Izuyasu
Edo-period machiya architecture meets understated boutique ryokan. Tatami floors, shoji screens, light wooden beams, a courtyard garden with a stone lantern that survived the Onin War. Calm verging on silent. Feels more like a very refined private home than a hotel.
Dinner must be reserved at least 3 days before check-in — don't forget, it's the best part
Why It Matters
One of Kyoto's oldest continuously operating inns. The kaiseki dinner by the owner-chef is the main draw — a daily-changing omakase menu built around seasonal ingredients and the 24 traditional Japanese solar terms. Three private family baths on-site. Michelin-recognized and listed on Tablet Hotels.
Izuyasu has been an inn since 1839, originally catering to monks and pilgrims making their way to the Higashi Hongan-ji Temple a two-minute walk away. The classic Kyoto machiya townhouse was renovated in 2013 and now runs as a boutique ryokan with just eight guest rooms. No TV, no telephone, no alarm clock — intentionally. The 7th-generation owner-chef Izutsu Yasujiro cooks kaiseki dinners tied to Japan's 24 solar seasons, often preparing the meal in front of guests.
Where You'll Stay
8 room types available
Japanese-Style Deluxe Twin Room - Shin
One of the larger rooms at 34 sqm, offering twin beds rather than futons — a nod to Western comfort within a fully traditional Japanese aesthetic. Tatami floors, shoji screens, down comforters. Individually decorated. No TV, phone, or clock. Shared bathroom.
2 Twin Beds · 34 sqm
Japanese-Style Deluxe Twin Room - Yuu
The largest room in the inn at 40 sqm. Twin beds with a traditional tatami and shoji environment. Ample space to spread out after a day in the city. No TV, phone, or clock. Shared bathroom. Down comforters.
2 Twin Beds · 40 sqmJapanese-Style Standard Twin Room - Kou
Traditional tatami room at 20 sqm with shoji screens and futon bedding. Air-conditioned with heating. Shared bathroom. No TV, telephone, or alarm clock. iPad provided.
2 Futons · 20 sqmJapanese-Style Standard Twin Room - Se
Another 20 sqm tatami room with shoji paper screens, futon bedding, air conditioning and heating. Shared bathroom. No TV or clock. iPad in room.
2 Futons · 20 sqmJapanese-Style Standard Twin Room - Yui
The smallest room in the inn at 15 sqm. Traditional tatami floors, shoji paper screens, and futon bedding. Deliberately no TV, telephone, or alarm clock. Shared bathroom access (07:00–10:30 and 16:00–23:00). Air conditioning and heating included. iPad in room.
2 Futons · 15 sqmJapanese-Style Standard Twin Room - Yuki
A step up from the entry-level rooms at 22 sqm. Same tatami and shoji aesthetic, futon bedding, and the same intentional absence of TV, phone, and clock. Shared bathroom with scheduled access hours.
2 Futons · 22 sqmJapanese-Style Superior Room - Ki
35 sqm tatami room sleeping up to 4 on futons. Traditional shoji screens, air conditioning and heating. No TV or clock — same house rules as every room. Shared bathroom.
4 Futons · 35 sqmJapanese-Style Superior Room - Zui
Spacious tatami room sleeping up to 4 people on futons. Shoji screens, air conditioning and heating. No TV or alarm clock. Good option for small groups or families of adults. Shared bathroom access.
4 Futons · 33 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The owner-chef Izutsu Yasujiro prepares a full omakase kaiseki course personally, often cooking in front of guests at counter seats. After dinner he frequently shares the history of the inn. Reserve at least 3 days before arrival.
The inn marks traditional Japanese seasonal festivals with on-site celebrations. The property preserves Hina and May dolls and artworks by the celebrated artist Jakuchu Ito, displayed seasonally.
Izutsu Yasujiro trained under the omotesenke school as a tea ceremony master. Ceremonies are held on-site and incorporate the concept of ichiza konryu — the idea of a singular shared meeting. A rare chance to experience a ceremony led by someone with genuine credentials.
A curated library added in 2013 with books, photographs, and music related to Kyoto and Japanese culture. A quiet common space for guests to browse between outings.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Rooms intentionally have no TV, but guests can rent one if needed.
Each room comes with an iPad — a deliberate choice given there are no TVs, telephones, or clocks.
Complimentary high-speed wireless internet available in public areas and in-room.
A peaceful inner courtyard garden. Contains a stone lantern that is said to have survived the fires of the Onin War — one of the more quietly remarkable details of the property.
On-site parking available at no charge. Must be reserved in advance — don't show up assuming a space is free.
No children accepted. No cribs or extra beds available.
BUILD YOUR IZUYASU PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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