Seryo is a beautiful ryokan located just outside the main gate of Sanzen-in Temple in the picturesque village of Ohara, 30 minutes north of Kyoto by bus or taxi. It’s a fantastic place to sample the ryokan experience without having to travel far.
Japanese Ryokan Seryo exterior
Japanese Ryokan Seryo At A Glance
- Great for: couples, small families, solo travelers
- Strong points: close to Kyoto, quiet setting, great food, reasonable rates
- Sample rates: from US$500 to $700 per night for two including two meals
Guest room at Seryo
Ohara is one of our favorite day trips out of Kyoto. It’s very close to Kyoto but it feels worlds away. Once the day trippers have gone home, it’s extremely quiet.
Ohara rice paddies
Seryo is an excellent and reasonably priced ryokan in a commanding spot overlooking the village and steps from beautiful Sanzen-in Temple, which is a truly lovely spot.
Outdoor bath at Seryo
The rooms and baths at Seryo are lovely and comfortable and the luxury rooms have private onsen-style baths. Otherwise, you can reserve time in the common onsen-style baths. Of course, all rooms have private toilets.
Seryo dinner
The meals are a real highlight at Seryo and include local produce whenever possible. When you consider what two great traditional meals would cost you in restaurants down in the city, it becomes clear that Seryo is a great value. So if you’re looking for a country ryokan experience and don’t have the time or energy to head up into the Japan Alps, this is a great choice.
Name in English:
Japanese Ryokan Seryo
Name in Japanese:
京都大原の料理旅館 芹生
English address:
22 Oharashorinincho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, T601-1241, Japan
Japanese address:
京都市左京区大原三千院畔
Price range: moderate to luxury
Nearest Transport:
10 minutes’ walk from Ohara bus stop
Telephone: 81-75-744-2301
Website: seryo.co.jp/english/index.html
:: Check availability and pricing for Japanese Ryokan Seryo on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
