For those with a little cash to splash, consider staying at Nanzenji Sando Kikusui. A night here won’t come cheap, but it’s worth it for a sublime ryokan experience.
Nanzenji Sando Kikusui – image © Booking.com
One of the must-dos for any first-time visitor to Kyoto is a ryokan stay. But which Japanese-style inn do you pick? If you have some cash to splash, or a special occasion you want to shell out for, consider staying at Nanzenji Sando Kikusui. A night here won’t come cheap, but it’s worth it for a sublime ryokan experience.
Nanzenji Sando Kikusui – image © Booking.com
It was originally built in 1895, but after a recent renovation headed by renowned architect Ryu Kosaka, the grand reopening in June 2018 has infused it with more modern sensibilities, while still retaining traditional Japanese design elements.
With just five gorgeously furnished rooms and an exquisite Japanese-style garden, Kikusui feels like a luxurious escape from the world at large. The garden views from the second floor rooms are especially lovely, and the room even has champagne in the minibar! Best of all, the ryokan is quiet and tranquil, despite its proximity to nearby popular temples like Nanzenji.
Nanzenji Sando Kikusui – image © Booking.com
A highlight at any ryokan is usually the food. At Kikusui, however, with Chef Matsuo of MIchelin 3-star Kashiwaya fame helming kitchen operations, the dining is world-class. Both Japanese-style breakfasts and dinners are veritable feasts, but if you have to choose just one, go with the breakfast. There are so many great restaurants in Kyoto that it would be a shame to miss out on dinner in the city.
Nanzenji Sando Kikusui – image © Booking.com
While it might feel like a secluded escape from the world, this ryokan is fortunately rather conveniently located. Nanzenji Temple is a short walk away, as are Heian Shrine and Eikan-do Temple. Those who enjoy walking could also very comfortably take a nice stroll along the Philosopher’s Path up to Ginkakuji Temple from the inn.
Kikusui is likely to be fully booked during peak seasons – such as the cherry blossom period – so we suggest securing rooms as soon as possible. But, if you book during off-peak seasons like winter, you’ll probably stand a better chance of snagging the ryokan stay of a lifetime. And anyway, the garden is beautiful during all seasons!
Name in English:
Nanzenji Sando Kikusui
Name in Japanese:
南禅寺参道 菊水
English address:
31 Nanzenji-fukuchi-cho, Sakyo-ku
Japanese address:
左京区南禅寺福地町31
Price:
Internet: wifi access
Non-smoking rooms: Yes
Nearest Transport:
8min walk from Keage Station Exit 1, Tozai subway line
Telephone: 771-4101
Website:
:: Check availability on Booking.com or Agoda.com
Official site: (English)
Kikusui-Kyoto.com
Near To Here:
Nanzenji Sando Kikusui is located in Kyoto’s Northern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Northern Higashiyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- 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.
More Kyoto Hotels info:
- Kyoto Hotels Overview
- Check availability and pricing for Kyoto hotels at Booking.com and Agoda.com
- The Best Places To Stay In Kyoto
- Where To Stay In Kyoto
- Best New Kyoto Hotels
- The Most Romantic Hotels and Ryokan in Kyoto
- Best Value Hotels In Kyoto
- Kyoto Vacation Rentals
- Best Luxury Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Boutique Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Small Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Mid-Range Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Budget Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Kyoto Hostels and Guesthouses
- Best Kyoto Hotels For Families
- Best Japanese Hotel Chains
- Best Ryokan In Kyoto
- Kyoto Machiya
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
