If you’re in search of a romantic hideaway for your Kyoto stay, you’ve got plenty of great choices. You can choose from intimate ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), sublime hotels, and superbly restored machiya rentals (restored Kyoto houses). Here are our top picks for Kyoto’s most romantic places to stay.
The Old Modern Garden Suite
Kyoto’s Most Romantic Places to Stay
Kyoto has hundreds of great hotels, ryokan and vacation rentals. But, for this list, we chose places that are particularly romantic. To us, that means smaller places with beautiful rooms and a boutique feeling. Where possible, we chose places with a traditional Japanese design, because we find this naturally romantic. A couple of larger hotels made the list because of their excellent customer service, fine facilities and gorgeous rooms. Finally, we chose places located in scenic areas that perfect for romantic evening strolls.
Most Romantic Vacation Rentals and Machiya In Kyoto
Old Kyoto Machiya
This collection of beautifully restored Kyoto machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouses) is the last word in romance. Their sublime blend of traditional Japanese design and modern comforts make them into private sanctuaries that you will find hard to leave. If you’re looking for romance, these are hard to beat. See our separate pages about individual Old Kyoto machiya: Amber House, Gion House, Indigo House and The Old Modern.
Living room of Old Kyoto Amber House
Most Romantic Luxury Hotels In Kyoto
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
If you’re looking for an excellent hotel with first-class service, great restaurants, intimate bars and a spa, then the Hyatt is a great choice. The southern Higashiyama location, within walking distance of many sights, is the icing on the cake.
Hyatt Regency guest room
Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
The Ritz-Carlton has the best location of any hotel in Kyoto. Rooms on the east side have phenomenal views over the Kamo-gawa River and the Higashiyama Mountains. The rooms are spacious and gorgeous, and the spa, restaurants and bars are great.
Ritz-Carlton Kyoto guest room
Hotel Kanra Kyoto
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
The Kanra is one of Kyoto’s only boutique hotels. The rooms are exquisitely decorated in traditional Japanese style. The service is warm and welcoming, and the location is convenient for Kyoto Station.
Hotel Kanra guest room
Most Romantic Mid-Range Hotels In Kyoto
Solaria Nishitetsu
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
If you’re looking for an intimate hotel in a fantastic downtown location, at rates below the above hotels, you’ll be very happy at this riverside hotel. Just step out the door and you’ll be surrounded by some of the best restaurants and most romantic walks in all of Kyoto.
Solaria Nishitetsu guest room
Kyoto Hotel Okura
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
This fine hotel is located right downtown, and directly above a subway station, making it among the most convenient in town. The rooms on the east side have wonderful views and the corner suites are fabulous. Check the prices – it’s usually a great deal.
Kyoto Hotel Okura guest room
Most Romantic Ryokans In Kyoto
Yoshida Sanso
(View on Booking.com and Agoda.com)
An intimate hideaway up on Yoshida-yama Hill in northeast Kyoto, this place is pure romance. The ryokan itself is beautiful and the location is stunning. Our favorite walks in the city are right outside your door. Highly recommended.
Yoshida Sanso
Seikoro
(View on Agoda.com and Booking.com)
A classic traditional ryokan just steps from the Kamo-gawa River, this fine ryokan has gorgeous traditional rooms, wooden bathtubs and lovely gardens.
Seikoro bath
Izuyasu
(View on on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Within walking distance of Kyoto Station, this lovely ryokan has excellent rooms, nice gardens and warm service. This ryokan prides itself on its food – the meals will be among the best you eat in Japan.
Izuyasu
More Romantic Kyoto Information
- For more information on planning a romantic getaway to Kyoto, check out our Honeymoon in Kyoto page.
- And if you’re ready to pop the question, check out our Best Places to Propose in Kyoto page.
- If you’re looking for a romantic place to stay in Tokyo, check out our Most Romantic Hotels in Tokyo page.
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
- 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
