Tawaraya – Japan’s Finest Ryokan
Tawaraya is widely considered to be Japan’s finest ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). It’s also one of Kyoto’s most expensive accommodations. We recently spent one glorious night at Tawaraya to try to answer the question: is it worth it?
Best Kyoto Hotels for Families 2026
We know what it’s like to travel with children, so we’ve put together a list of the most family-friendly hotels in Kyoto. We’ve personally inspected or stayed in all of these hotels.
How to Make Restaurant Reservations in Japan
Language barriers and local customs make it difficult to reserve tables at good restaurants in Japan, but it can be done. Here are all the details on booking restaurants yourself, via hotel concierges, and using restaurant booking services.
Ohara Day Trip
Ohara is an ancient farming village north of Kyoto, famous for its rural beauty and the historical and spiritual significance of its many temples. Here is a comprehensive tour of Ohara’s key sites.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
For all the essentials, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
For ideas on how to structure your trip, see my list of Kyoto Itineraries
Here’s a comprehensive list of Things To Do In Kyoto for inspiration and to book ahead where necessary
Do you want help planning your Japan trip? My team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
See my one page guide on Where To Stay In Kyoto for the best neighborhoods and my top hotel picks in every price range
Consider staying in a Kyoto ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. It’s a quintessential Japanese experience. My comprehensive Kyoto ryokan guide explains what to expect from a stay
There have been some superb new hotels opening in Kyoto in recent years – see Kyoto’s Best New Hotels for an overview
You can buy a Japan eSim SIM card or an unlimited data pocket wifi router online before you arrive in Japan for collection on arrival
View my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
See if the Japan Rail Pass can save you money during your trip
Why it’s essential to have travel insurance for Japan
Travellers to Japan no longer need to supply proof of Covid vaccination or a negative test. We have all the latest news on visiting Japan
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