I'm travelling to Japan in a couple of weeks and will have a couple of days in Kyoto. Any recommendations of an affordable ryokan in Kyoto -- also, just knowing the best area to look in would be help. Train station vs. East Kyoto.

Appreciate any advice. Thanks!

Bonjour Redpen,

Here's the link to Kyoto Visitors Guide, a free magazine you should get on paper as soon as you arrive in Kyoto. It has a good list of ryokans at all prices: http://www.kyotoguide.com/index/index.html

Also http://www.members.aol.com/jinngroup/

and http://www.itcj.or.jp/indexwel.html

I like Hiraiwa Ryokan, not far from the station, quiet area, close to bus stops convenient to visit the rest of the city. With only two days though, a more central area might be better for you.
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Depending on what you are looking for you might want to check Hirota Guest House. I just returned from there last weekend. I loved the location because it was in a residential area just off the beaten track but very central near City Hall, with cute shops and restaurants nearby. It was reasonably priced at 5500 yen per person per night, with no meals included. The owner is very friendly, speaks excellent English and loves to share her knowledge of Kyoto with you. We walked everywhere from here ? it was about a 20 minute walk to Gion (a lovely walk at night along the canal), about a 45 minute walk to the train station, and very near the Imperial Palace.
The email is: [email protected] and although they don?t have their own websiteyou will find some information here: http://www.frommers.com/destinations...cfm?h_id=44926
Before going I found these pictures on someone?s journal
http://mission.base.com/pictures/oga...21/hirota.html
If you go and have had your fill of Japanese food, try Antonio?s, an excellent Spanish restaurant just down the street from the guest house.

Where's the good location to stay in Kyoto (close to shop, restaurant, transportation)? Is it better to stay around JR Kyoto Station? Your help is appreciated.

I was in Kyoto in late November last year. I stayed at three different places including Japanese Inn, ryokan and the temple.

It was convince staying close to JR train station. I booked the Japanese Inn through Japanese Inn Association located at Airport. The Japanese Inn I stayed was tiny but had its own shower. Advanced reservation is recommended.

I enjoyed staying at Ljimari, the ryokan located in the center of Kyoto. Great for shopping.

The room in temple was huge and well maintained. The temple located in a residential area and was reachable by bus. It could be booked through Japanese Tourist Office. Advanced reservation is recommended.

I checked out information for both Hiraiwa and Hirota Guest House. The drawback for both is the shared bath. I prefer to stay in a ryokan w/ a private bath. Any advice? Thanks.

This is a second vote for the Hirota Guest House. Great area - hostess fantastic. She has a separate guest house in the back with private bath, if it is available (maybe 180$ a night or so, but it sleeps 4-5).