The authentic Ryokan experience near Kyoto!  Stay in Yuzanso for a real Japanese experience.

Dreaming of staying at a Ryokan, a traditional Japanese-style inn?

Ryokans typically serve both dinner and breakfast, with hot spring facilities available for visitors. However, many Muslims may wonder if they can experience this dream due to concerns about food and privacy.

Yuzanso, a Ryokan near Kyoto, makes this dream possible! Located just 20 minutes from Kyoto Station, this Ryokan caters to many Muslim guests by offering halal food and private hot springs in each room.

Let’s take a closer look at this unique Ryokan.

Where is the Ryokan located? What is special about the area?

The Ryokan is actually not in Kyoto Prefecture, but in Shiga Prefecture. The area is known as Ogoto Hot Spring, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring destinations.

Shiga Prefecture is home to Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa (Biwa-ko). The Ryokan offers stunning views of this majestic lake, allowing visitors to enjoy its beauty.

Is it far from Kyoto? Not at all! It takes only about 20 minutes to reach Ogoto Onsen Station from Kyoto Station. From Ogoto Onsen Station, there is a free shuttle bus to the Ryokan, making access very easy.

Unlike hotels in Kyoto, the Ryokan offers more affordable rates. Considering that they provide two Muslim-friendly meals, it’s a great choice for Muslims traveling to Kyoto.

What is special about the rooms?

The Ryokan has a long history, and the building offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese architecture, making it an excellent choice for visitors wanting to experience authentic Japan. While the building isn’t brand new, the rooms are clean and well-maintained, offering a sense of nostalgic Japanese charm.

Additionally, many rooms are newly renovated and feature private hot springs, so guests no longer have to feel shy about using public baths—a common concern for many visitors. If you have a private hot spring in your own room, you can relax in privacy.

The rooms also offer beautiful views of the lake, so taking a bath in the morning or evening will certainly help you unwind.

How is their Muslim-friendly meal?

One of the best features of Yuzanso is that they offer Muslim-friendly Japanese meals.

Traditional Japanese Ryokans typically serve meals in Kaiseki style—a multi-course meal usually enjoyed with alcoholic beverages. Kaiseki includes appetizers, a main course, rice, miso soup, and dessert.

Although Yuzanso is not officially halal-certified, they prepare everything in a Muslim-friendly way, meaning no pork and no religiously processed meat.

Please note: Prior reservation is mandatory for Muslim-friendly meals, as they may not be able to accommodate special requests if not communicated in advance. To book a Muslim-friendly meal, follow the procedure below.

How much does the room cost?

Room rates vary depending on the season. Prices start from approximately $100 USD per person and can go up to $200 USD during peak periods. However, their rates are more affordable than hotels in central Kyoto, especially considering that two Muslim-friendly meals are included.

A benefit of staying in a Japanese Ryokan is that the rooms typically accommodate more people than a typical Western-style room. For example, Yuzanso can fit up to 9 people in a larger room and up to 5 people in a standard room. In such cases, the price per person may be even more affordable.

To book a room, click the button below, which will redirect you to the Expedia site. Make sure to include the comment “ムスリムなので、ハラルの食事を希望します (We would like to have Muslim-friendly meals)” to ensure you receive a halal meal.

Ryokan details

Yuzanso is a traditional Japanese Ryokan located just 20 minutes from Kyoto Station. They offer Muslim-friendly meals and private hot springs in their rooms, with rates starting at $100 USD per person. Prior reservation mandatory.

The Ryokan offers complimentary shuttle bus service from Ogoto Onsen Station, just let them know that your arrival time at the station, and they will come and pick you up.