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In Kyoto, where you stay is a strategic decision worth considering. Its neighborhoods are quite distinct and Kyoto's well-earned reputation for omotenashi hospitality means there is genuine, meaningful difference in what your budget can get you.
Choose the Kyoto Station if you’re planning on day trips to Nara, Osaka, Lake Biwa or beyond. It’s also the best strategic location for family entertainment and activities for children like the railway museum, the aquarium or Kyoto BioVortex.
The midtown of Shijo and Kawaramachi serve as the core for nightlife, retail, and dining. The eastern slopes of Higashiyama and Gion provide easy access to the ‘gallery district’ and a quieter atmosphere after dark, while Arashiyama in the west is a more remote choice for nature and hot springs.
We break down these strategic choices for you in more detail with a pick of the best recommended hotels across all price ranges. Make sure the next time you come to Kyoto, where you stay is as much a highlight as the rest of your itinerary.
How We Selected the Best Kyoto Hotels for You
Our selection for the best hotels in Kyoto’s 4 key areas were based on the following criteria
- Location & Accessibility – Proximity to major train/subway stations, attractions, and restaurants.
- Cultural & Ecology Footprints - Historic and localized experiences with innovative design and green footprinting.
- Guest Experience & Reviews – Consistently high ratings from travelers on comfort, cleanliness, and services.
- Value for Money – Fair pricing relative to amenities, room size, and quality of stay.
Best Hotels and Areas to Stay in Kyoto
We’ve picked out a choice range of hotels for each of the following areas of Kyoto City: The JR Kyoto Station area, midtown Kawaramachi and Shijo, Gion and south Higashiyama, north Higashiyama and Arashiyama in the far west.
Price ranges are average expectations since prices can vary a lot depending on the season or the type of meal plans included.
If you want to experience a traditional Japanese inn, explore our guide to Kyoto’s best ryokans.
1. Kyoto Station Area: Best Logistics for Day Trippers
The Kyoto Station area is the ultimate choice for the ‘efficient’ traveler. It's a massive transit hub with immediate access to the Shinkansen and regional lines for seamless day trips to Nara, Osaka, Lake Biwa, Koyasan, Himeji and beyond.
While it lacks historic charm on its doorstep, it’s Kyoto’s modern commercial shopping hub with station department stores, electronics stores, and the expansive Porta underground shopping mall.
Key historic places nearby include To-ji Temple, Fushimi-Inari Shrine, and Toufuku-ji Temple. A lot of fun locations are nearby like the Kyoto Rail Museum, Kyoto Aquarium, Kyoto teamLab BioVortex, Kyoto Tower, and the Kyoto National Museum.
Pros
- Direct access to all major rail lines and the central bus terminal
- Large variety of modern dining and shopping options
- More fun locations for kids nearby
Cons
- Lacks the traditional Kyoto vibe
- An extremely busy hub
Budget ($): ~$70–$150
Tune Stay Kyoto – A lifestyle hotel with a library (mostly Japanese) and a Kyoto craft gin bar. Functional rooms, including twin bunks and a ‘Hideout Suit’. Creative communal space and social hub for travelers. Coin laundry facilities.
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo – A unique ‘natural hot spring’ hotel with a tatami and wood interior. Ryokan-style experience with the modern amenities, including a natural onsen bath. Japanese and Western buffets, late night ramen, coin laundry.
Mid-Range ($$): ~$150–$300
Hotel Granvia Kyoto – Annex to Kyoto Station Building with unparalleled convenience and panoramic city views. Immediate baggage drop-off, 12:00 PM check-out, direct access to Isetan and Porta underground. All day dining, lounge, pool, and fitness facilities.
eph KYOTO - A boutique hotel featuring bold, contemporary designs inspired by traditional Japanese motifs. Rooms surprisingly spacious with an in-room washing machine/dryer. Kitchenette suits ideal for long stays.
Luxury ($$$): $300+
The Thousand Kyoto – Named after Kyoto's thousand years as the capital. Sustainable luxury with minimalist wooden design. Large central staircase and tea-themed lobby lounge. Spacious rooms and suites, two fine restaurants, a spa and a gym.
Hotel Kanra Kyoto – A boutique hotel that reimagines the traditional Kyoto machiya with modern luxury including cypress wood bathtubs and tatami sitting areas in all rooms. Spacious lounge, two restaurants, craft shop, and workshops showcasing local ceramics and textiles.
2. Midtown Kawaramachi: Best for Food & Nightlife
Kawaramachi and Shijo are the vibrant urban pulse of Kyoto, where neon shopping arcades meet the historic alleyways. This area is the primary district for high-end retail and the city’s famous Nishiki Market.
It’s the best location for travelers who want to be in the center of the city's contemporary nightlife and dining scene. The area is a few subway stations north of JR Kyoto bordering Gion on the opposite side of the Kamo River.
Access points are the Hanshin Railway which connects to Osaka-Umeda, the Keihan Line along the Kamo River, and the Kyoto subway lines. Locations include Nishiki Market, Teramachi Shoutengai, Pontocho Alley, Samurai Ninja Museum, Kyoto Manga Museum and dining venues along the Kamo River.
Pros
- Highest density of restaurants and bars in the city
- Immediate access to major department stores
- Shopping arcades and boutique stores
Cons
- Crowded during the day
- Often noisy at night
Budget ($): ~$70–$150
The Millennials Kyoto – A high-tech "smart pod" hotel where the beds tilt into sofas and rooms are controlled via smartphones. High-vibe social atmosphere, large communal kitchen, shared and private co-sorking space.
Asai Kyoto Shijo – A unique Thai-Japanese fusion concept to Kyoto, with a vibrant street-food-inspired restaurant. Compact rooms focus on high-quality essentials, located between Shijo and Gojo Stations.
Mid-Range ($$): ~$150–$300
Mitsui Garden Kawaramachi Jokyoji – A hotel physically integrated with the rebuilt Jokyo-ji Buddhist Temple. Minimalist interiors, soothing artworks and airy ceilings. You can attend morning prayers and view sacred temple artifacts. Restaurant and large public bath.
The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa – Luxury property housed in a restored 1920s elementary school. Features a rooftop bar with prime views of Higashiyama mountains and the Takase River, spacious lounge and patio.
Luxury ($$$): $300+
Dhawa Yura Kyoto – A boutique hotel blending Meiji-era aesthetics with modern luxury, featuring an atrium bamboo forest. All day grill restaurant, sophisticated cocktail bar serving afternoon tea and pre-dinner drinks. Spa wellness center, gym, and bicycle rentals. East side of Kamo River.
Good Nature Hotel Kyoto – A wellness-oriented hotel with WELL gold certification. Hanging gardens with an open-air lounging courtyard, spa and gym. Over 10 restaurants, including Michelin two-star, cafes, patisseries, and an organic market. Walking distance to the Kamo River.
3. Gion and South Higashiyama: The Traditional Ambience
Gion serves as Kyoto’s cultural heart, characterized by preserved machiya architecture and lantern-lit alleys. Staying here allows you to experience the district at dawn or dusk when the crowds thin and its unique atmosphere permeates through.
Key attractions include Yasaka Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera, and Kennin-ji Temples to the south. The Keihan Line runs nearby along the river to the west and connects to northern chill spots like Demachiyanagi and Kurama. The JR Tozai line also intersects Gion.
Pros
- Aesthetic historic atmosphere
- Nearby key temples and traditional tea houses
- Art museums and easy connection to Kurama
Cons
- Can be rather crowded on weekends and during peak periods.
- Photography bans in private alleys to protect resident privacy.
Budget ($): ~$70–$150
Tsukimi Hotel – Design-focused capsule hotel that applies Zen principles to a compact space. A quiet alternative to typical hostels and just steps from the historic Yasaka Shrine. Communal space, lockers, and coin laundry.
Ryokan Hostel Gion – A typical hostel social atmosphere with traditional ryokan and wood interior aesthetics. Tatami-floored dormitories, private bunk rooms, female dormitory, shared kitchenette, TV lounge, coin laundry and a small roof terrace.
Mid-Range ($$): ~$150–$300
RC Hotel Yasaka – Occupying a renovated apartment building, this industrial-cool hotel features raw concrete walls and curated art installations. Small, thematic, one-room apartments, home-style reception lounge bar.
The Celestine Kyoto Gion – Sophisticated retreat with an interior garden, refined lounge, and public bathhouse. Private shuttle to Kyoto Station, fine kaiseki dining and an insider Gion tour for guests.
Luxury ($$$): $300+
Sowaka Luxury Hotel – A meticulously restored century-old ryotei (restaurant) featuring a Michelin-starred restaurant and hidden courtyard gardens. 23 unique rooms with original architectural details .
Seikoro Ryokan – Founded in 1831, this historic inn is renowned for its traditional wooden baths and museum-quality antiques. Peak ‘omotenashi’ with private kaiseki dinners served in-room.
4. Northern Higashiyama: Best for Art & Nature
Known as the ‘Green Belt’ of Kyoto, this area is home to major cultural institutions like the Kyoto Museum of Art, Kyocera Art Museum and Nanzen-ji Temple. It’s significantly quieter than Gion with a more spacious feel with the scenic Philosopher’s Path and Ginkaku-ji Temple nearby. The district is convenient for the Tozai subway line, making it a peaceful yet accessible base. It’s a prime choice for an intellectually stimulating and nature-focused get-away.
Pros
- Wider streets with more greenery than the city center
- Select choice for Japanese history and modern art lovers
- Relatively close access to JR Tozai Line
Cons
- More travel by subway or taxis needed
- Limited dining or entertainment after 8:00 PM
Budget ($): ~$70–$150
Hotel Material – Small designer hotel with an art interior design, rooftop panoramic views, 6 rooms and entire building rental available. A quiet area close to the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design.
Hotel Heian No Mori Kyoto – Spacious hotel with Japanese and Western room options and a large, public bathhouse. Quiet location near the Heian Shrine and the Philosopher's Path.
Mid-Range ($$): ~$150–$300
Kyoto Brighton Hotel – Located in a serene residential area near the Imperial Palace, large open-air atrium and award-winning restaurants. A quiet, sophisticated, and local experience. Shuttle bus service and bicycle rentals.
Hotel Mastay - A boutique hotel with ultra modern installations highlighting contemporary Kyoto design. Ample greenery, apartment-like layouts, kitchenette and in-room washing machine.
Luxury ($$$): $300+
Hotel Okura Okazaki Bettei – A refined, adult-only boutique hotel featuring modern Japanese art and garden views. The Acclaimed Nouvelle Epoque restaurant offers a French-Kyoto fusion experience. 10-min-walk to Eikan-do and Nanzen-ji Temples.
Nanzenji Sando Kikusui – Grand estate boutique hotel, featuring a Meiji era landscape garden with terrace. Exclusive Kaiseki dining and modern Western cuisine. Garden view rooms and spa suite.
5. Kyoto Arashiyama: Best for Wide Natural Vistas
Located on the western edge of the city, Arashiyama is famous for its iconic bamboo groves, Zen temples, and the Hozugawa River. Even for Kyoto locals, its retreat for urban density featuring mountain vistas and and also hot spring hotels.
While it is a 30-minute train ride from the center, the pace of life here is unmatched for relaxation. In autumn and spring it's a photographer's paradise.
Things to do include scenic rides on the Sagano Railway, traditional wooden boat rides along the Hozugawa River, bamboo forest walks, and hikes up to the Arashiyama Monkey Park. During the day, Arashiyama can be quite touristy, but at night a stillness and calmness abounds.
Pros
- Abundant and accessible nature
- Home to key Zen temples
- Serene, open night vistas
Cons
- An extra commute to outside attractions
- Shops and restaurants tend to close earlier
Budget ($): ~$70–$150
Grand West Arashiyama – A contemporary hotel with a focus on slow travel. Spacious, apartment-style rooms with separate living areas. Located slightly away from the main town area.
Riverside Arashiyama - A modern minimalist concept with open-plan designs, large windows, stone-textured bathrooms and wood accents. Kitchenette rooms and pet-friendly rooms available. Coin laundry, dog bar and space, 24hr self serving drink station.
Mid-Range ($$): ~$150–$300
Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Kadensho – A ‘ryokan-lite’ style and traditional atmosphere where guests can wear provided yukatas throughout. Private hot spring baths, evening complimentary noodles, in front of Hankyu Arashimaya Station.
Yado Arashiyama – A clean, modern guesthouse that provides basic but stylish accommodations near the Togetsukyo Bridge. On-site cafe, great for early morning walks.
Luxur ($$$): $300+
Suiran Hotel by Marriott– Situated directly on the banks of the Hozu-gawa River, occupying part of a former imperial villa. Open-air private onsen baths, spa, exclusive dining, and a riverside terrace cafe.
Muni Kyoto – A contemporary minimalist design, where room views focus entirely on the Togetsukyo Bridge. Ultra-modern retreat with ‘French Kaiseki’ dining, afternoon teas, seasonal lunch specials, and a riverside cafe.
Logistics and Booking Tips for Hotels in Kyoto
Kyoto’s updated tourist tax structure means luxury stays over ¥100,000 per night now incur a ¥10,000 per person, per night fee.
When traveling by train or bus, especially the Shinkansen, try to use hands-free luggage forwarding. Most hotels can send your bags to your next city for approximately ¥2,500, thus avoiding restrictions on large luggage on city buses.
Avoid the congested bus queues at Kyoto Station (Karasuma side). Instead, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Shijo or Karasuma Oike and catch your bus from there. You’ll bypass the most congested segments of the bus network.
Getting the Most out of Your Kyoto Trip
Complete your Kyoto journey with our curated travel guides covering what to eat, what to do, what to buy, and local restaurant recommendations to help you experience the best of Kyoto.
If you're traveling through Kyoto Station, make time to visit Japanese Taste Kyoto, a one-stop shop for carefully curated Japanese snacks, pantry staples, artisan goods, kitchenware, wellness products, and exclusive Made-in-Japan items.
Conveniently located inside JR Kyoto Station near the Shinkansen Hachijo Exit, it’s the perfect stop for authentic souvenirs!
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