (with clean sheets), but that's what I wanted. It's a very low budget accomodation, so it comes with that expectation. I had a TV with Japanese programs in my room and some hangers, a table and two cushions to sit on (I stayed in the old main building). The hosts were very nice and helpful, even driving me to a sento when it was a bit difficult to find in the neighbourhood at night, I had nice chats with them and felt really welcomed. I didn't mind, but be aware: the house is old! It comes with little holes/scratches in the wall and stained paper doors, used furniture/ rusted/calcified tapware/ sinks. It's not like a top-notch ryokan from flashy magazines/guide books about Japan, but more a guesthouse. There is only one toilett for everyone in the main house (but they replaced the broken seat, so it's better now) and a separate shower downstairs, and of course a big Japanese bath, where 2-3 people could wash up at the same time (but it's lockable). I liked the hot tub in the bath, very good to relax, but don't forget to shower and clean up first as it's shared with everyone. Btw, no idea why there are so many pictures of eggs from other travellers (on tripadvisor) ...weird. There is a vending machine next to the bathroom with hot and cold beverages, very good! Also there is a fridge, but I didn't need to use it, as: There is a convenient store just opposite, a kombini, which is great (Family Mart), you get everything there. Overall I'm happy because I didn't expect much more for that good prize and I didn't spend much time except for sleeping there. Just within 5 min. walking I could reach Kyoto station (I walk quickly).

The cleaniness of the room could have been a bit better (spider webs in the ceiling corner, lots of dust on top edges...). I stayed nearly two weeks and it wasn't vacuumed in that time, so dust balls gathered in the corner, but I got fresh sheets for futon. The sinks outside were dirty sometimes, but only for a day, because other travellers can't clean up after themselves... It can be a bit loud from other guests because Japanese walls are thin, but I had good earplugs. But as I said, I didn't stay except for sleeping, so it was fine.

Great location, great neighborhood, friendly and helpful staffs, not far from main shrines and tourism spots in Kyoto (walkable distance). Near Kyoto Station, 10 minutes walk. The neighborhood has many konbinis and restaurants. You can also rent a bike to sightseeing around Kyoto. For me personally, I love to wake up early and bike by the river bank. It's such a wonderful experience in Kyoto. Hiroyuki-san and Tanaka-san made our stay memorable as they were really friendly and helpful. It feels like we stayed in our Japanese's family house. The room itself is traditional Japanese style (tatami) with Japanese traditional bed (futon). For me, it was pretty comfortable. My friends and I could rest without any problem.

Nothing! It's all perfect for us

Although I initially didn't know what to expect at first before my arrival, I can say that I had quite the pleasant experience at the Daiya Ryokan. As such if you're looking for a nice and easily accessible place to stay in Kyōto and are looking for a casual Japanese style room hotel experience, the Ryokan may be the place to be. Main pros : - Although fairly compact and humble compared to some other establishments, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the the facilities as well as the Japanese style rooms. - The Ryokan is located nearby Kyōto Station which is quite useful if you're looking to reach some of the city's famous locations using it's public transports, travel to other cities and towns or to simply enjoy a nice meal in the area. - The friendliness of the staff and their helpfulness, as well as the quiet and welcoming atmosphere. - Moreover, the Ryokan also provides free bicycles for it's residents, allowing you to roam the city all the while partaking in the local cycling culture.

While it wasn't quite the deal breaker for me, you may have to look outside the Ryokan if you're looking for something to eat, as breakfast and dinner are not available for it's residents.

The location is perfect! It's about 5-10 minutes from Daiya Ryokan to the Kyoto station so it's very easy to visit nearby cities like Nara or Otsu. Besides, this ryokan is situated at, more or less, the same distance from Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji and Fushimi-Inari. The staff is very friendly. I wish my Japanese was more fluent to speak more with them. And, obviously, staying at Daiya Ryokan is the best opportunity to feel the Oriental vibe.

The western people may be a little unused to this type of accomodation. I mean shared bathroom and toilet and rooms with almost no furniture but, as for me, I wanted to experience living in a ryokan. So I can't even consider above-mentioned features as disadvantages.

A lovely owner. We were made feel so welcome. We also got a lovely gift on our departure. The shower was big. The location was fantastic. The futons were comfortable.

There was a smoke smell in the corridors which occasionally made its way into our room when we opened the door to go out. The room was different than in the photos. We chose this room because of how old fashioned and ryokan style it looked like in the photos, but our room was much smaller and more modern. We did not regret staying here though, it was still a lovely stay.

There are many things to love about this ryokan. I got a single room to myself. It was just a 6-minute walk from Kyoto station, so extremely convenient. The staff was lovely. Very helpful to explain how all the facilities are used and whatnot. With the bathroom, it was shared but not a problem. Very clean and easy to use. One bathroom was a normal shower. Another was a bathtub - a solid size-looking in-house onsen for one or two people (Max).

Only thing was that the walls are thin for the rooms. I could hear next door playing a movie on their laptop and them snoring at some point. Thin walls in a ryokan are not surprising actually. Just wanted to point this out. The staff actually told me this too when they showed me my room, which was very kind.

I recently stayed at Daiya Riokan and had a decent experience. The place was generally clean, although I did notice a bit of dust in the room. The bathroom and toilet facilities were ideal, which was a plus. This place is primarily suitable for a quick overnight stay. There is a kitchen downstairs at the entrance, but we didn't really make use of it. The room itself was simple, consisting of a bed and a good air-conditioning system. Overall, it served its purpose for a short stay.

One minor inconvenience was the lack of a small washing basin on the floor we stayed on. We had to go down to the ground floor to wash our hands, which would have been more convenient if it were available in the room.

This was my first time staying in a traditional Japanese-style inn, and it was quite nice! The inn is located within walking distance to Kyoto station, and the inn owners are very accommodating (my friend and I checked in around 10pm because we came here after climbing Mt. Fuji). Also, having a convenience store right across from the inn was very convenient.

This could be simply a cultural disconnect but I was expecting the futons to be softer. I am accustomed to sleeping on Western-style beds, and I typically sleep on my side, which is hard to do with a futon. If you have prefer a soft sleeping surface, this isn't it - but it was good to experience sleeping on a futon at least once!

Staff was super friendly and helpful. The ryokan has two buildings, and I stayed in the newer one (I was given a choice). Rooms were clean and quite attractive. The asking price for a night's stay is crazy low, especially for Kyoto -- this may have been the best value for money I've ever had in 10 years of traveling through Japan. As a budget ryokan there are no meals, but there's a nice shared kitchen similar to a hostel. The shared bath is a Japanese-style bath, not a group bath, and the toilets are washlet style. The location is quite convenient to Kyoto Station and all the surrounding temples and gardens.

I was in the new addition with very nice, clean rooms, tatami and futons. However, the staff really should clean out the air filters throughout the property. The air conditioner and fan filters in each room (shared bathrooms, for example) were quite obviously (visibly) clogged with dust. I don't usually have allergies, but I did have several sneezing fits that I'd attribute to this. Pretty much the only reason I didn't give the place a 10.

Staff was so friendly and welcoming, it felt like I was visiting a friend's home. They gave me travel recommendations and took the time to get to know me. Also allowed luggage storage after check-out. Location was great, quick walk from Kyoto station and close to many bus lines and there's a Family Mart just across the street. Located in a quiet area with cute shops nearby.

Being on a street corner, you do hear cars or motorcycles sometimes. I wasn't used to the pillow (filled with beads, a little hard for my neck), but they did tell me the room is traditional Japanese-style.