Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Ryokan Togetsutei
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 130 reviews
Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Ryokan Togetsutei sits on the Katsura riverside in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, occupying a quiet position within easy walking distance of the bamboo grove, Togetsukyo Bridge and several temples. The property blends Meiji-era history with practical access to local attractions: the walking routes to Tenryū-ji and the monkey park are short, and the ryokan is a brief walk from the Hankyu Arashiyama station. Framed by river and hill views, the setting is designed for a low-key, restorative stay rather than an urban hotel experience, and it functions as a ryokan with onsen in Kyoto for visitors seeking traditional bathing culture close to central sights.
Accommodations reflect traditional Japanese style with tatami flooring and futon bedding, and a small number of rooms include private outdoor hot-spring tubs; the property also operates a larger public bath and a reservable private bath for guests who prefer exclusive use. Meals are prepared in Kyoto kaiseki style, served in a dining area or as part of set plans, and the ryokan offers standard in-room amenities such as a refrigerator, TV with international channels, and yukata robes. Services include luggage storage, a small gift shop, optional massages and staff who can assist in English, which helps when arranging onsen reservations or local excursions.
Practical details are straightforward: the ryokan has a limited number of rooms (around twenty-one) and provides free on-site parking on a first-come basis, complimentary Wi‑Fi in public areas, and clear check-in/out times to plan arrival. Its scale and layout suit couples and travellers who value a measured, traditional stay; for guests specifically seeking enclosed bathing options the availability of a reservable bath and some rooms with private tubs positions the property as a ryokan with private onsen in Kyoto that can accommodate privacy-minded visitors. Reservations and meal plans should be arranged in advance to secure preferred dining and bathing times.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Ryokan…
Positive Reviews
Authentic Japanese experience
Multiple guests praised the ryokan’s traditional atmosphere — tatami rooms, yukata provided with instructions, futons and an overall feeling of a genuine Japanese stay.
Excellent onsen facilities
Reviewers highlighted both the public and private onsen as standout features — relaxing, well-maintained baths with some rooms offering private onsen overlooking the river.
Very kind and attentive staff
Numerous comments note exceptionally friendly, helpful and accommodating staff who enhanced the stay (help with late check‑in, attentive service during meals, warm welcome).
Fantastic location
Guests loved the location: right by Togetsukyo Bridge, close to the Katsura River, bamboo forest, monkey park, temples and boat trips — convenient for sightseeing and early visits to attractions.
High‑quality meals and breakfast
Many guests enjoyed the multi‑course Japanese dinners and varied, authentic breakfasts; several described the meals as a highlight of their stay.
Negative Reviews
Limited or no laundry service
At least one reviewer warned there is no laundry service on site, which may be inconvenient for longer stays or summer travel.
Facility/time restrictions affecting onsen use
Some guests noted restrictive timings (mention of a 12:00 curfew and breakfast finishing early around 9:00) that prevented them from using facilities like the onsen when they wanted to.
Dinner booking/options unclear and private onsen availability
A few guests said dinner options were not clearly shown at booking and that private onsen access was sometimes unavailable despite booking intentions.
Limited late‑night food and some accessibility issues
The surrounding area becomes very quiet in the evening with shops and restaurants closing early, making late‑night dining difficult. Also, access between parts of the building (e.g., to the dining room) can involve stairs only, which may affect mobility.
Check‑in/out times and summer cooling limits
Some reviewers mentioned late check‑in (around 16:00) and early check‑out (10:00) compared with other hotels, and one noted the air‑conditioning could not be set below ~20°C, making July nights warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary from single to multi-person Japanese-style rooms; occupancy limits differ by room so check the room details when booking. Cribs and rollaway extra beds are not available, but children of all ages are welcome.
Yes — Togetsutei uses Arashiyama Onsen waters and offers a large communal hot-spring bath plus a reservable private bath; several room types also feature private open-air baths. The onsen water is mild and slightly alkaline, suitable for relaxation.
The property does not publish a blanket tattoo policy, so please contact the ryokan before arrival if you have visible tattoos. If public bathing is restricted, you can use a private/reserved bath or an in-room hot spring where available.
There is no regular airport shuttle service; however the ryokan historically offers limited station pickup from JR Saga-Arashiyama for guests arriving in a mid‑afternoon window if requested. Because this service can be suspended during peak seasons or for crowd control, confirm with the property in advance.
The ryokan is a short walk from Arashiyama (about 5–10 minutes from the Togetsukyo/Hankyu Arashiyama area); from JR Kyoto Station take the Sanin Line to Saga‑Arashiyama then walk or taxi. Kansai International takes roughly 1.5–2 hours by train and Osaka Itami is about a one‑hour taxi ride, depending on traffic.
Yes, English‑speaking staff are available to assist guests. For complex requests or specific language support, contact the ryokan ahead of your stay.
Standard check-in is from 16:00 (4:00 PM) with the latest check‑in around 19:00 (7:00 PM) and check‑out is by 10:00 AM. If you expect to arrive late, notify the ryokan in advance.
Yes — the ryokan offers a reservable private bath (kashikiri) and some room types include private open‑air onsen tubs; availability varies by room and plan. Reserve these options when you book or contact the property to confirm.
Pets are not permitted at the property. Limited free on‑site parking is available on a first‑come basis, so plan accordingly if you are driving.
Togetsutei serves traditional Kyoto kaiseki meals and breakfast on certain plans; dinner is generally available by reservation and the ryokan can accommodate food allergies or requests if told in advance. Convenience stores, small markets and many restaurants are within a short walk in the Arashiyama area.