Wondering where to stay in Kyoto? As a first-time visitor, choosing between Downtown’s bustling streets, historic Gion’s traditional charm, or the convenient Kyoto Station area can be overwhelming.
Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Kyoto 🔝
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Hotel Imagine Kyoto
- 🔮 Boutique Hotel: Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion
- ✨ 5-Star: Hyatt Regency Kyoto
- 🏨 4-Star: Hotel Emion Kyoto
- 💸 Budget-friendly: The OneFive Kyoto Shijo
- 🌇 Best Views of the City: Kyoto Tower Hotel Annex
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Luxury hotel SOWAKA
This local guide breaks down Kyoto’s 7 best neighborhoods, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options, helping you find your perfect base for exploring Japan’s cultural capital.
Best Areas to Stay in Kyoto: Quick Neighborhood Guide 📝
- 👀 For the First Time: Downtown
- 🔮 For Local Vibe: Central Kyoto
- 🗿 For History Lovers: Northern Higashiyama, Gion
- 🕊 Away from the Crowds: Southern Higashiyama
- 👪 For Families: Shimogyo-ku
1. Downtown – Best Area to Stay in Kyoto for the First Time 🔥
🎯 Perfect Base: Downtown is the ideal starting point for your Kyoto adventure. Located in the heart of the city, this area perfectly balances modern convenience with traditional charm.
🚶 Easy Access: What I love most about Downtown is its incredibly walkable grid layout. From here, you can reach major attractions like Kiyomizu-dera Temple in just 30 minutes on foot, or hop on the Karasuma subway line for quick access to further spots like Fushimi Inari Shrine.
🗺️ Must-See Spots: Here are my top picks for must-visit spots in Downtown Kyoto:
- Nijo Castle – Start your morning here to beat the crowds and witness the famous “nightingale floors” that chirp as you walk
- Pontocho Alley – Come at dusk when lanterns illuminate this atmospheric narrow lane lined with traditional restaurants
- Nishiki Market – I suggest visiting around 11 AM to sample fresh local delicacies and watch skilled vendors at work
- Kyoto Imperial Palace – The sprawling gardens here offer a peaceful escape from the city bustle
🍜 Local Secret: For the best local food experience, explore the basement floor of Daimaru Department Store near Kyoto Station. You’ll find an incredible selection of prepared foods at much better prices than tourist restaurants.
🏮 Night Magic: What makes Downtown truly special is its transformation after dark. The streets come alive with illuminated temples, while modern izakayas fill with locals enjoying after-work sake and yakitori. Wander through the narrow alleys between Kawaramachi and Karasuma streets, where you’ll discover hidden cocktail bars and tiny craft shops that most tourists miss.
🚇 Pro Tip: Stay near Karasuma Oike subway station – it’s the intersection of Kyoto’s two main subway lines, making it incredibly convenient for exploring both the northern and southern parts of the city.
Where to stay in Downtown? 🏨
Expensive Hotels:
- Nagi Kyoto Sanjo – an elegant boutique hotel in traditional Japanese style with fine dining and attentive service.
- Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo – a modern downtown hotel with excellent facilities including a swimming pool and fitness center.
- 谷町君・ホテルひととめぼれ 京都四条烏丸 – a traditional Japanese-style luxury hotel with excellent service and city views.
Medium price category:
- TSUGU Kyoto Sanjo by THE SHARE HOTELS – a stylish hotel with comfortable rooms and a good location near the Kamo River.
- Kyoto Shinmachi Rokkaku Hotel grandereverie – a small cozy hotel in traditional Japanese style with attentive service.
- Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo – a modern hotel with good value for money.
Budget Hotels:
- THE POCKET HOTEL Kyoto Shijo Karasuma – a compact hotel with small but cozy rooms and reasonable prices.
- Smile Hotel Kyoto Shijo – a simple and inexpensive hotel with clean rooms, a good option for budget travelers.
- The OneFive Kyoto Shijo – an economical hotel with basic amenities at an affordable price.
2. Kyoto Station Area: Best Location for Transport & Convenience 🚆
🚉 Transportation hub: Situated just west of the Kamogawa River that cuts through central Kyoto, the bustling Kyoto Station acts as a major transportation hub connecting to all areas of the city.
🏯 Some key sites and experiences located right in the Kyoto Station area:
- Kyoto Station Building – An impressive futuristic steel and glass structure. Be sure to check out the skywalk on the 10th floor for panoramic views.
- Nishi Honganji Temple – A sprawling, ornate Buddhist temple just west of Kyoto Station.
- Kyoto Tower – Offers panoramic views over all of Kyoto from its observation deck.
❤️ Well positioned: With Kyoto Station at its core, the surrounding neighborhood offers a compact area to stay, shop, dine, and access some of Kyoto’s top attractions. Many of the city’s famous temples, shrines, and gardens are only a short train or bus ride away from the station area.
For example, the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, home of the stunning trail of vermilion torii gates winding up a mountainside, is just two train stops south of Kyoto Station. The famous Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is a 34 minute bus ride northwest of the station.
All hotels near Kyoto Station →
Where to stay near Kyoto Station? 🏩
Expensive Hotels:
- Hotel Imagine Kyoto – a luxury boutique hotel with exquisite Japanese-style interiors. Features a French restaurant with panoramic views of the city.
- MIMARU KYOTO STATION – upscale apartments with fully equipped kitchens. Close to many restaurants and stores. A great option for longer stays.
- MONday Apart Premium KYOTO Station – a spacious premium apartment with views of Kyoto Tower. It offers a 24-hour front desk and concierge services.
Medium price range:
- Hotel Granvia Kyoto – an ultra-modern hotel with a great selection of restaurants right above the central station. Convenient for transfer passengers.
- Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Terrace Hachijo – a comfortable business hotel a 5-minute walk from the station with free Wi-Fi and a fitness center.
- Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo – a traditional Japanese hotel with refined wasei-style rooms. Windows overlook a picturesque garden with a pond and fountain.
Budget Hotels:
- Hotel Elcient Kyoto – a simple and inexpensive hotel with friendly staff. The Kyoto Tower shopping center is within walking distance.
- Via Inn Prime Kyotoeki Hachijoguchi – compact rooms with ultra-modern design. Many stores, cafes and restaurants nearby.
- Rihga Gran Kyoto – an elegant hotel with a Japanese restaurant and free parking. The perfect combination of luxury and affordability.
3. Central Kyoto: Where to Stay for Authentic Japanese Experience 🔮
👘Traditional vibes: Central Kyoto offers you an immersion into traditional Japanese culture. As you explore its historic temples, shrines, gardens, and machiya townhouses, you’ll discover why Kyoto was the imperial capital for over 1,000 years.
🏯 Sacred sites: The area stretches south to north from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nijō Castle to the renowned Kitano-Temmangu Temple.
🚊 Well-connected: Getting around Central Kyoto is easy thanks to its compact size. Most major bus routes stop within the district, and two subway lines have stations around the perimeter.
🚶♂️ Ideal on foot: But walking is often the best way to experience the area’s atmosphere. From Kyoto Station, it’s about a 50-minute walk straight north to reach the heart of Central Kyoto. Or hop on the frequent City Bus #100, #206 or #207.
It’s the ideal area to begin exploring this enchanting city.
Where to stay in Central Kyoto? 🏨
Expensive Hotels:
- Kyoto Four Sisters Residence – an elegant boutique hotel with exquisite interiors and personalized service.
- Akari Nijo-jo – stylish hotel in a historic mansion overlooking Nijo Castle, offers luxurious rooms in traditional Japanese style.
Medium price range:
- Kyoto Uraraka Guest House – a guest house with a friendly atmosphere, convenient location and reasonable prices.
- Hotel MONday KYOTO MARUTAMACHI – a modern hotel with comfortable rooms and good service at a reasonable price.
- La'gent Hotel Kyoto Nijo – an elegant boutique hotel near Nijo Castle, offering stylish rooms at a reasonable price.
Budget Hotels:
- Rinn Shiki Juraku – traditional Japanese ryoku hotel in the historic Gion district, offers an authentic atmosphere at an affordable price.
- Kamishichiken Oku – small family-run hotel in traditional Japanese style with simple but cozy rooms.
- Ryokan Tori – a reasonably priced ryoku with a warm welcome, located in the picturesque Higashiyaama neighborhood.
4. Northern Higashiyama: Best Area for Temple Hopping & Cultural Sites 🏯
🚶♂️ Peaceful stroll: Northern Higashiyama is one of the most walkable districts. Despite its popularity, Northern Higashiyama has retained an authentic neighborhood feel thanks to restrictions on high-rise buildings and chain stores.
🚉 Well-connected: Located just a short bus or train ride from Kyoto Station, Northern Higashiyama is conveniently located to access. The main temple district spans north to south from Ginkakuji Temple down to Yasaka Shrine. The Philosopher’s Path running along a canal connects Ginkakuji to Nanzenji Temple.
🔝 Top sights to see are:
- Nanzenji Temple – spacious temple grounds and giant Sanmon gate
- Yasaka Shrine – lively shrine at the end of Shijo-dori street
- Maruyama Park – a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city
Wander the narrow lanes, peek into shops and cafes, and see the unique traditional architecture that makes this district so atmospheric.
All hotels in Northern Higashiyama →
Where to stay in Northern Higashiyama? 🏩
Expensive Hotels:
- Komatsu Residences – elegant traditional Japanese style apartments with stunning views of Kiyomizu Shrine and bamboo grove.
- Kyo no Yado Sangen Ninenzaka – traditional Japanese style machiya boutique hotel with stunning views of the Gion and temples.
- Machiya Maya – a charming matiya-style boutique hotel with stunning interiors and views of Gion.
Medium price range:
- Sakura Cross Hotel Kyoto Kiyomizu – a modern hotel with a great location near Kiyomizu Shrine and reasonable prices.
- Rinn Gion Kenninji Villa – a traditional Japanese style guesthouse with a beautiful garden and views of the temples.
- THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA by Kyoto Tokyu Hotel – a modern hotel with good value for money and views of the Higashiyama Mountains.
Budget Hotels:
- Sauna & Capsule Hotel Rumor Plaza – a capsule hotel with a bathhouse, sauna and a great location near Kiyomizu-dera.
- Gion Kyoto Miyagawacyo Guesthouse HANAKANZASHI – a traditional Japanese style guesthouse with friendly staff and low prices.
- West Japan Kyoto Kiyomizu – a simple and inexpensive hotel near Kiyomizu Shrine, ideal for budget travelers.
5. Southern Higashiyama – Best Area for Quiet Stay 🕊
Southern Higashiyama is one of the most scenic and culturally rich neighborhoods in Kyoto city. For first-time visitors, Southern Higashiyama’s proximity to popular sites like Kiyomizu-dera make it an ideal home base.
😍 Must-see: The bamboo forest leading up to the Kiyomizu-dera temple is a must-see. The temple itself has a huge veranda jutting out over the hillside that offers stunning views of Kyoto.
Also stop at a traditional sweets shop for matcha flavored treats or peruse the craft stores selling pottery, textiles, and antiques.
🚏 Convenient: Keihan train line and city buses provide quick access to and from Kyoto Station in the center of town. Buses run frequently and stops are located near most attractions. Several rental bike shops are also available if you prefer pedaling around.
💆♂️ Relaxing stay: Overall, with fewer tourists than some areas, Southern Higashiyama allows you to experience a more relaxed, authentic side of Kyoto. For accommodations, this area offers some of the city’s best ryokan traditional inns and machiya houses converted into guesthouses.
All hotels in Southern Higashiyama →
Where to stay in Southern Higashiyama? 🏨
Luxury Hotels:
- Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto – an elegant premium hotel with exquisite rooms, panoramic views of temples and gardens, and a luxurious spa complex.
- Seikoro Ryokan – a traditional Japanese ryokan hotel with over 190 years of history, known for its upscale service and authentic atmosphere.
- Hyatt Regency Kyoto – a modern hotel with luxurious interiors, a restaurant overlooking a rock garden, an indoor pool and a convenient location near Kyoto Railway Station.
Medium price segment:
- Sakura Cross Hotel Kyoto Kiyomizu – a comfortable boutique hotel in traditional Japanese style with a magnificent view of Kiyomizu-dera Shrine.
- Kyonoyado Kiyomizu Gojo Kuretakeso – a Japanese-style hotel with onsen hot springs, located in a quiet neighborhood near Kiyomizu-dera Shrine.
Budget Hotels:
- RESI STAY Gojozaka – a small, cozy hotel with spacious rooms, shared kitchen and a convenient location near Kyoto Imperial Palace.
- Tofukuji Riverside – a simple and inexpensive hotel overlooking the river and Tofukuji Shrine, suitable for budget travelers.
- Stay Inn KOTO – an economical mini-hotel with compact rooms and friendly staff at a reasonable price.
6. Gion District: Best Area for Geisha Culture & Old Kyoto 👘
💃🏻 Geisha district: Gion is the famous historical district, best known as the city’s geisha district. In the evenings, you may catch a glimpse of elegantly dressed geisha and maiko (geisha apprentices) shuffling between the tea houses or performances.
👣 Exploring on foot: Gion is within walking distance of popular sightseeing spots like the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka Shrine. The pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy to explore the area on foot. While Gion itself has no train access, it is a short bus ride from Gion Shijo Station along the Keihan Main Line.
🎎 Top attractions in Gion include:
- Hanamikoji Street – Historic street with traditional wooden buildings holding restaurants, geisha houses and shops selling local crafts.
- Maiko Theater – Watch maiko perform songs, dances and comedy skits.
- Gion Corner – Variety show with cultural performances like tea ceremony, ikebana, bunraku puppetry and kyogen comic theater.
⏳ Step back in time: Gion attracts tourists who want to be transported back in time and immerse themselves in classic Kyoto.
7. Shimogyo-ku – Best Area in Kyoto for Families 👨👩👧👦
🏰 Historic charm: As one of the city’s original wards developed alongside the imperial palace over 1,200 years ago, Shimogyo-ku retains much of old Kyoto’s charm.
💎 Lesser-known gems: While lesser known than its more touristy neighbors, Shimogyo-ku still holds some famous sites, including:
- Mibudera Temple
- Nishi Hongwan-ji
- Sumiya Cultural Art Museum
- Umekoji Park
🗺️ Shimogyo-ku could not be more central or convenient in Kyoto:
- Adjacent to the Kamo River running through Kyoto
- Walking distance from Kyoto Station (~1 mile)
- Well connected by bus and train lines
The peaceful wards offer the perfect counterbalance to busier parts of the city.
Where to stay in Shimogyo-ku? 🏨
Expensive Hotels:
- Hosta Umekoji Akari – an elegant boutique hotel in traditional Japanese style with exquisite kaiseki cuisine and a magnificent garden.
- Kyoto Umekoij Kadensho – a luxury hotel in a historic mansion with interior decoration by leading designers and exquisite Japanese service.
- Umekoji Potel KYOTO – a modern premium hotel with panoramic mountain views, onsen and kaiseki restaurant.
Medium price range:
- Gallery Nozawa Inn – a cozy, family-run, traditional Japanese-style hotel near Kyoto Castle with warm hospitality.
- Hale Kyoto Tambaguchi – a modern hotel with good value for money, convenient for budget travelers.
Best Kyoto Hotels and Areas on a Map 📍
Getting Around Kyoto
🚇 Transport Network: Kyoto’s public transportation network consists of two subway lines, multiple bus routes, and several train lines that make navigating the city straightforward. The Karasuma and Tozai subway lines form an essential cross-shaped network, connecting major tourist areas and residential districts.
💳 Smart Travel: For efficient travel, purchase an IC card like ICOCA or a city-wide bus pass, which can save you significant money when visiting multiple sites. Most attractions are accessible within 15-30 minutes from central stations, and the grid-like street layout makes walking between nearby sites enjoyable.
Seasonal Guide to Kyoto Neighborhoods
🌸 Spring & Summer: Each season transforms Kyoto’s neighborhoods in unique ways, influencing where you might want to stay. During cherry blossom season (late March to mid-April), Northern Higashiyama and Gion offer prime viewing spots along the Philosopher’s Path and Maruyama Park. Summer festivals center around Downtown and Gion, with the famous Gion Matsuri taking over the city in July.
🍁 Fall & Winter: Autumn brings spectacular foliage to temples in Southern Higashiyama, particularly around Kiyomizu-dera. Winter illuminations are best experienced from accommodations near Arashiyama or Higashiyama, where temples host evening light-up events.
Budget Planning & Price Guide
💰 Price Range: Kyoto accommodations vary significantly by area and season, with peak pricing during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage. Luxury hotels in prime locations like Gion or Downtown typically start at ¥30,000 per night, offering traditional Japanese service and amenities.
💡 Smart Choices: Mid-range options, abundant near Kyoto Station and Central Kyoto, range from ¥15,000-30,000. Budget travelers can find hostels and basic hotels under ¥15,000, particularly in Shimogyo-ku and around Kyoto Station areas.
Practical Information
🏯 City Basics: Kyoto is an extremely safe city with low crime rates, making it comfortable for solo travelers and families alike. Most tourist areas have English signage and tourist information centers staffed with English-speaking guides.
📱 Daily Tips: Essential apps like Google Maps and NaviTime Japan work excellently for navigation, while convenience stores and ATMs are readily available in all major areas. In emergencies, dial 119 for ambulance/fire or 110 for police, and look for koban (police boxes) at major intersections.
FAQs: Kyoto for Tourists ❔
How many days is enough for Kyoto?
To truly immerse yourself in Kyoto’s rich cultural tapestry, I recommend spending at least 3 to 4 days exploring the city. This timeframe allows you to visit iconic landmarks, such as the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkaku-ji, while also leaving room for leisurely strolls through traditional neighborhoods and experiencing the unique blend of ancient and modern Japan.
What is the hippest neighborhood in Kyoto?
Gion is Kyoto’s hippest neighborhood, blending historical charm with contemporary flair. Known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and exclusive restaurants, Gion comes alive with a vibrant atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
What is the most beautiful street in Kyoto?
For a stroll through one of Kyoto’s most picturesque streets, head to Philosopher’s Path. This enchanting cherry tree-lined walkway follows the canal, offering a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Is Kyoto safe at night?
Kyoto is generally safe at night, and exploring the city after dark can be a rewarding experience. The streets are well-lit, and crime rates are relatively low. However, like any other destination, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings and take standard precautions.
Where to stay in Kyoto with family?
For a family-friendly stay, consider accommodations in the Higashiyama or Gion districts. These areas provide a mix of cultural experiences and convenient access to attractions. Family-friendly hotels or traditional ryokans offer comfortable stays with the added benefit of being close to key landmarks like Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine.
