Where to Stay in Kyoto
Kyoto is not just another Japanese destination (if such a thing even exists); it embodies what travelers dream of when they picture Japan: geishas strolling down lantern-lit streets, bright torii gates, iconic temples, mouthwatering cuisine, enchanting bamboo forests, traditional ryokans, and so much more.
With accommodation options coming out the wazoo and so much to see and experience, deciding where to stay in Kyoto can feel like a challenge.
Location is often key to finding the perfect hotel. However, choosing where to stay in Kyoto is also an opportunity to immerse yourself in Japan’s rich culture. Whether you want to kick back in a cozy ryokan, wrapped in a soft yukata, or live out your futuristic fantasy in a quirky capsule hotel, we have rounded up a fantastic selection of unique accommodations and cool hotels in Kyoto for you. No matter your budget or travel style, this guide will make choosing where to stay in Kyoto a piece of cake – oh great, now I want Japanese cheesecake.
Where to Stay in Kyoto: Quick Picks
Short on time and just looking for cool hotels in Kyoto where you are guaranteed to have an amazing time? No worries, we have got your back!
Here are three of our top choices for where to stay in Kyoto, each offering a memorable and well-rounded experience:
If these options are a bit over your budget, if you are looking for a particular type of accommodation, or if you prefer a specific area of Kyoto, keep scrolling. We have gathered accommodation suggestions to suit all budgets and needs, along with useful tips on where to stay in Kyoto, showing how your choice of accommodation can shape your overall experience.
Kyoto Best Areas to Stay
Unpopular opinion: there is not a specific “best neighborhood to stay in Kyoto”. The attractions you will likely want to visit in Kyoto are spread out, so your priority should be staying somewhere central, with good access to public transportation and, of course, near interesting dining options. Beyond that, there is really no wrong choice.
That said, we understand how helpful it is for first-time visitors to have a breakdown of the best areas where to stay in Kyoto:
Higashiyama
Who it is for: History buffs and culture lovers seeking a scenic atmosphere.
Appeal: Main temple and shrine area of Kyoto, offering scenic walks down traditional shopping streets and home to the famous Gion Geisha district. The best place to stay in Kyoto for exploring its heritage and old-world charm.
Our go-to accommodations: Ina House Gion* (€) & The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu* (€€€)
The district of Higashiyama can be broadly divided into northern and southern areas. While both are busy, Northern Higashiyama is the quieter and less crowded of the two.
Downtown Kyoto (Kawaramachi)
Who it is for: Shoppers, foodies, and those seeking a lively, urban vibe.
Appeal: Bustling streets, vibrant nightlife, and close to restaurants and shopping centers. Nishiki Market and Ponto-cho Geisha District stand out as highlights.
Our go-to accommodations: ASAI Kyoto Shijo* (€) & The Blossom Kyoto* (€€)
Kyoto Station Area
Who it is for: First-timers and convenience seekers.
Appeal: Easy access to shopping, dining, and transport (JR Kyoto Station is one of the most important railway stations in Japan). It is one of Kyoto's best areas to stay in for exploring the city and beyond – ideal for day trips like Nara and Osaka.
Our go-to accommodations: Sakura Terrace The Atelier* (€) & Hideout* (€€€)
Due to limited space, it is common for most affordable accommodations to have shared bathrooms. While this might not be ideal, remember, this is Japan, and the standards are high.
Arashiyama
Who it is for: Nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility.
Appeal: Famous for its bamboo forest, scenic views, and temples. The best neighborhood to stay in Kyoto for a more laid-back experience, surrounded by nature on the outskirts of the city.
Our go-to accommodations: Mulan Hostel* (€) & Rangetsu* (€€€)
All these areas where to stay in Kyoto have convenient locations with easy access to subways, local bus, or trains. Of them all, Arashiyama is the farthest from the center, offering a peaceful atmosphere, but it may not be ideal for shorter stays.
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Where To Stay In Kyoto
The question “where to stay in Kyoto” should be more about the experience you want to have, instead of just the location. Kyoto offers a wide range of accommodations, from modern budget bunk bed hostels and luxury hotels to the traditional Machiya and the iconic Ryokans, where a futon and a kaiseki (multi-course traditional meal) will transport you to the Japan you have always dreamed of visiting.
Machiya refers to a traditional wooden townhouse, particularly common in Kyoto. These houses were historically used as residential homes but have become popular as short-term accommodations, offering a more independent and less formal alternative to ryokans.
Below, you will find recommendations on where to stay in Kyoto based on the experience you are seeking:
Boutique Hotels in Kyoto
There is no going wrong with choosing one of the charming boutique hotels in Kyoto as your base. These hotels offer a blend of personalized service and stylish design, all while maintaining a close connection to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Let’s face it, there is only so much “cultural heritage” your back can take after a week on a futon, so you will be thrilled to sink into a cozy hotel bed.
Our recommendations for the top boutique hotels in Kyoto:
Don’t just ask where to stay in Kyoto, but also when. Pay attention to the super-peak seasons, particularly Cherry Blossom (late March to April) and Autumn Foliage (November). During these times, you can expect large crowds, skyrocketing prices, and accommodations fully booked months in advance – from the nicest boutique hotels in Kyoto to the “why are these strangers’ feet on my face” kind of hostels.
Ryokans in Kyoto
Kyoto boasts one of the largest concentrations of ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) in Japan, including some of the most luxurious – good luck convincing your mom that a tatami-matted room can be luxurious, I know I couldn’t! Staying at a ryokan is a quintessential Japanese experience everyone should try at least once.
We are often asked about the best ryokans in Gion, Kyoto. However, we recommend not limiting your search to this area, as options are fewer and prices tend to be higher. There are incredible ryokans in Kyoto center, just outside of Gion.
While ryokans are not typically budget-friendly, many include meals, making the experience even more special. A stay at a ryokan is often quite formal and immersive, so plan to dedicate some time to fully enjoy it. With that in mind, we suggest you spend only 1 to 2 nights in a ryokan and the remaining of your stay in Kyoto at a hotel, if this is your first time in Japan.
Our top recommendations for Ryokans in Kyoto:
Hotels & Ryokans in Kyoto with Private Onsen
One of the most sought-after experiences in Japan is visiting an onsen. Many hotels and ryokans extend this cultural immersion (literally and figuratively) to foreigners through their facilities, making it almost impossible to resist. However, some cultural requirements for visiting an onsen often lead travelers to search for hotels and ryokans in Kyoto with private onsen.
Onsen or Sento
Before we jump into the best hotels and ryokans in Kyoto with private onsen, let’s clarify some terminology:
Onsen
Literally meaning “hot spring”, this term typically refers to places where people gather to enjoy relaxing soaks in naturally heated spring water. There are public and private onsens, either as part of ryokans or standalone facilities. Private onsens are rarely outdoor baths attached to a room, like a private pool would; instead, they are in the common area but available for 1 to 2 hour reservations. Most public facilities require full nudity, and while mixed-gender onsens are becoming more common, the majority are still segregated by gender.
Sento
A traditional Japanese public bathhouse where people go to relax and soak in hot water. These are used by locals for both hygiene and socializing. Tourists often confuse sentos with onsens since the facilities can appear similar. However, sentos do not use water naturally heated by hot springs. Most hotels and ryokans offering private outdoor baths attached to rooms actually feature sentos.
In Kyoto’s city center, you will mainly find sentos, as traditional onsens are more commonly located in areas with geothermal activity. However, a few establishments in Kyoto do classify as onsens because they source natural hot spring water, even within the urban area.
It might sound intimidating to be completely naked, soaking in hot water like a boiled potato surrounded by strangers, but let us tell you: nobody is looking at you, and nobody cares. However, if you don’t feel comfortable, no worries – that is exactly what hotels in Kyoto with private onsen are for.
Hotels and ryokans in Kyoto with private onsen cater not only to more private travelers but also to those who want to enjoy the experience with their partners or families. They're also ideal for travelers with tattoos, as most onsens and sentos in Japan still prohibit them.
Knowing there are not many centrally located hotels and ryokans in Kyoto with private onsen, we will also share the best sento alternatives. This way, you can choose what fits your onsen fantasy best. After all, you might just want to experience the ritual, without caring about the origin of the water. And oh boy, there are plenty of beautiful hotels with private sentos in the heart of Kyoto!
Our Favorite Hotels and Ryokans in Kyoto with Private Onsen:
Our recommendations for Hotels and Ryokans in Kyoto with Private Sento:
Best Capsule Hotels in Kyoto
Looking for cool hotels in Kyoto but want to keep your budget intact so you can splurge on sushi? We respect that! Staying at a capsule hotel is a budget-friendly and fun experience in Japan – not to mention, you’ll never find capsules as pristine as the ones here.
Capsule hotels were first introduced in 1979 in Osaka as a practical solution for business people who missed the last train home – or skipped it intentionally, since a capsule was often cheaper than the train ticket. Today, they are a must-try novelty experience for most travelers, with some offering unique amenities and themes.
The best capsule hotels in Kyoto have super convenient locations, are a masterclass in space optimization, and have awesome common areas – making them perfect for solo travelers.
These are the Best Capsule Hotels in Kyoto:
Where to Stay in Kyoto With Family
Traditional Japanese accommodations, such as ryokans or smaller boutique hotels, often feature quite compact rooms, so finding places where to stay in Kyoto with family, especially larger ones, can be challenging without early planning.
Don’t assume that all accommodations offer essential family amenities, such as cribs or extra beds.
Our recommendations on where to stay in kyoto with family:
If these hotels are fully booked, or if you would like to explore more options, Mimaru* offers most of Kyoto’s family rooms, accommodating up to 10 people, and providing excellent value for money. Check out all the Mimaru hotels in Kyoto here*.
Planning Time
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