Whether you fancy old-fashioned charm or cutting-edge design, Kyoto spoils for choice with its slew of excellent accommodation. A brush with old-world Japan is offered at traditional ryokans (Japanese inns) while short trips and small budgets lend well to capsule hotels. The city is also graced with plenty of Western-style options as well as more intimate boutique stays set in picturesque neighbourhoods.
The Kyoto hotels below have been handpicked by our guide author and are grouped into three pricing categories:
Luxury (over ¥30,000)
Moderate (¥10,000 to ¥30,000)
Cheap (up to ¥10,000)
Hotel prices are based on the cost of a double room per night, including breakfast and taxes unless otherwise specified. While Kyoto’s hotel rates include a five per cent consumption tax, be aware that many top-end stays may add a service charge of ten or fifteen per cent.
Luxury
Hiiragiya Ryokan
The Hiiragiya is one of the most exclusive ryokans in Kyoto. Since the mid-19th century, it has hosted the rich and famous in its exquisitely decorated rooms. There are two wings – the oldest is full of traditional aesthetic charm, and the more modern (completed in 2006) is a complement of modern Japanese design. The service is impeccable and truly an experience in itself.
Address: Nakagyo-ku, Nakahakusancho, Fuyacho Anekoji-agaru, Kyoto, 604 8094Telephone: +81 75 221 1136
Website: http://www.hiiragiya.co.jp
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
A leader for luxury in Kyoto, the Hyatt Regency is superbly located next to the Sanjūsangen-dō Temple, with the Kyoto National Museum across the road and the Gion district within walking distance. The 178 rooms and suites are tastefully decorated with natural tones and traditional Kyoto fabrics. There are various in-house restaurants and bars, a Japanese garden, a relaxing spa and yoga studio.
Address: Higashiyama-ku, 644-2 Sanjusangendo-mawari, Kyoto, 605 0941Telephone: +81 75 541 1234
Website: http://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/japan/hyatt-regency-kyoto/kyoto
Iori Kyoto Townhouse Stays
A machiya (a traditional merchant townhouse) is an excellent hotel alternative, especially for group rental. Try one of the eleven Iori residences found dotted across central Kyoto, each one luxuriously restored and decked in Asian art. Varying in size, the houses combine traditional architecture, such as characterful wooden beams and tokonoma alcoves, with modern conveniences, to give a taste of traditional Japanese living in lavish style.
Address: Shimogyo-ku (main office), 144-6 Sujiya-cho, Tominokoji-dori Takatsuji-agaru, Kyoto, 600 8061Telephone: +81 75 352 0211
Website: http://www.kyoto-machiya.com
Moderate
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
A well-designed hotel for both business and leisure, Hotel Granvia Kyoto is conveniently located in the JR Kyoto Station building. The hotel is spread across 15 floors with 536 tastefully decorated rooms, an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness room as well as 12 different restaurants and bars. Local artwork is on display in the lobby and guest rooms.
Address: Shiokoji-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, JR Kyoto Station, Karasuma Chuo-guchi, Kyoto, 600 8216Telephone: +81 75 344 8888
Website: http://www.granviakyoto.com
Hotel Mume Kyoto
Set in a sleek four-story building in Gion, this warm and welcoming boutique stay has seven rooms decorated around the nature-inspired concept of ‘ka-cho-fu-getsu’ (flower, butterfly, wind, moon). In Flower, guests gaze up at cherry blossom karakami ceiling panels, Butterfly is defined by sumptuous red antique furniture, Wind is bright and breezy, and Moon plays on a lunar theme with monochrome tiling.
Address: Higashiyama-ku, 261 Shinmonzen St., Umemoto-cho, Kyoto, 605 0064Telephone: +81 75 525 8787
Website: http://www.hotelmume.com
Nishiyama Ryokan
Adding a modern twist to the traditional ryokan (Japanese inn), Nishiyama offers affordability, comfort and welcoming staff. The Japanese and Western-style rooms are spacious and relaxing, and there are shared baths (separate men and women), a dining room and a comfortable lounge with laptop ports. The ryokan is conveniently located downtown close to shopping, sightseeing and nightlife.
Address: Nakagyo-ku, Gokomachi, St.-Nijyo Sagaru, Kyoto, 604 0933Telephone: +81 75 222 1166
Website: http://www.ryokan-kyoto.com
Cheap
Glansit Kyoto Kawaramachi
A minute’s walk from Kawaramachi Station and located on Kyoto’s largest shopping street, this capsule hotel offers simple, functional and sleek accommodation at an affordable price. Amenities include a terrace lounge, free WiFi and a flat-screen TV in each capsule.
Address: Nakagyo-ku, 380-2 Shijo Noboru Komeyacho Kawaramachidori, Kyoto, 604 8026Telephone: +81 75 254 7022
Website: https://glansit.jp/en/kyotokawaramachi
Shunkoin Temple Guest House
For a sacred night’s sleep, Shunkion is located within the Myoshin-ji temple complex in the northwest of the city. Its eight simple and serene rooms are decked out with tatami mats and offer shared kitchen facilities; some have en suite bathrooms. The real draw is that guests can enjoy morning meditation classes and strolls in the temple by night. There’s also free bicycle rental on offer.
Address: Ukyo-ku, 42 Hanazonomyoshinjicho, Kyoto, 618 8035Telephone: +81 75 462 5488
Website: http://www.shunkoin.com
The b Kyoto Sanjo
This modern hotel is located within walking distance of an array of historic landmarks, restaurants and nightlife spots. Its well-equipped rooms appeal to both business and leisure guests with free WiFi, a coffee station and comfortable beds. The restaurant has buffet-style Western and Japanese breakfast spread.
Address: Higashiyama-ku, 49-1 2Chrome Sanjo, Ohashi Higashi-iru, Kyoto, 605 0001Telephone: +81 75 762 1300
Website: http://www.theb-hotels.com/en/theb/kyoto-sanjo
Images of Rusutsu
Rusutsu Information
Images of Niseko
Niseko Information