Nishijinso (Yadoya Nishijinso in Japanese) is a small inn of eight rooms on the west side of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, close to the Horikawa-Imadegawa crossing in the old Nishijin weaving district. It has been run for more than 70 years and was renovated in 2005. Before you book, three things matter: reservations are taken by phone, 10:00 to 18:00; the private bath is open 18:00 to 23:00; and breakfast must be requested when you book.
Where is Nishijinso, and what is nearby?
The inn describes itself as sitting in the center of Kyoto, west of the Imperial Palace. The Nishijin Textile Center is just across Horikawa Street, and Seimei Shrine is a short walk. The inn lists the Kyoto Imperial Palace at about 8 minutes on foot, and Nijo Castle and Kinkakuji at about 5 and 6 minutes by car. A convenience store is a minute away.
The garden changes with the seasons: crape myrtle from spring into summer, red leaves in autumn, and camellia and nandina in winter. The inn suggests viewing it through the round window at the entrance.
Nishijinso at a glance
| Item | Official information |
|---|---|
| Address | 458 Nishi-machi, Motoseiganji-dori Horikawa Higashi-iru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto |
| Rooms | 8: tatami rooms of 8 to 14 mats and two Western twin rooms |
| Check-in | From 16:00 |
| Bath | Private bath, 18:00–23:00 (shower-only use is fine) |
| Meals | Kyoto obanzai breakfast, on request when booking |
| Booking | By phone, 10:00–18:00 (075-441-6860) |
| Payment | Cash or credit card |
| Wi-Fi | Free, throughout the building |
| Parking | 3 free spaces, first come, no reservations |
From the official site, read October 16, 2026.
Which room should I choose at Nishijinso?
What sizes are the rooms?
The rooms are named after Kyoto places. Nishijin is an 11-mat room for 3 with windows on all four sides. Gosho (14 mats, 4 guests) faces the garden and a courtyard garden, with snow-viewing shoji screens. Rakuhoku is another 14-mat room for 4, presented as a family room. Rakuchu (10 mats) and Uji (9 mats, facing the garden, with the feel of a tea room) sleep 2. Maruyama (8 mats, 2 guests) has a chair and table. Arashiyama and Saga are Western twin rooms for 2.
What is in the room?
Every room has a TV, phone, kettle and tea set, fridge and hair dryer, plus toothbrush set, soap, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, shower cap, towels, bath towel, yukata and slippers. The official pages do not say whether rooms have their own bath or toilet, so ask when you book if that matters to you.
How does the bath work at Nishijinso?
When is the private bath open?
The inn has a private bath, open from 18:00 to 23:00, and you may use it for a shower only. It describes a Japanese-style bath with a small courtyard garden and a Western-style bath, meant for families to relax together. There is no hot spring, large public bath or outdoor bath on the official pages. Our private bath guide explains how these work in Japan.
Can I bathe with a tattoo?
The official pages do not mention tattoos. The bath is private, but ask the inn before you book. Our tattoo and onsen guide lists what to ask.
What are the meals like at Nishijinso?
What is breakfast?
Breakfast is Kyoto obanzai, home-style dishes made with seasonal Kyoto vegetables. If you want it, say so when you book. It is served in a large dining room with windows on three sides overlooking the garden.
Is there dinner, and can the inn handle allergies?
The official pages have a dinner heading but do not describe a dinner menu; they only say that from December 28 to January 4 the inn prepares breakfast only. Allergies and special diets are not mentioned either, so ask the inn directly.
What do I need to know about prices, children and payment?
How much does a room cost?
The official site does not list room prices; it refers guests to a third-party booking site for plans. We do not quote prices here. One fee the inn does list: yukata rental with dressing in July and August only, 6,000 yen for women and 8,000 yen for men.
Do children stay free, and can I cancel?
Neither child rates nor a cancellation policy appear on the official pages. Ask the inn for both before you confirm; our hotel cancellation guide explains common terms in Japan.
How do I pay, and what is the Kyoto accommodation tax?
The inn accepts cash or credit card; card brands are not listed. Kyoto City also charges an accommodation tax per person per night, based on the room-only price (meals and consumption tax excluded), paid to the inn unless it is already included in your booking. The rates from March 1, 2026:
| Room-only price per person per night | Tax |
|---|---|
| Under 6,000 yen | 200 yen |
| 6,000 to under 20,000 yen | 400 yen |
| 20,000 to under 50,000 yen | 1,000 yen |
| 50,000 to under 100,000 yen | 4,000 yen |
| 100,000 yen or more | 10,000 yen |
From the City of Kyoto, read October 16, 2026.
How do I get to Nishijinso in Kyoto?
By subway, get off at Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma Line; the inn recommends Exit 3, which has an elevator. By city bus, route 9 stops at Ichijo-Modoribashi and Horikawa Imadegawa, both about 2 minutes from the inn. By car, allow about 20 to 30 minutes from the Kyoto-Higashi or Kyoto-Minami interchange via Horikawa Gojo. No shuttle is listed.
What foreign guests should know before staying at Nishijinso
- The official site is in Japanese only, and booking is by phone from 10:00 to 18:00 Japan time. Plan the call around the time difference.
- Breakfast is not automatic: request it when you book.
- The inn keeps luggage for you, can receive and send parcels, and offers luggage delivery for a fee.
- Three rental bicycles are lent first come, first served.
- Traveling with a pet? Western rooms only, one per family, booked in advance; see our hotel pet fees guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book a room at Nishijinso?
Does Nishijinso have a private bath?
Is breakfast included at Nishijinso?
Can I bring my dog to Nishijinso?
Is there parking at Nishijinso?
Bottom line (2026): Nishijinso is an eight-room inn with a garden west of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, with a private bath from 18:00 to 23:00 and an obanzai breakfast on request. Book by phone, and ask about prices, children and cancellation before you confirm.
Sources
Every fact on this page is from Nishijinso’s official pages: home (Japanese), about, rooms, facilities and access, and the City of Kyoto accommodation tax page. All were read on October 16, 2026. Prices and rules change; check the official site before you book.
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