Several great new hotels have opened in Kyoto in last year. Most are located in the super-convenient downtown area. We’re happy to see an effort to showcase local Japanese style. Here are our favorite new hotels in Kyoto.

Mitsui Garden superior king room
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Fantastic location, great value. This new Mitsui Garden property is located on one of Kyoto’s best shopping streets in the heart of downtown. It’s close to transport and the sights and the rooms are packed with great local style. The rates are midrange and competitive.

Insomnia Kyoto Oike superior twin
Insomnia Kyoto Oike
(View on Booking.com)
Amazing value close to downtown. The rates here are firmly in the budget category, but the hotel itself feels like a midrange choice. It’s located very close to the all-important Karasuma-Oike subway station. Despite the name, we think this is a great place to sleep when you visit Kyoto.

Hilton Kyoto lobby
Hilton Kyoto
(View on Booking.com)
Stylish design, great location. Located right downtown, close to two subway stations and all the shopping and dining you could ever want, the Hilton is a surprisingly stylish new hotel with great Japanese design and comfortable rooms. Service is still finding its groove, but for location and style, this is a good choice with rates at the low end of luxury.

Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto nestled against the mountains
Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto
(View on Booking.com)
Stunning hidden property above the city. Hidden at the base of the mountains above the southern Higashiyama sightseeing district, this luxury hotel feels something like a secret lair. It showcases sublime Japanese design and has an excellent outdoor bath. Rates are similar to other international luxury brands in Kyoto.

Six Senses Kyoto deluxe twin room
Six Senses Kyoto
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Wellness-centered hotel near museums and temples. Located on Higashiyama-dori within walking distance of several important sights, the Six Senses Kyoto offers comfortable rooms (some with great views) and stylish common areas at rates comparable to other luxury brands in the city.

DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station twin room
DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Good value midrange hotel near Kyoto Station. A sharp new hotel with comfortable rooms and pleasant common areas within walking distance of Kyoto Station, the Double Tree is a strong choice with rates in the midrange.

Dusit Thani guest room
Dusit Thani Kyoto
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Elegant Thai brand with Kyoto style. A relatively short walk northwest of Kyoto Station, the Dusit Thani Kyoto is the first foray of Bangkok’s fine hotel brand in Japan. Rooms are spacious, common areas are beautiful and rates are low for a luxury hotel.

ASAI Kyoto Shijo guest room
ASAI Kyoto Shijo
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Good quality and low rates close to downtown. Located roughly midway between Kyoto Station and downtown (within walking distance of both), the ASAI is an incredibly cheap hotel (rooms can be just below US$100) with high standards for the price. It’s a great base for those who prefer to spend their money on meals and sights.
More Kyoto Hotel Information
- For an overview of the best accommodation in different Kyoto districts, check out our Where to Stay in Kyoto page.
- And for more recommendations and suggestions, check out our guides to Kyoto Hotels and Kyoto Ryokan.
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
More Kyoto Ryokan info:
- Kyoto Ryokan overview
- Best Luxury Ryokan In Kyoto
- Best Mid Range Ryokan In Kyoto
- Best Budget Ryokan In Kyoto
- Best Ryokan Near Kyoto
- Kyoto’s Best Ryokan For Families
- Kyoto’s Best Ryokan For Couples
- Kyoto Machiya
Best High-End Ryokan In Kyoto
- Tawaraya (Read guest reviews of Tawaraya on TripAdvisor.com)
- Hiiragiya Ryokan (Read guest reviews of Hiiragiya on TripAdvisor.com)
- Ugenta (Read guest reviews of Ugenta on TripAdvisor.com)
- Hoshinoya (Read guest reviews of Hoshinoya on TripAdvisor.com)
- Seikoro (check availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com)
- Yoshida Sanso (check availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com)
- Garden Ryokan Yachiyo (check availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com)
Best Mid Price Ryokan In Kyoto
- Hirashin Ryokan (check availability on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
- Nishiyama Ryokan (check availability on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
- Ryokan Izuyasu (check availability on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Best Budget Ryokan In Kyoto
- Kyoto Yoshimizu (Read guest reviews of Kyoto Yoshimizu on TripAdvisor.com)
- Ryokan Shimizu (check availability on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
- Uemera Ryokan (check availability on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
- Matsubaya Ryokan (check availability on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
- Hanakiya Ryokan (check availability on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
- Tanaka-ya (check availability on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- 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
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- 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
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help