Ryokan Mugen (Adult Only)

This ryokan may fool you into thinking it is a simple humble abode but the love that Tomei and her husband have poured into shines through every detail. Traditional and slightly eclectic taste. Wonderful restaurant recommendations and amazing bar with great conversation with the hosts who speak English and will help you with anything you need. The whiskey and scotch collection is especially good. The breakfast (Japanese and Western) are awesome. There is no onsen. I wish I were staying there for like a month!

Tome, the owner of Mugen, is an exceptionally lovely person who is keen to make your stay as comfortable as possible. I had stayed at Mugen several years ago when it was newly opened, and I was welcomed back with お帰り (okaeri) - 'welcome home'. It's an exceptionally lovely place to stay. It's a beautiful restored machiya, once belonging to a kimono merchant, located in the quiet lanes to the west of the Imperial Palace gardens. As a solo traveller, my single room is warm, inviting, comfortable, with great facilities, and with a beautiful view across to the restored storehouse and garden. I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again!

We recently stayed here for six nights. It was sublime. The room was very comfortable, as was the downstairs dining area and the whisky bar room. The Japanese breakfasts were so good we did not even try the Western option. Tome was a friendly and engaging hostess, generous with her perceptive tips and assistance about local sights, travel and dining (as well as about whisky). Her charming hospitality is very much part of the magic of this wonderful place. It is well located in a quaint suburban centre away from the crowds, equidistant and easy walking distance to Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace. Travel about town from there was very simple on Kyoto’s excellent bus and rail system. Get yourself an IC card from a rail station on arrival so you can just tap on and off public transport (our Suica card, acquired on arrival in Tokyo, worked fine in Kyoto).

This ryokan is simply something special. A sanctuary away from the crowds of Kyoto, hidden among its residential streets. The rooms and common areas are beautifully designed and the bathrooms are modern and spacious. Most importantly, Tome san and Kazu san are the kindest, most helpful hosts you imagine. Tome san’s local ‘dinner map’ for guests is such a brilliant idea and her help with making reservations each day meant we had some delicious evening meals in welcoming family-run restaurants. She has built a little network of restaurants around the ryokan, which adds to the local community feel you experience when staying here. She will also help you to plan your days so you get the most out of your time, with advice on lesser-known spots to visit and which buses to catch and when. We have wonderful memories of spending the evenings chatting with Tome san in her stylish and well-stocked bar which is reserved only for guests. I have so much admiration for Tome san and what she has created in Mugen. She brought her vision to life and created something truly special. I didn’t know there was a place in my heart for a little ryokan in Kyoto! I hope we can visit again and again. またね …

The owners are very kind and professional. You will receive the best service from the moment you book this hotel. They will even help you plan your trip or book the restaurant for you (Normally, this is very difficult if you cannot speak Japanese)