This is the place for a classic ryokan experience for a reasonable price, we managed to get a good deal on Expedia for a Japanese style room with bathroom, and breakfast and dinner included, so it was excellent value for money. However, for the standard price on their website, I agree with the other reviews that could be a bit overpriced.

The ryokan is located near the main shopping streets, and is walkable distance to Gion. However, it is about 5-10 walk from the nearest bus stop/subway which could be tricky with luggage, and the small street where it's located could be hard to find.

In terms of service, this place is impeccable, most staff spoke a reasonable degree of English, we received a personal welcome (and farewell) from the owner, dinner was served in our room with no extra charge which always makes it extra special, and you had your own attendant showing you to the room and explaining details for your stay.

The room was fairly large, and had ensuite bathroom which is quite small. Though everything was fairly well kept and looked clean, the building and decor is showing its age, and looks quite worn. The poor ventilation also means that there are a slight odour in most areas.

In terms of the dinner, as I have eaten many good quality Japanese meals, the meals served here can only be classed as average at best. The sushi/sashimi were not particularly fresh, and though the meal was served as a kaiseki, variety and quantity did not match the expectation I had.

Overall, we had a pleasant stay, internet access was available in the lounge and there was a laundromat for use at a small fee, as we paid a reasonable price per night, we felt satisfied we got average standards, but it's definitely not paying for the full price for.

On my recent trip to Japan, I stayed at both a small family-run ryokan in Nara for about 11,500 yen, and ryokan Watazen in Kyoto for 33,600 yen. The 33,600 yen include both dinner and breakfast. We were in Kyoto during the high season, so prices are generally quite steep. We wanted a ryokan experience, but decided to stay at Watazen for only one night because the price was so steep.

For 33,600 yen, we got the following:

1.) A fairly spacious room with a two small tables, one with uncomfortable chairs next to the heater, and the other with cushions
2.) Futons, rolled out and available only at night. (They rolled the futons back at breakfast.)

Because of #1 and #2, there was really no comfortable place to sit in the room

3.) Small window looking out at a wall
4.) Modern, hotel-style reception with very friendly staff. The girl who escorted us to our room was very nice but not Japanese which certainly took away from the authenticity of the experience.
5.) An extremely interesting, but rushed dinner. The dinner was fascinating and extensive with a wide variety of food and left us stuffed to the gills. It was definitely the highlight of the stay. However, I felt very rushed as they kept bringing more food before we'd even started on what we had, and we didn't have time to eat things before they got cold. I would have preferred to savor and take my time with such an expensive dinner.
6.) Good location. I actually preferred the location of our other hotel in Gion (the geisha district in East Kyoto), but this ryokan is in old Kyoto, so it's definitely a good location.
7.) A cubbyhole bathroom with an acceptable shower and good water pressure.
8.) A light, traditional breakfast. The breakfast was comparable, maybe not as good as, the breakfast we paid 850 yen apiece for at the other ryokan we stayed at.

The bottom line is that I felt this place was overpriced. There are many, many ryokans in Kyoto, and I'd give a different one a try if I went back. Watazen seemed commercial, and feeling rushed at dinner was unfortunate.

All ryokans in Kyoto are pricey, especially during the high season when we were there. If you want the ryokan experience and you're going during high season, consider staying at a ryokan for one night only, and staying at a hotel the other nights. Other less expensive cities might be a better choice to savor the experience.

a classic ryokan -- clean and spacious tatami room with private bathroom, as well as public bath.

staff were very helpful when we asked for directions.

absolutely good location, with old houses around, where you can really feel kyoto, unlike kyoto station area.

Good location with 5 mins walk from train station and 2 mins to the market. The building was old but comfortable. Arrived early for check-in and the receptionist organised the tea ceremony instead of the maid. Didn't try the public bath as our room is ensuite. The 10 courses traditional dinner were amazing...... the highlight of our trip..... with super service by the maid. The bed was comfortable and had a good sleep with the strong air-cond on. The traditional Japanese breakfast was good but complicated......have to follow what to do by the female boss with a funny character...... always telling everyone that there was a coffer machine available with her broken English. A cultural experience of our lifetime!