Shizuru 鴨川 “”旧SGR鴨川””
9.7
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.7/10, based on 42 reviews.
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Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
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This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 3:00 PM
Riverside Location
City Center
Station Access
Ryokan highlights
A private-stay Kyoto riverside ryokan-style property near Gion-Shijo with strong access and Kamogawa atmosphere.
Kamogawa RiversideSet by the Kamogawa, giving the stay a distinctly Kyoto riverside feel.
Near Gion-ShijoAbout a short walk from Gion-Shijo Station for easy city access.
Private Floor RoomsLower floors are designed as one-room-per-floor private accommodation.
Central Sightseeing BaseWell placed for Kawaramachi, Gion, dining streets, and east Kyoto sightseeing.
Kyoto AtmosphereCombines a calm hideaway feel with classic Kamogawa and Kiyamachi surroundings.
Group-Friendly LayoutSome layouts suit small groups wanting shared space with extra privacy.
Who is this ryokan best for?
Recommended stay2 nightsAccess is the strongest driver here: the property sits near Kyoto-Kawaramachi and Gion-Shijo, so 2 nights works well for an afternoon check-in, evening river walk and dinner, then one full sightseeing day before moving on.
Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a central Kyoto sightseeing stay with a calmer Kamogawa-facing feel, not as a true destination onsen ryokan.
Know before booking
Food & drinks
A small riverside ryokan with in-room breakfast service and easy access to Kiyamachi and Pontocho dining.
Dining Room (on-site)
In-room dining style; breakfast can be served to guestrooms.
Kyoto Kamogawa Club (nearby)
Riverside Italian dining almost next door on Kiyamachi.
Pontocho Kappa (nearby)
Useful nearby spot for obanzai-style small plates and drinks in the Pontocho area.
Access, transport and nearby sights
This riverside Kyoto ryokan is in the central Kawaramachi-Gion area and is easiest to reach via nearby Keihan and Hankyu stations, with Kyoto Station as the main long-distance rail hub.
Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.
Should you choose this ryokan?
This is a small, design-forward Kyoto stay with only five large rooms in a prime Kamogawa-side location near Gion-Shijo and Kawaramachi. It suits travelers who value space, views, and privacy more than full ryokan-style services or on-site facilities.
5 reasons to choose this ryokan
best points
- Rarely spacious for central KyotoThe property has only five rooms, and the main Kamogawa-view rooms are about 67㎡, which is unusually generous for this part of Kyoto. That extra space makes a real difference for couples, families, or longer stays.
- Beautiful Kamo River viewsMost rooms face the Kamogawa, with large glass windows and even bath views in river-facing rooms. The setting gives the stay a calm scenic feel despite being in the middle of the city.
- Excellent access without feeling far from Kyoto lifeIt is a short walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo and Hankyu Kawaramachi, so moving around Kyoto is easy. You can quickly reach dining, shopping, and evening walks while still staying right by the river.
- Private, low-density atmosphereWith just one guest room per floor on most levels, the layout feels much more private than a standard hotel. This is especially appealing if you want a quieter base and less hallway traffic.
- Comfort-focused interiors for longer staysRooms are equipped with underfloor heating, a kitchenette, microwave, refrigerator, and modern furnishings, which adds practical comfort beyond a typical sightseeing sleepover. In colder months, the heated floors are a particularly strong plus.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan
watch-outs
- Not a classic full-service ryokan experienceThis stay leans more toward a modern boutique inn than a traditional ryokan with elaborate communal bathing or a highly ceremonial atmosphere. Travelers seeking a strongly old-style Japanese inn feel may find it less immersive.
- Very limited on-site facilitiesBecause the property is so small, you should not expect the broad facilities of a larger hotel. It is more about the room itself and the location than about lounges, spa features, or multiple in-house services.
- No parking on siteThe property does not provide parking, so drivers need to rely on nearby paid parking. That can be inconvenient if you are doing a road trip or arriving with a lot of luggage by car.
- Only some rooms get the headline river viewThe strongest visual appeal comes from the Kamogawa-view rooms, while one upper-floor room faces Kiyamachi instead. If the room category matters to you, booking the wrong type could change the whole experience.
- Busy nightlife area nearbyThe location is excellent, but it sits close to the Gion-Shijo and Kawaramachi entertainment zone rather than in a remote retreat area. If you want a deeply secluded hot spring style escape, this setting may feel too urban.
Ranking around this ryokan in Kyoto
Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.
Current position: 21st out of 141 ryokans in Kyoto.
| Rank | Ryokan | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16th | Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei | 9.5/10 | 823 |
| 17th | Fujiya Ryokan | 9.5/10 | 444 |
| 18th | Taikyourou | 9.5/10 | 356 |
| 19th | Yamadaya Ryokan | 9.5/10 | 356 |
| 20th | Nazuna Kyoto Higashi Honganji | 9.5/10 | 198 |
| 21st | Shizuru 鴨川 “”旧SGR鴨川”” Current ryokan | 9.7/10 | 42 |
| 22nd | Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado | 9.5/10 | 143 |
| 23rd | Nanzenji sando KIKUSUI | 9.5/10 | 141 |
| 24th | 明和荘Mei Wa Inn | 9.5/10 | 113 |
| 25th | Luck You Kyoto | 9.4/10 | 1,973 |
| 26th | Ryokan Ginkaku Kyoto | 9.4/10 | 688 |
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