Matsubaya Ryokan

The Hayashi family has managed this inn since the late Edo Period; it's now under ownership of the fifth Hayashi generation. It used to be an old wooden ryokan with character, but in 2008 it was torn down and enlarged, though some architectural details were salvaged. In any case, on the ground floor is a lounge that's a good place to connect with other travelers or to converse with the owners about sightseeing in Kyoto. Across the street is a company that rents bicycles. Rooms, all nonsmoking, are mostly Japanese style, with the best overlooking a garden. Also good bets are six Western-style rooms on the fifth floor with kitchenettes, tiny balconies, and free use of the washing machine. However, Wi-Fi reaches only the first three floors, so floors four and five have to make do with LAN cable.