A short walk west of downtown, the Imu Hotel Kyoto is one of the cheapest places to stay in all of Kyoto. With a lively lounge/restaurant/bar area, the Imu feels like a friendly hostel.
Imu Hotel Kyoto exterior
Imu Hotel Kyoto At A Glance
- Great for: families, couples, individual, budget travelers
- Strong points: ultra-low rates, relatively close to city center
- Sample rates: from US$40 to $150 per night
Bar and restaurant in the lounge
With simple Japanese- and Western-style rooms ranging from singles to family rooms, the Imu can accommodate all types of travelers. The rooms are simple but adequate and well maintained.
Twin room
The real draw here is the lounge/restaurant/bar area on the ground floor. For those enjoy the sociability and information exchange possibilities of backpacker hostels, the Imu is a great choice.
Japanese-style family room
The location isn’t bad at all. You can walk to downtown in about 15 or 20 minutes and the Tozai subway line (to Higashiyama and west Kyoto) and Hankyu Line (to Arashiyama and Osaka) are also relatively close.
If you’re on a tight budget and enjoy a sociable place to stay, the Imu is an excellent choice.
Name in English:
Imu Hotel Kyoto
Name in Japanese:
イムホテル 京都
English address:
411 Iwatoyama-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan 600-8445
Japanese address:
〒600-8445 京都市下京区岩戸山町411
Price range: budget
Nearest Transport:
4 minutes’ walk from Shijo Station (exit 6) of Subway Karasuma Line or Karasuma Station of Hankyu Kyoto Line
Telephone: 81-75-353-1616
Website: imuhotel.jp/en/
:: Check availability and pricing for Imu Hotel Kyoto 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
- 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
