Ryokan Mugen (Adult Only)

An unforgettable stay in Kyoto – truly a game changer This ryokan was the absolute highlight of our time in Kyoto. The place itself is beautiful, peaceful, and impeccably maintained, but what truly makes it extraordinary is the host. From the very first moment, the host went above and beyond in a way that is rare to experience while traveling. She shared insanely good suggestions—hidden temples, local restaurants, quiet neighborhoods, and experiences we never would have discovered on our own. Every recommendation was thoughtful, perfectly tailored, and delivered with genuine care, intelligence, and heart.

Amazing ryokan. The room, breakfast, location are all exceptional but what makes this one of the best places we have stayed in 45 years of travel is the hosts. Tome-san makes it seem like you are staying with a friend. Her warmth, advice, recommendations are superb. We just wished to have stayed longer. We will though return. If in Kyoto this is the place to stay.

This autumn we roamed Japan for nearly 4 weeks. We stayed in a variety of hotels from very new to the oldest western hotel in Japan, from brutalist Benesse House to luxurious Ryokan Kurashiki. But, especially since we had 4 friends with us all new to Japan, we wanted to include the experience of a small local ryokan. We could not have made a better choice than Ryokan Mugen. Located a bit north of Nijo Castle, Mugen is in a neighborhood close enough to reach any area quickly enough by taxi or bus but far enough from Gion to be quiet and authentic. There are only 4 or 5 rooms of which we had 3. Each is big enough for comfort and has an ensuite bathroom. In each the owner, Tome, rolled out very thick, comfortable futon each night. Each was quiet and enjoyed a view of the interior garden. Mugen does not serve dinner but does provide an extensive delicious Japanese breakfast each morning at a time of your choosing. So far this sounds like a very nice small ryokan. But it is better. For starters, Tome is the warmest, kindest most helpful human I have ever met. Whatever you need from outside dinner reservations, to advice on little visited Kyoto gems to a very early departure breakfast is yours with a free smile and laugh included. If you, too, are nice you may expect a treat in her comfortable, beautiful, well-stocked private hobby whiskey bar. So our advice: stay here…and be nice.

What an amazing place to stay. This must be one of the best places we have ever stayed. Tome is an amazing host and ensures we had a wonderful time in Kyoto. If you stay, definitely follow her recommendations and we suggest eating locally as the food is great value, super tasty and more authentic. We are working out how we can visit again, and encourage everyone we know to also. Tome was not just an amazing host, but taught us so much about the city and Japanese culture.

Fantastic ryokan. Tome, the hostess is simply amazing. The property is incredibly well appointed and every detail is looked after. Traditional Japanese breakfast was amazing. Great recommendations for non touristy restaurants for diner nearby. Room is incredibly well appointed. Loves it

The best place to stay in Kyoto, to experience how it is to live in a Ryokan. Tome is a great host and the place is amazing. A bit far from the center but with a bus you can go everywhere :) Amazing japanese breakfast served every morning that boosts your day!

Not only is the Ryoken absolutely beautiful, benefitting from the extraordinary tasteful design choices of the host and hostess (from the handpicked vintage Yukata in the rooms to the antique porcelain dishes at breakfast and the fully stocked bar), but the level of hospitality is simply wonderful. We came to Kyoto without an agenda and were quickly turned into locals by Tome (the hostess) and her husband’s fantastic recommendations - from food through temples and antiques - and would recommend the trip to the city just for the Mugen experience. You simply have to stay here.

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!