February 2024: Please note Ryokan Sakura Hongan-G has now permanently closed. Please see Kyoto Ryokan for other hand-picked ryokan recommendations in Kyoto.
An inexpensive ryokan-style guesthouse on the west side of town, the Ryokan Sakura Hongan-G is a good choice if you don’t mind traveling a bit to see the sights.
Located in a newly refurbished traditional building not far from Nishi-Hongan-ji Temple, the Ryokan Sakura Hongan-G is a foreigner-friendly ryokan with simple but adequate rooms. If you’re looking for the grand ryokan experience, look elsewhere (and be prepared to pay a lot more), but if you simply crave some traditional Japanese surroundings and the company of like-minded travellers, then this place might suit.
Part of the appeal of the place is the surrounding neighborhood: it’s one of the more traditional areas of Kyoto and lovely old machiya and shop houses about. The only real downside here are the thin walls (typical of Kyoto – especially cheap ones), so you can easily hear your neighbors talking and any noises from the hallway.
English address:
228-2 Butsuguya-cho, Aburanokoji-dori, Hanaya-cho sagaru, Shimogyo-ku
Japanese address:
下京区油小路通花屋町下る仏具屋町228−2
Price: Cheap
:: Check availability and pricing for Ryokan Sakura Hongan-G on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Internet: wifi and LAN cable access
Non-smoking rooms: Yes
Nearest Transport:
10min walk from JR Kyoto Station Karasuma central gate
Telephone: 343-3500
Where Is This Place Located?
- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- ESSENTIALS – For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- HOTELS – Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- BULLET TRAIN – You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- WHERE TO STAY – Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- PACKING LIST – See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- SIM CARDS – 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
- FLIGHTS – Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- JAPAN RAIL PASS – 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
- TRAVEL INSURANCE – World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- WANT HELP? – Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
Kyoto District Map
Click a Kyoto District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation
About InsideKyoto.com and Chris Rowthorn
- Chris Rowthorn is the co-founder of InsideKyoto.com and has an unparalleled travel knowledge of Kyoto spanning three decades. Chris has written or commissioned and edited every page on the Inside Kyoto website.
- A former author of Lonely Planet Kyoto and Lonely Planet Japan guidebooks, Chris is also the director of the Kyoto walking tour company Chris Rowthorn Tours, and Japan Travel Consulting, where you can get bespoke travel advice for your Japan trip.
- InsideKyoto.com has been cited by the New York Times and The Times of London, among many other publications and websites.
