A serene riverside refuge accessible by boat upstream from Arashiyama, Hoshinoya Kyoto is arguably Kyoto’s most interesting place to stay.
Hoshinoya Kyoto
Your taxi will take you to a small waiting area, where you’ll be met by a concierge who will summon a boat to take you up the Hozu-gawa to the lovely Hoshinoya Kyoto, perhaps Kyoto’s most interesting accommodation. We’re not sure whether to call this a ryokan, a hotel, a vacation rental or something else, but we have no trouble describing it as unique, luxurious and a one-of-a-kind experience. Just note that during periods of flooding, you’ll have to travel to and from the Hoshinoya by van.
English address:
11-2 Arashiyama Genrokuzan-cho, Nishikyo-ku
Japanese address:
西京区嵐山元録山町11-2
Price: Expensive
Internet: wifi access
Non-smoking rooms: Yes
Nearest Transport:
10min walk from Arashiyama Station, Hankyu line
Telephone:
871-0001
050-3786-0066 (for reservation, 8am-9pm)
Website:
:: Official Website (English)
:: Read Guest Reviews of Hoshinoya at TripAdvisor
You can also book any of the following high end ryokan immediately online with Agoda – each of these ryokan are of a similar class and experience to Hoshinoya.
Seikoro | Yoshida Sanso | Yuzuya Ryokan
Other Arashiyama Hotels:
:: See more Arashiyama hotels on Booking.com and Agoda.com
More Kyoto Ryokan Suggestions: see all Kyoto Ryokan we recommend.
Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
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
