Where to Stay in Kyoto

Japan's cultural heart. Choose between traditional Gion, convenient Downtown, or temple-adjacent Higashiyama.

Quick Picks

First time in Kyoto: Downtown

Balance of convenience and access

Romantic trip: Gion

Evening atmosphere, traditional beauty

Temple focus: Higashiyama

Walking distance to main temples

Day trips planned: Kyoto Station

Easy Shinkansen and bus access

Nature escape: Arashiyama

Peaceful, scenic, bamboo forest

Budget traveler: Downtown or Station

Most hostel and budget options

Kyoto Neighborhoods

Kyoto is more compact than Tokyo, but neighborhood choice still matters.

Downtown (Kawaramachi/Shijo)

Central, convenient, modern

Best for: First-timers, dining, shopping, transit

Pros: Best restaurant selection, Central location, Good transit, Nishiki Market access

Cons: Less traditional feel, Can be busy, Chain hotels dominate

Station: Kawaramachi, Shijo (Hankyu, Keihan lines)

Nearby: Nishiki Market, Pontocho, Gion (walkable), shopping arcades

Price Range

Budget:¥6,000-12,000

Mid-range:¥12,000-25,000

Luxury:¥30,000+

Gion

Traditional, geisha district

Best for: Culture seekers, romance, atmosphere

Pros: Most atmospheric area, Geisha sightings, Traditional architecture, Evening walks

Cons: Expensive, Limited hotel options, Touristy during day

Station: Gion-Shijo (Keihan line)

Nearby: Yasaka Shrine, Hanamikoji Street, Kiyomizu-dera (15 min walk)

Price Range

Budget:¥10,000-15,000

Mid-range:¥18,000-35,000

Luxury:¥50,000+

Higashiyama

Temple district, scenic hills

Best for: Temple lovers, photographers, walkers

Pros: Near major temples, Beautiful streets, Traditional atmosphere, Less crowded lodging

Cons: Hilly terrain, Far from station, Limited dining

Station: Bus access mainly, Keihan Gojo

Nearby: Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, Kodai-ji

Price Range

Budget:¥8,000-14,000

Mid-range:¥15,000-30,000

Luxury:¥40,000+

Kyoto Station Area

Transit hub, practical

Best for: Day trippers, Shinkansen users, practical travelers

Pros: Best transit access, Modern hotels, Easy Shinkansen, Department stores

Cons: Not scenic, Far from sights, Corporate feel

Station: Kyoto Station (JR, Shinkansen, Metro)

Nearby: Kyoto Tower, Nishi Honganji, bus terminal

Price Range

Budget:¥7,000-13,000

Mid-range:¥14,000-28,000

Luxury:¥35,000+

Arashiyama

Bamboo groves, nature escape

Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, escape crowds

Pros: Peaceful atmosphere, Bamboo forest access, Scenic river, Traditional ryokan options

Cons: Far from city center, Limited nightlife, 30+ min to downtown

Station: Arashiyama (JR, Hankyu, Randen)

Nearby: Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji, Togetsukyo Bridge, Monkey Park

Price Range

Budget:¥8,000-15,000

Mid-range:¥15,000-30,000

Luxury:¥45,000+

Northern Kyoto (Kinkaku-ji area)

Quiet, residential, temple access

Best for: Repeat visitors, temple focus, quiet stays

Pros: Near Golden Pavilion, Quiet neighborhood, Good value, Ryokan options

Cons: Far from downtown, Bus dependent, Limited dining

Station: Bus mainly, Kitaoji (Metro)

Nearby: Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, Ninna-ji, Daitoku-ji

Price Range

Budget:¥6,000-11,000

Mid-range:¥12,000-22,000

Luxury:¥30,000+

Types of Accommodation

Kyoto offers unique traditional stays you won't find in Tokyo.

Traditional Ryokan

¥25,000-150,000/night

Tatami rooms, futon, kaiseki dinner, onsen. The quintessential Kyoto experience.

Best for: Cultural immersion, special occasions

Machiya (Townhouse)

¥15,000-50,000/night

Renovated traditional wooden houses. Private, unique, often self-catering.

Best for: Families, groups, privacy seekers

Business Hotels

¥8,000-15,000/night

Compact, efficient, reliable. Dormy Inn has great onsen options.

Best for: Solo travelers, budget-conscious

Boutique Hotels

¥20,000-50,000/night

Design-forward with Kyoto aesthetic. Ace Hotel, The Shinmonzen, Trunk House.

Best for: Design lovers, Instagram travelers

Kyoto Stay Tips

Book ryokan months ahead

Popular traditional inns sell out 3-6 months in advance, especially during sakura and autumn.

Rent a bike

Kyoto is flat and bikeable. Many hotels offer free bikes. It's the best way to explore.

Consider machiya for groups

Traditional townhouses sleep 4-6 and often cost less per person than hotels.

Downtown is underrated

While Gion is romantic, Downtown offers better dining and is walkable to everywhere.

Plan Your Kyoto Stay

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