Where to Stay in Kyoto – Ideal Districts & Hotels

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.

Backpacker Stay in Kyoto

R Star Hostel Kyoto

This relatively new 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.

Grids Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi Hotel&Hostel

To really keep it low key, try a comfortable hostel stay. Grids Kyoto is clean, new and comes with a common lounge and bar. There is wifi throughout the building and breakfast can be included.

Kyoto’s International Manga Museum is only 800m away and Castle Nijo is 1.9km. The location is super central and great for both sightseeing and shopping. The district is overall one of the most famous among tourists.

Budget Stays

Sakura Terrace The Atelier

Feel like staying in a private room as you want to dine out and explore all day? Reserve one 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.

Hotel Sunroute Kyoto

It has air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV, a private bath with shower, a fridge and other conveniences. There are available safety deposit boxes. Private bathrooms also come with perks like a hairdryer and free toiletries.

The Kyoto budget hotel is a mere 5-minute stroll to the Kiyomizu-Gojo Station and it provides free Wi-Fi access. Solo travelers can opt for a single room (non-smoking only). Click through to check for information and good deals.

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Aranvert Hotel Kyoto

One of the best places to stay in Kyoto on the cheap would be the Aranvert. It has rooms that offer views of Kyoto’s traditional houses and nearby mountains, has a public bath and a restaurant. Guests can also avail of free Wi-Fi in its well-furnished rooms.  

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Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Hongan-G

The best ryokan in Kyoto that anybody can afford is the Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Hongan-G. The staff welcomes guests by offering free sightseeing and information about the best places to eat in the area.

This budget inn in Kyoto comes with a courtyard plus traditional and Western-style rooms, equipped with free Wi-Fi.  Everyone is assured of a great stay experience in a ryokan in Kyoto.

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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.

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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 to free Wi-Fi. The place also offers luggage storage and a self-service laundromat.

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Garnet Hotel Kyoto Station

For a convenient hotel stay in Kyoto, check into the Garnet Hotel Kyoto Station. Like the name suggests, it is super close to the main train station and therefore ideal to start your explorations. Whether you are catching the train to Fushimi Inarii or Arashiyama.

Rooms come with free wifi, a flat screen TV and the bathroom even has a bathrub. The 3 star hotel also offers a free airport pickup by shuttle. There is a 24 hour reception that will help you with your sightseeing questions.

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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.

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Suzakukan Suzaku Crossing

Should you fancy a hotel stay on a budget – that’s totally possible in Kyoto. Check into Suzakukan Suzaku in the North of Kyoto.

It is a Japanese style apartment that offers free high speed wifi, air conditioning, heater, bathtub, flat screen TV as well as a laundry machine. Another perk this Kyoto hotel offers are its kitchen with an oven, fridge, microwave, water kettle and toaster.

This way you can save quite some money on preparing your own food and doing your own laundry. Supermarkets are nearby.

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Sanjojuku Kyoto Machiya

This 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 10 minute car ride away.

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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.

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Kyomachiya Hotel Shiki Juraku

For the ultimate in plush Kyoto stay, The Kyomachiya Hotel Shiki Juraku is considered to be one of the better places to stay in Kyoto due to its proximity to the Imperial Palace.

It has chic interiors with beautiful plant arrangements and townhouses packed with great amenities. It’s ideal if you want to cook your own meals as some units are equipped with a kitchenette with microwave and stovetop.

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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.

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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.

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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. No need to hop on public transport or use your JR Railpass for this section.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.)

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.

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Mid-Range

OYO Carta Hotel Kyoto Gion

This 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.

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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.

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Hotel Marufuku Kyoto Higashiyama

Would you like to treat yourself to a petite hotel with a garden and terrace? Hotel Marufuku Kyoto is only 1.3km away from Heian Shrine and 2.5km from Eikan-do Zenrin-ji.

All rooms are equipped with a water kettle, have their own bath with whirlpool and free toiletries. Sit back and relax in front of the flat screen TV and enjoy the included complimentary breakfast.

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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.

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Easy Kyoto Travel Tips

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