A family of 4 taking a trip in July. We need recomendations for a mid price ryokan with a location close to train station.

Also ideas with things to do with kids would be great also.

Thanks!

The deer park in Nara comes to mind for the kids. Also a visit to Nijo Castle with its chirping floorboards which prevented assasins from sneaking up to rooms during feudal times.

For ryokans you can check the Japan Ryokan Association internet site and there is one other that escapes me at the moment, sorry.

While not a ryokan there is the New Miyako Hotel, a mid range western style hotel across from Kyoto Station, on the Shinkansen side. There are also many reasonable eating places within the train station. Not necessarily the best food Kyoto has to offer, but fast and convenient. Have a great trip.

Thanks for your message!

The New Miyako was about $300/night last month for a family of four in their Japanese style rooms. It is not close to the train station but they have a free shuttle that operates between about 0800 and 1800 each day every half hour.

marciek -- We just returned from a trip to Japan and stayed at the Heiabo Ryokan in Kyoto. Not sure what you mean by mid-priced, but the Heianbo was excellent. We paid 7000 yen/person for a beautiful room (at least 10 mats) with private bath and japanese breakfast. The location of the hotel is also perfect--just a 3 minute walk to the station and all of its amenities. We reserved this ryokan at www.japaneseguesethouses.com and were very happy with this service. We've used them 3 times now and have never had a problem.

mjs, last time I looked the New Miyako Hotel was across the street from the southern entrance to Kyoto Station. Perhaps you are refering to the Westin Miyako Hotel which would require a shuttle to the station.

Curiousgeo:
I stand corrected. Stayed at the Westin which is pretty nice and we could fit four into one Japanese style room. Ryokans tend to charge per person which can make family costs high.