RC Hotel Kyoto Yasaka isn’t your run-of-the-mill, conventionally designed hotel. This boutique hotel right in the heart of Higashiyama is a real hidden gem with personal touches galore. The sunsets from the roof terrace are stunning too!
RC Hotel Kyoto Yasaka – image © Booking.com
For a hotel stay that’s out of the ordinary, discerning travellers who care about design and architecture in their hotels should consider staying at RC Hotel Kyoto Yasaka when visiting this city. This hotel was a concrete apartment block in a previous 1970s life, but was converted and renovated into a three-storey hotel.
What makes this place special? Each floor has a different theme, and they use local Kyoto crafts and objects to decorate guest rooms. The attention to detail in this hotel is remarkable: from the mattress quality to the excellent sound system to the traditional Japanese tools decorating rooms on the second floor, it’s an endlessly delightful place to stay. Fabulous sunsets over Kyoto from the roof terrace don’t hurt, either.
RC Hotel Kyoto Yasaka – image © Booking.com
Like an increasing number of hotels in Japan these days, RC Hotel Kyoto Yasaka provides smartphones for guests to use during their stay. These “handy phones” are provided free of charge, and allow you to make free domestic calls, browse the internet and find your way around town. They’ll bill you if you lose the phone, but it’s an otherwise useful and convenient service.
If you’re trying to decide between a ryokan stay or a renovated designer hotel like this, it’s probably a matter of how much you want to try sleeping on the floor. If that doesn’t appeal, a boutique hotel like this will likely be right up your alley.
RC Hotel Kyoto Yasaka – image © Booking.com
Location-wise, it’s excellent if you want to be right in the heart of all the sightseeing spots. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a few minutes away, as are all the other temples and sights in the Higashiyama area. The hotel itself is down a quieter street.
RC Hotel Kyoto Yasaka might not seem like an ideal spot if you dislike crowds – the area can be quite busy – but it’s remarkably tranquil at night once everyone has retired for the evening. You’ll have to decide whether the proximity to Gion is worth the daytime crowds. Those who have more than one suitcase should consider taking a taxi directly to the hotel, as it’s located up a slope. Dragging heavy luggage uphill isn’t any fun!
Name in English:
RC Hotel Kyoto Yasaka
Name in Japanese:
RC HOTEL 京都八坂
English address:
370 Yasaka-kami-machi, Higashiyama-ku
Japanese address:
東山区八坂上町370
Price:
Internet: wifi access
Non-smoking rooms: Yes
Nearest Transport:
4min walk from Kiyomizu-michi Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 100, 206 from Kyoto Station
Telephone: 354-5406
Website:
:: Check availability on Booking.com or Agoda.com
Official site: (English)
RCHotelKyoto.com
Near To Here:
RC Hotel Kyoto Yasaka in Kyoto’s Southern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Southern Higashiyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
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.
More Kyoto Hotels info:
- Kyoto Hotels Overview
- Check availability and pricing for Kyoto hotels at Booking.com and Agoda.com
- The Best Places To Stay In Kyoto
- Where To Stay In Kyoto
- Best New Kyoto Hotels
- The Most Romantic Hotels and Ryokan in Kyoto
- Best Value Hotels In Kyoto
- Kyoto Vacation Rentals
- Best Luxury Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Boutique Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Small Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Mid-Range Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Budget Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Kyoto Hostels and Guesthouses
- Best Kyoto Hotels For Families
- Best Japanese Hotel Chains
- Best Ryokan In Kyoto
- Kyoto Machiya
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
