Inside Kyoto

A Kyoto Travel Guide

Where To Stay in Kyoto 2026

Where is the best place to stay in Kyoto? Here’s the simple answer based on my 20 years of living in the city and the experiences of my friends, family and hundreds of clients.

Exterior of the Park Hyatt Hotel in Southern Higashiyama with garages and forecourt, glass fronts with traditional style Japanese roofs, in front of a tree-covered hill and brilliant blue sky.
Park Hyatt Hotel in Southern Higashiyama © Chris Rowthorn.

If it’s your first time in Kyoto, stay in Downtown Kyoto.

After living in Kyoto for over 20 years and helping hundreds of travelers plan trips here, I’ve found that this is the single most reliable choice. You’ll be within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and transport, and you won’t waste time figuring out how to get around.

If you already know your travel style, here’s the short version:

If you’re unsure, choose Downtown Kyoto. That’s where I stay most of the time, and it’s where most of my clients end up happiest. Here’s what that looks like on the ground:

Downtown Kyoto and the Kamo-gawa River in the evening.
Downtown Kyoto and the Kamo-gawa River in the evening © Jun Kitayama.

My Top Kyoto Hotel Picks (Quick Picks)

If you just want a great place and don’t want to overthink it, these are my go-to recommendations:

These are places I’ve either stayed in personally or consistently recommend to clients – and they rarely disappoint.

How to Choose the Right Area (in 30 Seconds)

The biggest mistake I see people make is choosing the wrong area. Kyoto is not a city where “anywhere central” works equally well.

Most people overestimate how much they’ll use taxis or trains — and underestimate how valuable it is to step outside and immediately be somewhere interesting.

A Quick Reality Check

Kyoto Station is not the city center. This is one of the most common misconceptions. It’s a transport hub, but it’s not where you’ll spend most of your time unless you’re doing a lot of day trips.

If your priority is sightseeing, food, and atmosphere, you’ll usually be happier elsewhere.

Below, I’ll break down each area in detail, along with specific hotel and ryokan recommendations.

Sanjo Street in Downtown Kyoto in the evening.
Sanjo Street in Downtown Kyoto © Jun Kitayama.

Downtown Kyoto (Best Overall Choice)

If you’re not sure where to stay in Kyoto, choose Downtown Kyoto.

This is where I stay on most trips, and it’s where I send first-time clients who want a smooth, low-friction experience. You can step outside your hotel and immediately be surrounded by restaurants, shops, cafés, and transport – no planning required.

The biggest advantage here is walkability. From Downtown, you can easily walk to Gion and Southern Higashiyama, or hop on both subway lines within minutes. In practice, this means you spend less time navigating and more time enjoying the city.

That said, Downtown Kyoto isn’t trying to be “old Kyoto.” It’s lively, modern, and often busy — especially in the evenings.

Is Downtown Kyoto Right for You?

Stay here if you:

  • Want the most convenient base in Kyoto.
  • Like having restaurants and shops right outside your door.
  • Prefer walking over planning transport.
  • Are visiting Kyoto for the first time.

Consider elsewhere if you:

  • Want traditional Kyoto atmosphere outside your door.
  • Prefer quiet evenings and fewer crowds.

Here are a few pics that our contributor Jun Kitayama took recently to give you a feeling for Downtown Kyoto on street level:

Street-level view of the modern shops lining Kyoto’s Shijo Street on a lit-up evening in Downtown Kyoto.
Shijo Street in Downtown Kyoto in the evening © Jun Kitayama.
Long view of Kyoto’s Kamogawa River with people sitting along the banks and the riverfront buildings to the right.
Downtown Kyoto and the Kamogawa River © Jun Kitayama.

Best Hotels and Ryokan in Downtown Kyoto (My Picks)

If you just want a great hotel in a convenient location, there are the hotels and ryokan I recommend most often:

The living area of a corner twin room in the Hotel Okura Kyoto with two windows looking out of the city rooftops.
Deluxe corner twin at Hotel Okura Kyoto © Chris Rowthorn.
  • Hotel Okura Kyoto (Best location and quality)
    If location is your priority, it’s hard to beat Hotel Okura. It sits directly above a subway station and right in the heart of downtown. I’ve stayed here several times — it’s one of those places where everything just works, and getting around is effortless. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
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.
  • Ritz-Carlton Kyoto (Best luxury)
    If you want a true luxury stay, this is one of the top options in the city. The riverfront setting is exceptional — when I first visited this hotel, I was stunned by the spectacular views over the river and the mountains. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
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 © Chris Rowthorn.
  • Tawaraya (Best traditional experience)
    Tawaraya is the finest ryokan in Kyoto and, arguably, the finest in all Japan. Private gardens and incredible attention to detail make it a very special Kyoto experience. Read my review of a night I spent at Tawaraya.
Corner king room in the Cross Hotel, Kyoto, with bed to the right, living area to the front, including easy chair and footrest, coffee table with two armchairs, TV, and floor lamp, as well as city views beyond.
Cross Hotel corner king room © Chris Rowthorn.
  • The Cross Hotel Kyoto (Best for first-time visitors)
    This is one of my go-to recommendations. It’s right in the middle of the action, rooms are spacious by Kyoto standards, and it consistently delivers strong value. I stayed in a corner king room here and loved looking out over the streets below – it really puts you in the city. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Twilight view of the canal running alongside the exterior of The Gate Hotel Takasegawa in Kyoto and foregrounded by autumnal trees overlooking the water.
Exterior view of The Gate Hotel Takasegawa by Hulic in Downtown Kyoto © Jun Kitayama.
The exterior of Hotel Resol Trinity, Kyoto, Japan.
Hotel Resol Trinity exterior © Chris Rowthorn.
Atmospherically lit lobby area of the Insomnia Kyoto Oike hotel with plenty of soft seating, tall potted plants, and the hotel name in soft neon.
Insomnia Kyoto Oike lobby.
  • Insomnia Kyoto Oike (Best budget with mid-range feeling)
    A budget hotel that punches above its weight. The location near Karasuma-Oike is extremely useful (both subway lines), and the overall feel is closer to mid-range than budget. Read our review or view on Booking.com.

A few visitors walk along the wide paved walkway alongside traditional wooden Japanese buildings on Nene-no-Michi in Kyoto.
Nene-no-Michi in Southern Higashiyama © Chris Rowthorn.

Southern Higashiyama (Best for Atmosphere)

If you want to feel like you’re in traditional Kyoto, stay in Southern Higashiyama.

This is where you’ll find the narrow lanes, traditional wooden buildings, and temple districts that most people picture when they imagine Kyoto. I often stay in a machiya here, and one of my favorite times is early evening – after the day crowds leave and the area becomes quiet and atmospheric.

You’re also within walking distance of many of Kyoto’s most famous sights, and not far from Downtown if you want more dining options.

That said, this area trades convenience for atmosphere. It’s less dense with restaurants and transport than Downtown, and it can get crowded during peak sightseeing hours.

Is Southern Higashiyama Right for You?

Stay here if you:

  • Want a classic Kyoto atmosphere right outside your door.
  • Plan to spend a lot of time exploring temples and historic streets.
  • Prefer quiet evenings and beautiful surroundings.

Consider elsewhere if you:

  • Want maximum convenience and restaurant density.
  • Prefer to be right next to transport hubs.

Here are a few pics I took recently in Southern Higashiyama to give you a feeling of the area:

A couple walks along the wide paved walkway outside the exterior of the Hotel Seiryu Kiyomizu in Southern Higashiyama, Kyoto.
Hotel Seiryu Kiyomizu in Southern Higashiyama © Chris Rowthorn.
The paved Ishibei-koji Lane with stone walls around the gardens of Southern Higashiyama.
Ishibei-koji Lane in Southern Higashiyama © Chris Rowthorn.

Best Places to Stay in Southern Higashiyama (My Picks)

My 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.
The Old Modern Garden Suite, Kyoto.
Garden Suite at The Old Modern Machiya.
  • Old Kyoto (Best traditional vacation rentals)
    Old Kyoto is a group of machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouses) that combine the best elements of vacation rentals, ryokan and hotels. I stay in one of these whenever possible and always recommend them to clients. Read our review.
Streetview of exterior and entrance of Seikoro Ryokan.
Seikoro Ryokan © Jun Kitayama.
  • Seikoro Ryokan (Superb classic ryokan)
    Seikoro is a sublime ryokan located on a quiet street within an easy walk of Southern Higashiyama and Downtown Kyoto. With beautiful rooms overlooking gardens and wooden bathtubs, it’s perfect for your ryokan experience. Read our review or view on Agoda.com or Booking.com.
Smart, modern, and minimal guest room in the Celestine Hotel Gion with king-sized bed, arm chairs beside the window, and details such as a traditional tea set.
The Celestine Hotel Gion guest room © Chris Rowthorn.
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.

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

Street-level view on the north side of Kyoto Station with pedestrians walking on the sidewalk and many street signs.
North Side of Kyoto Station © Jun Kitayama.

Kyoto Station Area (Best for Transport and Logistics)

Kyoto Station is the most convenient place to stay if your trip involves a lot of train travel.

This is where I stay when I’m moving around Japan — it makes day trips to Osaka, Nara, or beyond incredibly easy. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops in and around the station itself.

The tradeoff is that you’re not staying in the “Kyoto you came to see.” Most sightseeing areas require a short train, bus, or taxi ride.

Is Kyoto Station Right for You?

Stay here if you:

  • Plan to do multiple day trips.
  • Want maximum transport convenience.
  • Are traveling with family and want simplicity.

Consider elsewhere if you:

  • Want to be in the middle of Kyoto’s atmosphere.
  • Prefer to walk to sights and restaurants.

Here are some pics that InsideKyoto contributor Jun Kitayama and I took of the Kyoto Station Area:

Street-level view of the distinctive triangular corner at the base of the Nidec Kyoto Tower, which is just visible, opposite the north exit of Kyoto Station.
Near the north exit of Kyoto Station © Jun Kitayama.
Raised walkway view of a street on the south side of Kyoto Station, with an empty road and squat buildings opposite.
South side of Kyoto Station © Chris Rowthorn.

Best Places to Stay in the Kyoto Station Area (My Picks)

My 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.
  • Hotel Granvia Kyoto (Convenience and comfort)
    Located directly above the station — you can’t beat the logistics. I’ve stayed here and it’s as easy as it gets. But it’s not just convenient – the entire hotel is gorgeous and the premium rooms are sublime. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
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.
Glanz Kei Kyoto Station family suite.
Glanz Kei Kyoto Station family suite © Chris Rowthorn.

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

Wide view of Gojo-Kawaramachi intersection in Central Kyoto with traffic in both directions and the Hotel Tavinos to the right.
Gojo-Kawaramachi intersection in Central Kyoto © Jun Kitayama.

Central Kyoto (Best for Quiet and Value)

Central Kyoto is a broad area that sits between Downtown and the quieter residential zones.

It doesn’t have the immediate convenience of Downtown or the atmosphere of Higashiyama, but it offers a good balance of space, value, and relative calm. Many hotels here are slightly larger and better value for the price.

The tradeoff is that you’ll usually need to walk, cycle, or take short rides to reach restaurants and major sights.

Is Central Kyoto Right for You?

Stay here if you:

  • Want better value for larger rooms.
  • Prefer a quieter, less touristy environment.
  • Don’t mind short trips to sights and restaurants.

Consider elsewhere if you:

  • Want walk-out-the-door convenience.
  • Want to be in the heart of the action.

Here’s a pic of Central Kyoto that our contributor Jun Kitayama recently took in Central Kyoto:

A long, slightly raised view of Gojo-Kawaramachi intersection in Central Kyoto, lined with buildings, with traffic in both directions.
Gojo-Kawaramachi intersection in Central Kyoto © Jun Kitayama.

Best Places to Stay in Central Kyoto (My Picks)

My 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.
  • Genji Kyoto (Best boutique luxury)
    My favorite boutique hotel in Kyoto, the Genji is a great value with real style. I was lucky enough to spend a few days here recently and I loved the room, the neighborhood and the friendly staff. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
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.
  • Tomoya Residence Hotel (Best for space)
    The Tomoya Residence Hotel Kyoto is a beautiful, small boutique hotel in a quiet neighborhood just north of downtown. Rooms are large and comfortable, the service is great and personal and the rates are reasonable for what you get. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Guests sit at dining tables and the bar as a member of staff serves drinks in the Imu Hotel Kyoto, Japan.
Imu Hotel Kyoto.
  • Imu Hotel Kyoto (Best budget/social)
    A short walk west of downtown, the Imu Hotel Kyoto is one of the cheapest places to stay in all of Kyoto. With a lively lounge/restaurant/bar area, the Imu feels like a friendly hostel. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

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

Exterior of Yoshida Sanso Ryokan in Northern Higashiyama, with wooden panels, stone walls, and traditional roofing, on a bright, sunny day.
Yoshida Sanso Ryokan in Northern Higashiyama © Chris Rowthorn.

Northern Higashiyama (Best for Quiet and Nature)

Northern Higashiyama is where you stay when you want a quieter, more contemplative side of Kyoto.

I lived in this area for years, and it’s still one of my favorite parts of the city. The Path of Philosophy, Yoshida-yama, and surrounding streets are ideal for walking – especially in the early morning or evening.

The tradeoff is distance. You’ll need to bike, bus, or taxi into Downtown for dining and nightlife.

Is Northern Higashiyama Right for You?

Stay here if you:

  • Want quiet, green surroundings.
  • Enjoy walking and exploring at a slower pace.
  • Prefer a less touristy base.

Consider elsewhere if you:

  • Want easy access to restaurants and nightlife.
  • Don’t want to rely on transport.

Here’s a picture I took last year in Northern Higashiyama:

A view of the street outside the Okura Okazaki Bettei Hotel in Northern Higashiyama, Kyoto, with a small temple dedicated to rabbits next door.
Okura Okazaki Bettei Hotel in Northern Higashiyama © Chris Rowthorn.

Best Places to Stay in Northern Higashiyama (My Picks)

My 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.
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.

The stone and wooden Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama, shown crossing the Katsura River, with the expanse of water to the right and tree-covered hills to the back.
Arashiyama and Togetsukyo Bridge © Jun Kitayama.

Arashiyama (Best for a One-Night Escape)

Arashiyama is not where most people should base themselves – but it’s an excellent place for a night or two.

Located on the western edge of Kyoto, it’s quieter, greener, and more removed from the city. It works best as a short escape rather than a full base.

Is Arashiyama Right for You?

Stay here if you:

  • Want a quiet, nature-focused stay.
  • Are planning a short, special overnight experience.
  • Are traveling as a couple or on a honeymoon.

Consider elsewhere if you:

  • Want to explore Kyoto efficiently.
  • Prefer to be near restaurants and transport.

Here’s a pic I took in Arashiyama recently to give you a feeling for the place:

People ride boats and wander along the banks of the Katsuragawa riverside in Arashiyama, Kyoto. There is a dense canopy on the far side of the water and a trio of people sit on a rock in the river.
Katsuragawa riverside in Arashiyama © Chris Rowthorn.

Best Places to Stay in Arashiyama

My 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

One Final Important Note

  • Kyoto Station is not the city center – Downtown Kyoto is.
  • If your priority is food, walking, and convenience, stay Downtown.
  • If you want atmosphere, stay in Southern Higashiyama.
  • If you need transport, stay near Kyoto Station.

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 ryokan in Kyoto, Japan, with standing lantern, tiled canopies, wooden panelling, and bamboo fences.
Tawaraya exterior © 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 a hotel for the rest of their stay.

The right accommodation can make or break your trip. Read our simple, practical guide, to decide whether you should stay in a ryokan, hotel, machiya, or airbnb.

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 my detailed ryokan guides:

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.

The lobby of Len Kyoto Kawaramachi hostel-hotel, Kyoto, Japan.
Len Kyoto Kawaramachi lobby © Chris Rowthorn.

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

  • Southern Higashiyama: Amber House – Amber House in Gion is a magical traditional Japanese house on a quiet street just steps away from the city’s most important sightseeing district. Read our review.
  • Southern Higashiyama: Indigo House – Indigo House Gion is a former geisha house that has been converted into two sublime vacation rental properties. They offer the unforgettable experience of staying in a traditional yet comfortable Kyoto house – just steps away from the city’s main sightseeing district. Read our review.
  • Southern Higashiyama: The Gion House – The Gion House is actually a lovely old Gion house that’s been subdivided into two units, each of which is impeccably decorated. Read our review.
  • Southern Higashiyama: The Old Modern – The Old Modern is a superbly renovated early Showa residence that is divided into four wonderfully appointed and spacious suites, each with its own distinctive character. Read our review.
  • Southern Higashiyama: Jeugiya – Jeugiya is a magical traditional Japanese home in one of the most atmospheric neighborhoods in Kyoto. With warm service and all the amenities you need, it’s a brilliant place to stay in Kyoto. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

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


Chris Rowthorn

About InsideKyoto.com and Chris Rowthorn

  • Chris Rowthorn is the co-founder of InsideKyoto.com and has an unparalleled travel knowledge of Kyoto spanning three decades. Chris has written or commissioned and edited every page on the Inside Kyoto website.
  • A former author of Lonely Planet Kyoto and Lonely Planet Japan guidebooks, Chris is also the director of the Kyoto walking tour company Chris Rowthorn Tours, and Japan Travel Consulting, where you can get bespoke travel advice for your Japan trip.
  • InsideKyoto.com has been cited by the New York Times and The Times of London, among many other publications and websites.


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