If Kyoto is on your Japan itinerary (and it absolutely should be), one of the biggest questions you’ll face is where to stay.
This gorgeous city is full of ancient temples, quiet backstreets, lantern-lit alleys, and some of the most atmospheric neighborhoods in the country. Each area has its own vibe and picking the right place to stay can make your whole trip feel easier, calmer, and way more magical.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best areas to stay in Kyoto plus give you hand-picked hotel suggestions for every budget. Whether you want to wander Gion’s old streets, be steps from Nishiki Market, relax in riverside cafés of Pontocho Alley, or stay near major temples, I’ve got you covered.
Ready to find your perfect hotel in Kyoto, Japan? Let’s start planning your trip to this gorgeous city.
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- Why Visit Kyoto?
- Best Areas to Stay in Kyoto
- How Much Does It Cost to Stay in Kyoto?
- Tips for Choosing the Right Area
- What to Do in Kyoto
- Planning Your Trip to Kyoto
- Questions about Where to Stay in Kyoto
- Final Thoughts about Planning Your Kyoto Trip
⭐️ My Top Picks in Kyoto:
- Top Hotel in Gion – Hotel The Celestine — Modern with a traditional feel, an onsen, and super cozy rooms.
- Top Hotel near Kyoto Station – Kyoto Century Hotel — Located directly across the street from the station.
- Top Ryokan – Seikoro Ryokan — Historic property with a gorgeous onsen and a Michelin star restaurant.
Why Visit Kyoto?
Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan– a city filled with ancient temples, serene gardens, lantern-lit alleys, wooden teahouses, and little corners that haven’t changed in centuries.
If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through bamboo forests, hearing the soft echo of temple bells, or spotting a geisha slipping down a quiet street at dusk, Kyoto is where it happens.
It’s slower and softer than Tokyo, with neighborhoods that feel tucked away. Whether you’re here for the food, the iconic shrines, the traditional crafts, or just the chance to soak up the city’s timeless charm, Kyoto has a way of staying with you long after you’ve left.
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Best Areas to Stay in Kyoto
Kyoto is more spread out than people expect, and choosing the right neighborhood makes sightseeing so much easier. Below are the top areas I recommend, especially for first-time visitors.
Gion & Higashiyama 🏮
Best for: classic Kyoto charm, geisha districts, temples, tea houses, and gorgeous evening strolls.
This is the Kyoto you see in movies– wooden machiya, lanterns glowing at dusk, narrow lanes, and centuries of history everywhere you turn. You’ll be near Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, Kiyomizu-dera, and some of the prettiest streets in Japan.
Best Hotels in Gion & Higashiyama:
- 🏨 Hotel The Celestine — A beautiful hotel right next to Yasaka Shrine and Gion’s historic lanes. Modern with a traditional feel, an onsen, and super cozy rooms.
- 🏯 Kyoto Higashiyamaso — A luxurious ryokan experience with tatami rooms, traditional breakfast, and a private onsen. The staff go above and beyond to make your stay perfect.
- 🏯 Seikoro Ryokan — Historic property with a gorgeous onsen and a Michelin star restaurant.
- 🏨 Kyoto Inn Gion — A great mid-range option in an expensive area. It offers a private bathroom and great location.
⭐️ Book Hotel The Celestine here
Downtown Kyoto (Kawaramachi & Shijo Area)
Best for: food, shopping, nightlife, and easy transportation.
This is the most convenient area to stay in Kyoto if you like hustle and bustle. It’s central, lively, packed with restaurants, near Nishiki Market, and there are train and bus connections to get you around town. If you want walkability and lots of dining options (including Pontocho Alley), pick downtown.
Best Hotels in Downtown Kyoto (Kawaramachi/Shijo):
- 🏨 The Cross Hotel — Stylish, great location, spacious rooms (rare in Japan!), and steps from shopping and restaurants.
- 🏨 Gate Hotel Takesegawa — Large hotel with a fitness center, bar, café, lounge, and even a library in a historic building with great views from the higher floors.
- 🏯 Matsui Honkan — Pretty ryokan with large onsen, private bathrooms, and traditional breakfast served in-room.
- 🏨 Hotel Resol Shijo Muromachi — Affordable option offering comfy rooms and western breakfast options.
👉 Book your Kyoto hotel here
Kyoto Station Area
Best for: easy transportation and budget-friendly hotels.
The area around Kyoto Station is practical and surprisingly great for sightseeing. You’ll have direct train access to Nara, Osaka, Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, Kinosaki, and beyond. Plus, hotel prices are often lower here.
Best Hotels in Kyoto Station Area:
- 🏯 Izuyasu Ryokan — Traditional and gorgeous with a beautiful garden and private onsen to soak before a kaiseki dinner.
- 🏨 The Thousand Kyoto — A gorgeous luxury hotel with a clean, minimalist design and a fantastic breakfast. Great for couples.
- 🏨 Sakura Terrace — A stylish, budget-friendly favorite with a complimentary evening drink and a relaxing atmosphere.
- 🏨 Kyoto Century Hotel — Located directly across the street from the station and offers buffet meals that keep people coming back.
👉 Book your Kyoto hotel here
Arashiyama
Best for: nature, bamboo forests, and a peaceful, scenic escape.
If waking up near the Bamboo Grove, river views, and cute cafés sounds dreamy, Arashiyama is your spot. It’s a bit removed from the sights but slower, quieter, and incredibly beautiful. Stay here if you’re more about tranquility than must-sees.
Best Hotels in Arashiyama:
- 🏯 Ryokan Togetsutei — A gorgeous ryokan with river views, onsen baths, and traditional tatami rooms. A true Kyoto experience.
- 🏨 The Grand West Arashiyama — A modern, boutique option that balances comfort, great service, and value in this scenic neighborhood.
- 🏨 Homm Stay Nagi Arashiyama — Great location and a quiet and comfortable stay with excellent, helpful staff.
👉 Book your Kyoto hotel here
How Much Does It Cost to Stay in Kyoto?
Kyoto can be surprisingly affordable depending on the area and season. Here’s a quick overview so you can plan your budget:
- Budget- Usually $70–$120 per night for simple hotels, hostels, and guesthouses
- Mid-range- Typically $150–$250 per night for comfortable, modern rooms
- Luxury hotels & ryokans- Often $300–$700+ per night, depending on season and room type (some include a multicourse kaiseki dinner)
🌸 Hey! Prices in Kyoto jump during cherry blossom and fall foliage season, so book early if you’re visiting in March–April or in November.
Tips for Choosing the Right Area
If it’s your first time in Kyoto, I usually recommend staying in Gion or Downtown. You’ll be close to major temples, shops, restaurants, and transit, which keeps everything simple.
If you’re craving nature and quiet mornings, go for Arashiyama.
If you want efficiency and great prices, stay near Kyoto Station.
If you want the most atmospheric Kyoto experience possible, go with Gion. 🏮
Wherever you stay, Kyoto is incredibly easy to get around, and you really can’t go wrong.
What to Do in Kyoto
Looking for things to do in Kyoto? Check out my Kyoto Itinerary or try one of these fun activities:
- 👘 Geisha Show with Meal – Enjoy some Japanese culture while grabbing a meal or tea.
- 🍜 Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class – Learn how to bring a little bit of Japan home with you.
- ⛩️ Private Tour of Kyoto – If you want to make things super easy, book a private tour and your guide can show you all the hidden spots and behind the scenes of Kyoto.
Planning Your Trip to Kyoto
Getting to Japan
It is possible to fly into Kyoto but most overseas flights are into Tokyo and then it’s easy to take the train from there.
Getting to Kyoto
Japan has a fantastic train system that can get you wherever you want to go efficiently, quickly, and easily (once you know how it works). On the Shinkansen, it’s about 2 ½ hours from Tokyo to Kyoto.
🚉 Check out my post on How to Tour Japan by Train for more info.
What to Pack for Kyoto
Need help packing for Kyoto? Check out my post What to Wear in Japan for tips on packing light and still bringing everything you need.
And don’t forget to check out the packing checklists and outfit planner in the Travel Resource Library.
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Thank you for purchasing through me- you’re the best! 😍
Ready to plan your trip?
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Questions about Where to Stay in Kyoto
How many nights should I stay in Kyoto?
Three nights is perfect for a first visit (check out my 2 Day Kyoto Itinerary), but you could easily spend five or more if you want to explore at a slower pace or take day trips.
Are ryokans in Kyoto worth the splurge?
If you want a cultural experience with tatami floors, traditional meals, and sometimes private onsens, a ryokan stay is 100% worth it. They’re especially amazing in Gion and Arashiyama.
Is Kyoto walkable?
Kyoto is walkable in specific neighborhoods like Gion, Higashiyama, and Downtown. But the city is spread out, so expect to use trains, buses, or taxis for longer distances. Just load up your IC Card and you’re good to go. It’s easy once you get the hang of it.
Is Kyoto safe for solo travelers?
Very! Kyoto is one of the safest cities in Japan. It’s well-lit, easy to navigate, and locals are incredibly helpful if you get turned around.
Still have Questions? 🤔
Get in touch and I’ll do my best to answer them!
Final Thoughts about Planning Your Kyoto Trip
Kyoto is one of those destinations that sticks with you long after you’ve flown home. Whether you’re relaxing in a traditional ryokan, staying steps from the Bamboo Forest, or walking through lantern-lit Gion at night, where you stay will shape your whole experience.
I hope these hotel suggestions help you narrow down your options and feel excited (you should be!) about planning your trip.
And if you want help putting together a full Japan itinerary, I’d love to make it easy with my Custom Travel Planning services. Just say the word and I can take care of all the annoying details so you can just enjoy your trip!
Happy Travels! 🏮
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