If you want to spend more time sightseeing and less time on buses, trains and taxis, it’s essential to be based somewhere convenient. Here is a list of Kyoto’s best-located and most convenient hotels.
The Westin Miyako lobby © Chris Rowthorn.
Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com.)
This superb luxury hotel occupies the most sought-after location in Kyoto: right on the banks of the Kamo-gawa River, just steps from downtown.
Ritz Carlton Kyoto
Kyoto Hotel Okura
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
A close second to the Ritz in terms of location, this hotel is probably the most convenient in the city. It’s right downtown and is directly connected to the subway system by a series of escalators. It’s also a fine hotel with mid-range prices.
Kyoto Hotel Okura guest room © Chris Rowthorn.
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Just steps from the above hotels, this riverside hotel would be perfect for someone who wants to be within walking distanced of both downtown and the Higashiyama sightseeing district. It’s a mid-range hotel with very reasonable rates.
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier exterior © Chris Rowthorn.
Cross Hotel Kyoto
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Right smack in the heart of downtown Kyoto, this mid-range hotel is hard to beat in terms of convenience and price. It’s a great choice.
Cross Hotel Kyoto corner king room © Chris Rowthorn.
Westin Miyako Kyoto
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
If you want to walk right out the door and immediately be in a sightseeing district, you can’t beat the Westin: it’s in the heart of the Higashiyama sightseeing district. And, it’s also right above a subway station. It’s at the lower end of the luxury price range.
The Westin Miyako exterior © Chris Rowthorn.
The Thousand Kyoto
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
If you want to explore a lot of Kyoto and also want to check out other parts of central Japan like Nara, Osaka and Hiroshima, then you’ll love the convenience of The Thousand. It’s directly outside Kyoto Station. Prices are at the lower end of the luxury range.
The Thousand Kyoto exterior © Chris Rowthorn.
Kyoto Hotel Granvia
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
This hotel is even more convenient for exploring Kyoto and the surrounding parts of central Japan – it’s actually part of the Kyoto Station building. You can just about step right from your room onto the shinkansen. It’s also in the lower luxury price range.
Hotel Granvia Kyoto lobby © Chris Rowthorn.
More Useful Information
Kyoto Hotel Guide
- Where To Stay In Kyoto
- The Best Places To Stay In Kyoto
- Best Kyoto Hotels For Sightseeing
- Kyoto Hotels Overview
- Best Luxury Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Mid Range Hotel in Kyoto
- Best Budget Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Kyoto Hotels For Families
- Best Boutique Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Value Hotels in Kyoto
- Kyoto Hotel Bargains
- Kyoto Ryokan
- Kyoto Vacation Rentals
- Should You Stay In A Ryokan, Hotel, Machiya, Or Airbnb In Kyoto?
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- ESSENTIALS – For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- HOTELS – Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- BULLET TRAIN – You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- WHERE TO STAY – Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- PACKING LIST – See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- SIM CARDS – You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- FLIGHTS – Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- JAPAN RAIL PASS – If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- TRAVEL INSURANCE – World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- WANT HELP? – Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
Kyoto District Map
Click a Kyoto District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation
About InsideKyoto.com and Chris Rowthorn
- Chris Rowthorn is the co-founder of InsideKyoto.com and has an unparalleled travel knowledge of Kyoto spanning three decades. Chris has written or commissioned and edited every page on the Inside Kyoto website.
- A former author of Lonely Planet Kyoto and Lonely Planet Japan guidebooks, Chris is also the director of the Kyoto walking tour company Chris Rowthorn Tours, and Japan Travel Consulting, where you can get bespoke travel advice for your Japan trip.
- InsideKyoto.com has been cited by the New York Times and The Times of London, among many other publications and websites.
