Piece Hostel Sanjo is the best hostel in the city – and that’s saying a lot, because there are some great hostels in Kyoto. It’s right downtown, it’s got a fantastic lounge, a rooftop bar, and it’s a great place to meet other travelers.
Rooftop bar
Piece Hostel Sanjo At A Glance
- Great for: backpackers, couples, solo travelers, families on a budget
- Strong points: very social, downtown location, value, laundry facilities
- Sample rates: US$30 to 100
Downstairs lounge
I discovered this place on a walk around downtown Kyoto in the spring of 2024. My eyes were drawn to the plant-filled atrium and I just had to go inside and check it out. I was amazed to discover that it was a hostel. It looked like the lobby of a boutique hotel or perhaps an ultra-hip coffee shop.
Dormitory room
Piece Hostel describes their philosophy as follows: “Renovated a traditional Japanese ryokan into a stylish hostel in central Kyoto. As opposed to luxury hostels, we provide minimum space for a comfortable sleep. However, PIECE is built for Active Travelers to meet people from around the world and experience Kyoto beyond surface at an affordable price. If this is your traveling style, let us be a PIECE of your journey.” Really, we can do no better: that is a perfect description of the place. And, just so you know: the private rooms and dorm rooms are very nice.
Quad room
If you long for the pre-internet days of travel when you got your information from other travelers you met in your guesthouse, or you just want to meet some cool people, you can do no better than Piece Hostel Sanjo. And, if they’re full, check out their excellent sister branch, Piece Hostel Kyoto.
Name in English:
Piece Hostel Sanjo
Name in Japanese:
ピースホステル三条
English address:
531, Asakura-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
Japanese address:
京都市中京区富小路通三条下る朝倉町531
Price range: budget
Nearest Transport:
9-minute walk from Karasuma-Oika Station on the Karasuma subway line
Telephone: 81-75-746-3688
Website: Official Website
:: Check availability and pricing for Piece Hostel Sanjo 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
