Citrus-scented culinary sanctum
Stone steps beside Yasaka Shrine climb to a secluded culinary inn filled with the scent of fresh yuzu and seasonal wildflowers.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Tatami living paired with multi-course seasonal kaiseki, Kyoto vegetables, and signature yuzu citrus hot pot.
Notable
Twin communal cypress baths filled daily with hot water and whole, floating fresh yuzu fruit.
Listed
Intimate eight-room ryokan hospitality featuring evening futon turndown and attentive tableside kaiseki service.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Highly perfumed with citron, the Yuzuya has a public bath and considerate service.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Yasaka Shrine sits right next door, with Gion's preserved stone lanes and historic teahouses unfolding immediately beyond the entrance gate.
The rooms
Tatami mat floors and futons set an uncluttered rhythm, while select upgraded rooms feature private deep-soaking hinoki cypress tubs.
The baths
Communal hinoki tubs are filled daily with steaming water and whole, seasonal yuzu floating across the surface.
Restaurant
Isshinkyo
Sunken horigotatsu tables look out over a mossy courtyard garden, serving seasonal kaiseki and rice porridge finished with fresh yuzu.
How it began
Conceived as a mountain hermitage in bustling Gion, the inn was built to celebrate seasonal Kyoto cooking and aromatic citrus.
Good to know
Stay here
Yuzuya Ryokan
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.