KKR Kyoto Kuniso
8,2/10 Excellent - Based on 179 reviews
KKR Kyoto Kuniso is a mid‑size, traditionally influenced ryokan located on the banks of the Kamo River in central Kyoto. The property offers about 58 rooms in a mix of Western and Japanese styles, with tatami‑floored rooms and futon options alongside standard western beds; some room types feature private bathrooms and deep soaking tubs. Its position places it within easy walking distance of the Imperial Palace and local transport — roughly a seven‑minute walk to Keihan Jingu‑Marutamachi — and the hotel runs a complimentary shuttle from Kyoto Station while onsite parking is available.
The property centres on communal mineral baths with both indoor and outdoor hot‑spring facilities where guests can wear provided yukata and relax beside a small Japanese garden. Public bathing areas are complemented by a riverside restaurant and a tea lounge that look over the river and garden; the on‑site restaurant Sagano and the Muku‑no‑ki tea lounge emphasise seasonal Japanese dishes and light refreshments, and a buffet breakfast is offered each morning. Staff provide luggage storage, laundry services and basic concierge assistance for local sightseeing.
Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, televisions, mini‑fridges and basic toiletries, and the ryokan maintains a 24‑hour reception with an accessible guest room and multilingual front‑desk assistance. With rice‑mat rooms, yukata and shared hot baths, this ryokan with onsen in Kyoto suits travellers seeking a calm, traditionally styled base close to the city’s key sites; services include daily housekeeping, free Wi‑Fi in public areas and luggage support for day trips. The layout and common areas are geared toward quiet relaxation and easy access to nearby cultural attractions.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: KKR Kyoto Kuniso
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities
Many guests praised the indoor and outdoor onsen as a highlight — clean, relaxing and set in a pleasant garden, offering a genuine hot‑spring experience.
Beautiful, quiet riverside location
The ryokan is valued for its peaceful setting on the Kamo River, close to parks and the Imperial Gardens, with attractive river or garden views and easy riverside walks into central Kyoto.
Friendly, helpful staff and authentic atmosphere
Staff are consistently described as welcoming and accommodating; the property’s ryokan features (zen garden, traditional rooms) provide an authentic Japanese experience that many guests appreciated.
Good traditional meals (kaiseki) and breakfast
Several reviewers enjoyed the kaiseki dinners and traditional Japanese breakfasts, praising the quality and variety of courses and the overall dining experience.
Clean, comfortable and convenient for transport/parking
Numerous guests found the hotel clean, quiet and reasonably comfortable; guests who drove appreciated free parking, and others found good bus links and nearby amenities.
Negative Reviews
Rooms and furniture are dated
A common complaint is that many rooms feel old or in need of refurbishment; furniture and facilities were described by multiple guests as tired or worn.
Room size and bed comfort issues
Some rooms are very small (described as 'shoe‑box' size) and several guests found futons or beds firmer than expected; lack of extra pillows was also noted.
Air conditioning/temperature problems
Guests reported temperature control issues — centrally controlled AC that could blow warm air and rooms becoming very hot in sun‑facing rooms, causing discomfort for some.
Breakfast and guest information not adapted for foreigners
A number of non‑Japanese guests found the mostly Japanese breakfast unappealing or inflexible, and reported unclear or outdated English information and limited translation for shop items.
Occasional operational issues and noise
Other negatives included early checkout time (10am), minor bath chlorination and towel policy (need to bring room towel), thin soundproofing, and occasional service/room allocation complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions
The property has 58 rooms with a mix of Western and Japanese-style layouts; maximum occupancy depends on the room type. There are no cots or extra beds provided and children aged 6 and over are charged as adults.
Yes — the ryokan offers public indoor and outdoor hot spring baths (onsen) and provides yukata for guests. Note that tattoo restrictions may apply in public baths.
There is a complimentary shuttle between Kyoto Station and the hotel (scheduled service). There is no direct airport shuttle listed; use public transport to Kyoto Station (from Kansai or Itami airports) then the hotel shuttle or local trains.
Staff provide assistance in English to varying degrees and can help with basic directions and arrangements. More complex requests may require simple translation support.
You can stay in tatami-floored rooms with futon bedding or Western beds, wear a yukata, visit the tea lounge and garden, and dine in a riverside restaurant offering seasonal Japanese cuisine. The onsen and a small shop add to the traditional atmosphere.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace is about a 5-minute walk, Keihan Jingu-Marutamachi Station about 7 minutes, and Heian Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine roughly 15 minutes on foot; the Kamogawa riverside and Pontocho are also nearby. Ginkakuji and Kiyomizu-dera are a short drive away.
The nearest station is Keihan Jingu-Marutamachi (around a 7-minute walk); several subway stations are within a 10–15 minute walk. The hotel also operates a scheduled free shuttle to/from Kyoto Station.
Check-in is from 15:00 until 23:00 and check-out is until 10:00 (the property notes access may be closed between 00:00 and 06:00). Guests arriving late should notify the hotel in advance, and dinner service may not be available for very late arrivals.
The property lists public indoor and outdoor onsen but does not advertise private baths for regular bookings; enquire directly at reception about private-use options. Pets are not permitted on the premises.
There is an on-site restaurant (Sagano) serving a breakfast buffet and seasonal Japanese dinners, plus a tea lounge, vending machines and a souvenir shop. Local restaurants, convenience stores and small shops are within walking distance for additional choices.