Kyoto

Kyoto lets you back into the world of old Japan, of its religion and royalty and commerce and nightlife. Gion’s streets beckon welcomingly after a day of gazing in awe at the time and positive energy funnelled into the construction and upkeep of Kyoto’s thousands of temples and shrines, proving there is still a lot of life in this beautiful old girl yet. Once a place of geisha silks, parks carefully laid out to reflect the seasons, narrow cobbled streets and wooden dwellings, and classically beautiful art and writing, these things remain but are kept aside like museum pieces rather than part of the regular cycle of life.

Our pick of the best places to stay in Kyoto are ideally placed for exploring this fascinating city, with the majority being centrally located and easily accessible to Kyoto's highlights.  

Downtown Kyoto is convenient for the city’s restaurants and boutiques, for the train station and the subway station and you’re within walking distance of both Southern and Northern Higashiyama, which is where you’ll find many of the most beautiful and famous temples and sights.  Southern Higashiyama is also a good choice, especially if you want to be close to Gion, and if you’re looking for somewhere a bit more traditional and atmospheric to stay.  Greener and more residential, Northern Higashiyama has fewer choices when it comes to hotels, but there are a few ryokan and guesthouses.

There’s a lot of accommodation around Kyoto Station, which is great for when you arrive, and for travelling outside of Kyoto, but it’s not quite as good for local sightseeing.  And if you don’t fancy staying within the city then Arashiyama, with its wonderful green gardens and river, and mountain, views, might be perfect. This is also where you’ll find some of the best places to stay in Kyoto.  

What Not To Miss

• Visit the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, built to honour Inari, the Shinto God of rice. The shrine has spectacular Tori Gates that visitors can stroll through - and if you're feeling active, the climb to the summit rewards with dramatic views. A sign of the Shrine's popularity is how busy it gets, so visitors are advised to get there early in the morning.
• For a wonderfully tranquil experience, visit the Kinkakuji Temple. Known as the Golden Pavilion, the temple was first constructed in 1397 - making it a fantastic historic site. The grounds and water around the temple are extremely peaceful and make it a must-do experience.
• Explore Arishiyama, a historic and beautiful town near Kyoto. With major attractions such as the bamboo forest and an abundance of temples - there's a huge variety of things to see and do. The town enjoys a picturesque location amidst mountains, rivers and forests.
• For something a bit different, visit the Monkey Park Iwatayama - where visitors are able to get up close to these charismatic creatures. It's even possible to feed the monkeys, and the view from the mountain top alone is well worth the climb.
• Visit Nijo-jo Castle, a historic place where the Shogun used to reside. Visitors are able to take a tour and learn about the fascinating architecture and history of the place and as with many of the sights in Kyoto, it has beautifully tended gardens.

Our selection of the best places to stay in Kyoto offer visitors everything from properties in the centre, ideal for city exploring, to luxurious retreats, ideal for unwinding after a day out and about.

Downtown Kyoto

• Located in the heart of Kyoto, Kanamean Nishitomiya offers traditional Japanese accommodation -think tatami woven-straw flooring and futon bedding. Relax in the garden with a drink and enjoy splendid half-board kaiseki cuisine! A wonderfully charming and incredibly peaceful city spot.

• Unwind with a massage and enjoy the delicious cuisine at the Royal Park Hotel, a smart property located in the heart of Kyoto. Rooms are light and airy. Expansive suites have an elegant air with antique furniture and impossibly large beds. International dishes are served in the restaurant and massages can be arranged. Well located with many sights within walking distance.

• The Ritz Carlton is a chic property perfectly mixing traditional Japanese style with contemporary luxuries and boasting a central location overlooking the river. Rooms are spacious and comfortable with windows framing the lush views, bonsai plants, modern bathrooms and traditional art. Ideal for exploring the city.

Southern Higashiyama and Gion

• If you want a true culinary experience, Motonago Ryokan is a charming traditional property in an ancient part of Kyoto packed full of historical and religious sights. Authentic rooms feature tatami-mat flooring and futon beds. Thirteen course regional meals give a true Japanese experience. Ideally located to explore the city.

• Also fantastic for foodies, with an on-site restaurant and in a great location for the Nishiki food markets, The Westin Miyako Hotel is a grand hotel nestled into a lush hillside overlooking the city. Smart rooms are simply dressed with large windows to enjoy the views, contemporary bathrooms and crisp white linen. An elegant restaurant serves up continental dishes. Well located to visit Kyoto's many attractions.

• Gion Hatanaka is an historic property designed as a resting place from the bustling city. Rooms are traditional in style with classic Japanese minimalism; think roll down futons, paper screens, large windows and plenty of light polished wood. Regional cuisine is served alongside green tea and sake. A relaxing stay.

Northern Higashiyama

• For absolute tranquility, Yoshida Sanso is a traditional ryokan nestled in beautifully manicured gardens and comprising just five Japanese styled rooms. Experience Kyoto-style kaiseki dinners (made up of many courses), wander to nearby temples or simply unwind in the gardens with a good book. A blissful escape from the bustling city.

Kyoto Station

• With no shortage of amenities for guests, the Hotel Granvia makes a great base for relaxing after wandering the city. A slick property boasting a central location next to Kyoto Station, where contemporary rooms feature floor to ceiling windows, crisp white linen, large modern bathrooms and epic city views. A choice selection of international restaurants and elegant bars. The perfect base for city exploring.

• Complete with a swimming pool Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is a sleek modern property located in the heart of Kyoto. Smart rooms are well proportioned and feature floor to ceiling windows, clean lines and luxury bathrooms. A restaurant with a view, serves up continental buffet and A la carte options. A chic base for a city stay.

Arashiyama

• Hoshinoya Kyoto is a stunning riverside property set in thick forest - which dramatically changes colour along with the seasons. Traditionally styled rooms feature paper screens, picture windows, Japanese mats and the larger ones have wooden baths. Dine on inventive regional dishes. The perfect rural escape.
• Tranquil, with rural views, but also good links to the city, Arashiyama Benkei is a beautifully designed traditional guesthouse with just ten light and airy rooms - all with tatami mats and garden views, and the best with hot spring baths. The restaurant specailised in great regional cuisine is served up in the restaurant. 

For City Exploring

• Citadines Karasuma-Gojo are smart serviced apartments in the centre of the city which sleep between two and five people. Decor is simple and clean; creams throughout with a functional layout, kitchens and city views. Breakfasts are served and there's a communal lounge. Well located and priced.
• Matsubaya Ryokan is a recently renovated traditional two-storey wooden guesthouse. Interiors merge contemporary and classical styles creating an airy space with an authentic, yet comfortable, feel. Think tatami mat flooring, a choice of futon or western bed and modern bathrooms. The perfect base for city exploring.
• For central luxury, Hyatt Regency Kyoto is a chic luxury property set in pretty Japanese gardens in central Kyoto. Contemporary rooms are simply styled with pop-art, crisp white linen, large windows and indulgent bathrooms. Boasting three exemplary restaurants and a spoiling spa - this a tough one to beat.
• Kyoto Hotel Okura is a grand hotel standing tall in central Kyoto. Rooms are classically designed with soft hues, large floor to ceiling windows and contemporary bathrooms. Elegant reception rooms of epic scale make for glamorous evenings and there's a wide range of restaurants too. Ideal for travel or business.
• Mitsui Garden Hotel is a large reasonably priced property in the centre of Kyoto. You'll find simple but stylish Western style rooms, a restaurant serving Japanese cuisine and large garden spa for relaxation after a day doing the sights.

For a traditional experience

• For a great value, authentic experience, Ryokan Shimizu is a charming guesthouse located in the heart of the city. Simple rooms are traditionally dressed with roll down futon beds, soft hues, large windows and tatami mat flooring. Walking distance from some of Kyoto's main attractions.
• If you're after an authentic experience, Kyoto Garden Ryokan Yachiyo is a chic traditional property set in gorgeous Japanese gardens. Large floor to ceiling windows perfectly frame the views. Classically styled rooms feature tatami mat flooring, futon beds and the best have indulgent luxury bathrooms. A tranquil property, well located for exploring the historical city.
• If you want a true culinary experience, Motonago Ryokan is a charming traditional property in an ancient part of Kyoto packed full of historical and religious sights. Authentic rooms feature tatami-mat flooring and futon beds. Thirteen course regional meals give a true Japanese experience. Ideally located to explore the city.
• Located in the heart of Kyoto, Kanamean Nishitomiya offers traditional Japanese accommodation - think tatami woven-straw flooring and futon bedding. Relax in the garden with a drink and enjoy splendid half-board kaiseki cuisine! A wonderfully charming and incredibly peaceful city spot.
• For absolute tranquility, Yoshida Sanso is a traditional ryokan nestled in beautifully manicured gardens and comprising just five Japanese styled rooms. Experience Kyoto-style kaiseki dinners (made up of many courses), wander to nearby temples or simply unwind in the gardens with a good book. A blissful escape from the bustling city.

For Sleek and Modern

• Karasuma Kyoto Hotel is a smart contemporary hotel boasting a very central location. Uniformly designed rooms are functional and light with modern en-suite bathrooms. Feast on Chinese or Japanese fare at the hotel's restaurants. Perfectly positioned for both business or sightseeing.
• With no shortage of amenities for guests, Hotel Granvia makes a great base for relaxing after wandering the city. A slick property boasting a central location next to Kyoto Station, where contemporary rooms feature floor to ceiling windows, crisp white linen, large modern bathrooms and epic city views. A choice selection of international restaurants and elegant bars. The perfect base for city exploring.
• Complete with a swimming pool Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is a sleek modern property located in the heart of Kyoto. Smart rooms are well proportioned and feature floor to ceiling windows, clean lines and luxury bathrooms. A restaurant with a view, serves up continental buffet and A la carte options. A chic base for a city stay.

For Luxury

• Unwind with a massage and enjoy the delicious cuisine at the Royal Park Hotel, a smart property located in the heart of Kyoto. Rooms are light and airy. Expansive suites have an elegant air with antique furniture and impossibly large beds. International dishes are served in the restaurant and massages can be arranged. Well located with many sights within walking distance.
• The grand lobby sets the scene at Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto. Rooms are European in feel with large windows, pretty cornicing, crisp white linen and large luxurious bathrooms. Well positioned for exploring the city and the hotel also offers a number cultural excursions. An ideal city base.
• Fantastic for foodies, with an on-site restaurant and in a great location for the Nishiki food markets, The Westin Miyako Hotel is a grand hotel nestled into a lush hillside overlooking the city. Smart rooms are simply dressed with large windows to enjoy the views, contemporary bathrooms and crisp white linen. An elegant restaurant serves up continental dishes. Well located to visit Kyoto's many attractions.
• The Ritz Carlton is a chic property perfectly mixing traditional Japanese style with contemporary luxuries and boasting a central location overlooking the river. Rooms are spacious and comfortable with windows framing the lush views, bonsai plants, modern bathrooms and traditional art. Ideal for exploring the city.
• Located in a very tranquil spot, Suiran Hotel is situated along the banks of the Katsura River in the outskirts of Kyoyo. The property offers chic designer accommodation and boasts its own lush garden: perfect to relax in with a drink. Exquisite cuisine is served at their restaurant! A classy stay in a stunning spot.

For a rural escape

• Hoshinoya Kyoto is a stunning riverside property set in thick forest - which dramatically changes colour along with the seasons. Traditionally styled rooms feature paper screens, picture windows, Japanese mats and the larger ones have wooden baths. Dine on inventive regional dishes. The perfect rural escape.
• Tranquil, with rural views, but also good links to the city, Arashiyama Benkei is a beautifully designed traditional guesthouse with just ten light and airy rooms - all with tatami mats and garden views, and the best with hot spring baths. The restaurant specailised in great regional cuisine is served up in the restaurant. 

For an Apartment

• If you prefer your own space, we recommend visiting our online partner, Booking.com for a variety of properties to suit visitors of all needs.

Travel Information

• Fly to Kansai International Airport, located approximately 97km (60 miles) from Kyoto and about 90 minutes on the direct express train.
• Or catch the bullet train from Tokyo, with an approximate journey time of 2h15 mins.
• If you want to rent a car, for prices visit our online partner, Rentalcars
• Best time to visit - Spring and Autumn are still the best times of year to visit, when festivals and the changing hues of the city’s gardens bring back the colour and polish of the Kyoto’s rich traditions.

Still Undecided?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Kyoto.
• Alternatively, widen the net and check out all our recommendations in Japan
• Or contact, one of our friendly gurus for advice