February 2023: Please note WeBase Kyoto is temporarily closed. Please see Central Kyoto for nearby, hand-picked places to stay in the same budget category.
Who said hostels had to be low-quality? WeBase Kyoto near Shijo Station is comfortable without feeling cheap, and beautifully designed to boot. It’s great for discerning backpackers travelling on a budget.
WeBase Kyoto – image © Booking.com
Hostels don’t always have the best reputation. But add a dose of Japanese hospitality, friendliness, and attention to detail, and you have a place that feels closer to a hotel at times than a budget accommodation. WeBase Kyoto is one of many new hostels catering to discerning budget travellers looking for a decent night’s stay at lower prices. We think they tick all the boxes on that front.
WeBase Kyoto – image © Booking.com
As with most hostels, WeBase Kyoto has the option of mixed-gender or female-only dormitories. Bunk beds are reasonably comfortable – it’s no hotel bed, but you’ll get a decent night’s sleep. Considering the price, it’s a good deal. You get a bath towel, but if you want additional towels or other amenities like hair brushes, toothbrushes, and razors, you’ll have to purchase or rent these for a few more yen from the front desk.
WeBase Kyoto – image © Booking.com
Rather unusually, not only do the bunk beds come with USB sockets and a reading light, there’s even a mirror inside each one – presumably for you to put on your makeup in the morning. It’s a rare but welcome touch for a hostel.
WeBase Kyoto – image © Booking.com
WeBase also has the option of private rooms with bunk beds. This is a good choice if you’re travelling with friends and looking for a little more privacy, but still want to stick to a relatively low budget. Note that in this case you’ll still be sharing bathrooms with other guests, and that it can get busy at peak times when everyone wants to use the shower. Of course, if you do want an ensuite private room, this is available – albeit in very limited quantities.
WeBase Kyoto – image © Booking.com
Breakfast here is simple but very decent. Think cereal, four kinds of bread, several types of juice, coffee, tea, butter, and jelly. It’s nothing to write home about, but it’s a nice touch for a hostel like this.
WeBase Kyoto – image © Booking.com
One of the coolest aspects of WeBase Kyoto may be its bookshelf. In the lounge is a shelf-covered wall filled with around 1000 books on travel, art, and literature. Japanese, English, and other languages are represented in the selection, making it wonderfully accessible for guests from all over the world. You might be busy exploring Kyoto for most of your stay, but we recommend taking a little time to relax in the lounge with a book.
Name in English:
WeBase Kyoto
Name in Japanese:
WeBase 京都
English address:
436-1 Iwatoyama-cho, Shinmachi-dori-Takatsuji-agaru, Shimogyo-ku
Japanese address:
下京区新町通高辻上ル岩戸山町436-1
Price:
Internet: wifi access
Non-smoking rooms: Yes
Nearest Transport:
5min walk from Shijo Station Exit 6, Karasuma subway line or Karasuma Station Exit 26, Hankyu line
Telephone: 353-7555
Website:
:: Check availability on Booking.com or Agoda.com
Official site: (English)
We-Base.jp
Near To Here:
WeBase Kyoto is located in Central Kyoto. See our complete list of things to do in Central 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 Agoda.com
- The Best Places To Stay In Kyoto
- Where To Stay In Kyoto
- Best Value Hotels In Kyoto
- Kyoto Vacation Rentals
- Best Luxury Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Boutique 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 Ryokan In Kyoto
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 – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's my explanation of why it's worth it
- A prepaid 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
