Located a stone’s throw from Karasuma Station, the Pocket Hotel is a decent budget option for travelers who want to be in downtown Kyoto. It’s cheap and clean, and will satisfy most travelers. Just don’t expect perfection.
The Pocket Hotel Kyoto-Shijokarasuma – image © Booking.com
Location-wise, it doesn’t get better than The Pocket Hotel. It’s less than 200 metres to Nishiki Market, you’re surrounded by department stores and the nearby shopping arcades, and a short walk across the bridge brings you to Gion. This is the number one reason to consider staying here: all the action in Kyoto is right at your doorstep.
As a space, the Pocket Hotel itself is not hugely memorable, but the rooms are well-designed, compact, comfortable, and functional. It’s like a hostel without the communal bunk beds – all rooms are private.
None of the rooms are ensuite; it’s a nice compromise between the privacy of your own sleeping space, but also keeping things on the cheaper side by having shared bathroom facilities. If you have many large suitcases, however, you may be better off staying in a mid-range hotel rather than this place. There’s very little space for more than a suitcase per person in some of the rooms!
The Pocket Hotel Kyoto-Shijokarasuma – image © Booking.com
The bathroom and other shared facilities are excellent. We especially like the large vanity mirrors – great for getting ready in the mornings. They’re kept spotless, with enough showers to go around that you won’t have to queue or wait even at peak hours.
While IoT (the Internet of Things) touches are becoming increasingly common in hostels and capsule hotels, it’s a little hit-and-miss here. Being able to check in at the self-service terminal is interesting, but perhaps a little pointless since the staff sometimes have to help you through the check-in process at the machines. The iPads in each room that you use to control the air-conditioning and lighting work fine unless they ‘decide’ not to connect to the WiFi. This might only be an issue if your room is on a higher floor. Overall, though, most people have a smooth experience with the tablets.
The Pocket Hotel Kyoto-Shijokarasuma – image © Booking.com
The lack of a kitchen or communal eating space may be a deal breaker for some travelers. While there’s a microwave and plenty of seats in the lobby, there’s nowhere in The Pocket Hotel you can get hot water to make some coffee or tea. This also means having to eat out pretty much all the time. If you’re just in town for a short stay, this isn’t a problem; but those wanting to stay in a single budget accommodation for more than a few days may find that this is an issue.
Overall, the Pocket Hotel is a decent choice for short stays in the heart of Kyoto. For all the small glitches we’ve mentioned above, it’s cheap, clean, and reasonably comfortable. That’s all you really need, since you’ll be out exploring for most of the day!
Name in English:
The Pocket Hotel Kyoto-Shijokarasuma
Name in Japanese:
THE POCKET HOTEL 京都四条烏丸
English address:
474 Setoya-cho, Yanaginobanba-dori-Nishikikoji-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku
Japanese address:
中京区柳馬場通錦小路下ル瀬戸屋町474
Price:
Internet: wifi access
Non-smoking rooms: Yes
Nearest Transport:
1min walk from Karasuma Station Exit 13, Hankyu line
Telephone: 283-1110
Website:
:: Check availability on Booking.com or Agoda.com
Official site: (English)
Pocket-Hotel.jp
Near To Here:
The Pocket Hotel Kyoto-Shijokarasuma is located in Kyoto’s Downtown district. See our complete list of things to do in Downtown Kyoto, 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
