Ryoso Chatani
9,6/10 Exceptional - Based on 301 reviews
Ryoso Chatani is a small, traditionally styled ryokan set in the wooded valley of Ohara, north of central Kyoto. The property occupies a quiet plot with a garden and terrace that open onto pastoral views, and it functions as a convenient base for visiting nearby temple sites such as Sanzen‑in and the scenic walking routes that thread the surrounding hills. Guests commonly borrow bicycles provided on site to explore lanes and rice fields, and regular local buses connect the area with central Kyoto, keeping the inn accessible while preserving a rural atmosphere. As a ryokan with onsen in Kyoto, the accommodation emphasizes a calm, unhurried pace rather than urban convenience.
Rooms are Japanese‑style, laid out with tatami flooring and futon bedding, and most configurations share well‑maintained communal bathing facilities rather than offering private in‑room baths. The bathing area is a gender‑separate public onsen maintained for guest use, complemented by simple washrooms and clean changing areas. Interior details are restrained and authentic: shoji screens, low lighting, and modest storage, plus practical amenities such as air conditioning and Wi‑Fi. Evening meals follow regional Japanese traditions with multi‑course dishes featuring local vegetables, mountain produce and seasonal touches served in the dining room; hosts are noted for attentive, personal service and guidance about local customs.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryoso Chatani
Positive Reviews
Very warm, attentive hosts
Multiple guests praised the owners/staff as kind, caring and attentive, creating a welcoming, personal experience throughout the stay.
Excellent traditional meals
Dinner and breakfast were repeatedly described as delicious, generous and authentic (traditional Japanese courses often served on tatami; many guests found the food a highlight).
Relaxing, well‑equipped onsen and baths
The communal baths/onsen were noted as relaxing and well maintained, with good amenities (guests mentioned pleasant hot springs and even features like a massage seat in the bathing area).
Authentic, clean and comfortable traditional rooms
Guests appreciated the ryokan’s authentic Japanese décor, spacious traditional rooms with futons, cleanliness, climate control and provided yukata — many found the atmosphere peaceful and restorative.
Useful extras and convenient services
Free bike rental, luggage storage before/after stay, helpful location near the bus stop and good value/price were highlighted as convenient add‑ons that improved guests’ visits.
Negative Reviews
Communal/public baths (not privatizable)
Some guests warned the baths are shared and gender‑separated rather than private, which may be less suitable for families who expected private use.
Booking/payment confusion
A few guests experienced payment issues when booking (payment was not taken online as expected and had to be settled on site), causing surprise at check‑in.
Transport/time to reach from Kyoto
Location requires a significant journey from Kyoto (bus 17 about an hour; cycling to Kyoto is long and hilly), so access can be time‑consuming for some visitors.
Breakfast portions/items not ideal for children
One guest noted that traditional breakfast items (e.g., fish) were served even when children didn’t eat them, creating unnecessary portions and minor inconvenience for families with picky eaters.
Futon firmness/thin mattress for some guests
A small number of Western guests found the futon mattress a bit thin or firm for their preference, which may affect sleep comfort for those unused to traditional bedding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional Japanese-style rooms with tatami and futons: single (1 guest), twin (2 guests), quadruple (up to 4 guests) and family rooms (up to 5 guests); some room types use a shared bathroom.
Yes — the property offers onsen/public baths and a jacuzzi for guests, maintained as shared facilities.
No — the baths are public (not listed as private) and are typically gender-separated rather than bookable for exclusive use.
There is no scheduled airport shuttle listed; the nearest major airport is Osaka (about 61 km); most guests arrive by train and bus or by taxi, and the ryokan asks you to inform them of your arrival time in advance.
Take the Kyoto City bus toward Ohara (roughly a 50-minute ride) and walk a few minutes from the Ohara bus stop; a taxi or rented car is faster if you prefer.
Check-in starts at 15:00 and check-out is until 10:00; you should notify the ryokan of your expected arrival time in advance.
Yes — the hosts and staff speak Japanese and can communicate in English to assist international guests.
Yes — there is an on-site restaurant serving Japanese-style dinner and the ryokan offers breakfast; please inform the ryokan of any dietary needs when you book.
Free private parking is available on site, and the ryokan offers bicycle lending for guests; notify the ryokan ahead of time if you arrive with a large vehicle.
Pets are not allowed. The ryokan sits in Ohara village near temples such as Sanzen-in and Rurikoin; there are local restaurants nearby but limited supermarket options, so guests often ask the hosts for directions or stock up before arrival.