With its ancient temples, vibrant geisha districts, and serene gardens, Kyoto offers a unique blend of the past and the present.
Whether visiting for a few days or staying for a week, choosing the right hotel can make or break your trip.
This guide will help you find the perfect place to stay in Kyoto, no matter your travel style or budget.
Understanding Kyoto's Geography
Kyoto's layout is crucial to understand when picking your accommodation.
The city is divided into several districts, each offering a different experience.
Central Kyoto (Downtown and Around Kyoto Station): This area includes downtown Kyoto and Kyoto Station.
It's bustling, convenient, and packed with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Central Kyoto is the heart of the city, where modernity meets tradition. It's the most convenient base for exploring the city.
Eastern Kyoto (Higashiyama): Known for its traditional atmosphere, this area is home to some of Kyoto's most famous temples, including Kiyomizu-dera.
This area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in Kyoto's history.
Higashiyama is where you'll find traditional Kyoto.
Home to Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district, and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Northern Kyoto: Quieter and more residential, this area is near the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and the scenic Kamigamo Shrine.
Northern Kyoto is quieter and more residential, ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat.
Close to the Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji temples, offering a slower pace.
Southern Kyoto: This area, including Fushimi, is famous for its sake breweries and the Fushimi Inari Shrine, with thousands of red torii gates.
Southern Kyoto is famous for the Fushimi Inari Shrine and its iconic torii gates.
This area is also known for its sake breweries, making it perfect for food and drink enthusiasts.
Western Kyoto (Arashiyama): A bit more removed from the city center, this area offers lush natural beauty and the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Arashiyama offers a more tranquil experience, surrounded by nature and away from the hustle and bustle.
Famous for the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple.
Types of Accommodation in Kyoto
Traditional Ryokan: Staying in a ryokan shows Japan's history and hospitality.
With tatami-matted rooms, futons, and often an onsen (hot spring bath), ryokans are perfect for those wanting an authentic experience.
Modern Hotels: Kyoto boasts many luxurious and comfortable hotels, often blending traditional aesthetics with modern amenities.
Budget Hotels: For travelers looking to save, Kyoto has plenty of budget-friendly hotels that offer comfort and convenience.
Hostels and Guesthouses: These are ideal for solo travelers and backpackers. They are affordable, social, and often located in prime areas.
Vacation Rentals: Families or those staying for an extended period prefer vacation rentals, which offer more space and amenities like kitchens.
Top 16 Kyoto Hotels
Kyoto is a city where ancient traditions meet modern elegance, offering travelers unique experiences.
Whether you're seeking the luxury of a world-class hotel, the authenticity of a traditional ryokan, or the charm of a boutique inn, Kyoto has the perfect accommodation to make your stay unforgettable.
This guide highlights 16 of the best hotels in Kyoto, each offering its distinct style and appeal.
From the tranquil gardens of Aman Kyoto to the artistic ambiance of The Screen, these hotels cater to every type of traveler, ensuring you find the ideal place to rest and recharge while exploring this beautiful city.
1. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
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It is tucked away along the scenic Kamogawa River, providing stunning water views and the Higashiyama mountains.
Moreover, it is a short distance from Gion, one of the Geisha districts in Kyoto, and other historical landmarks, such as Yasaka Shrine.
Furthermore, its gardens are beautiful, and traditional Japanese-inspired designs easily blend with the modern amenities offered at this hotel.
This encompasses dining in Michelin-starred restaurants within the premises, enjoying rejuvenating spa therapy in sought-after places worldwide, and experiencing the quiet of the riverside.
2. Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto typifies concealed elegance.
Established on an old Ikeniwa (pond garden) dating back eight centuries, this pond remains a central point of the entire property.
You can stay here to quickly explore popular sites like Kiyomizu-dera or Gion district while remaining in a peaceful environment far from the noise and activities typical of the city center.
However, these rooms have a modern look with traditional Japanese touches, including shoji screens, tatami mats, and deep soaking tubs.
The hotel also has a world-class spa, indoor pool, and several dining options, including a teahouse by the pond where guests can enjoy traditional tea ceremonies.
3. Hoshinoya Kyoto
This luxury ryokan-style inn is accessible only by private boat along the Oi River.
Verdant forests and stunning river views surround it.
The establishment is a renovated 19th-century noble retreat that fuses Japanese architectural tradition with contemporary comfort.
Every room has tatami flooring, futon bedding, and large windows opening to a serene ambiance outside.
One can have seasonal kaiseki meals, visit nearby bamboo groves, or relax in open-air baths. Hoshinoya Kyoto provides a tranquil retreat for those who like silent nature.
Hotel Kanra Kyoto is a modern boutique hotel that represents the culture of old Japan through its present design.
The hotel is near Kyoto Station, making it suitable for town trips.
Traditional Japanese aesthetic principles inspire Hotel Kanra interiors with simple lines, natural materials, and minimalistic decoration.
The infinite rooms have tailor-made wooden bathtubs, tatami mats, and Kyoto-style sliding doors, which provide a tranquil atmosphere.
The hotel's restaurant serves an updated version of Kyoto's famous kaiseki cuisine using ingredients sourced from the area.
Also, guests can be given bicycles for free to explore historical landmarks and hidden gems in the town.
The Hyatt Regency Kyoto is a high-end hotel that offers comfort and style in one of Kyoto's most culturally vibrant areas.
Found in the Higashiyama district, this hotel is only a few minutes walk from iconic landmarks like Sanjusangendo Temple and the Kyoto National Museum.
This hotel combines modernity with tradition through its design features; hence, contemporary rooms are designed with shoji screens and wood furniture.
Moreover, it has highly regarded eateries serving delectable meals ranging from Italian or French-inspired to traditional Japanese dishes.
Furthermore, Hyatt Regency Kyoto has a full-service spa, fitness center, and beautiful gardens where guests can relax.
Notwithstanding its nearness to one of the busiest transport hubs in the city, this hotel provides a serene getaway through its minimalist design and soothing atmosphere.
Room designs featuring state-of-the-art technology, comfortable bedding, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city skyline emphasize comfort and functionality.
This modern, minimalist luxury hotel stands just outside Kyoto Station.
As such, it saves time for travelers who move in or around the city.
Despite being located near one of the most crowded transport facilities in the town, this place offers tranquility due to its bare design.
The rooms reflect simplicity and functionality, with enhanced gadgets, soft bedding, and floor-to-ceiling windows that open up scenic city views.
On top of that, there are other facilities provided, like spas, fitness centers, and different eating-out places that cater to international and local delicacies.
Therefore, it is highly sought after because of its trendy looks and latest equipment, which makes it comfortable for customers today.
Hotel Granvia Kyoto is a large full-service hotel that offers unmatched convenience as it is directly above Kyoto Station.
Due to Kyoto's strategic location, guests can thus easily access tourist spots, Osaka, Nara, or other nearby cities.
With over 500 rooms, each with modern amenities and large picture windows offering views of the surrounding mountains or the cityscape, the hotel has something for everyone.
Hotel Granvia caters to diverse categories of visitors, including executives on business trips and families, by providing amenities such as several restaurants, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and even a Japanese culture museum.
Its position and the range of services a tourist can use to access transportation easily and obtain various necessities make it practical and comfortable.
Arashiyama is known for its beautiful bamboo groves and serene riverside views; within that picturesque locality lies Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel.
Built in the Meiji Era, a historic villa now serves as a hotel with a fusion of traditional Japanese architecture and modern luxury design elements.
Some rooms are designed with private outdoor tubs facing the surrounding nature, among other unique features.
Guests can enjoy seasonal Japanese cuisine at a riverside restaurant or engage in traditional Japanese tea parties at an elegant tea house, which is part of the hotel's dining options.
In this sense, Suiran is perfect for travelers looking for luxury accommodations entwined with local culture in one of Kyoto's most scenic locations.
Noku Kyoto provides guests with a unique, intimate experience.
Located by the Kyoto Imperial Palace, this hotel is conveniently located for exploring the cultural and historical sites around it.
Noku Kyoto's design style combines simplicity with traditional Japanese elements, resulting in an inviting atmosphere throughout the hotel area.
Each room has unique art collections and comfortable furniture that show the rich art of Kyoto.
Since it is a small hotel, the staff can offer personalized services and do everything possible to make your stay unforgettable.
Noku Kyoto is ideal for tourists seeking cultural experience through an intimate setting.
The Screen Hotel is a boutique establishment known for its unique design with an artistic touch.
It is situated in downtown Kyoto and conveniently located near the Imperial Palace and other major attractions, making it an excellent starting point for visiting these places.
The Screen has 13 rooms designed by individual artists, each with a unique character.
This chic place combines modern art with traditional Japanese elements, making the environment visually attractive and creative.
Moreover, The Screen offers an outstanding rooftop terrace where visitors can admire magnificent views of Kyoto and a stylish bar and restaurant serving fusion cuisine from Japan and around the world.
It's perfect for visitors who value their physical environment and artifacts and want their stay in the hotel to be intimately associated with what symbolizes this place, Kyoto itself.
The establishment is a renovated 19th-century noble retreat that fuses Japanese architectural tradition with contemporary comfort.
Every room has tatami flooring, futon bedding, and large windows opening to a serene ambiance outside.
One can have seasonal kaiseki meals, visit nearby bamboo groves, or relax in open-air baths. Hoshinoya Kyoto provides a tranquil retreat for those who like silent nature.
4. Hotel Kanra Kyoto
The hotel is near Kyoto Station, making it suitable for town trips.
Traditional Japanese aesthetic principles inspire Hotel Kanra interiors with simple lines, natural materials, and minimalistic decoration.
The infinite rooms have tailor-made wooden bathtubs, tatami mats, and Kyoto-style sliding doors, which provide a tranquil atmosphere.
The hotel's restaurant serves an updated version of Kyoto's famous kaiseki cuisine using ingredients sourced from the area.
Also, guests can be given bicycles for free to explore historical landmarks and hidden gems in the town.
5. Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Video credit: Hyatt Regency Kyoto
The Hyatt Regency Kyoto is a high-end hotel that offers comfort and style in one of Kyoto's most culturally vibrant areas.
Found in the Higashiyama district, this hotel is only a few minutes walk from iconic landmarks like Sanjusangendo Temple and the Kyoto National Museum.
This hotel combines modernity with tradition through its design features; hence, contemporary rooms are designed with shoji screens and wood furniture.
Moreover, it has highly regarded eateries serving delectable meals ranging from Italian or French-inspired to traditional Japanese dishes.
Furthermore, Hyatt Regency Kyoto has a full-service spa, fitness center, and beautiful gardens where guests can relax.
Notwithstanding its nearness to one of the busiest transport hubs in the city, this hotel provides a serene getaway through its minimalist design and soothing atmosphere.
Room designs featuring state-of-the-art technology, comfortable bedding, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city skyline emphasize comfort and functionality.
6. The Thousand Kyoto
As such, it saves time for travelers who move in or around the city.
Despite being located near one of the most crowded transport facilities in the town, this place offers tranquility due to its bare design.
The rooms reflect simplicity and functionality, with enhanced gadgets, soft bedding, and floor-to-ceiling windows that open up scenic city views.
On top of that, there are other facilities provided, like spas, fitness centers, and different eating-out places that cater to international and local delicacies.
Therefore, it is highly sought after because of its trendy looks and latest equipment, which makes it comfortable for customers today.
7. Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Hotel Granvia Kyoto is a large full-service hotel that offers unmatched convenience as it is directly above Kyoto Station.
Due to Kyoto's strategic location, guests can thus easily access tourist spots, Osaka, Nara, or other nearby cities.
With over 500 rooms, each with modern amenities and large picture windows offering views of the surrounding mountains or the cityscape, the hotel has something for everyone.
Hotel Granvia caters to diverse categories of visitors, including executives on business trips and families, by providing amenities such as several restaurants, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and even a Japanese culture museum.
Its position and the range of services a tourist can use to access transportation easily and obtain various necessities make it practical and comfortable.
8. Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Arashiyama is known for its beautiful bamboo groves and serene riverside views; within that picturesque locality lies Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel.
Built in the Meiji Era, a historic villa now serves as a hotel with a fusion of traditional Japanese architecture and modern luxury design elements.
Some rooms are designed with private outdoor tubs facing the surrounding nature, among other unique features.
Guests can enjoy seasonal Japanese cuisine at a riverside restaurant or engage in traditional Japanese tea parties at an elegant tea house, which is part of the hotel's dining options.
In this sense, Suiran is perfect for travelers looking for luxury accommodations entwined with local culture in one of Kyoto's most scenic locations.
9. Noku Kyoto
Located by the Kyoto Imperial Palace, this hotel is conveniently located for exploring the cultural and historical sites around it.
Noku Kyoto's design style combines simplicity with traditional Japanese elements, resulting in an inviting atmosphere throughout the hotel area.
Each room has unique art collections and comfortable furniture that show the rich art of Kyoto.
Since it is a small hotel, the staff can offer personalized services and do everything possible to make your stay unforgettable.
Noku Kyoto is ideal for tourists seeking cultural experience through an intimate setting.
10. The Screen
The Screen Hotel is a boutique establishment known for its unique design with an artistic touch.
It is situated in downtown Kyoto and conveniently located near the Imperial Palace and other major attractions, making it an excellent starting point for visiting these places.
The Screen has 13 rooms designed by individual artists, each with a unique character.
This chic place combines modern art with traditional Japanese elements, making the environment visually attractive and creative.
Moreover, The Screen offers an outstanding rooftop terrace where visitors can admire magnificent views of Kyoto and a stylish bar and restaurant serving fusion cuisine from Japan and around the world.
It's perfect for visitors who value their physical environment and artifacts and want their stay in the hotel to be intimately associated with what symbolizes this place, Kyoto itself.
11. Aman Kyoto
Aman Kyoto is an elegant escape located in a secret garden within the forested hills of northern Kyoto.
Aman Kyoto was built to harmonize with nature using minimalist design principles.
Every suite, resembling pavilions, has floor-to-ceiling windows to provide a seamless experience that blends effortlessly with the peaceful surroundings.
For relaxation, there is an onsen (hot spring bath) and a spa offering traditional Japanese therapies and treatments. The resort's restaurant serves locally inspired cuisine.
The location is so serene that it attracts tourists who want peace away from the crowd; besides, Kinkaku-ji temple is only a short distance away.
12: The Westin Miyako Kyoto
This hotel offers spacious rooms, some with private balconies that overlook the gardens, to add more space and luxury to your stay.
The Westin Miyako Kyoto is known for its extensive gardens, walking trails, and outdoor pool, providing a peaceful retreat.
This hotel also offers various dining establishments, serving French or international dishes and traditional Japanese food.
Kyoto's proximity to attractions like Nanzen-ji Temple and the Philosopher's Path makes it an excellent choice for exploring its cultural treasures.
13: Gion Hatanaka
The inn reflects traditional Japanese culture with tatami rooms and futon bedding.
Moreover, Kaiseki dinners are served inside their rooms.
Among the special events at Gion Hatanaka, Maiko (apprentice geisha) Dinners stand out as they offer guests an opportunity to experience traditional performances intimately related to Maiko.
This ryokan is also conveniently situated near the Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Those seeking the authentic feel of Kyoto's ancient atmosphere should stay at Gion Hatanaka, which provides a memorable experience.
The right choice of hotel in Kyoto can make your stay unforgettable. It will enable you to fully immerse yourself in local traditions, discover hidden gems, and rest comfortably after a day of sightseeing.
Whether you're visiting for a honeymoon, family trip, or cultural expedition, hotels in Kyoto promise life-lasting moments during your stay in this city that never forgets itself!
14. Kyoto Brighton Hotel
Located near the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the hotel offers a peaceful environment and is easily accessible to the city's main attractions.
The hotel's modern and elegant interiors, as well as the large rooms, feature contemporary decor and home comforts.
Kyoto Brighton Hotel is also praised for its dining options, particularly its French and Japanese restaurants, which are popular with guests and locals.
The hotel's attentive service and quiet location make it a favorite among travelers looking for a refined stay in Kyoto.
15: Machiya Residence Inn Kyoto
These townhouses, spread across various locations in Kyoto, are meticulously renovated to blend historical charm with modern amenities.
Each machine features traditional elements like tatami mats, shoji screens, and wooden beams while offering modern comforts like Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchens, and luxurious bathrooms.
Machiya Residence Inn is a good option if you want to experience the life of a local and be in touch with ancient Kyoto. It is for people who want an authentic, private stay.
16: Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts
This luxury retreat offers unrivaled experiences that combine opulence with nature. Its suites provide private mineral water, hot spring bathing, and panoramic views of green vegetation.
Roku Kyoto was built with its environment in mind; it features peaceful gardens, a river, and footpaths for relaxation.
The resort's eating spots are committed to fresh regional ingredients, providing Kyotan culinary tastes.
Roku Kyoto is an excellent choice for those seeking peace away from the city's noise.
Tips & Tricks for Booking
To ensure you have the best possible hotel experience in Kyoto, take into account these booking suggestions:
- The best time to book is three to six months in advance, especially during busy times of the year like fall and cherry blossom season.
- How to Get the Best Rates: Check for package discounts, use comparison tools, and consider visiting during the week.
- Loyalty Programs and Online Booking: Enrolling in hotel loyalty programs or using booking websites such as Booking.com or Agoda can save costs and provide benefits like complimentary upgrades.
Things to Think About When Selecting a Hotel in Kyoto
When selecting your Kyoto hotel, there are several things to take into account:
- Transportation Nearby: Having a rail or bus station close by can significantly improve the convenience of your journey.
- Budget considerations: Establish your spending limit and priorities, such as location, amenities, or authenticity.
- Special Needs and tastes: Consider your tastes, such as whether you'd rather have contemporary luxuries or a traditional Japanese experience.
Conclusion
With its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, Kyoto offers many accommodations to suit every traveler's needs.
From ultra-luxurious resorts and traditional ryokans to charming boutique hotels and authentic Machiya townhouses, the city provides countless options for a memorable stay.
Each of the 16 hotels highlighted in this guide offers something unique - whether it's the serene setting of Aman Kyoto, the historic charm of Gion Hatanaka, or the artistic flair of The Screen.
Choosing the right hotel in Kyoto can significantly enhance your experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city's traditions, explore its hidden gems, and relax in comfort after a day of sightseeing.
Whether you're visiting for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a cultural adventure, Kyoto's hotels promise a stay as unforgettable as the city itself.
Whether you're visiting for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a cultural adventure, Kyoto's hotels promise a stay as unforgettable as the city itself.
With this guide, you're well-equipped to find the perfect place to stay, ensuring your time in Kyoto is as enjoyable and enriching as possible.
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