While Japan was closed, the construction companies of Kyoto were busy building an incredible collection of hotels and ryokans. Gone are the cookie-cutter business hotels of the past; small, boutique and creative is the new standard. Here are our favorites from a very strong field.
Sowaka: Ryokan-style hotel beside a magical shrine
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The Sowaka is literally steps from Yasaka-jinja Shrine and Gion. It’s pure Kyoto style with the comforts of a luxury hotel.
Sowaka
Genji Kyoto: Intimate boutique with amazing service
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A short walk from downtown, this little hotel is a real gem. Some rooms have private balconies overlooking the Kamo River.
Genji Kyoto
Nagi Kyoto Shijo: Beautiful Japanese boutique near downtown
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A short walk from downtown, this is a very good thing in a small package. It’s a friendly boutique hotel with great rates.
Nagi Kyoto Shijo
Good Nature Hotel: Eco-friendly hotel near the action
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This “green” hotel has a garden and bar and it’s super close to the heart of downtown. We love the private balconies.
Good Nature Hotel
Villa Sanjo Muromachi: Affordable boutique right downtown
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Comfy rooms with great Japanese style at very reasonable rates make this a fantastic choice, and the location is perfect.
Villa Sanjo Muromachi
Dhawa Yura: Great style, great location and great price
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Just across the river from downtown, this Asian-themed boutique hotel is a great value.
Dhawa Yura
Kyoto Okura Okazaki Bettei: Beauty by the hill
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This branch of the wonderful Okura group sits beside Yoshida-yama, a magical world of temples and shrines. It feels far from the hustle of downtown, but it’s actually within walking distance.
Kyoto Okura Okazaki Bettei
Hotel Seiryu Kiyomizu: Spacious hotel above it all
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Right in the heart of the Southern Higashiyama sightseeing district, this boutique beauty boasts great views from many rooms and the rooftop bar/restaurant.
Hotel Seiryu Kiyomizu
Tsugu Kyoto Sanjo: Style, location and family rooms
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In the heart of the shopping district, this budget boutique hotel is a great choice for families.
Tsugu Kyoto Sanjo
Ace Hotel Kyoto: Hip hotel convenient to transport
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Steps from both subway lines and all of downtown, the Ace Hotel is the hipster’s haven. We love the in-room record players and guitars.
Ace Hotel Kyoto
Mimaru Suites Kyoto Shijo: Best family hotel in town
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A short walk south of downtown, this hotel is the best midrange choice for families. Check out the pictures and reviews. Mimaru combines the best features of vacation rentals and hotels in a very attractive package.
Mimaru Suites Kyoto Shijo
Mimaru Kyoto Nishinotoin Takatsuji: Another family favorite
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This is another iteration of the superb family-friendly Mimaru chain, also close to downtown.
Mimaru Kyoto Nishinotoin Takatsuji
Park Hyatt Kyoto: Sublime sanctuary – best in the city
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If price is no object, you will not do better than the Park Hyatt. It offers immaculate Japanese style, spacious rooms and incredible views over the city. And some of Kyoto’s most iconic sights are mere steps from the front gate.
Park Hyatt Kyoto
More Kyoto Hotel Information
- For an overview of the 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 – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's my explanation of why it's worth it
- A prepaid Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
