The Hotel Guru
The 9 Best Hotels in Gion, Kyoto

The 9 Best Hotels in Gion, Kyoto

Set on the eastern side of the Kamo River, Gion is a beautiful part of Kyoto. Stroll along narrow lanes lined with charming 17th-century homes, art galleries and intimate ryokans, pop in to lantern-lit teahouses and feast on traditional kaiseki cuisine in atmospheric restaurants. Once the city’s top geisha entertainment district, Gion has a rich and fascinating history. It's a brilliant neighbourhood for an expert-led walking tour or leisurely cycle, with much of the action clustered around Hanami-koji Street from Shijo Avenue to Kenninji Temple. The best hotels in Gion include elegant heritage properties, full of authentic atmosphere, as well as modern Japanese city spots — perfect for a memorable stay in the city.

For Couples

Indigo House is a classic 'machiya' townhouse hidden on a little cul-de-sac in bustling Gion. Although the apartment sleeps four, it's best as a cosy couples' hideaway. Expect compact yet ergonomic Japanese interiors, a cosy bedroom and easy access to the area's restaurants, teahouses and boutiques.
The Shinmonzen promises a elegant stay for romantic couples, with minimalist interiors featuring paper screens, wood-panelled walls, impressive artwork and crisp white linens. Inspired by old-school ryokans, this is a cool, contemporary boutique choice. Explore Gion on the hotel's bicycles.
Sowaka Hotel is a swish ryokan, offering atmospheric rooms and suites with garden views, inviting seating areas and a terrific restaurant serving seasonal cuisine. A luxurious choice for food and heritage-focused couples, and certainly one of the best hotels in Gion.

For Groups

Motonago Ryokan is a relaxed 11 room guesthouse, offering traditional Japanese interiors and delicious 13-part reigonal meals. Rooms feature futon beds, woven tatami matting and low seating areas. Many have space for families or groups; ideal for a taste of authentic Gion.
The Old Modern sleeps up to 14 guests in rooms with polished parquet flooring, goose-down duvets and high ceilings. Gather in the central courtyard garden, alongside the dining room and library for a quiet moment before heading out to explore Gion.
Amber House Gion promises an authentic Japanese experience in a restored machiya — Japanese townhouse — with two bedrooms. Ideal for two couples travelling together, or for a small family, the house has period interiors, garden and temple views and self-catering facilities.
The Gion House is another renovated machiya, this time overseen by renowned Kyoto-based architect Geoffrey Moussas. The house is split into two apartments, each with two bedrooms. Book the whole place for a larger group, or take just the top half for up to four guests — the roof terrace is a nice touch. Interestingly, the house was used as an entertainment space by geishas until the 1960s.

For City Style

Granbell Kyoto is a modern, budget-friendly base in central Gion. The 100+ guest rooms have a contemporary, industrial feel, with lots of white, black and light wooden accents. The lobby-bar is brilliant for drinks, there's great food at the restaurant and the tranquil public bath overlooks a small garden. City style in the heart of old Kyoto.
Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion has over 150 chic guestrooms set above light and airy shared spaces. Unwind in the lounge, take a long soak in the garden-facing baths, or tuck in to flavoursome Japanese fare at Yasaka Endo — which also boasts a tempura counter. A stylish Gion choice for business or leisure.

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- Indigo House Kyoto 4 rooms from £427
  
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  Groups  -  The house has 4 rooms (split between 2 apartments) and sleeps up to 8 people making this ideal to rent out in its entirety
  Sights nearby  -  Visit nearby Kenninji Temple, visible from the master bedrooms, and understand how monks traditionally live
  Architectural  -  Built in the 1900s, the house was extensively restored in 2015 by renowned architect Geoffrey Moussas
  Local exploring  -  Ideally located for exploring this historic area of Kyoto
  
  A charming 'machiya' style townhouse offering contemporary luxuries in a traditional setting. Two of the rooms feature traditional tatami matting, while the others are more Western in their design. Offering a fully-equipped modern kitchen, this is an ideal choice for families or groups. See More
  
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- The Shinmonzen Kyoto (Higashiyama-ku) 9 rooms from £888
  
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  Designer  -  Offering the simplicity of a Ryokan with renowned art works and chic European touches — making this anything but traditional
  Local exploring  -  Gion district is famous for its geisha teahouses, atmospheric narrow lanes, hidden temples and traditional wooden architecture
  Foodies  -  Famed French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten runs the show here offering Kyoto cuisine with a distinctly modern French touch
  Artworks  -  The property has some big hitters including Damien Hirst, Louise Bourgeois and Hiroshi Sugimoto
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  Behind its traditional machiya-style façade, lies a contemporary ryokan made for design-lovers. Interiors are styled on a traditional ryokan with chic minimalism, tatami mat flooring, and sharp lines but there are also renowned artworks (think Damien Hirst) and plenty of modern touches. Very chic. See More
  
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- Sowaka Hotel Kyoto (Higashiyama-ku) 23 rooms from £467
  
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  Romantic Break  -  The tranquil atmosphere at this contemporary Japanese hotel is perfect for a couples' getaway; book a relaxing in-room massage
  Foodies  -  A great choice for foodies, with onsite restaurant La BOMBANCE overseen by a Michelin-starred chef
  City Style  -  Set in a historic neighbourhood in Kyoto, this hotel has reams of luxury local city charm
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the beautiful, nearby Kodaiji Temple, located a few minutes' walk from this hotel
  
  This stylish hotel is located in Kyoto's charming Gion neighbourhood. Guestrooms blend classic Japanese design with a contemporary inflexion, with sliding doors opening onto the hotel's verdant inner courtyard. Dine at the award-winning restaurant to complete the experience. See More
  
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- Motonago Ryokan Kyoto (Higashiyama-ku Kodaiji-dori Washio 511) 11 rooms from £163
  
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  Other Activities  -  Take a guided tour through Gion to admire Edo architecture and to discover the history of the neighbourhood
  Great walks  -  Enjoy a stroll through the picturesque Maruyama Park - especially beautiful in the spring
  Groups  -  Larger rooms sleep up to four guests; ideal for groups of friends keen to travel together
  Local exploring  -  A traditional property within walking distance of some of Kyoto's main sights.
  
  A charming traditional ryokan in an ancient part of Kyoto packed full of historical and religious sights. Authentic rooms feature tatami-mat flooring and futon beds; some rooms have space for families or groups. Thirteen-part regional meals offer a true Japanese experience. Laid-back and intimate. See More
  
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- The Old Modern Kyoto 4 rooms from £761
  
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  Groups  -  The house sleeps up to 14 and is ideal for groups seeking a private city stay
  Hideaway  -  A design-led hideaway for couples or groups in Kyoto, brimming with history
  Museums  -  Just a few minutes' awalk from the excellent Kyoto National Museum
  Sights nearby  -  The nearby Kiyomizu Temple is a must-see for culture aficionados
  
  A spacious house offering modern luxuries in a historic setting. Well-proportioned rooms feature parquet flooring, goose-down duvets and Nespresso machines but the look is still traditional and clean. The central garden and library are ideal spots to unwind after a day's sightseeing. Very chic. See More
  
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- Amber House Gion Kyoto 2 rooms from £279
  
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  Local exploring  -  Well placed in the heart of the city with many of the attractions within walking distance
  Families  -  With just two rooms this is an ideal property to rent out in its entirety
  Sights nearby  -  Take a walk around the nearby gardens of Kenninji, the oldest Zen temple in Japan
  Great walks  -  Explore the streets of Gion the famed geisha area of Kyoto
  
  A charming renovated machiya house set on a quiet street in Old Gion. The house has two rooms which have both been beautifully restored keeping the building's traditional style yet with all the contemporary luxuries. Featuring a fully equipped kitchen this is an ideal house to rent in its entirety. See More
  
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- The Gion House (upper level) Kyoto (Higashiyama Ward) 2 rooms from £251
  
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  Families  -  A small self-catering property with just two rooms, this is an ideal choice for families seeking a private stay
  Hideaway  -  Also a romantic spot for design-minded couples looking for a private space of their own in the city
  Sights nearby  -  A visit to the iconic Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine is a must on any visit to Kyoto
  Other Activities  -  Participate in a tea ceromony, the roots of which lie in Zen Buddhism
  
  A traditional wooden 'machiya' set in the geisha quarters of Gion. having undergone a full renovation by renowned Kyoto-based architect Geoffrey Moussas the small property is a chic, yet authentic, holiday home. Featuring just two rooms it's an ideal base for families or groups. See More
  
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- Granbell Kyoto Kyoto (Yamatooji-dori) 105 rooms from £123
  
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  Local exploring  -  Right in the heart of Higashiyama Ward, ideal for exploring the old town on foot and observing the shrines and ancient landmarks
  City Style  -  A perfect marraige between slick modern design and traditional Japanease ryokan features to create a wonderfully stylish hybrid
  Cycling  -  Rent a pair of bikes from the hotel and head off to explore this ancient and magnificent city
  Other Activities  -  The cool bar restaurant is a great spot to hang out, have a few drinks and enjoy yourself
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  A beautiful marriage between tradition and contemporary flare, in the heart of Kyoto's old city. The rooms are a perfect embodiment of this with their tatami floors, minimalist style and plush modern comforts. The lobby/bar is a cool spot for a drink and the restaurant offers excellent food. See More
  
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- Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion Kyoto (Higashioji-nishiiru, Yasaka-dori, Higashiyama-ku,) 157 rooms from £147
  
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  Local exploring  -  Higashiyama Ward is a great choice for travellers interested in old town exploring, walking and ancient landmarks
  Great walks  -  Kamo River is only a six minute walk, a refreshing start to the day. With birds such as herons and Japanese wagtails
  Sights nearby  -  Many sights nearby, such as The Oldest Zen Temple, Maruyama Park and the Tower of Yasaka, a majestic landmark
  Restaurant  -  Serves Japanese cuisine including tempura and sushi
  
  A stylish hotel set in the heart of Kyoto. Spacious interiors are that perfect combination of minimalist style with a nod to Japanese design. The restaurant serves delectable Japanese cuisine and the property boasts its own public bath in an idyllic garden setting. City perfection. See More
  
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