The ultimate guide on where to stay in Kyoto: luxury to budget stays.

Are you planning a trip to Japan and wondering where to stay in Kyoto? From historic temples to vibrant shopping streets and peaceful bamboo forests, Kyoto offers a neighbourhood to suit every type of traveller. Each area has its own flavour and offers a range of great accommodation options. 

Best areas to stay in Kyoto.

Deciding where to stay in Kyoto? There are several areas that are great for first-time visitors. Nakagyo offers the city centre buzz, shops, and nightlife, while Gion is more historic and cultural. Higashiyama has a wonderful mix of temples and sights, while Shimogyo is ideal if you want to be close to transport links, especially Kyoto Station. Or for a peaceful escape, book a stay in Arashiyama, close to the famous bamboo forests.

I’ve stayed in a variety of neighbourhoods in the city, and while I’d love to give a definitive answer on the best area to stay in Kyoto, it really does depend on what you’re looking for. It’s a special city, filled with traditional culture, nature, historic temples and shrines, and a world-class food scene.

No matter which area you choose, the city is compact and well-connected by public transport, meaning you’ll never be far from the sights.

Tips for your Kyoto stay & how to get around.

While Tokyo and Osaka have complex train networks, Kyoto is much easier to navigate. The city only has a few metro (underground) lines, and the simplest way to get around is with a prepaid travel card, such as the local ICOCA – which works just like London's Oyster card. Top it up, tap in, and you’re ready to explore.

When booking accommodation, aim for a hotel within a 5–10-minute walk of a transport hub. It’ll make sightseeing easier and help you reach other major cities on your Japan itinerary, such as Tokyo or Osaka.

Kyoto is also a great city to explore on foot. I’d recommend strolling around neighbourhoods such as Gion and Higashiyama. Taxis (including Uber) are surprisingly affordable too.

While Kyoto doesn’t have its own airport, Kansai International Airport in Osaka is only 75 minutes away by train. The bullet trains are of course rapid as well, taking just 15 minutes from Osaka or around two hours from Tokyo.

For the ultimate cultural experience, book a ryokan. These traditional Japanese inns feature minimalist bamboo décor, futon beds, and onsen baths.

The best hotels in Nakagyo, Kyoto.

Staying in the central Nakagyo Ward immerses you in the lively aspects of Kyoto. You’ll find great shops, restaurants, and bars on your doorstep. There are a range of transport options too, so it’s a great place to base yourself. Plus, you’ll be close to the magnificent Nijō Castle and Nishiki Market (nicknamed ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’).

Node Hotel

• Best for: the cool kids
• Double rooms from £130 per night

If you are looking for an affordable design hotel in Kyoto, Node is it. Well-designed rooms, cool amenities (including fun sleep-shirts), and a great restaurant with a bar on the property awaits.

Book Node

The Royal Park Canvas – Kyoto Nijo

• Best for: couples & business travellers
• Double rooms from £130 per night

This modern hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms, some with incredible city views. Its location is unbeatable for first-time visitors, with Nijo Station just steps away and the iconic Nijō Castle also nearby.

Book Royal Park Canvas

Hotel Canata Kyoto

• Best for: budget-conscious travellers who still want comfort
• Double rooms from £112 per night

One of the best hotels in Kyoto if you’re on a budget. Just a five-minute walk from local stations, it offers convenient access to the city’s sights. The amenities are plentiful too, with a sauna and several spa baths.

Book Hotel Canata

Stay Sakura Kyoto Suzaku Oji

• Best for: travellers who want access to a kitchenette
• Double rooms from £111 per night

This cosy boutique hotel in Nakagyo offers compact rooms in a traditional Japanese style. Rooms come with tatami-style décor, and each has its own kitchenette with a stove, fridge, and microwave. It’s a great pick if you’d like the option to self-cater.

Book Stay Sakura

The best hotels in Gion, Kyoto.

Gion provides some of the most postcard-worthy views of Kyoto, with its historic tea houses and geisha culture. Regardless of where you choose to stay, you simply have to visit this area. As you stroll, you’ll discover family-run restaurants, streets lined with lanterns, and Shinto shrines. Gion is popular with tourists, but don’t let that put you off. It’s wonderful to catch a glimpse of old Kyoto!

Kyoto Granbell Hotel

• Best for: lovers of design & luxury
• Double rooms from £189 per night

One of the best Kyoto hotels, this modern and luxurious accommodation offers stylish bedrooms in the heart of Gion. There’s a public onsen (hot spring bath) surrounded by pretty Japanese gardens. Foodies will also enjoy the signature Japanese breakfasts at TAKEDOKORO Restaurant. Plus, don’t miss the chance to round off your evening with a cocktail at the hotel’s chic bar.

Book Kyoto Granbell

Hotel Gion Ichirin

• Best for: couples & special occasions
• Double rooms from £200 per night

This top-rated hotel is a short walk from Gion Shijo Station and offers convenient access to Kyoto’s sights. The highlight? The hotel’s spa suites, which feature serene Japanese décor, private open-air baths, and saunas. If you’re celebrating a romantic occasion, this is one of the best choices in the city.

Book Gion Ichirin

Kizashi The Suite

• Best for: families who want both culture & comfort
• Double rooms from £323 per night

Spacious and beautifully designed, this boutique hotel offers a range of suites that are ideal for families or groups. Some sleep up to four people, with options of standard beds and futons available. I love the Japanese interior design elements, which include tatami mats, wooden alcoves, and calligraphy on the walls.

Book Kizashi

Gion Ryokan Karaku

• Best for: culture enthusiasts
• Double rooms from £183 per night

For an authentic Kyoto experience, nothing beats a ryokan stay, and there are some amazing hotels in Gion to choose from. At this traditional inn, you’ll stay on a futon and indulge in a traditional multi-course kaiseki dinner. Plus, you’ll be a short walk from Yasaka Shrine.

Book Ryokan Karaku

The best hotels in Higashiyama.

Stay in Higashiyama for a flavour of Kyoto’s old-world charm. This historic neighbourhood is full of winding lanes, traditional wooden houses, and some of the city’s most famous temples and shrines. There’s the spectacular Kiyomizudera Temple (Pure Water Temple), with its history spanning 1,200 years. Also popular is Maruyama Park, which transforms into a sea of delicate pastel pinks during cherry blossom season.

RC Hotel

• Best for: photographers
• Double rooms from £154 per night

RC is located in the newest building in Higashiyama, and its design gives it the feel of a stylish Kyoto boutique hotel. The rooms with a view of the Yasaka Pagoda are the Kyoto equivalent of seeing the Eiffel Tower from your bed.

Book RC Hotel

Hyatt Regency Kyoto

• Best for: all types of travellers
• Double rooms from £299 per night

This large hotel combines modern luxury with traditional Japanese design. Rooms and suites are spacious and elegant. The location is ideal too, close to Sanjusangendo Temple and the National Museum.

Book Hyatt Regency

Hotel Kyotology

• Best for: couples
• Double rooms from £168 per night

Looking for the best boutique hotels in Kyoto? Hotel Kyotology is perfect if you want something stylish yet intimate. Some of the hotel’s design mimics the look of Kyoto’s characterful alleyways. Private courtyard gardens add to the zen-like atmosphere, making it an ideal escape for couples.

Book Kyotology

The Machiya Kamiumeya

• Best for: a traditional Japanese stay
• Double rooms from £110 per night

For a more traditional stay, this beautifully restored wooden townhouse offers a warm and authentic atmosphere. Rooms are full of character, with futons available. While it’s not a full ryokan experience, it certainly gives a flavour of Kyoto’s heritage.

Book Machiya Kamiumeya

The best hotels in Shimogyo.

For a convenient place to stay in Kyoto, you can’t beat Shimogyo. This central neighbourhood has Kyoto Station at its heart and is where you’ll find a range of shops, restaurants, nightlife, and hotels. It’s not got as much character as some of the historic areas, but you’ll find sightseeing within easy reach.

Dusit Thani Kyoto

• Best for: a luxury base in Kyoto
• Double rooms from £405 per night

This luxury Thai hotel brand brings its signature warm hospitality to Kyoto, blending Thai elegance with Japanese sophistication. It’s ideal if you like the finer things in life but still want a central base for your trip. Alongside chic rooms, there’s the hotel’s top-rated spa, Devarana Wellness, as well as a fine-dining restaurant and a stylish bar.

Book Dusit Thani

ASAI Kyoto Shijo

• Best for: young, stylish travellers
• Double rooms from £121 per night

Looking for the coolest hotels in Kyoto? Along with comfortable rooms and trendy communal spaces, this hotel offers a range of activities. With cooking classes, craft workshops, and DJ nights, it’s ideal for travellers who want to soak up some local culture without leaving the hotel.

Book ASAI Kyoto

Hotel Hokke Club Kyoto

• Best for: a location close to Kyoto Station
• Double rooms from £107 per night

If you’ve got an early train to catch, this top-rated hotel couldn’t be more convenient – it’s right next to Kyoto Station. Rooms are simple yet comfortable, with options for solo travellers up to groups of five. You’ll also be within walking distance of Kyoto Tower and Higashi Hongan-ji Temple.

Book Hokke Club

Piece Hostel Kyoto

• Best for: budget-conscious backpackers
• Dorm beds from £22 per night

Looking for cheap hotels in Kyoto? This budget-friendly hostel is conveniently located just five minutes from Kyoto Station. Choose from dormitories or private rooms, then spend time hanging out in the communal areas. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to meet fellow backpackers.

Book Piece Hostel

The best hotels in Arashiyama.

For a peaceful stay surrounded by nature, head west to Arashiyama. This nature-filled area of Kyoto is home to Bamboo Grove, the serene Togetsu-kyo Bridge, and Arashiyama Monkey Park. It’s less central (around 15 minutes by train from Kyoto Station), but the beauty and calmness offer a welcome contrast from the hectic city centre.

The Grandwest Arashiyama

• Best for: nature-loving families
• Double rooms from £345 per night

One of the best family hotels in Kyoto, the Grandwest Arashiyama offers spacious apartment-style suites complete with kitchenettes and living areas. Families with young children will love the playroom area. The location is excellent too, with the bamboo forest and monkey park just a short walk away.

Book the Grandwest

Kadensho, Arashiyama Onsen, Kyoto 

• Best for: an authentic Japanese experience
• Double rooms from £146 per night

If you’re craving a traditional stay in Kyoto, this ryokan-style retreat is ideal. It features both private and shared onsen baths, traditional Japanese furnishings, and multi-course kaiseki dinners filled with interesting delicacies. It’s close to the station too, meaning you can combine the nature of Arashiyama with time sightseeing in central Kyoto.

Book Kadensho

Mulan Hostel

• Best for: budget-conscious travellers
• Dorm beds from £36 per night

Backpacking in Kyoto and looking for a base in Arashiyama? Mulan Hostel offers light and airy dormitories and private rooms, close to the train station. With a welcoming feel and budget-friendly rates, it’s a great choice for solo travellers.

Book Mulan Hostel

Hotel Binario Saga Arashiyama

• Best for: a mid-range budget
• Double rooms from £167 per night

This mid-range hotel is ideal if you want the convenience of being near a station while still staying within walking distance of Arashiyama’s bamboo groves and temples. Rooms blend Japanese design with modern comforts, and each morning begins with a traditional Japanese breakfast featuring a variety of seasonal delicacies.

Book Binario Saga