Kyoto Vacation Rentals

Many people, especially families, prefer the comfort, space and flexibility of an Airbnb or other type of vacation rental when traveling. Because these accommodations are located all over the city (often far from the center), it’s essential to choose one in a convenient neighborhood. Here, we rate the best neighborhoods and plot them on a handy map.

Best Neighborhoods For Airbnbs And Vacation Rentals

When you’re choosing an Airbnb or a vacation rental, it’s important to check where it’s located. There are vacation rentals scattered across Kyoto, including way out in the suburbs or far south of Kyoto Station. If you stay in such areas, you’ll be spending a lot of time on bus, trains or in taxis.

Basically, you want to stay in one of the following neighborhoods:

• Southern Higashiyama: Near the sights and downtown, with many attractive streets, this is our favorite area for vacation rentals and there are many to choose from.
• Northern Higashiyama: Similar to Southern Higashiyama, but slightly further from downtown, this is still an excellent neighborhood in which to be based.
• Downtown Kyoto: Downtown Kyoto cannot be beaten for convenience, shopping and dining. There aren’t many vacation rentals here, but if you find one and it looks good consider booking it unless you prefer quiet (in which place go for Higashiyama).
• Central Kyoto/Gojo Area: This is prime hunting ground for vacation rentals and there are plenty scattered about, mostly in apartment buildings. It’s close to downtown and Southern Higashiyama.
• Central Kyoto/Gosho Area: The area around the Imperial Palace Park is a pleasant place to stay and being able to walk to the Gosho is a nice perk.
• Kyoto Station Area: Needless to say, the Kyoto Station Area is convenient for transport, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants here. There aren’t many vacation rentals in this neighborhood and the streets aren’t particularly lovely, but this area will do in a pinch.

Best Kyoto Neighborhoods For Airbnbs And Vacation Rentals Map

Before you choose a vacation rental, check the map below. We rate each neighborhood as follows:

• Yellow: most desirable
• Red: desirable
• Green: acceptable

You can view a full screen version too.

Should You Stay In An Airbnb Or Vacation Rental?

Full disclosure: I’m not a fan of Airbnbs or other vacation rentals in Kyoto. Why? Because many of them are not properly permitted and many are located in buildings and neighborhoods that aren’t zoned for commercial accommodation.

While the sound of old ladies splashing water on the street outside their house used to be the sound of Kyoto in the morning, it’s been replaced by the sound of foreign tourists pulling wheelie suitcases. The rise of illegal vacation rentals is a major reason why some Kyotoites are becoming fed up with overtourism. If you do decide to stay in a vacation rental, do you best to confirm that it is a legal accommodation and please be respectful of the local residents. Or, better yet, consider a legally registered machiya (traditional Japanese townhouse); see below for details.

Alternative To Airbnbs And Vacation Rentals

Machiya are traditional Japanese houses that have been converted to vacation rentals. Our favorite machiya in Kyoto are operated by a company called Old Kyoto. These machiya are all exquisitely restored with some modern touches to make them comfortable for foreign travelers (think refrigerators, coffee makers, wifi, raised Western-style beds and laundry facilities). The best thing about Old Kyoto machiya is they come with access to a bilingual concierge who can help with things like restaurant recommendations and reservations, transport information and help with luggage forwarding.

Other Great Places To Stay In Kyoto

Another way to try the Japanese way of living would be a night in one of Kyoto’s beautiful ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) and then moving to a hotel. See Kyoto Ryokan for all the details and our top picks.

If you’d like a more modern place to stay, consider one of Kyoto’s many excellent hotels. See Kyoto Hotels for all the details and our top picks.

Old Kyoto

Old Kyoto is a company that specializes in restoring traditional Kyoto houses and turning them into sumptuous and atmospheric vacation rentals. With superb design sense, efficient staff and competitive rates, we consider these the best vacation rentals in all of Kyoto. Their properties include Amber House, Indigo House, Gion House and The Old Modern. These are all highly recommended.

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
• Should You Stay In A Ryokan, Hotel, Machiya, Or Airbnb In Kyoto?

Kyoto District Map

Click a Kyoto District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation