The 16 Best Hotels in Gion, Kyoto (2025)

Tucked along the eastern banks of the Kamo River, Gion is Kyoto’s most enchanting neighbourhood, where old-world charm meets vibrant city life. Think lantern-lit teahouses, centuries-old machiya townhouses, and streets steeped in geisha history. When it comes to hotels, you’re spoilt for choice: heritage stays brimming with character near Hanami-koji Street, sleek modern city pads close to Shijo Avenue, and intimate ryokans offering a taste of traditional Japan. Whether you crave luxury, boutique style, or authentic charm, Gion delivers it all.

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.
• Villa Sanjo Muromachi- Sleek, modern rooms with a Japanese-meets-Western vibe, indulgent bathrooms, and an art gallery on-site. Perfectly placed in Kyoto’s Old Town for temples, markets, and top dining—all with exceptional service and a city guide team at your fingertips.
• Rc Hotel is a stylish factory-turned-boutique hotel with curated art, handcrafted decor, and a buzzing rooftop terrace. Right next to UNESCO-listed Kiyomizu-dera Temple, this is Kyoto cool at its best—full of personality and perfectly placed for sightseeing.
• Park Hyatt Kyoto- A chic glass-and-wood retreat blending tradition with contemporary flair. Surrounded by temples and tea houses, with a spa, cultural classes, and three exceptional restaurants, it’s the ultimate city sanctuary for design lovers and explorers alike.

For luxury

• Six Senses Kyoto offers low-key luxury, tucked away from the crowds. Interiors are minimalist with nods to Heian-era design and Japanese folklore. The spa, indoor pool, bar, and seasonal dining keep things grounded yet indulgent. Calm, curated, and quietly refined.

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.
• Yasaka Yutone Kyokoyado is a beautifully restored seven-room machiya townhouse in historic Kyoto, blending Japanese tradition with modern comforts. Couples can unwind in private cypress baths, savour exquisite kaiseki cuisine, and explore iconic temples just steps away—a truly intimate Kyoto escape.
• Seikoro was established in 1831. It's a traditional Japanese house with wood-panelled walls, screen doors and a leafy courtyard. The romantic rooms are decorated with opulent furnishings, plus there's amazing in-room dining. An authentic Japanese experience ideal for couples.

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, the Upper Level and the Lower Level, 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.

Still not sure?

• You could expand your search to include all our recommendations for the best places to stay in Kyoto?
• or consider just the most romantic hotels in Kyoto, the nine best luxury Hotels in Kyoto or the best ryokans in Kyoto
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.