Just spent our Christmas vacation here. I particularly wanted to try the traditional Japanese Ryokan (guesthouse) with tatami. So well before our trip, I did a thorough search on internet. To my surprise, this kind of accomodation (decent ones) is very pricey and unreasonable. This Watazen is the best choice in that the price is affordable, location excellent, good staff... More

We spent one night at this ryokan as we were staying in Tokyo and just wanted to spend a day in Kyoto. The staff were very friendly and the hotel whilst dated was very clean. However we appeared to be the only non-Japanese visitors at the time and were quite disappointed to find at breakfast that everyone else was served... More

we stayed for three nights. it was our first ryokan experience. the room for three was quiet spacious and the maids and hotel staff were extraordinary friendly and helpful. you have the possibility to get japanese breakfast which we would highly recommend. also the kaeseki menu is great. the location is minutes away from nishiki foodmarket and most of the... More

Watazen is a really nice place to stay in Kyoto, the staff were very friendly and helpful thoughout or stay. On arrival the receptionist welcomed us to our room with a traditional tea ceremony. We stayed in a traditional Japanese room sleeping on the Tatami floor which is a great experience which you should try. For breakfast you could choose... More

This is the place for a classic ryokan experience for a reasonable price, we managed to get a good deal on Expedia for a Japanese style room with bathroom, and breakfast and dinner included, so it was excellent value for money. However, for the standard price on their website, I agree with the other reviews that could be a bit... More

On my recent trip to Japan, I stayed at both a small family-run ryokan in Nara for about 11,500 yen, and ryokan Watazen in Kyoto for 33,600 yen. The 33,600 yen include both dinner and breakfast. We were in Kyoto during the high season, so prices are generally quite steep. We wanted a ryokan experience, but decided to stay at... More

a classic ryokan -- clean and spacious tatami room with private bathroom, as well as public bath. staff were very helpful when we asked for directions. absolutely good location, with old houses around, where you can really feel kyoto, unlike kyoto station area. More

Good location with 5 mins walk from train station and 2 mins to the market. The building was old but comfortable. Arrived early for check-in and the receptionist organised the tea ceremony instead of the maid. Didn't try the public bath as our room is ensuite. The 10 courses traditional dinner were amazing...... the highlight of our trip..... with super... More

If you have never been to a Japanese style hotel you must try this one. The experience was totally unreal, one of the most exciting stays I have ever had. The service and food was to die for. From the moment we walked into the lobby, everything was first class and more than we ever imagined. The staff was informative... More