October 2022: Please note Rinn Gion Nawate has now permanently closed. Please see our Downtown Kyoto page for other places to stay in the area.
Besides the great location and spacious, apartment-sized rooms, the 4-room guesthouse Rinn Gion Nawate stands out for its beautiful design and private feel. This machiya-style townhouse is a great choice for families with kids or small groups.

Rinn Gion Nawate – image © Booking.com
Location is everything when it comes to sightseeing, and if that’s one of your primary considerations when looking for a place to stay, Rinn Gion Nawate should be at the top of your list. It’s near Gion-Shijo – ideal for exploring downtown Kyoto. But despite its central location, the surroundings are quiet enough that it won’t feel like you’re in downtown Kyoto.

Rinn Gion Nawate – image © Booking.com
Rinn Gion Nawate is a private guesthouse with just four rooms. It’s one of many machiya-style townhouses that have been converted into guest houses for visiting travelers. Each room is much more spacious than average for Japanese hotels, and rather luxuriously outfitted for the price. They are essentially apartment-sized, and can accommodate up to 4 guests per room. Families travelling with kids should consider Rinn Gion Nawate, as the larger rooms allow for a little more breathing space and room for the kids to spread out.

Rinn Gion Nawate – image © Booking.com
We love the room designs here. One style of room has a tatami mat-lined space with a low table and futons, plus two Western-style beds in the second room; the other is entirely Western-style, with beds and sofa beds. Those keen on a Japanese-style sleeping experience should go for the former style – ask for either Momiji or Nami when you’re booking.
The rooms also come with all the amenities you might need for a hotel stay. The WiFi is reliable and fast, and there’s shampoo, conditioner, bath gels, a hairbrush, razor, refrigerator, and more.
A small note: you should also make sure you read the booking instructions. The property itself isn’t staffed, and reception for this hotel is located near Kyoto Station, not at the hotel itself! Luckily, the reception itself is open 24/7, and if you need to store your luggage for the day after check-out, they can do that for you.
Name in English:
Rinn Gion Nawate
Name in Japanese:
鈴 祇園縄手
English address:
23 Benzaiten-cho, Higashiyama-ku
Japanese address:
東山区弁財天町23
Price:
Internet: wifi access
Non-smoking rooms: Yes
Nearest Transport:
2min walk from Gion-shijo Station Exit 9, Keihan line
Telephone: 746-2402
Website:
:: Check availability on Booking.com or Agoda.com
Official site: (English)
Rinn-Kyomachi.com
Near To Here:
Rinn Gion Nawate is located in Kyoto’s Downtown district. See our complete list of things to do in Downtown Kyoto, 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
- 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