Also agree that these days if you want a real Ryokan experience going to one in an Onsen (hot spring town, basically) is best. The ones in Kyoto have adapted to the bucket-list crowd and last time I went to one there I wished I hadn't - and I generally enjoy Ryokans. Some of them have even turned in to cross of "Ryoken inspired with Western hotel amenities" and honestly...why bother.

The other problem is an actual Ryoken isn't necessarily for everyone and also if you are new to them going right to one after a jet-lag inducing trip to Japan can leave something to be desired. A lot of travelers, particularly in Kyoto, stay in a regular hotel for the first night or two, then transfer to one. There are lots of little boutique hotels around Kyoto which, while not Ryokans, are very Japanese in character and quite comfortable. Hotel Mume (which only has 7 rooms, and possibly the most helpful staff I have ever encountered in Asia) is one of the latter, and it's in a great spot too. That's my go-to in Kyoto, in fact I'm staying there this June. If you can't get a room there check Tripadvisor, there are a few other highly rated ones. If you want the Ryokan experience at its fullest then I agree that one in Kinosaki (which isn't hard to get to from Kyoto) will serve you better.