Inside Kyoto

A Kyoto Travel Guide

Where To Stay In Kyoto 2025

If you’re wondering where to stay in Kyoto, check our comparison of Kyoto’s key areas for places to stay and our rundown of the types of accommodation available in Kyoto.

Higashiyama historic district cityscape at sunset with illuminated Yasaka-no-To Pagoda and a backdrop of mountains in Kyoto, Japan
Yasaka Pagoda at sunset: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

Where Is The Best Place To Stay In Kyoto?

As of January 2025, the following are the best, most convenient areas to stay in Kyoto, listed in rough order of priority, with the most convenient places listed first.

  1. Downtown Kyoto
  2. Southern Higashiyama
  3. Kyoto Station Area
  4. Central Kyoto
  5. Northern Higashiyama
  6. Arashiyama

Scroll down for all the details, some hotel/ryokan recommendations and our Where To Stay map.

Pedestrians and traffic move along Shijo and Kawaramachi streets in downtown Kyoto, Japan
Shijo-dori Street in Downtown Kyoto: waranon8327 / Shutterstock.com

Downtown Kyoto

All things considered, Downtown Kyoto is the best place to stay. You’ll be within walking distance of hundreds of restaurants, shops and bars, as well as both of the city’s subway lines and two train lines. Downtown Kyoto is also within walking distance of two of the city’s main sightseeing areas: Southern Higashiyama and Northern Higashiyama. The only caveat is that some parts of Downtown Kyoto can be crowded, so if you don’t like crowds, check some other areas.

Key Points

  • Positives: convenient, tons of restaurants and shops, good transport connections
  • Negatives: can be crowded
  • Best for: young people, couples, shoppers, night owls

Best Places To Stay In Downtown Kyoto

Our top hotel and ryokan picks in Downtown Kyoto are

Living area with sofa and wood panelling in Ritz-Carlton Kyoto guest room with view over Kamo River, tiled rooftops, and buildings on the opposite bank
Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
Atmospherically lit living area with desk and comfortable seating and sleeping area at the back in a Kyoto Hotel Okura guest room
Kyoto Hotel Okura
Traditional Japan interior in the Shorai room at Tawaraya ryokan in Kyoto, Japan, with open screen leading to garden area
Shorai room at Tawaraya ryokan – image © Chris Rowthorn
Daytime view of the low-rise Solaria Nishitetsu hotel on stone foundations by the banks of the Kamo River in Kyoto, Japan
Solaria Nishitetsu
Nighttime view of the contemporary Resol Trinity hotel building in Kyoto, Japan, with illuminated windows and floor lanterns outside the main entrance
Resol Trinity

You may also want to consider brand-new properties that have opened in Kyoto in the last year in Downtown Kyoto such as the Hilton Kyoto, Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier and Insomnia Kyoto Oike. See our Best New Hotels In Kyoto 2025 page for more details.

See our full list of recommended hotels on the Downtown Kyoto page.

Old town Kyoto, the Higashiyama District,Sannenzaka, a stone-paved street and tourist attraction in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Ninen-zaka in Southern Higashiyama: Nook Thitipat / Shutterstock.com

Southern Higashiyama

Southern Higashiyama is also a great place to be based. It’s near some of the city’s most impressive sights and there are plenty of restaurants scattered about, especially if you stay in or near Gion. Best of all, the lanes of Southern Higashiyama are incredibly atmospheric for strolling in the evening.

Key Points

  • Positives: close to the sights, beautiful lanes, close to downtown
  • Negatives: can be crowded in busy seasons
  • Best for: couples, families, anyone

Best Places To Stay In Southern Higashiyama

Our top hotel and ryokan picks in Southern Higashiyama are

Large double bed next to living area with sofa and desk, looking out onto a lush garden, in the Four Seasons hotel Kyoto, Japan
Four Seasons Kyoto
Exterior of the traditional Amber House ryokan building in Kyoto, Japan, with stone foundations, wooden panelling and slatted door, and rush mats across the windows
Exterior of Amber House – image © Amber House
Traditional interior of the Yuzuya ryokan in Kyoto, Japan, with low table and seats, tatami mat flooring, wooden panelled ceiling, and screens leading to outside
Yuzuya Ryokan
Rooftop bar area with wooden decking, strung lights, and hillside views from the Nohga Hotel in Kyoto, Japan
Nohga Hotel
Contemporary minimalist interiors in a guestroom of the RC Hotel Kyoto Yasaka with wooden desk and chair and exposed lightbulb, as well as sink and mirror
RC Hotel Kyoto Yasaka

You may also want to check out a fantastic hotel that just opened in Southern Higashiyama in August 2024: Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto. See our Best New Hotels In Kyoto 2025 page for more details.

See our full list of recommended hotels on the Southern Higashiyama page.

Recommended Mid Range Hotels In Kyoto
Cross HotelCross HotelUnbeatable location and comfortable roomsMore Info
Solaria NishitetsuSolaria NishitetsuStylish, intimate hotel
in downtown KyotoMore Info
Mimaru KyotoMimaru KyotoJapanese-style apartments close to downtownMore Info
Noku HotelNoku HotelSmart and comfortable boutique hotelMore Info

View to Kyoto tower and Kyoto station from a pedestrian way near entrance to Higashi Honganji Temple. Town in Japan in april in the morning
Kyoto Tower and Kyoto Station from Higashi Hongan-ji Temple: LeManna / Shutterstock.com

Kyoto Station Area

Kyoto Station is a good place to be based. There are plenty of restaurants and shops and, of course, you’ll be very close to Kyoto Station, which is convenient for trips to other parts of Japan, as well as all parts of Kyoto. The downside is that you’ll have to travel to do your sightseeing in Kyoto.

Key Points

  • Positives: transport hub, lots of restaurants and shops
  • Negatives: a bit far from most sights
  • Best for: families, people who want to explore Kansai

Best Places To Stay In The Kyoto Station Area

Our top hotel and ryokan picks in the Kyoto Station Area are

Living area with sofa and two matching armchairs, with double bed next to a nighttime view of the city in the Hotel Granvia, Kyoto, Japan
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
A contemporary update on the traditional Japanese ryokan style with slatted sofa and matching armchairs, wooden flooring, and screen leading to outside area in Izuyasu, Kyoto, Japan
Izuyasu
Four comfortable beds of different sizes in a Hotel Vischio Kyoto family room
Hotel Vischio Kyoto
The lobby and dining / bar area of the Sakura Terrace hotel in Kyoto, Japan
Sakura Terrace

You may also want to check out two new hotels that opened recently in the Kyoto Station Area: Dusit Thai Kyoto and Doubletree by Hilton Kyoto Station. See our Best New Hotels In Kyoto 2025 page for more details.

See our full list of recommended hotels on the Kyoto Station Area page.

Recommended Luxury Hotels In Kyoto
Ritz-Carlton KyotoRitz-Carlton KyotoBest location of any
hotel in townMore Info
Hyatt Regency KyotoHyatt Regency KyotoSpacious rooms and
great restaurantsMore Info
Four Seasons KyotoFour Seasons KyotoHidden sanctuary in Southern HigashiyamaMore Info
Kyoto Hotel OkuraKyoto Hotel OkuraFine hotel with
unbeatable locationMore Info

A daytime wide shot from a pedestrian bridge of a traffic jam in one direction at the large avenue in Kyoto while the other side of the road has only two vehicles
Wide streets in Central Kyoto: Tokyo Visionary Room / Shutterstock.com

Central Kyoto

Central Kyoto encompasses a huge area in the middle of the city. There are several good hotels in Central Kyoto that aren’t too far from downtown and the subway lines. The downside with staying in Central Kyoto is that you’ll probably have to travel to the main sightseeing districts as well as the restaurants and nightlife of downtown.

Key Points

  • Positives: wide streets, quiet
  • Negatives: can be far from sights
  • Best for: families, couples, those who want quiet

Best Places To Stay In Central Kyoto

Our top hotel and ryokan picks in Central Kyoto are

Partial view of the bed with floor-level seating and tables in the living area of a Genji Kyoto hotel guestroom with a daytime view of city building and green hills beyond
Genji Kyoto
Deluxe king room with outdoor bath in the traditional-style Nazuna Gosho hotel in Kyoto, Japan
Nazuna Kyoto Gosho
Sofa and armchair in the living area of a Tomoya Residence Hotel guestroom with kitchenette behind and screens leading to a rock garden in Kyoto, Japan
Tomoya Residence Hotel Kyoto
Guests sit at dining tables and the bar as a member of staff serves drinks in th Imu Hotel Kyoto, Japan
Imu Hotel Kyoto

See our full list of recommended hotels on the Central Kyoto page.

Recommended Budget Hotels In Kyoto
Hotel Excellence KyotoHotel ExcellenceBusiness-style rooms
at capsule ratesMore Info
Hotel Mystays KyotoMYSTAYS KyotoMYSTAYS Kyoto is a good budget business hotelMore Info
Toyoko Inn Kyoto Gojo-KarasumaToyoko Inn KyotoVery good value
business hotelMore Info
ibis Styles Kyoto Shijoibis Styles ShijoConvenient for exploring Kyoto on footMore Info

Autumnal view down the stairs towards Kurodani or Konkai-Komyoji temple in Kyoto, Japan, with the city in the distance
Kurodani Temple in Northern Higashiyama: cowardlion / Shutterstock.com

Northern Higashiyama

Northern Higashiyama is a good place to stay, particularly if you want to be near green spaces and don’t mind getting on your bicycle or a bus to get downtown for eating and shopping (of course, there are some restaurants in Northern Higashiyama as well). There aren’t many hotels in Northern Higashiyama, but there are some ryokan, guesthouses and vacation rentals.

Key Points

  • Positives: quiet, close to the sights, great strolling
  • Negatives: a bit far to downtown
  • Best for: walkers, couple, contemplatives

Best Places To Stay In Northern Higashiyama

Our top hotel and ryokan picks in Northern Higashiyama are

Large living area with wall-length brown sofa facing wooden storage and built-in TV, as well as sleeping area in the adjoining room and view of greenery outside, in the Okura Okazaki Bettei hotel in Kyoto, Japan
Okura Okazaki Bettei
Minimalist double room with light wooden ceiling, floor, and furniture, concrete walls, and embroidered bedding, as well as screened window looking out onto greenery in the Hotel Legasta, Kyoto, Japan
Hotel Legasta
A contemporary update on the traditional Japanese style in the Nanzenji Sando Kikusi luxury ryokan in Kyoto, Japan, with twin comfort beds, wooden ceiling with unique geometric lamp, and view to gardens beyond
Nanzenji Sando Kikusui
Large traditional rooms, divided by screens, with tatami mats, large lampshades, low seating area, bath and bathroom, with views of gardens outside in the Ryokan Yachiyo, Kyoto, Japan
Ryokan Yachiyo

See our full list of recommended hotels on the Northern Higashiyama page.

View of the hills, buildings, and forests of Arashiyama from across the Katsura-gawa River in Kyoto, Japan
Arashiyama viewed from across the Katsura-gawa River: Aeypix / Shutterstock.com

Arashiyama

All the way over on the west side of the city, Arashiyama is not the most popular place to stay, but it’s good for a night or two if you want to stay close to nature. Two of the city’s finest accommodations are here: the superb Hoshinoya Kyoto, which is accessible by boat up the Hozu-gawa River, and Arashiyama Benkei, a classic ryokan with wonderful views of the mountains.

Key Points

  • Positives: quiet, close to some sights, great strolling
  • Negatives: far from the rest of Kyoto, crowded in the daytime
  • Best for: couples, contemplatives, honeymooners

Best Places To Stay In Arashiyama

Our favorite places to stay in Arashiyama are

Tiled riverside deck and entrance gate with Arashiyama forest views on the opposite banks at the Suiran luxury hotel in Kyoto, Japan
Suiran Kyoto
A man walks towards the stone steps leading to the Arashiyama Benkei luxury ryokan in Kyoto, Japan, with a red parasol and floor lantern, as well as decorative trees
Arashiyama Benkei

You can read more about Arashiyama’s many attractions on the Arashiyama page.

Popular Kyoto Ryokan
Yuzuya RyokanRyokan YachiyoClassic RyokanMore Info
Yuzuya RyokanYuzuya RyokanRyokanMore Info
Yuzuya RyokanHirashin RyokanModerate PriceMore Info
Yuzuya RyokanNishiyama RyokanModern and CentralMore Info

Where To Stay In Kyoto – Best Districts Map

District Map key:

  • Yellow: most desirable
  • Red: desirable
  • Green: acceptable
  • Light gray: less desirable
  • Medium gray: only in a pinch
  • Dark gray: last resort

Click the menu icon on the top left of the map to see the name and ranking of each Kyoto district. Zoom in on the map to explore each district in more detail.

The roadway and exterior to the traditional Tawaraya ryokoan in Kyoto, Japan, with standing lantern, tiled canopies, wooden panelling, and bamboo fences
Tawaraya exterior – image © Chris Rowthorn

Types Of Accommodation In Kyoto

In Kyoto, you can stay in everything from dirt-cheap guesthouses to five-star international hotels. Kyoto is packed with ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), making it a great place to sample this wonderful “only in Japan” experience. Just be warned that good ryokan can be very expensive (don’t forget that they usually serve meals) and staying in one is a little more involved than staying in a hotel. Thus, I often advise people to spend their first night in Kyoto in a ryokan, and then move to hotel for the rest of their stay.

Nighttime view of the illuminated entrance to the Seikoro Ryokan in Kyoto, Japan, with tiled canopy, floor lantern, and traditional wooden walls
Seikoro Ryokan entrance

Ryokans

Kyoto is home to some of the finest luxury ryokans in Japan, like Seikoro and Nazuna Kyoto Gosho, as well as some great foreigner-friendly mid-range ryokans like Ishibeikoji Muan and Nishiyama Ryokan.

For specific ryokan recommendations, please see

See our overview of Kyoto ryokan on the Kyoto Ryokan page.

Living area with sofa and wood panelling in Ritz-Carlton Kyoto guest room with view over Kamo River, tiled rooftops, and buildings on the opposite bank
Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

Hotels

Kyoto has a fantastic selection of hotels, ranging from the top-of-the-line Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, to the superbly located Kyoto Hotel Okura, along with good value places.

For our picks of the best hotels in each category, please see

See our overview on the Kyoto Hotels page.

You can also check current Kyoto hotel availability at Agoda.com and Booking.com.

Nighttime view of the entrance and exterior to the contemporary block of the Super Hotel Shijokawaramachi in Kyoto, Japan, with the name in neon above the illuminated door and reflected on the pavement outside
Super Hotel Shijokawaramachi

Business Hotels

Business hotels are inexpensive hotels with small but adequate rooms with all the features you need. They’re usually an excellent value and they welcome travelers.

Our picks for the best business hotels include

See our Business Hotels In Kyoto page for more details.

Nighttime view from the pavement through the windows of people sitting and eating in the dining and bar area of the Len Kyoto Kawaramachi guesthouse in Kyoto, Japan
Len Kyoto Kawaramachi

Guesthouses

Guesthouses have exploded in popularity in Kyoto in recent years, and it seems like a new one opens every week. There are some fly-by-night places out there, so we suggest staying at a well-established place like the excellent Len Kyoto Kawaramachi or the Aussie-style K’s House Kyoto.

You can see more recommended Guesthouses on the Kyoto Hostels And Guesthouses page.

Beautiful minimalist room with traditional Japanese elements, such as tatami mats and delicate flowers in a vase in the Old Kyoto Indigo House machiya
Old Kyoto Indigo House machiya

Machiya Rentals/Vacation Rentals

Kyoto is famous for its wonderfully atmospheric traditional townhouses, known as machiya. A night in a beautifully restored machiya is an unforgettable experience – there are several available to book online. See our Kyoto Machiya page for full details. You’ll also find lots of great modern vacation rentals in Kyoto on the usual websites.

Our picks for the best machiya rentals in Kyoto are

See our recommended Kyoto Vacation Rentals page for more vacation rental info.

Peak Season: March-April and November

A FRIENDLY WARNING! Kyoto accommodation gets booked out months in advance for busy seasons like the late March to mid-April cherry blossom season and the November fall foliage season. Book well in advance for these times.

If you are having trouble finding places to stay in Kyoto, see my guide to Where To Stay If Kyoto Is Fully Booked which gives you several alternatives for accommodation.

You can check current Kyoto hotel availability during March, April and November on Agoda.com and Booking.com.

Visiting Tokyo or Osaka?

If you’re visiting Tokyo and/or Osaka as well as Kyoto, be sure to check out my Where To Stay In Tokyo and Where To Stay In Osaka pages on InsideKyoto.com’s companion websites, TrulyTokyo.com and InsideOsaka.com.

Kyoto Vacation Checklist

Kyoto District Map

Click a Kyoto District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation

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