Kyoto Traveler’s Inn – The Kyoto Hotel That’s Also An Art Gallery (Review)

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Located in the authentic and traditional district of Higashiyama, and featuring artwork by mural artist Hideki Kimura, Kyoto Traveler's Inn offers affordable accommodation in both Japanese and Western style rooms. 

Straddling the boundary between hotel and guesthouse/hostel, Kyoto Traveler's Inn is independent, family owned and run. It has 78 rooms in total.

Kyoto Traveler's Inn The Real Japan Rob Dyer Hideki Kimura

Review: Kyoto Traveler's Inn
By Rob Dyer


Headline Features

  • Uniquely commissioned artwork by mural artist Hideki Kimura
  • Choice of Japanese or western style rooms
  • Good quality, individually-prepared breakfasts
  • Excellent location for Heian Shrine & the National Museum of Modern Art
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Location: the traditional Higashiyama neighbourhood

The Higashiyama district is in the north-east of Kyoto. It's away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre and well located for exploring this uncommercialized part of Japan's old capital.

It's close to Bijutsukan-mae bus stop (route No. 5) and Higashiyama or Keage Stations on the subway are a 7 minute walk.

The Heian Shinto shrine, one of Japan's important cultural properties, is just moments away. As are several museums, including the National Museum of Modern Art. Kyoto City Zoo is a 4 minute walk east.

Kyoto Traveler's Inn The Real Japan Rob Dyer

If you want to be in heart of the action, this may not be the hotel for you. If you prefer to be away from that, but within a few minutes walk of several of Kyoto's cultural highlights then it is ideal.

Book a stay: Kyoto Traveler's Inn

  

Rooms: choose from Japanese or Western style

There's a choice of traditional style Japanese rooms or modern western counterparts. The Japanese rooms are plain and simple and available in two sizes. The smaller (6 tatami) of the two is ideal for couples. The larger (12 tatami) family sized room sleeps up to five.

All rooms (both Japanese and western style) come with en-suite bathrooms.

Kyoto Traveler's Inn The Real Japan Rob Dyer Hideki Kimura

 The western style rooms come in Standard Twin, Standard Triple (three beds), Superior Twin variations. We stayed in one of the Art Concept Twin rooms. At 19.7m it's a decent size and good value for money.

The 'Art Concept' relates to the decoration which uses contemporary styling of traditional Japanese motifs. The lighting matching or enhancing the main colours in each room. Ours was gold which tied in nicely with the bed covers designed by local artist Hideki Kimura. More on him later.

Related: Kyoto City Guide

Kyoto Traveler's Inn The Real Japan Rob Dyer

 To save space, the wash hand basin is opposite the bathroom, near the room entrance, rather than inside the bathroom itself. At first this seemed a little odd, but it was actually very practical.

The bathroom has a toilet room as you enter and a built-in shower cubicle to one side. All as minimal and clean as you'd expect from accommodation in Japan.

The hotel has been in the Nakagawa family for more than 40 years

When we arrived, the hotel was part-way through a refurbishment plan, with rooms being upgraded and redecorated. Currently managed by Izumi Nakagawa, who inherited the business from her father, the hotel has been in the Nakagawa family for more than 40 years.

To save space in the bathroom, the wash hand basin is outside, opposite it, near the room entrance. At first this seemed a little odd, but it was actually very practical. The bathroom has a modern washlet style toilet as you enter and a shower.

Reserve a room: Kyoto Traveler's Inn via Booking.com

Kyoto Traveler's Inn The Real Japan Rob Dyer Hideki Kimura

Our room also had a fridge, air conditioner/heater, tea and coffee-making facilities. We were pleased to see there was a safe as well. The TVs are small. But we rarely watch TV in hotels so that wasn't an issue for us. It may be for you.

Originally, we were thinking of staying in a Japanese style room, but I needed to do some work while we were here. And this room had a console running along the wall at the foot of the beds, with a space in the middle for a chair - which made an ideal makeshift desk. Free wi-fi is included with all rooms - so that was handy.

Yukata sleepwear, bath towel, toothbrush, soap, shampoo and conditioner, and hair dryer come with each room.

Recommended attractions in Kyoto

Kyoto Traveler's Inn Hideki Kimura The Real Japan Rob Dyer

There was a small 'open wardrobe' in our room as well as a few hooks near the door that we used for a few things we needed to hang. Enough space for hanging a couple of items each, plus space by the door for coats.

We were only staying for two nights, so we didn't have much. If you're staying longer and bigger wardrobe space is essential to you this might not suit you.

Although our room faced a road, it was very quiet at all times. Indeed, the entire hotel was. There are wheelchair accessible rooms and a wheelchair accessible bath available to hotel guests.

Note: all rooms are non-smoking - but a designated smoking area is provided.

 

Showa era Japanese baths

On the basement level is a bath with male and female entrances and separation. It's a traditional, somewhat old-school, beige tiled affair that you see in a lot of accommodation dating from the Showa era.

Perfectly functional, if not exactly essential to try. The baths are accessible daily between 3pm and 12:30am.

Related: Onsen Tips For Those With Tattoos

Kyoto Traveler's Inn Hideki Kimura The Real Japan Rob Dyer

Outside the entrances to the baths there's number of open storage baskets where you can leave your clothes. (Bring a towel from your room.) There are no lockers, but that's not so unusual in smaller Japanese hotels and ryokan.

Theft in Japan is extremely uncommon, so I never worry about leaving clothes in such areas. Just be sensible and leave any valuables in your room.

Related: A Luxury Spa Day at Arima Onsen (That Won't Break The Bank)

Kyoto Traveler's Inn The Real Japan Rob Dyer Hideki Kimura

In this area outside the baths are several washers and dryers. So if you have laundry you want to do, then that's possible for a small fee. A one-day dry cleaning service is also bookable.

There's also a couple of toilets and a seating area with a small library.

Recommended attractions in Kyoto

Kyoto Traveler's Inn The Real Japan Rob Dyer


Breakfast at Café Green Box

Breakfast (western and Japanese options) is not included in the room rate and is an extra 950 Yen.

It's served in Café Green Box, at the front of the hotel, which has a terrace area outside overlooking Kyoto's Municipal Museum of Art. Breakfasts are served between 7am and 11am, and lunch between 11am and 2pm.

It's possible to stop at the café for lunch too. The menu based around several staples including curry rice, katsu curry, gyu-don (beef bowl), pork dishes, fried chicken, etc. Beer, sake and shochu are available. However, the hotel does not serve dinner.

Kyoto Traveler's Inn Hideki Kimura The Real Japan Rob Dyer


The coffee served at Green Box is blended just for them by Kyowa Coffee House. If I'm having a western style breakfast then I almost always have a black coffee with it (keeping it black with no sugar is a good way to test the quality and taste). The coffee was good.

Instead of the pre-prepared, buffet style of larger or chain hotels, the breakfasts at Kyoto Traveler's Inn are freshly prepared by their chef.

The western style is a mixture of hot and cold. Unexpectedly (given that this is a small hotel) elements were cooked to order, including an excellent soft omelette. This came with a couple of small Weiner sausages, a slice of ham and a mixed side salad.

SEE ALSO: Kyoto City Guide

Kyoto Traveler's Inn The Real Japan Rob Dyer

 
Thick white toast and butter is served with coffee (or tea) and orange juice.  A couple of wedges of freshly cut orange rounded it off.

The Japanese version was based around freshly grilled fish and a selection of small side dishes. These included a slice of that wonderful egg omelette, pickled root vegetables, kabocha (pumpkin), seaweed and beans.

An onsen tamago (poached) egg in soy based sauce was an unusual and welcome element. The expected miso soup and white rice completed the set. Extra servings of rice and miso are free on request.

Experience: Enjoy Japanese cooking class with friendly locals

Kyoto Traveler's Inn The Real Japan Rob Dyer


I tried both the western and Japanese breakfasts and the freshness and quality of the ingredients struck me on both. If I had to choose between the two, then I think the selection of superb-tasting side dishes means the Japanese option wins out.

My Japanese wife is a tough act to please when it comes to Japanese food, but both she and I think the breakfasts at Kyoto Traveler's Inn are worth adding onto the room rate.

We didn't enquire about vegetarian or vegan options - so if you're interested in either it is worth checking beforehand.

Book at stay at Kyoto Traveler's Inn via Booking.com


Design & décor: Hideki Kimura art

A unique feature of the Kyoto Traveler's Inn is that it has several, specially-commissioned artworks on its walls by the unorthodox mural artist Hideki Kimura.

Kimura was born in Osaka, and was a promoter in the heydays of the Japanese rock music scene before turning his talents to art.

Kyoto Traveler's Inn Hideki Kimura The Real Japan Rob Dyer

 

His characteristic approach, wherein his vividly-coloured images of nature and animals are clearly delineated by gold outlining, can be seen as soon as you walk into the hotel entrance.

The lobby and the ceiling of the Café Green Box are covered with his J-Flowers artwork, completed in 2014. Other details, such as the bedding in some rooms and the noren (curtains) at the entrances to the the bath, also feature Kimura's art.

Kyoto Traveler's Inn Hideki Kimura The Real Japan Rob Dyer


Another distinctive touch is that the walls of the stairs between each of the four floors are all individually decorated with different flora and fauna themes.

There are several other public examples of his work across the city. Room bedding and the noren (curtains) to the baths in the hotel also feature designs by Kimura.

Kyoto Traveler's Inn The Real Japan Rob Dyer

 
Those particularly taken by his art may want to check out a store in the city dedicated to his work. There you can buy silkscreens of his art, as well as a wide range of Kimura-designed merchandise and apparel.

See the Resources section at the bottom of this post for a link.

Experience: Make your own samurai knife with a certified swordsmith


Hotel services

Parking is possible but must be reserved in advance. During the regular season it's priced at 2,000yen. However, rates are subject to change based on the season, so confirm the price with the hotel.

The front desk is open 24/7 and include English speaking staff. Check in is from 3pm each day. The standard checkout time is 10am but, handily, it is possible to extend that for 500yen per house, per person until 12 noon.

Kyoto Traveler's Inn Hideki Kimura The Real Japan Rob Dyer

 
Items like iron, trouser press, dehumidifier and humidifier are available from the front desk.

There is only one vending machines in the hotel and that's on the ground floor. Nearby is an coffee machine that freshly grinds beans for every cup, and a microwave. Both available to use for a couple of hundred yen each.

Book at stay at Kyoto Traveler's Inn via Booking.com

Kyoto Traveler's Inn The Real Japan Rob Dyer

 
The hotel offers a bicycle rental service for an additional charge. Should you need to hire space, the hotel has three bookable function rooms. Two at 100m² and one at 50m².


Nearby: perfect for culture buffs

Heian Shrine, a Shinto shrine and one of Japan's important cultural properties, is just moments away. It's huge red torii (entrance gate) can be seen from the front of the hotel.

Several nationally important cultural sites are within a few minutes walk

Heian Shrine is a big attraction, especially for Japanese tourists. As ever, with popular attractions, the best way to avoid the crowds is to come here early. Something that is easy to do with Kyoto Traveler's Inn being so close.

See the morning freshness of Kyoto in an early bird tour

Kyoto Traveler's Inn The Real Japan Rob Dyer


Culture buffs will be in their element here. The hotel sits directly next to the Okazaki area of Kyoto.

All within a few minutes walk are the Kyoto Prefectural Library, Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, and Kyoto ROHM Kaikan Theatre. The National Museum of Modern Art is directly opposite the hotel.

Located at the foot of the Higasjiyama mountains, Nanzen-ji Temple is one of Japan's most important Zen Buddhist temple. It's just a 10 minute walk east from the hotel.

And for those who like animals, the Kyoto City Zoo is only 4 minutes walk from the hotel.

SEE ALSO: 3 Hidden Kyoto Walks To Get You Off The Beaten Path

Kyoto Traveler's Inn The Real Japan Rob Dyer


Useful Local Information


Foreigner-Friendly taxis

Kyoto City runs what it calls a Foreigner-Friendly taxi service. There are two ‘foreigner-first’ taxi stands outside Kyoto Station.

You can also have a Foreigner Friendly taxi dispatched by using the Taxi dispatching app “Japan Taxi”. Visa and Mastercard credit cards and several smart travel cards are readily accepted for payment - so there is no need to have cash.

The service can be used to visit local tourist spots. See the Resources section below for links to the Foreigner-Friendly taxi app.

Recommended attractions in Kyoto

 

Kyoto Traveler's Inn The Real Japan Rob Dyer


Conclusion

Kyoto Traveler's Inn is an uncommon example of accommodation in Japan. Although it's rated as a 3 star hotel on Booking.com, in its public areas it feels more like a high quality hostel/guesthouse. But once you're inside the rooms the 3 star hotel rating makes sense.

Hideki Kimura's design work throughout the hotel is a standout feature, meaning the hotel would be the perfect place to stay for anyone interested in art - particularly with the National Museum of Modern Art directly opposite.

The location is excellent for a several of the country's national cultural centres.

 

Video: Kyoto Hotel That's Also An Art Gallery

 

Standout Hotel Features

  • Uniquely commissioned artwork by mural artist Hideki Kimura
  • Choice of Japanese or western style rooms
  • Good quality, individually-prepared breakfasts
  • Excellent location for Heian Shrine & the National Museum of Modern Art

Location Map

Rob Dyer The Real Japan

About the Author

A writer and publisher from England, Rob has been exploring Japan’s islands since 2000. He specialises in travelling off the beaten track, whether on remote atolls or in the hidden streets of major cities. He’s the founder of TheRealJapan.com.

Did you find this review useful? Please share your thoughts, feedback and questions by leaving a comment below.

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Kyoto Traveler's Inn The Real Japan Rob Dyer Hideki Kimura

Resources


Official Hotel Website: Kyoto Traveler's Inn

Book a Stay via Booking.com: Kyoto Traveler's Inn, Kyoto

Official Hideki Kimura Website: Ki-Yan Stuzio (Google translated into English)

JapanTaxi App:  iPhone | Android

Train Tickets: Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen bullet train

Kyoto City Guide



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  • Your review was very accurate, and agree with all except that I gave it a 5 on Tripadvisor and 10 on Google as I believe for a budget hotel category in Japan it was superior (for all the positive reasons you mentioned). I stayed in May 2023, so all renovations had been completed. The tighter bedrooms were very typical in Japan, as you know…so I disagree with the lower overall rating that they get, especially since all else for this hotel mostly gets high reviews. I was very comfortable and the room was the same scale at MyStays Kyoto Shijo (very tight space) and the Richmond Hotel Tokyo, and also same size as The Knot Shinjuku Tokyo (a more upscale category than these that I stayed in). I travelled solo so perhaps not a big deal, maybe more so with couples, but then unless someone spends a lot more from what I understand the room scale is mostly standard. Your review was great and mostly on-point! Thanks!!

    • Thanks BK for sharing your feedback and experience of your more recent stay. That’s excellent information! I will update my review to mention the hotel has completed its refurbishment. And you’re right to highlight that hotel rooms in Japan are, generally speaking, appreciably smaller than they often are in other countries. I usually alert clients of my services to this fact.

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