Kyoto is a fairly large city, so it's a good idea to take your time choosing a good place to stay.
Where to stay in Kyoto
We recommend staying near one of the transport hubs, especially the subway stations.
In fact, you'll use the metro combined with buses the most to get around Kyoto, but it's a good idea to have the metro handy as bus travel is very lengthy.
Around Kyoto Station
Kyoto Station is a major hub for long-distance transport, the subway and dozens of city bus lines. If you plan to explore all of Kyoto, then the area around the station is by far the most convenient.
- ibis Styles Kyoto Station *** - A good-value hotel at the station's southern entrance
- APA Hotel Kyoto Ekimae *** - a popular budget Japanese hotel chain will also offer facilities at Kyoto Station near the post office branch
- Hotel Granvia Kyoto ***** - great accommodation without compromise is offered by this luxury hotel directly connected to the station building
Gion and Higashiyama
Two of the most popular historic districts can be found in East Kyoto.
Stay here if you like tourist districts, sightseeing and historical atmosphere.
While the Gion district is very lively, the nearby Higashiyama district is very quiet from about 8pm and offers beautiful views of Kyoto.
In Gion, we recommend the following hotels, for example:
- Rinn Gion Kenninji *** - a standard hotel with good prices is located on the south side of Hanami-koji Street.
- Kyoto Gion Hotel **** - a budget hotel on the main street just a 5-minute walk from the centre of historic Gion
In Higashiyama in particular, the luxury hotels are rated as some of the best in Kyoto.
Arashiyama
The area in the west of Kyoto is known for its beautiful natural scenery, many temples and bamboo forest.
We recommend staying here if you are heading to Kyoto for a 2-day trip from Osaka, for example, and your destination is just this area.
- Hotel Binario Saga Arashiyama **** - Affordable hotel near JR train station
- MUNI KYOTO by Onko Chishin ***** - one of the most luxurious hotels in Kyoto with river views
Kawaramachi
This neighborhood is one of the trendy areas with plenty of shopping and dining options. It is close to the historic Gion district and is also easily accessible by subway and two private railways (Keihan and Hankyu).
- Travelodge Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi *** - The well-known and relatively inexpensive chain offers its hotel on Kawaramachi's busiest avenue
- Hilton Kyoto ***** - a luxury hotel in the northern part of the district near Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae subway station
Hotel prices and when to book
Compared to other Japanese cities, Kyoto is a very expensive city and can be compared to prices in North America.
The average local 3* hotel offers 1 night in a room at prices around 130 usd.
You can get better hotels from international chains for prices between 200 usd and 320 usd.
Expect the highest hotel prices in the fall (mainly November and early December) and spring (March and April). These are the times when crowds of travelers head to Kyoto to photograph the colorful autumn leaves and spring sakura blossoms, respectively.
