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Watazen: Traveler Reviews

3.0 of 5
413 Izutsuyacho, Rokkaku Sagaru, Yanaginobaba, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 604-8113 , Japan (Kawaramachi/Karasuma/Shijo Omiya)
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Watazen
Ranked #13 of 189 Kyoto B&B and Inns
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97 reviews from our community

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Traveler rating
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Worthington, Ohio
Senior Contributor
49 reviews 49 reviews
33 hotel reviews
Reviews in 34 cities Reviews in 34 cities
33 helpful votes 33 helpful votes
“Ryokan for the Westerner, Steps away from Central Kyoto.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 30, 2013

This is the ryokan that has truly understood the need for a mid- to introduce Japanese culture to Westerners. All staff spoke good English. The rooms, though Japanese style, has the amenities a Westerner would expect to see in a room. The room is also more spacious than usual and since we were here in the middle of winter, heat was also very adequate. There is also Japanese and Western breakfasts offered in the morning. Continental breakfast was offered free during our stay. This ryokan is steps away from the shopping district so it is very convenient also to anywhere else in Kyoto you would consider going. This ryokan truly gets that Westerners may want to experience traditional Japan, but maintain a bit of 'Western' in the amenities offered in a lodging. Good job Watazen!

  • Stayed January 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
watazen, フロント オフィス マネージャー at Watazen, responded to this review
February 1, 2013
Thank you for your stay at Watazen.
How was the TATAMI room? Did you wear YUKATA?
We are vely glad that you enjoyed Japanese culture.
There are many places to see in Kyoto not only temples but Shinto shrines.
In spring time, it fill with cherry blossoms. In fall, you can enjoy autumnal leaves across
Kyoto.
We wish we can serve you next time when you travel Kyoto.
Thank you again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Brisbane, Australia
1 review
“Watazen Ryokan”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 22, 2013

Brilliant location, delightful service, the best Japanese breakfasts and delicious dinner. As a coeliac, I was so grateful to staff for sourcing gluten free soy sauce and preparing all my food accordingly. Starting the day with a hot onsen style bath blissful.I cannot speak too highly of this ryokan.

  • Stayed December 2012, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Louise M about Watazen
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
watazen, フロント オフィス マネージャー at Watazen, responded to this review
February 1, 2013
Thank you for your stay at Watazen Ryokan.
All the staff of Watazen are very happy to hear that you enjoyed Japanease foods.
Most of Japanese dishes are sesoned soy sause. It is not so difficult to get gkuten free one.
Please, visit Kyoto again and try various traditional deshes.
We wish we can serve you next time at Watazen. Thank you again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
“Nice Hotel, Friendly Hotel Staff, Great Location”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 12, 2013

The hotel is located right in the center of Kyoto city. Walking distance to Nishiki Food Market & Gion. The traditional Japanese hotel room is nice & clean. Hotel staff is nice & friendly. They are so kind to lead us to their recommended car-park which is few streets away from hotel building & fetch us with our luggage to the same car-park on our check-out. The Kaiseki dinner & Shabu Shabu dinner was served at hotel room & tasted great ! The staff will set the bed after dinner. This is our first experience in staying at traditional Japanese ryokan & Watazen Ryokan gave us great experience.

Room Tip: Excellent Kaiseki Dinner served in room
See more room tips
  • Stayed December 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask YuenYW about Watazen
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
watazen, フロント オフィス マネージャー at Watazen, responded to this review
January 15, 2013
Thank you for your say at Watazen Ryokan.
We are very glad to hear you that you really enjoyed Japanese traditional dishes.

We hope we can serve you again in near future.
Thank you very much.
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Nerima-ku, Tokyo, Japan
1 review
“nice location in the city center”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed December 28, 2012

nice location in the city center
from the hotel you can walk to subway and you and access the hotel by bus
good experience for ryokan (japanese hotel style)
dinner here was nice
there are onzen Japanese bath style inside the hotel
the owner of the hotel come to greeting u at you room very worm welcome

  • Stayed December 2012, traveled with family
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Yick Yoi F about Watazen
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
watazen, フロント オフィス マネージャー at Watazen, responded to this review
February 1, 2013
Thank you for your stay at Watazen.
Did you enjoy shopping at Nishiki food market?
We are vely glad that you enjoyed Japanese style dinner in your room.
We are looking forward to seeing you again in near future.
Thank you again.
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Coolangatta, Australia
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Watazen Ryokan”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 19, 2012

Excellent location, close to market street and shopping. Very helpful and friendly staff. Asked for transport advice from reception staff and they kindly marked sights on a map and explained buses. They recommended a bus day pass (500 yen) which was great value. Can buy at reception. Breakfast is very nice, they even cater for vegetarians. Japanese style room with futons was super comfortable. I would definitely recommend and stay here again.

  • Stayed December 2012, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 3 more reviews by 438Karen for Kyoto
Ask 438Karen about Watazen
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
 
 
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Additional Information about Watazen

Also Known As:
Watazen Hotel Kyoto
Watazen Hotel
Address: 413 Izutsuyacho, Rokkaku Sagaru, Yanaginobaba, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 604-8113 , Japan
Phone Number:
Region: Japan > Kinki > Kyoto Prefecture > Kyoto > Kawaramachi/Karasuma/Shijo Omiya
Amenities:
Hotel Style:
Ranked #13 of 189 B&Bs / Inns in Kyoto
Price Range: $$
Hotel Class:3 star (3*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
WATAZEN is a Classical Japanese Inn with modern amenities, located in the center of Kyoto. It has been a familiar inn for many travelers to Kyoto since [Tenpo Gannen](1830). Today, many people enjoy our traditional harmonious atmosphere in central Kyoto. We are confident that our excellent service and cuisine will make your visit to Kyoto a memorable one. Please enjoy Kyoto and relax at WATAZEN. The cost is from 6300JPY - per person. ... more   less 
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