Kyoto is packed with small hotels that offer close personal service, boutique style and tons of personality. The human scale of these hotels is a perfect match for Kyoto, which is a traditional city without skyscrapers. Here are our picks from a very strong field.
The Genji Kyoto hotel overlooking the Kamo-gawa River
Genji Kyoto: Oodles of style in a cool neighborhood
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
The Genji is our favorite hotel of any size in Kyoto. In addition to superb Japanese style, the staff is super helpful and can help with restaurant reservations and savvy travel advice.
Deluxe twin with river view
Higashiyama Shikikaboku: A tiny treasure in a perfect location
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Located on Sanjo Street, close to the sights and downtown, Shikikaboku has only eight lovely rooms and a wonderfully helpful staff. Book early if you want to stay here.
Higashiyama Shikikaboku guest room
Nagi Kyoto Shijo: A boutique beauty steps from the heart of downtown
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Combining great Japanese style, a convenient location and very reasonable rates, the Nagi punches way above its weight. Give it a look.
Nagi Kyoto Shijo guest room
RC Hotel Kyoto Yasaka: Hip hangout in the heights
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
We love this stylish concrete roost hidden right in the heart of Southern Higashiyama. It’s so hip there’s even a permanent coffee truck parked outside.
Yasaka Pagoda visible from RC Hotel guest room
Villa Sanjo Muromachi: Location, style and value
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
The Villa Sanjo Muromachi gets it all right: traditional style, great location close to downtown and surprisingly low rates. Grab a room here if you can.
Kyoto roofs visible from Sanjo Muromachi guest room
Tsugu Kyoto Sanjo: A quiet sanctuary in the heart of the action
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
You can’t really get more downtown than Sanjo Street. But as soon as you step into the Tsugu, you are enveloped with calm. Start with a coffee at the great café in the lobby and then head upstairs to relax in the excellent rooms.
Tsugu Kyoto Sanjo Japanese-style superior room
The Junei Hotel Kyoto Imperial Palace West: Quiet oasis with warm personal service
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
If you love Kyoto but hate crowds, then give the Junei a close look. It’s within 15 minutes’ walk of two subway stations and the Imperial Palace Park (Gosho), but it feels like a world away from the bustle of the city. The service here is the perfect complement to the spacious and stylish boutique-style rooms.
The Junei superior room
If You Like Small Hotels, Why Not Try a Machiya?
If you like the privacy of a vacation rental and you’re a fan of traditional Japanese style, then you should consider a machiya. A machiya is a traditional Kyoto townhouse that’s been converted to a vacation rental. For more information, see our Kyoto Machiya page.
Old Kyoto Indigo House bedroom
If You Like Small Hotels, You’ll Love a Ryokan
If you like the personal charm of small accommodations, you’ll love a ryokan. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. The best ones are fine traditional Japanese buildings surrounded by beautiful Japanese buildings. And, needless to say, the service at a good ryokan is attentive, personal and efficient. For more information, see our Kyoto Ryokan page.
Ryokan Genhouin in Kyoto’s northern Higashiyama district
More Information
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
- A prepaid Welcome 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
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
