Stayed at the Watazen Ryokan in the middle of April for six nights (two adults, two teenagers). Well well run Ryokan, very friendly and helpful staff. Conveniently located in the City Center, close to some fabulous shopping streets. Highly recommended.

We spent a night in this ryokan. Such a great experience. The room is clean and the bath is nice. The location is the best as you can walk to the market and malls with in 5 mins. Recommended. (there in no wifi in the room only in the lobby area but it was acceptable to us).

A wonderful place to stay, great location. The hosts were very welcoming and helpful. Gave us restaurant recommendations every night and they were all delicious. You HAVE to go to Ganko sushi, the salmon nigiri & fatty tuna is to die for. Room was spacious, very clean. The onsen baths downstairs were lovely after a long day walking around the... More

This was our first night in a traditional Japanese ryokan, so we didn't have much of a basis for comparison. But we loved Watazen. The staff members were friendly, the traditional Japanese breakfasts were tasty (and filling) and we absolutely loved the hot baths, which weren't exactly "onsens" because they were indoors, but were relaxing nonetheless. The futons we slept... More

This place is a traditional Japanese hotel with excellent food and public bath. All the staff are friendly and helpful while the rooms are comfortable and clean. The location is right in the centre of Kyoto and near a metro station and famous Nishiki market. Good value at the price.

We were 3 friends. It was very nice sleep in futon, quite comfortable and we really enjoyed an exquisite dinner, served in our room by our personal maid as per tradition. Food was excellent and rich, service was faultless and kind. The room was bigger than expected even if without any wardrobe for clothes (it was occupied by the futons).... More

Watazen is a tastefully designed traditional ryokan in a great location only steps away from Nishiki markets. Spotlessly clean throughout. The room is lovely... Great decor good size and very comfortable bedding. The traditional Japanese gowns were a nice touch. Room had a slightly strong smell of the tatami straw but it was not offensive. The onsen was an absolute... More

Stayed here for a few nights in Jan 2013 (5 people). A really nice hotel with a western edge and ryokan style rooms. Great location near the large malls of Kyoto and not far to Gion. If you want to get around, Watazen hires bikes for quite low costs (I think it was about $10 AUD for me). There are... More

I stayed 2 nights at this Ryoken. People are very friendly and efficient. All the amenities were as expected (nice Japanase style large room [with a small but useful working desk and chair in addition to the classical low Japanese table], quite good "in room" classical Japanese evening dinner, nice Japanese breakfast (but you may also choose a a western... More