Where to Stay in Kyoto 2025/2026: Best 5 Areas & Hotels, Tips

For first-time visitors to Kyoto, Downtown Kyoto and Higashiyama are the two best areas to stay. Both places provide easy transportation, are close to Kyoto's main attractions, and have many restaurants and shops nearby.

If you're seeking easy transportation, it's better to stay near Kyoto Station.

There are other neighborhood options that cater to specific interests.

Here is a complete guide to staying in Kyoto. You’ll find the pros and cons of each area, plus insider tips to help you choose the right place to stay based on our visits.

1. Downtown Kyoto: Best Place for First-Timers

• Best for: first-time visitors and shoppers

Downtown Kyoto includes the Shijo and Kawaramachi areas. It is the liveliest part of the city and a central transportation hub, making it the top choice for staying in Kyoto.

You can easily walk to major attractions like Nishiki Market and Yasaka Shrine in just 20 minutes. Plus, large shopping malls like Takashimaya Shopping Center just steps from your hotel. Moreover, you'll find a wide variety of dining options.

Located at the heart of Kyoto, most buses and subways pass through Downtown Kyoto. So, you can conveniently reach Kiyomizu-dera or Fushimi Inari Shrine even using public transportation.

There are abundant hotel options here, with mostly Western-style modern hotels catering to every budget, from affordable to luxury options.

By staying here, you can perfectly explore Kyoto's trendy culture. My favourite shopping area is Teramachi Street, where you can explore local design shops, cafes, and vintage stores.

However, this area can be crowded, especially on weekends and during peak seasons like the cherry blossom season and the Gion Festival.

Recommended Hotels in Downtown Kyoto

• Good Nature Hotel Kyoto: The hotel is conveniently situated just a 10-minute walk from Gion. It offers triple or quadruple rooms, and you can enjoy some Michelin-starred restaurants within the same building.
• Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo: A peaceful stay at this 4-star hotel in the city center, near shopping malls. You can relax in a public hot spring bath.

2. Higashiyama: Enjoy Japanese Ryokans with a Traditional Vibe

• Best for: first-timers, families, couples, travelers who want to stay at ryokans

If you want to fully immerse yourself in Kyoto's traditional atmosphere, Higashiyama is the perfect choice.

It is near many main highlights like Kiyomizu Temple and Gion, has convenient transportation access, and offers more ryokan (Japanese-style inn) options than other areas.

As Kyoto's primary tourist area, you can stroll to popular spots such as Kiyomizu-dera, Sannen-zaka, and Gion.

Where to Stay in Higashiyama?

Higashiyama has two main areas: Southern Higashiyama and Northern Higashiyama.

I recommend staying in Southern Higashiyama. This area offers a more authentic traditional atmosphere. As it is closer to famous attractions such as Kiyomizu Temple, Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka, and Gion. You can walk to these spots within 20 minutes.

However, hotel prices are usually higher, and this area is always crowded.

For a quieter stay, you can choose northern Higashiyama. It's less commercialized and offers a richer Kyoto local atmosphere.

Although it's a bit farther away from major highlights (within a 30-minute drive), you can visit nearby spots like Ginkaku-ji, Nanzen-ji, and the Philosopher's Path.

Hotels in Northern Higashiyama are more affordable, although choices may be a bit limited. But you can still find high-quality ryokans or boutique hotels in this area.

However, there are few restaurant options in Northern Higashiyama. You might need to take a taxi to the Southern area or downtown to find a place to eat.

Recommended Hotels in Higashiyama

• Hotel the Celestine Kyoto Gion: A 5-star hotel located near Kiyomizu Temple. It offers a quiet escape in the lively district.
• Seikoro Ryokan: Experience a traditional inn with over a century of history. But this inn has limited rooms, so it’s best to book at least 6 months in advance.

3. Kyoto Station: The Transportation Hub

• Best for: first-timers, short stays, and travelers seeking convenient transportation

The best reason to stay near Kyoto Station is the convenient transport.

As Kyoto's transportation hub, it offers Shinkansen connections to Osaka and Tokyo. Plus, you can access nearly all of Kyoto's buses and subways from here, making it a breeze to navigate the city.

You'll discover lots of restaurants and shops in and around the station. There's something for everyone, from Japanese cuisine to Western dishes, and from budget-friendly eateries to upscale dining options.

Hotel prices in this area are slightly lower than in downtown and Southern Higashiyama.

However, besides the station, there isn't much to explore in this area. You'll need to take transportation to reach most of Kyoto's attractions.

Recommended Hotels in Kyoto Station

• The Thousand Kyoto: A stylish and tranquil stay just a short walk from the station. It also closes the big shopping malls like Isetan.
• Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo: It's located directly across from Kyoto Station and provides a variety of triple rooms.

4. Central Kyoto: A Mix of Old and New

• Best for: families, travelers looking for a quieter and convenient experience

Central Kyoto is in the middle of the city, covering a large area that includes Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Here, you can experience traditional charm mixed with a modern city feel.

Staying here provides both convenience and tranquility. You can easily reach Kyoto's main attractions while enjoying the peace of a less crowded area compared to downtown Kyoto.

Central Kyoto is a hidden gem brimming with local life. Strolling down its streets, you can explore cafes, restaurants (some boasting Michelin stars), and charming vintage shops.

Hotels in Central Kyoto offer great value. They have many more affordable options than those in Downtown Kyoto and Higashiyama.

Recommended Hotel in Central Kyoto

Kaya Kyoto Nijo Castle: A Western-style hotel with Japanese-inspired decorations. You can enjoy spacious rooms and a variety of dining options nearby.

5. Arashiyama: Close to Nature

• Best for: travelers seeking a quieter retreat and a high-class accommodation experience

Actually, it's not a good idea for first-timers to stay in Arashiyama.

Situated in Kyoto's suburbs, it’s about a 30-minute drive from the city center. Arashiyama is quite far from Kyoto's main attractions, and there are only a few dining options in this area.

If you want to be closer to nature and seek a peaceful retreat in a rural area with top-notch ryokans, this is the place for you.

Hotels in Arashiyama mostly offer high-end ryokans and hotels, making prices generally higher than in other areas.

Recommended Hotel in Arashiyama

Suiran: It's a luxurious hotel featuring a Japanese garden, with some rooms offering a private onsen.

FAQs about Staying in Kyoto

1. Kyoto or Osaka - Where is Better to Stay?

My top recommendation is to stay in both cities. This way, you can experience two different atmospheres and explore them without feeling rushed.

If you're just planning a day trip to Osaka, staying in Kyoto is perfect. These two cities are very close, with only a 15-minute train ride by Shinkansen (or 30 minutes by JR) between them. Moreover, Kyoto is just a 1.5-hour train ride to Kansai International Airport.

If you plan to stay in Osaka for more than two days, it's best to stay there. This will help you save time on travel and explore the city more conveniently.

2. How Early Should I Book a Hotel in Kyoto?

Booking your hotel in Kyoto at least 3 months in advance is a smart move.

If you're planning to stay in a Japanese ryokan, make sure to book your stay at least 6 months ahead. With only 10-15 rooms, ryokans fill up quickly.

During peak times like cherry blossom season, autumn foliage, or the New Year, it's best to book at least 6 months ahead. This will give you more hotel options and help secure your room at a good price.

3. Should I Stay in a Modern Hotel or a Japanese Ryokan?

You can spend one night in a traditional Japanese ryokan and the rest of your stay in a modern hotel.

Kyoto is one of the best places to experience a ryokan. It provides a more authentic Japanese atmosphere for your stay compared to other cities.

After trying it out, I recommend spending a night at a ryokan. You might not be used to sleeping on the floor in a tatami room. Also, ryokans can be quite expensive, usually ranging from US$300-400 per night.

Plan Your Trip to Kyoto with Japan Highlights

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