I stayed at Togetsutei Ryokan in May 2025, a time when Arashiyama begins to fill with lush greenery and spring warmth. I chose this ryokan because of its prime location in the heart of Arashiyama, making it the ideal base to explore the area especially if you want to enjoy the famous Bamboo Forest before the tour buses arrive. Staying here allowed me to soak up the charm of Arashiyama in its most tranquil hours.

Togetsutei is located right at the southern end of the Togetsukyo Bridge, just a few minutes on foot from Arashiyama’s major attractions like the Bamboo Forest and Tenryuji Temple.

The ryokan has a beautifully preserved traditional atmosphere with touches of elegant Kyoto design. It’s over 128 years old, and you can truly feel the history in its wooden halls and serene ambiance. There are two distinct buildings to choose from:

  • Hekisenkaku (Riverside Mansion)
  • Shuzankaku (Mountainside House)

Each offers a different view and vibe, depending on whether you want to overlook the river or the mountains.

My Room: “Seiryo-no-Ma” in Hekisenkaku

I stayed in the “Seiryo-no-Ma” room, a newly renovated suite located in the Hekisenkaku building. It came with a semi open-air cypress bath and a private balcony overlooking the river and Arashiyama mountains.

The design is traditional yet refined, with tatami mats, soft lighting, and sliding paper doors that create an immersive Kyoto experience. The room felt so peaceful, cozy, and quintessentially Kyoto, perfect for winding down after a day of sightseeing.

After check-in, I was welcomed with tea and Japanese sweets, which were served in my room.

One of my favorite moments was simply sitting on the balcony, sipping tea, and enjoying the serene river and mountain views—a truly peaceful start to my stay.

Meals

Togetsutei offers seasonal kaiseki dinners and I had the pleasure of trying one during my stay. Each dish was beautifully plated and reflected the freshness of the season—delicate flavors, artful presentation, and high-quality ingredients.

I also had their Japanese-style breakfast, which was healthy, delicious, and filling—a balanced combination of tofu, vegetables, grilled fish, and more.

Amenities

The ryokan has a public onsen which is a rare find in the Arashiyama area. There’s also a private bath available for reservation (for a fee), which is a great option for guests with tattoos or those seeking a more personal soak.

More Details

Room Rate: Rates vary depending on the room type and whether meals are included.

  • Standard rooms: From 30,000 yen per person per night
  • “Seiryo-no-Ma” (my room): From 130,000 yen per person per night

Recommended For: Couples, solo travelers, and families looking for a peaceful yet central base in Arashiyama.

Official Website: https://www.togetsutei.co.jp/

The website is in Japanese, but you can use the automatic translation feature in the upper right corner to view it in English or other languages

Watch my reel about my stay in Togetsutei here: