Kyoto is one of Japan’s most picturesque places, strewn with an abundance of palaces, shrines, historical buildings, temples and gardens. The area demonstrates the very essence of the country’s history and culture. It has more than 2,000 intact Shinto shrines and temples and there are various places to stay in Kyoto.
If you’ve made your trip through Kansai or your Kyoto itinerary, including at all the things to do in Kyoto and wondering where to stay in Kyoto, let this handy guide steer you to the best districts and Kyoto accommodation, including Kyoto hostels, Kyoto guest houses and ryokans in Kyoto.
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Central Kyoto
Central Kyoto is packed to the brim with cultural sites and historic spots that evoke the spirit of traditional Japan.
You cannot say you have truly visited Kyoto without stepping on the revered environs of the Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) and the Nijo Castle, so a stay in Kyoto’s centre is a smart idea.
Hotels in Kyoto Japan are a dime a dozen and here are some choice places to stay in this Kyoto district. Most are hotels that are located near Kyoto subway stations.
Top Central Kyoto Sights:
- Kyoto Imperial Palace and Gyoen
- Nijo Castle
- Shimogamo-jinja Shrine
- Kyoto Botanical Gardens
- Shimogamo-jinja Shrine
- Kamo-gawa Riverside
Public transport: multiple metro and bus stations (e.g. Marutamachi Station)
Best Hotel: Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo – ryokan inspired fancy hotel (Book here*)
Backpacker Stay
R Star Hostel Kyoto
This stylish hostel* is located right in the heart of Kyoto and looks sleek and modern. All the rooms are airconditioned, there is a shared kitchen and a coin Laundromat on site. Reception is 24/.
Around the hostel location you can find minimarkets, restaurants and a drug store in case you want to cater for yourself. Nishiki Market is only a 15 minute walk away. When it comes to sightseeing, the Gion District it takes 20 minutes to walk there.
Budget Stays
Sakura Terrace The Atelier
Feel like staying in a private room as you want to dine out and explore all day? It almost feels like you have an apartment in Kyoto.
Reserve your place at Sakura Terrace The Atelier*, which is only 7 minutes away from giant mall AEON. Rooms have wifi, air conditioning as well as a flat screen TV.
If you decide to check out early in the day and want to leave your luggage, that’s possible as well. It is free of charge. The building also includes a public bath. Kyoto train station is only 6 minutes away.
Mid-Range
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
One of the various exceptional Kyoto hotels is the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto*. It’s only a minute from Shijo station. There are standard single rooms (all non-smoking) for solo travellers.
This great mid-range hotel provides jetlagged travellers top notch accommodation with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs, humidifiers, luggage storage, slippers and sleepwear.
Citadines Kyoto Karasuma-Gojo
Grey Kyoto hotels include the Citadines* —this place is just a minute away from the Gojo station. It offers apartments that feature all the needed furnishings from TV, bathtub to free Wi-Fi. There also is luggage storage and a self-service laundromat.
It’s also perfect for late arrivals as there is a 24/7 manned front desk.
You can book a double room or a studio as a serviced apartment.
Noku Kyoto
For the best hotels in Kyoto that offer mid-range prices, the Noku Kyoto* is a winner with its close proximity to the Marutamachi station, café, free Wi-Fi, luggage storage and a 24-hour concierge service.
And yes, there’s a bathtub in your bathroom.
Sanjojuku Kyoto Machiya
This Kyoto guest house comes in a traditional style, featuring tatami floors, futon beds and shared bathrooms. Towels are provided free of charge, there is free wifi and luggage storage.
It is a mere 5 minute walk away from Nijo-jo-mae subway station and Gion District is a mere 10 minute car ride away.
Luxury
Kyoto Brighton Hotel
Among Kyoto luxury hotels, this option is another great find. The Kyoto Brighton Hotel* is a 5-minute walk from the Imperial Palace, with sound-proofed rooms and a bath that has a deep tub to bring your day to a relaxing close.
The hotel also offers five dining options where guests get to take in the pleasure of chowing down on sumptuous meals cooked with traditional Japanese methods. This luxurious comfort is worth the additional expenses making it an awesome Kyoto stay experience.
The hotel also offers five dining options where guests get to take in the pleasure of chowing down on sumptuous meals cooked with traditional Japanese methods. This luxurious comfort is worth the additional expenses making it an awesome Kyoto stay experience.
Hotel Kanra Kyoto
If you are looking for luxury hotels in Kyoto Japan, consider the Hotel Kanra Kyoto* on your list. It has expansive rooms featuring traditional and modern Japanese furnishings.
The rooms provide free Wi-Fi and a tatami, which is a traditional woven straw covering. Take note that this hotel is the non-smoking kind.
Kyoto Granbell Hotel
To experience an exciting blend of traditional Japanese architecture with modern style at the Kyoto Granbell Hotel*. It’s right at the edge of the Gion District and the subway is only 3 minutes away by foot.
There is free wifi throughout the building as well as air-conditioning and flat screen TV in the room. Take advantage of the fridge, bath tub and free toiletries. Get cosy in the bathrobes and house shoes.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae
The temple Tō-ji is only a ten minute walk away and Fushimi Inari a 20 minute train ride. The train station is only 4 minutes away. Reception is open 24h and there even is a coin laundry onsite. Laptops can be rented in case you need to take care of business matters.
All rooms at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae* are air conditioned, come with a fridge, a pants press, tea making station and flat screen TV with video on demand. In the bathroom you will find toothbrushes and hair dryers waiting for you.
Downtown Kyoto
This is the place foodies, comic enthusiasts and fashionistas need to explore. It’s also home to the Nishiki Market (for traditional grub and a unique grocery shopping experience), as well as the Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades and the Kyoto International Manga Museum.
It’s a relatively small and square area in the centre of Kyoto and can easily be explored on foot. It’s roughly between the high streets Oike-dori (North), Shijo-dori (South) and the two rivers (East & West).
No need to hop on public transport or use your JR Railpass for this section.
Top Downtown Kyoto Sights:
- Nishiki Fish Market
- Nijo Castle
- Pontocho Alley
- International Manga Museum
- Daimaru Basement Food Floor
- Teramachi and Shinkyogoku
Public transport: multiple metro and bus stations (e.g. Kyoto Station)
Best Hotel: Hotel Okura – Luxurious rooms with extra long beds (Book here*)
Backpacker Stay
Piece Hostel Sanjo
To really keep it low key, try a comfortable hostel stay. Piece Hostel Sanjo* is clean, stylish, minimalist and super photogenic! There’s a good selection between double rooms and dorms, depending on your budget and preference.
Nice amenities are the shared lounge, a terrace and lockers to keep your things safe.
Kyoto’s International Manga Museum is only 11 minutes and Castle Nijo is 20 minutes away on foot. The location is super central, walkable and great for both sightseeing and shopping. The district is overall one of the most famous among tourists.
Budget
Hearton Hotel Kyoto
For cheap hotels in Kyoto, you can’t go wrong with Hearton Hotel*. The place offers facilities like free wired internet access and Wi-Fi at the lobby. It’s a 2-minute walk from the Karasuma-Oike subway station, too.
Rooms are completely air-conditioned and come with perks like a fridge, desk, an LCD television, sleepwear and slippers. Get good deals in advance if you are planning on visiting during Kyoto’s cherry blossom season.
Miro京都二条城ホテル
If you are not interested in the look of your Kyoto hotel and you’re all about low budget options, try Miro*, which is right by the Castle in Nakagyo Ward district (11min away).
There are no dorms, you can only book single rooms with a double bed or twin beds. You have air conditioning installed and you have your own bathroom. If you book a double room, you can even take advantage of your own mini kitchen, saving you money on dining out.
Mid-Range
Hotel UNIZO Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
Looking for downtown Kyoto hotels for solo female travellers? Don’t overlook Hotel Unizo*. Te place offers female-only solo rooms. Other than that, the hotel is also a short 4-minute walk away from the Karasuma subway station.
Guest rooms come with Wi-Fi access, air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, desk, safety deposit box, and a private bath with free toiletries and a hairdryer.
Special tip: You can reserve a hotel through Booking.com now and then adjust the travelling time later in case you are still trying to get the flight timing right.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo
For a nice mid-range Kyoto accommodation, the Mitsui Garden provides accommodations with excellent amenities, a restaurant and a public bath. They also offer laundry and dry-cleaning.
Plus, it’s only 600 metres away from Karasuma train station. And if you really want to have a lazy day, take advantage of the massage service.
Luxury
Kyoto Hotel Okura
Splurge on a lavish Kyoto staying the Kyoto Hotel Okura*. Proximity to subway stations is not a problem, for the Okura is connected directly to the Shiyakusho-mae station.
The Okura Hotel offers free parking and shuttle service, plus rooms come with a flat-screen TV, seating area and free high-speed internet access. The Okura also offers single rooms (for smoking or non-smoking guests).
Gion Shinbashi
If you are still wondering which area to stay in Kyoto for the ultimate sightseeing experience, make the Gion Shinbashi district a priority.
This entire district is one of the most popular Kyoto tourist attractions that first-time Japan travellers flock to . Gion gives the region its soul, and its customs and traditions significantly preserved.
If you’re lucky you can spot real geisha and geiko walking around the district. (Know that most tourists dress up in kimonos and some put on geisha makeup. So look twice and always ask before taking photos. Don’t just snap away.)
Top Gion Sights:
- Shinbashi Dori
- Gion Corner
- Yasaka Shrine
- Hanamikoji Street
- Yasaka Koshindo
- Kennin-ji
- Ebisu-jinja Shrine
Public transport: Kyoto City Bus service 100 or 206 or train to either Gion-Shijo Station or Kawaramachi Station
Best Hotel: The Celestine – Super stylish with ideal location (Book here*)
Budget
Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei
Foran affordable accommodation, go for a Kyoto traditional hotel. Check out the Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei*. It perfectly blends authentically Japanese-style hospitality with contemporary facilities.
There is free Wi-Fi access anywhere and this hotel is just 10 minutes away from the Kawaramachi, Gojo and Shijo stations.
Mid-Range
Carta Hotel Kyoto Gion
This sleek hotel provides rooms with free Wi-Fi coverage, complete with flat-screen TV, a private bath and free toiletries. Guest rooms come with a fridge and for relaxation, the hotel offers a shared lounge.
And just look at the views from top floors! It’s the ultimate classy overnight stay in Kyoto for sure at Carta Hotel Kyoto Gion *.
Luxury
Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion
The Celestine* is just a close 10-minute walk from the subway station of Gion-Shijo. Guests can access free Wi-Fi on all areas, partake on a public bath and get perks like rooms with hairdryers, clothes rack and toiletries.
The hotel is also known for its 15-minute proximity to the Gion District and Kennin-Ji Temple. So this way you are not right in the middle of the busy Gion streets but close enough to the action.
How to Get Around Kyoto
Kyoto is pretty walkable and you can easily get from Gion District to Downtown by crossing the river. There is no need to use your Railpass if you’re only staying in Kyoto or are planning a trip to Osaka.
Affordable trains leave constantly and prices vary depending on the types of trains. Check the Hyperdia website to get the best deals and times.
The Centre can also be navigated via metro and bus lines. Get yourself a free map of the public transportation and double check connections online to not get stuck. It can get pretty confusing.
To get to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the iconic Red Torii Gates of Fushimi-Inari, jump on the train from Kyoto Central Station, which is easily reachable from any of these Kyoto hotels.
Easy Kyoto Travel Tips
Day Trip Ideas for Kyoto
You can easily spend a few days in Kyoto. There is so much to see and I put together 100 things to do in Kyoto to give you some ideas.
But the region around Kyoto is so beautiful, don’t miss out on it. It’s really easy to jump on a bus or the train and explore various neighbouring cities and towns.
- Here’s an overview of day trips through the Kansai region. You can use your Railpass* for that.
- Fancy eating your weight in Osaka? Here are some great cafes in Osaka to check out and two cool districts.
- Nara and its deer are an absolute must.
- Wakayama is a beautiful and underrated castle town by the sea.
There is no need to book way in advance with trains. With buses, you can get information on seasonal deals via the newsletter of WillerExpress, for instance.
Selected Kyoto Tours
In case you only have a few days to spare and really can’t be bothered to suss out timetables and create itineraries, go on a tour!
This way, you will have the comfort of having a personal guide and no fuss. Plus, this way you can really get a hands-on experience and learn more about the culture thanks to the kindness of locals.
With these Get Your Guide Tours you can actually book even during your trip and you’ll get a handy digital ticket.
- Go on a bike tour with a small group. Hire here*.
- Attend an authentic tea ceremony and indulge in matcha. Reserve a spot here*.
- Join a foodie tour through the historic Gion District. Book here*.
- Visit Kyoto, Arashiyama and Nara in one day. The entrance fee to Kinkakuji is included. Join here*.
More from the Japan blog:
- Amazing hotels in the heart of Tokyo
- Where to see the best cherry blossoms in Kyoto
- 25 epic spots for sakura in Tokyo
- What to pack on a Japan trip
- The coolest souvenirs from Japan you should get
