Watazen Ryokan (Watazen) is a Japanese inn in central Kyoto, founded in 1830 as a travelers’ lodge on the streets where the Gion Festival floats pass. Nishiki Market and the Shinkyogoku arcade are within walking distance. Before you book, three things matter: it is built around families with children; every room is a Japanese tatami room for up to five; and there is no parking, so arrive by train, bus or taxi.
Watazen Ryokan at a glance
| Item | Official information |
|---|---|
| Address | 413 Izutsuya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8113 |
| Founded | 1830; a government-registered ryokan |
| Rooms | All Japanese-style, 10 or 12 tatami mats, up to 5 guests |
| Check-in / out | 16:00 / 10:00 |
| Curfew | None |
| Baths | Separate baths for men and women, 16:00–1:00 and 6:00–9:00 |
| Prices | From 11,400 yen per person, room only (3 adults sharing) |
| Payment | Cash, credit card, PayPay; advance bank transfer possible |
| Parking | None (coin parking nearby) |
| Phone | +81-75-223-0111 |
From the official site and booking page, read October 20, 2026.
The inn says it aims to let guests stay in Kyoto as comfortably as at home, without anything showy, and that it is now run mainly by a young couple. It renovated fully in 1984 and in part in 2015, and its head chef has run the kitchen for more than 40 years.
Families with children at Watazen Ryokan
What does the inn offer for babies and small children?
The children’s page calls the inn child-first. It lists a baby set, bottle sterilizing and warming of baby food, and families may bring their own baby food, or food for a child with a serious allergy.
How are children charged?
Charges follow a count by the number of futons. An elementary school child who eats the same two meals as adults pays the adult rate. For younger children, the FAQ lists a petit meal at 1,200 yen and a children’s breakfast at 1,500 yen, before tax. The fee for infants who share a futon and meals differs between official pages, so confirm it with the inn when you book.
Rooms and the shared baths at Watazen Ryokan
What are the rooms like?
All rooms are Japanese-style, on the 2nd to 4th floors, with futons on tatami. The rooms page lists two types, both non-smoking and both for up to five guests:
| Room type | Size | Bathroom |
|---|---|---|
| Renovated Japanese room | 10 tatami mats | Shower booth, toilet, washbasin |
| Larger Japanese room | 10 or 12 tatami mats | Bathtub, toilet, washbasin |
From the official rooms page (Japanese), read October 20, 2026.
Rooms have a TV, phone, tea set, refrigerator, hair dryer, their own air conditioning, a safe and an air purifier, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Toiletries, towels and yukata are provided. Pets are not allowed, and in June 2026 the inn announced a new ostomate-friendly toilet.
When are the baths open?
The large baths, separate for men and women, are in the basement and open from 16:00 to 1:00 at night and from 6:00 to 9:00 in the morning. Depending on the season there is a hinoki cypress bath or a yuzu bath, and cold hojicha tea waits after your bath. Shampoo, conditioner and soap are provided.
Is there a private bath, and can I bathe with a tattoo?
The official pages do not mention a private bath, an open-air bath or tattoos. If you want a bath to yourself, the larger rooms have their own tub. Ask the inn about tattoos before you book; our tattoo and onsen guide explains what to ask.
Meals at Watazen Ryokan
What is dinner like?
Dinner is served in your room or a private room, and sometimes in a dining room. You choose the plan: seasonal Kyoto kaiseki, Kuroge wagyu sukiyaki or shabu-shabu, a kaiseki of Kyoto vegetables and yuba, chanko nabe, or the inn’s own Miyabi hot pot. The signature dessert is a white miso pudding. Dinner and breakfast start at set times; the official pages list different hours, so confirm your time with the inn.
What is breakfast like?
Breakfast is served in the breakfast hall, with dishes such as yudofu (simmered tofu), Kyoto pickles and grilled fish. If you would rather eat out, Nishiki Market is close; see our Nishiki Market food guide.
Can the inn handle allergies?
Yes. The Japanese FAQ says dishes can be changed for allergies; tell the inn the exact ingredients in advance.
Prices, tax, cancellation and payment at Watazen Ryokan
How much does a stay cost?
Per person per night, including consumption tax, the Japanese booking page lists room only from 11,400 yen and breakfast from 14,150 yen (both with 3 adults sharing), sukiyaki dinner plans from 20,200 yen and the standard Kyoto kaiseki from 22,400 yen (2 adults sharing). The per-person price depends on how many share the room. On some days, room-only plans cannot be booked for one or two guests.
Is there a Kyoto accommodation tax?
Yes. From March 1, 2026, the City of Kyoto charges per person per night, by the room rate: 200 yen under 6,000 yen; 400 yen from 6,000 yen; 1,000 yen from 20,000 yen; 4,000 yen from 50,000 yen; and 10,000 yen from 100,000 yen. The booking page does not say whether its prices include it. Source: Kyoto City Official Travel Guide (Japanese).
What is the cancellation policy?
| When you cancel | Fee |
|---|---|
| 3 or 2 days before | 30% |
| The day before | 50% |
| On the day | 100% |
| No-show | 100% |
From the official rooms page, read October 20, 2026.
Some plans and dates have their own rules; the New Year plans charge from one week before. The FAQ says fees do not apply when a natural disaster stops public transport. See our hotel cancellation guide.
How do I pay?
Cash, credit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, UnionPay and others) or PayPay, or by bank transfer in advance. Bookings on the official website need no deposit; phone bookings need a 10,000 yen deposit.
Getting to Watazen Ryokan in Kyoto, near Shijo
| Station | On foot |
|---|---|
| Shijo (Karasuma subway line) | About 8 min |
| Karasuma (Hankyu) | About 8 min |
| Karasuma Oike (subway) | About 10 min |
| Gion-Shijo (Keihan) | About 13 min |
From the official access page, read October 20, 2026.
From Kyoto Station, a taxi takes about 15 minutes; or take city bus 5 to Shijo-Takakura and walk about 6 minutes. The access page notes that underground exit 13 at Shijo is closed and to use exit 14. From Kansai Airport, the Haruka express reaches Kyoto Station in about 1 hour 20 minutes; see our Kansai Airport to Kyoto guide. The official pages do not mention a pickup.
What foreign guests should know before staying at Watazen Ryokan
- There is no curfew, but the front desk serves from 7:00 to 22:00 and the front automatic door is switched off at night. Tell the inn if you will arrive after 21:00.
- On dinner plans, arrive by 19:00.
- The inn keeps luggage before check-in and after checkout, and offers a carry service to Kyoto Station.
- The contact form is in Japanese only; phone +81-75-223-0111 for anything urgent.
- There is a coin laundry on site.
Frequently asked questions
Is Watazen Ryokan good for families with children?
What time is check-in at Watazen Ryokan?
When are the baths open at Watazen Ryokan?
What is the cancellation policy at Watazen Ryokan?
Is there parking at Watazen Ryokan?
Bottom line (2026): Watazen Ryokan is a family-run Kyoto inn founded in 1830, near Nishiki Market, with tatami rooms for up to five, late-night shared baths and real help for families with babies. There is no parking. Book on the official English booking page and read your plan’s cancellation rules there.
Sources
Every fact on this page is from Watazen Ryokan’s official pages: home (Japanese), English page, rooms, facilities, meals, children, FAQ, access and terms, and the official booking page in English and Japanese. The tax rates are from the Kyoto City Official Travel Guide. All were read on October 20, 2026. Prices and rules change; check the official site before you book.
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