Onyado Nono Review — A Traditional Ryokan Experience in the City

If you’re looking to experience traditional Japan without leaving the convenience of the city, Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo Natural Hot Spring is one of the best places to do it.

It blends the feel of a classic ryokan — tatami flooring, calm interiors, and onsen culture — with the ease of a modern hotel stay. It’s simple, intentional, and designed around the experience. I loved this hotel so much that I extended my stay in Kyoto, and checked out early to return from my next hotel. The hotel has not paid me to advertise them, but this is how great they are. This is what travel is all about.

First Impressions

From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere changes. Shoes off at the entrance, soft tatami flooring throughout, and a quiet, minimal aesthetic that immediately slows everything down. It feels less like checking into a hotel, and more like stepping into a different pace of living.

Rooms

Rooms are compact — as you’d expect in Japan — but thoughtfully designed.

Tatami mat flooring
Low beds and clean, minimal layout
Warm lighting and natural tones
Everything placed with purpose

It’s not about space — it’s about how the space makes you feel.

TRIP TIP: Rent a car to explore the quieter side of Mauritius.
Many of the island’s most beautiful, untouched spots aren’t accessible by hotel transfers, and relying on taxis can be expensive and limiting. Having your own car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, especially along the west and south coasts where the real magic happens. More than often there are no signs, so you’ll need to be a little adventurous.

Onsen Experience

IThis is where Onyado Nono stands out.

Natural hot spring baths (onsen)
Indoor and outdoor bathing areas
A genuinely calm, restorative atmosphere

After a full day of exploring Kyoto, this becomes part of your routine — and quickly, one of the best parts of your stay.

TRIP TIP: Stay somewhere with a kitchen and buy your seafood locally.
In smaller coastal areas, you’ll often see fishermen returning with their catch in the late afternoon. If you time it right, you can pick up incredibly fresh seafood directly from them, a simple, authentic experience that most visitors completely miss.