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Choosing where to stay in Kyoto can be confusing. While the city isn’t as large as Tokyo, it’s still spread out with diverse areas from the modern downtown to traditional Gion.
The right location can make your experience much more enjoyable. You’ll spend less time on transport and more time exploring the historic streets. It also helps to be close to major attractions to get an early start before the crowds arrive.
We’ve spent over three months in Kyoto on several trips and have personally stayed in all the hotels and ryokans I recommend below. Each offers something different so I’ll help you decide which is right for you.
This post covers the best areas to stay in Kyoto, top tips about Kyoto accommodation, and reviews of the best Kyoto hotels and ryokans.
At the end, you’ll find a map featuring all the best places to stay in Kyoto.
Contents
Best Areas to Stay in Kyoto
If you are wondering where to stay in Kyoto for first-time visitors, I recommend one of these four areas.
For more information on what to do in each area, see my detailed guide to the best things to do in Kyoto.
Note that I haven’t included Arashiyama in this list. While I think it’s a must-visit, it’s too far from the rest of the city as a base for first-time visitors.
1) Gion and Southern Higashiyama
Southern Higashiyama is the most important sightseeing area in Kyoto and is my top pick for the best neighbourhood to stay in Kyoto.
It’s located between the Higashiyama (Eastern Mountains) and the Kamo-gawa river.
We almost always stay here in Kyoto as we love the traditional feel with historic streets and numerous temples to explore.
It’s one of the busiest parts of the city (although you can still find quiet spots). Staying here is an advantage as you can easily get up early for a stroll down popular streets like Ninenzaka or a visit to Kiyomizu-Dera temple.
You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and small shops in the area.
Transport links aren’t as good as downtown, but we walk almost everywhere.
There are also plenty of buses (but they get crowded), and you aren’t far from the Keihan train line (Gion-shijo and Kiyomizu-gojo stations), which is useful for visiting Fushimi Inari (a must-see shrine that’s best early or after dark).
Southern Higashiyama includes the geisha district Gion, where you can still occasionally spot geisha in extravagant outfits on the way to evening engagements.
In spring and autumn, the geisha dances are a wonderful way to appreciate these artists at work.
If you want to experience classic Kyoto, this is the area to stay.
2) Downtown Kyoto
The Kyoto downtown area is across the river from Southern Higashiyama. We always walk between the two—it takes about 15 minutes, depending on where you stay.
This is the more modern part of the city and a hub for shopping. It has excellent department stores like Takashimaya and the foodie Nishiki Market. You’ll find major chains and smaller stores selling everything from tea to ceramics.
There are also plenty of restaurants.
Transport links are good here with Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station a major hub.
If your focus is shopping or you want to stay somewhere central, Downtown Kyoto is a convenient location.
3) Kyoto Station
Although the Kyoto Station area is not the most appealing place to stay, it is convenient if you’ll only be in the city for a few nights or will be making many day trips from Kyoto.
Like downtown, it’s a more modern area with plenty of shops and restaurants.
There aren’t any major attractions nearby, though, so you’ll need to take transport around the city.
Where to Stay near Kyoto Station: Hotel Granvia Kyoto is attached to the station, so it couldn’t be more convenient.
4) Northern Higashiyama
Northern Higashiyama is the area north of Gion and Southern Higashiyama.
It’s a more traditional part of the city and includes many major attractions like the beautiful Philosopher’s Path and the many Kyoto temples along it, from Nanzenji to Ginkakuji (the Silver Pavilion).
Even further north are many quiet temples in leafy areas—we loved escaping the crowds here during Kyoto’s cherry blossom season.
The advantage of staying in Northern Higashiyama is the many temples to explore and being able to get to them early before the crowds arrive. It’s also a quieter, greener area than those above.
The disadvantages are fewer restaurants (although there are some excellent options like Monk, our favourite restaurant in Kyoto.
Transport links aren’t the best and you’ll likely need to take the bus (or taxi). We walk a lot in this area (which is very enjoyable).
There aren’t many hotels in the area and accommodation tends to be more expensive.
Consider staying in Northern Higashiyama if you want to experience traditional Kyoto, visit lots of temples, and perhaps stay in a ryokan (traditional inn).
Things to Know About Kyoto Accommodation
- Kyoto is one of the most expensive locations in Japan for accommodation, so you won’t get as much for your money as elsewhere.
- Saturday nights are the most expensive, so avoid them if you can.
- Book far in advance, especially for the cherry blossom (late March/early April) and autumn (late November) peak seasons. Prices will also be much higher then.
- Rooms are usually small, so pack light.
- If you have large suitcases, take a taxi rather than trying to fit on crowded city buses. Have your hotel address written down in Japanese, as most taxi drivers don’t speak English (there is an English-speaking taxi queue at Kyoto Station, but you may have a long wait).
- City tax (200-1000 yen/ $1.50-$7) per person per night, depending on the room rate) and hot spring tax (if applicable, 150 yen/ $1 pp pn) will be charged on top of your room rate.
- Check-in (typically 3pm) and check-out (typically 11am) times are not usually flexible, but hotels allow you to store your luggage.
- We used Booking.com to book all our hotels and ryokans. Most places offer free cancellation up to a few days before arrival, but check when you book.
Read our guide to where to stay in Japan for what to expect at different types of accommodation, especially ryokans.
Best Places to Stay in Kyoto: Our Personal Recommendations
We have personally stayed in and recommend all these Kyoto hotels.
Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto Hotel (Downtown)
We loved our stay at Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto, a stylish downtown Kyoto hotel that opened in 2022.
It offers a great mix of Western comforts and Japanese style, a lounge with free drinks, an onsen with a city view, and a rooftop bar with foot baths (a highlight!).
The only downside is the small rooms, but this is typical in Japan.
Location
Sora Niwa Terrace is in a central location ideal for shopping. It’s across the road from Takashimaya department store and a 7-minute walk from Nishiki Market.
There are many other shops and restaurants within minutes.
It’s very close to the atmospheric Pontocho alley and Gion is an easy walk across the river.
While it’s not as close to the temples as Hotel The Celestine (see below), it is possible to walk to some. Yasaka Shrine, Kenninji, and Kodaij can be reached within 15 minutes and Kiyomizu-dera is a 25-minute walk.
Transport links are good as it’s 200 metres from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (we got to Arashiyama from here) and 300 metres from Gion-Shijo Station just across the river (where you can take the Keihan line to Fushimi Inari).
The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Kyoto Station. It’s easiest to get a taxi here or you can take the bus (the train/metro requires a transfer).
The hotel is located on a busy street so there is some traffic noise. We were on the 7th floor, and it wasn’t too noisy (I requested a higher floor), and it was quiet at night.
Note that the hotel reception is on the 9th floor, so take the elevator up from the entrance. The roof terrace is above it and the rooms are below.
Rooms
Our double room was small but perfectly formed. We liked the Japanese touches that you don’t often get in Western hotels like the tatami floor and paper window screens.
The bed was a double (thankfully not the smaller semi-double some Japanese hotel rooms have) and we found it and the pillows (which can’t always be said) very comfortable.
The 19m2 room featured a sofa (with a small table), large TV (with Netflix and other streaming apps), fridge, kettle, and a lovely teapot.
Suitcases can be stored under the bed, or there’s one surface big enough for a carry-on-sized suitcase. There were also two drawers and a wardrobe.
Yukata (robes), sandals, and little bags are provided to wear to the onsen.
As the bed was against the wall, there was only one bedside table, but it included USB and power sockets.
Our room had a view of the shopping street, but some may just face a wall.
The bathroom was Western style—one room with a walk-in shower cubicle with a powerful rain and handheld shower. While fairly small, there was plenty of storage and hooks.
The organic toiletries smelled great and were provided in large bottles. The usual amenities (toothbrush, hairbrush, razor, mouthwash, etc.) were also provided in case you forgot something.
Facilities
While Sora Niwa Terrace doesn’t have a restaurant or gym, it makes up for it with a superb onsen and rooftop bar.
The staff spoke good English and explained everything on check in.
Lounge
On the same floor as reception is a lounge area with free hot and cold self-service drink machines, including tea, coffee, coke, Fanta, and sparkling water.
There are also free popsicles and ice cream puffs, which are lovely after an onsen.
Onsen
The onsen (hot spring baths) at Sora Niwa Terrace are a highlight of the hotel.
The two baths are on the same floor as reception and alternate each day between men and women.
The best is the Yasaka No Yu open-air onsen. It has plenty of space and a fantastic view of the Kamogawa river, Gion, temples, and mountains.
The onsens are open from 3pm – 1am and sunrise to 10am. We usually try to go at 3pm when it’s quieter (I had it to myself). On your TV it tells you how busy the onsen are.
If you have tattoos, you need to cover them with tape, which they sell at reception.
See my guide to Kinosaki Onsen if you need a primer on onsen etiquette (e.g. make sure you shower before use and enter the bath fully naked).
Rooftop Bar
After a relaxing onsen, we made our way to the rooftop lounge (still wearing our yukata), a gorgeous space that’s for hotel guests only.
The views of the river, city and mountains are stunning and this is such a relaxing place to enjoy them with comfortable chairs, a fire pit, and even better—foot baths!
Seriously, there is no better way to end a day sightseeing in Kyoto than sitting with your feet in a hot bath, enjoying a drink and watching the city lights come on (you can’t really see the sunset, but golden hour is lovely).
The hotel even provides a free welcome drink on your first night from 4-6.30pm (sparkling wine, wine, beer or apple juice). Get there early for the foot baths.
From 7-10pm, it turns into a bar, and you have to order a drink to sit up there.
Food
There is no room service or restaurant at Sora Niwa Terrace, but there are plenty of restaurants nearby.
If you want breakfast, you have to order a bento box (3000 yen/ $20) three days in advance and pick it up from the lounge.
It’s not vegetarian-friendly, so Simon went to City Bakery (a 5-minute walk away, open 8am) to pick us up pastries and coffee.
The Takashimaya food hall across the road also has plenty of options but doesn’t open until 10am.
Other
In the basement, there’s a coin laundry, vending machine, microwaves, and smoking room.
An Alternative for Bigger Rooms
If you want a bigger hotel room with a better view (some with open-air private baths), check out the sister hotel in the same building, Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei.
This hotel shares the onsen and rooftop bar.
Details
Sora Niwa Terrace is ideal if you want a central hotel with an onsen and comfortable, stylish rooms.
The rooms are small, but the rooftop bar is a wonderful place to relax.
Check availability and prices for Sora Niwa Terrace on Booking.
Hotel The Celestine Gion
Hotel The Celestine is located in Gion, my favourite area to stay in Kyoto.
This stylish hotel mixes Japanese elements with Western comforts. It features an impressive high-ceilinged lobby overlooking an interior garden, an onsen, and a tempura restaurant.
Location
Hotel The Celestine is ideal for temple hopping. It’s located in Gion, close to some of the most popular sights. We have seen geisha nearby several times at night.
Underrated Kenninji temple is across the road, you can see Yasaka Pagoda from outside the hotel, and it’s an easy walk to all Southern Higashiyama’s temples and the famous Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets (best at sunrise or at night).
Despite being so central, The Celestine is on a quiet street and we heard no traffic or other guest noise from our room.
There are a decent number of restaurants in the area (see my Kyoto vegetarian guide for our favourites), plus the excellent Mandaracha tea shop.
While you’ll have to walk downtown for the big stores and markets, there are lots of small shops in the area (and plenty of places to rent a kimono).
Transport links aren’t quite as good as in downtown Kyoto. Gion is commonly reached by bus, but these are often very crowded (don’t try with luggage).
The hotel runs a shuttle to Kyoto Station or a taxi takes 10-20 minutes (traffic can be bad).
The nearest stations are Kiyomizu-Gojo and Gion-Shijo, both an 8-minute walk away and useful for getting to Fushimi Inari.
To get to Arashiyama, we found it easiest to walk 12 minutes across the river to Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station.
Rooms
We stayed in a Superior Queen Room, which was a decent size for Japan, although not huge at around 30m2 (significantly larger than Sora Niwa Terrace).
The deluxe rooms are bigger, and the suites are huge (and come with a high price tag).
Our room featured a comfortable queen bed with two bedside tables, a seating area with two chairs and a table, a wardrobe, and a set of drawers (that were full).
Big suitcases might be a challenge to accommodate but there was one suitcase rack.
The decor is minimalist, and the room felt clean and modern.
The open plan layout is slightly unusual, with the sink in the bedroom divided by the bar area.
The bar is a cool feature—everything is hidden away in a cupboard that opens up. There are mini spirits, beers and soft drinks in the fridge, a pod coffee maker, and a kettle.
I loved the beautiful ceramic cups and teapot (provided with Ippodo tea bags)
Our view was of a stairwell so we kept the gauzy curtains closed (there are also blackout curtains).
The bathroom was Japanese style with three areas—the open plan sink, a toilet room, and a room with a small bath and handheld shower.
Yukatas and geta (sandals) are provided. You can wear these to the onsen but not the lobby or restaurant.
Facilities
Lounge
From 1-6pm you can enjoy free drinks and snacks in a small room that looks onto a narrow interior garden (making the most of the lack of views). After 7pm it turns into a bar.
Coffee, teas, juices, rice crackers, M&Ms, and Japanese sweets were available.
Onsen
The two onsen (male and female) are quite spacious and overlook a small garden. They are open from 3pm – 1am and from 6-10am.
Tempura Restaurant
A branch of the popular tempura restaurant Endo is located inside the hotel. It’s only open for dinner, is expensive, and requires booking well in advance. We didn’t eat there.
Breakfast
The breakfast buffet wasn’t included in our room rate, but we paid the 3300 yen/ $22 for it.
We were pleasantly surprised to find plenty for vegetarians to eat. The Japanese food is the highlight—sweetcorn and pumpkin tempura, salad, tofu, various vegetables, omelette, and rice. Plus, there’s sushi and miso soup (non-veg).
There was also fruit, yoghurt, toast, and pastries (of mixed quality).
If you don’t want to eat in the hotel, Sagan restaurant is only a few minutes away and is one of the only breakfast options in the area. Starbucks on Ninnezaka is the other early opener. Or if you just want coffee, Arabica is great.
Other
- Shuttle bus to the station.
- Laundry service.
- They can arrange a massage.
- They can book restaurants for you.
Details
Hotel The Celestine offers comfortable, stylish rooms. Its location is ideal for immersing yourself in traditional Kyoto, and the onsen is great for relaxing at the end of the day.
Although it lacks Sora Niwa Terrace’s stunning view from the rooftop bar and onsen, the rooms here are bigger.
Check availability and prices for Hotel The Celestine on Booking.
Ryokan Yachiyo (Northern Higashiyama)
Staying in a ryokan (traditional inn) is a must-do in Japan. Usually, I recommend spending a night or two in one in a small town or rural area, but if your trip only includes Tokyo and Kyoto, Kyoto is the place to do it.
Ryokan Yachiyo (or Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo) was the most expensive place we stayed in Japan (three times the cost of the hotels above) but we absolutely loved it.
Our room was huge, with a private onsen and views of red maples (in peak autumn season).
This isn’t somewhere I’d suggest for a long stay, but for a night or two, it’s really special. Reviews of the ryokan are mixed but that’s because the rooms vary (more on that below).
Don’t come here expecting new, modern facilities or Western-style beds. Common areas are a bit shabby and our room was worn in places, but the history (the main building was built in 1890) is part of its charm.
The staff here speak English well and were very helpful, so it’s an easy introduction to the ryokan experience (which you can read more about in our Japan accommodation guide.
Location
Ryokan Yachiyo is located in northern Higashiyama, a few minutes walk from Nanzenji, one of our favourite temples in Kyoto.
This area is greener and quieter than Southern Higashiyama (although the main temples still attract crowds). You can even do a lovely forest walk in Nanzenji.
It’s also very close to Murin-an garden and the Philosopher’s Path with its many temples. On our autumn visit, it was a convenient location to see the night illumination at Eikando, a 10-minute walk away.
The hotel overlooks the Keage Incline, a popular Kyoto cherry blossom spot. In spring, I think you’d be able to see the blossoms from our balcony.
This isn’t the best area for restaurants and shopping but there are some options. Blue Bottle Coffee (from 9am) is across the road if breakfast isn’t included in your rate.
Keage Station is close by, but you’ll have to change lines to get to most places. I recommend taking a taxi (about 25 minutes) from the station.
We walked to the ryokan from Gion in about 25 minutes with lots to see on the way.
Rooms
The room you choose at Ryokan Yachiyo really matters. The cheaper, standard rooms in the annex haven’t been renovated and have terrible reviews.
You want to choose one of the suites instead. Yes, they are expensive but I think this ryokan is only worth doing as a splurge.
Each room is different and we booked the Japanese-Style Suite with Balcony and Garden View and Open-Air Bath. This ended up being room 3 on the 2nd floor (there are only two floors).
It’s an incredible room, by far the biggest we’ve stayed in in Japan, with windows on three sides.
Being higher up almost felt like being in a treehouse, and it felt private—we couldn’t hear other guests, although there was traffic noise as it’s on a fairly busy road.
The suite has several sections, all with typical tatami floors.
The entrance room is where you can store your things on shelves. Beautiful sliding doors lead to the main room, which features a low table and chairs where you enjoy tea and sweets on arrival.
The table is moved aside at night, and staff will set up your futon bed. We found this and the rice pillows fairly firm, but that’s typical for a ryokan.
Facilities include a TV, empty fridge, tea bags, and a jug of hot water. There’s no kettle, so if you want tea in the morning, you have to call for it (or there’s a guest lounge).
There’s a room service menu if you want an alcoholic or soft drink.
Bathrobes and yukata are provided.
The main room has three side sections, all with comfortable Western-style chairs, so there are multiple places to sit and enjoy the views of the garden.
There’s also an outside balcony with seats.
The garden is a highlight and the reason I chose this room in autumn. It’s small but features scarlet maple trees and a rock garden. At night it’s lit up.
Another wonderful feature of the suite is the private cedar bath. It comes pre-filled with hot water, and it stays hot overnight (I had three baths during a one-night stay!).
It’s a good size for two people and is next to a window that slides open for a semi-open-air feel.
If you want the onsen experience but don’t fancy the public nudity, a private bath is such a treat.
Facilities
Onsen
There’s an onsen which is public at some times and bookable for a private bath at others.
We didn’t use it as we had a bath in our room.
Lounge
There’s a guest lounge with free tea and soft-serve ice cream. Again, we didn’t use it as our room was such a gorgeous place to relax.
Restaurant
Unusually for a ryokan, meals are served in the onsite restaurant, not your room, and are not included in the room rate.
If you want to eat dinner in the hotel, make sure to book in advance and give any dietary requirements.
Although it wasn’t our favourite meal in Kyoto, the restaurant overlooks a stunning garden with a pond and lots of red maples in autumn. Make sure to request a window table (you’ll be seated on the floor with a low table) or on the balcony in warmer months.
Kaiseki is available but we booked the vegan hot pot, which was expensive at 7590 yen ($52). The flavours felt a bit one note, but it was fun to boil our vegetables, tofu and yuba in the hot water and then dip them in a soy dressing.
You can also book breakfast at the restaurant but we didn’t.
Other
- Bike rentals (free on your first day).
- Laundry service.
- Massages can be arranged.
Details
Ryokan Yachiyo is more expensive than a Western-style hotel, and it will not be as comfortable for many foreign guests.
But it’s a unique Japanese experience and I highly recommend staying in a ryokan at least once.
We loved our spacious suite, the stunning garden views, and the luxury of a private bath.
It’s ideal for exploring the area’s temples, but some might find it a bit far from the action.
Check availability and prices for Ryokan Yachiyo on Booking.
Machiya Houses in Kyoto
If you are spending over a week in Kyoto or are travelling in a group, you might prefer to rent a machiya or traditional wooden townhouse, often found in Gion.
Check Vrbo or Airbnb for options.
We spent a month in Yasaka T-House, a beautifully renovated machiya around the corner from Yasaka Pagoda. It is comfortable, warm, stylish and has a lovely bath.
There are separate listings for short-term rentals (5 nights minimum) and long stays (28 nights minimum).
Other Kyoto Hotels
We haven’t stayed in these hotels but they are on our radar for next time.
The Blossom Kyoto
The Blossom Kyoto opened in 2022 and has excellent reviews.
This good-value hotel has comfortable Western-style rooms that incorporate Japanese design elements.
It features a public onsen, guest lounge with free snacks, restaurant, gym, and self-service laundry.
The location is central, halfway between Kyoto Station and downtown (about a 15-minute walk from both). It’s close to a couple of metro/train stations and Gion is just across the river.
Check prices and availability for The Blossom on Booking.
Kyoto Inn Gion The Second
If you’d like to stay in Gion but Hotel The Celestine is out of your price range, Kyoto Inn Gion The Second is a more affordable alternative.
It’s in a fantastic location on a quiet street close to many sights.
Rooms are simple but comfortable and cheerful.
Check prices and availability for Kyoto Inn Gion The Second on Booking.
Bonus Nara Ryokan Recommendation
If you want the ryokan experience in a more rural location than Kyoto, I highly recommend Tsukihitei Ryokan in nearby Nara.
Nara is only 35 minutes from Kyoto and you could visit its famous temples and park full of deer on a day trip, but this ryokan makes it worth an overnight stay.
Tsukihitei Ryokan is only a 15-minute walk from the Nara Park temples, but it feels remote, located in a mossy garden surrounded by primeval forest. It’s a magical place.
Meals are included and our 9-course dinner was superb (they catered well for vegetarians).
Check prices and availability for Tsukihitei Ryokan here.
Map of Where to Stay in Kyoto
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