In a nutshell
- Kyoto is a big city, so choosing the right location for your stay really makes a difference.
- In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best areas to stay in Kyoto and help you decide which one suits you—whether it’s Gion, the station area, or downtown Kyoto.
- We’ve also included our picks for the best hotels to stay in Kyoto for each neighborhood. Our favorite for first-time visitors is the Rinn Kiyomizu Gion.
How to Find the Best Hotels in Kyoto
Unfortunately, staying overnight in Kyoto is quite expensive, and rooms are usually small, just like everywhere else in Japan. Prices are particularly high during the peak travel season in spring and fall, especially during the cherry blossom season. The low season is somewhat cheaper.
Be sure to check whether the hotel or room is for non-smokers or smokers. In Japan, it’s completely normal to smoke in designated rooms.
Before you start looking for where to stay in Kyoto, you should also consider if you want a typical hotel room or a traditional Japanese ryokan. We’ll tell you what that is at the end of the article.
Where to Stay in Kyoto: The Best Areas
There are three neighborhoods in Kyoto that we recommend you stay in. Depending on how you envision your Kyoto vacation, one district may be more suitable than another.
- Gion: Ideal if you are visiting Kyoto for the first time and want to experience the world-famous and typical Kyoto. Our hotel tip: Rinn Kiyomizu Gion
- Station District: Perfect if you want to spend less money and don’t have much time in the city. Our hotel tip: Sakura Terrace The Gallery
- Downtown: Ideal if you like to stay in a lively, modern neighborhood or have been to Kyoto before. Our hotel tip: Tsugu Kyoto Sanjo
The best areas to stay in Kyoto on a map
We have marked our three favorite districts on a map.
Where to Stay in Gion
A hotel in Gion is the best choice if you are visiting Kyoto for the first time. Here, you’ll experience old Japan.
When you think of Kyoto, you usually think of Gion. This is the traditional district, world-famous for its many geishas. So, it’s the perfect district if you’re visiting for the first time and want to experience geisha culture.
You’ll often see geisha on the street. But out of respect, don’t speak to them and don’t photograph them. Other highlights in Gion are the Yasaka Shrine and the Kennin-ji Temple.
You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and pubs (izakaya in Japanese) in Gion. During the day, the charming alleyways are rather quiet. In the evening, they are romantically lit and lively.
Our tip: We find the Higashiyama district next to Gion just as charming. If you can’t find a hotel in Gion, you can also look for accommodation here.
Pros of accommodation in Gion:
- The choice of hotels and restaurants is huge
- The surroundings are beautiful and typical of Kyoto
- Here you’ll find many of the most important sights
Cons of accommodation in Gion:
- Accommodation is in high demand and expensive
- You have a longer journey to some highlights such as the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
The best hotels in Gion
The Rinn Kiyomizu Gion is located right in the heart of Gion. The rooms are fantastic! They’re modernly furnished, and the indirect lighting makes them feel super cozy.
Where to Stay in the Station District
A hotel in the Station District is the best choice if you’re looking to save money and plan on taking many excursions.
The area around Kyoto Station is a great starting point for all the major sights. This also applies to all accommodation north of the station and to the left and right of the main shopping street Karasuma Dori.
In most cities, we wouldn’t recommend the station district. In Kyoto, however, everything is clean and modern. And best of all, accommodation here is cheaper than in the other districts of Kyoto.
From Kyoto Station, you can go on great excursions in the surrounding area, such as to Nijo Castle. Additionally, many temples in this area are free of charge – for example, Higashi-Honganji.
Pros of staying in the Station District:
- The selection of hostels and capsule hotels is large and cheaper than in the rest of the city
- You’ll be close to the station and right in the city center
- As a starting point for excursions to Nara, Himeji, or Osaka, an overnight stay at Kyoto Station is perfect
Cons of accommodation in the Station District:
- The district itself is nothing special and could be located in any major city in Japan
- It’s quite a distance to Gion and some of the city’s major sights
The best hotels in the Station District
If you are looking for central accommodation with lots of comfort, we recommend the Sakura Terrace The Gallery. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Kyoto Station. We love the rooftop terrace and the public bath with pool and sauna.
Where to Stay in Downtown
Downtown Kyoto is perfect if you prefer a modern, commercial environment and plan to stay longer in Kyoto.
Downtown is also called the Kawaramachi district. The atmosphere in this area is very urban and modern. There are lots of restaurants, bars, and plenty of shopping opportunities. We love the Nishiki Market, for example, to try delicious street food.
Downtown, you will find attractions such as Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace. Gion and many of Kyoto’s sights are not far away.
Pros of accommodation in Downtown:
- Super strategic location close to Gion and the Station District
- You can reach most of the tourist highlights on foot
- Lots of places to go out and covered market streets – which is great when it rains
Cons of staying Downtown:
- If you’re looking for peace and quiet, Downtown is not the place for you
- The main attractions are in the neighboring districts of Kyoto and not downtown
The best hotels in Kyoto Downtown
If you’re looking for a cool hostel, we recommend the Tsugu Kyoto Sanjo. We stayed there ourselves and thought it was really cool! The communal lounge means you can quickly get in touch with other travelers. There are lots of great cafés around the hotel.
Alternatively, we can highly recommend the Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo. It’s very close to the Gion district but still offers excellent value for money.
Where to Stay in Kyoto in a Ryokan
For many travelers, an overnight stay in a ryokan is a must on a vacation in Japan, and in traditional Kyoto it fits perfectly. However, ryokans are often booked out quickly, so it’s better to book them in advance.
Ryokans are Japanese guesthouses where the staff are particularly hospitable. The price usually includes a delicious breakfast and dinner.
Traditionally, you sleep on futons on the tatami floor. If you prefer fluffy beds, this might be uncomfortable for you. The futons are put away during the day, giving you plenty of space – more than you normally have in Japanese hotel rooms.
However, the great service comes at a cost. Nevertheless, it’s definitely worth it for the full Japan experience, and the price performance ratio is totally fine.
We recommend these three ryokans for where to stay in Kyoto:
Ryokan Sanga: The downtown location is great. There are many cafés and restaurants nearby, and Kyoto’s most famous market is only 5 minutes away.
Nissho Besso: This inn has a nice public bath, and you can even eat in your room.
Ryokan Kanade: Located in the Gion district. Perfect if it’s your first time in Kyoto. There’s an onsen on the roof top.