This is the perfect choice for the English speaking visitor who has not stayed in a Japanese style Inn. Having dinner cooked for you in your room and sleeping on a mat is certainly different - but they make it seem comfortable and wonderful. You get a small flat screen TV, wireless in the lobby, a great common bath and... more

This didn't really feel like a traditional ryokan. For one, it was bigger than most, and we didn't leave our shoes at the door. However, if you are looking for comfort and luxury, this is a great place to stay. They have private toilets and tubs, and the rooms are very clean and spacious with large televisions. However, the staff... more

The Watazen Ryokan is the perfect choice for those looking for a Traditional Japanese accomodation with the comfort & convenience of a modern hotel. After our tiny room in Hiroshima we were blessed to find an enourmous room with large main living area separated by doors to a sun room balcony on one side and large luggage & wardrobe area... more

Just came back from a 2 weeks trip in Japan and we stayed at the Watazen Ryokan for 4 nights in Jan 09. Our room was huge by Japanese standard with green tatami mats, traditional Japanese decorations and fresh flowers! When we first checked in, a nice lady in Kimono served us green tea and offered us traditional Kyoto sweets.... more

We were looking for a ryokan to stay in closer to the Gion area of Kyoto. The ryokan we had stayed in the night before had been disappointing, the room was okay, but the staff was rude. We called the Watazen Ryokan directly. The desk clerk was extremely helpful with directions to the area, letting us know exactly how to... more

I booked the Watazen based on the reviews on trip adviser and was not disappointed. The room was fantastic, the food was great and the staff were really helpful, even assisting my travel companion in securing soccer tickets to a game in Osaka. The futons were incredibly comfortable and even though our room was on the second floor - or... more

After staying at K's House, I decided to let my children experience a traditional Japanese inn. I am so glad I chose Watazen. My three young boys who are avid samurai fans, had a tremendous time at Watazen. They loved the tatami room and their futon 'beds' spread out on the floor. They were thrilled to wear the 'yukata' robes... more

Stayed 2 nights in this hotel. Nice, clean hotel in typical Japanese style with friendly, helpful staff who speak English. Great service -shown to my room and made green tea in my room on arrival, offered hotel umbrella when it was raining. Nice rooms of decent size. Good location near Shijo train station (10 mins from Kyoto station by train),... more

We spent three nights in Kyoto in August and it was very hard to find a central accomodation for 4 people, so we finally got 1 night at Matsui Hotel booked through the site japaneseguesthouses.com and 2 nights at the Watazen ryokan booked directly on the hotel website. Both choice were excellent. I can only confirm all previous reviews: Watazen... more