Where to Stay in Kyoto – On Your First Trip

Deciding where to stay in Kyoto can be a bit tricky. It’s a big city and the main sights are spread out, making it hard to pinpoint one area from which it’s easy to see everything. This can make deciding where might work best overwhelming. However, once you know the city a bit more, you realise there are four great areas to stay in Kyoto as a first-time traveler. Here’s where they are…

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1. Southern Higashiyama (inc Gion)

Located on the east side of Kyoto’s Kamo River, roughly bounded by Sanjo Station on the north and Kiyomizudera on the south, this is where to stay if you want to be surrounded by old Kyoto and within walking distance of plenty of significant sites, and small bars, and restaurants.

It’s where I would stay if I weren’t always watching my budget, mainly because it makes it easier to explore more sights in the evening (one of the best ways to beat the crowds in Kyoto). I’m usually too tired to drag myself far past 6pm, so having things nearby would be nice! It’s also handy to be right in the middle of everything if you want to go out early to get pictures with no-one in them.

I’ve actually been drooling over some of the hotels around here! I want an outdoor bath in all my city hotel rooms now, please and thank you!

The small downside is getting to your hotel. It’s not the most accessible area from the station via public transport, but it’s close enough for the taxi ride to not bust the budget too much.

What’s In Walking Distance?

The pretty streets of Gion and all the sights in Higashiyama. Kiyomizu-Dera, Nishiki Market, and the dining spots of Pontocho Alley are all a short stroll away.

Visiting Other Sights

Another short walk will bring you to convenient stations like Sanjo or Gion Shijo, which offer connections to Fushimi Inari. Using other local buses or trains from Sanjo-Keihan station will take you to other famous sights like the Arashiyama area and the Golden Temple Kinkaji-ju.

Getting Here From Kyoto Station

It’s too far to walk with luggage, and access by public transport is either by bus, which isn’t recommended if you are carrying suitcases, or requires a couple of train changes. Either send your luggage in advance, or catch a cab from Kyoto Station: it’s only a 10-minute ride.

Eating and Drinking Nearby

You’ll be spoilt for choice. Gion has long been Kyoto’s entertainment district. First it was geisha and teahouses, now, these combine with small ramen joints, izakaya, fancy multi-course restaurants to create one of Kyoto’s best dining and drinking areas.

However, as I said in my piece comparing Kyoto and Osaka, I always find Kyoto difficult in the evening as many restaurants are hidden behind screens and curtains. So, even if you are staying with everything on your doorstep it’s still good to plan where you want to eat or drink so that you’re not wandering around trying to work out what the heck anything serves—and how much it will cost you!

Recommended Hotels

Gion Misen Furumonzen

My friends recently stayed in Furumonzen (above), a 3-star hotel with traditional Japanese touches like screens over the windows instead of curtains, and they loved it. It’s minimalist but cosy, and there’s a chic on-site bar for nights when you can’t face moving very far.

If you can’t get in here, the same team owns Gion Misen, which is a few streets away. This doesn’t have a bar, but it does have the same chic but traditional decor and great service. Both are fantastically priced for how pretty they are.

Hotel Yuraku Kyo-Yasaka

You didn’t actually want to go and see Kyoto, did you? As if you book one of the rooms with its own private onsen in this hotel, you won’t want to leave! Some even have outside baths and mini Zen Gardens IN YOUR ROOM. It’s gorgeous (why am I such a skinflint when it comes to hotels?)

However, not wanting to leave might be kind of irritating as this also has a brilliant location – right in the middle of Higashiyama, close to Kodaji temple with its secret bamboo forest (and the lucky statues of Kyoto).

It’s also a short walk to the bus stop that can take you to other sights like Kinkaku-ji and about 15-minute walk to the nearest station.

Gion Elite Terrace

I also want to stay here. They offer rooms with balconies that overlook the Kyoto rooftops, where you can watch the city wake up. I could happily see myself sitting there with a cup of tea!

The rooms for two are a roomy 29 square meters, and they also have family rooms that sleep up to four.

Book it so I can live vicariously through you.

Sneaky Tip. It’s technically over the border in North Higashiyama, but if you’re like me and want something a bit more budget but in this area, look at hotels one block north of Sanjo Station. From my own research, I’ve found these to be a little cheaper but still close enough to be convenient. I have my eye on the Hotel Wing Sanjo for a future stay.

Does the Gion ‘Tourist Ban’ Affect Hotels?

You might have heard that tourists have been banned from Gion and wondered how that might affect staying here. Don’t panic.

Tourist access to some roads in Gion has been limited, but, these are small roads owned by private teahouses and residents – and there are just a handful of them (there’s a link to a map in this post about the Gion Ban).

Even if your ryokan or hotel was on one of the affected roads, you would have legitimate business there and be allowed through. Don’t let the headlines put you off visiting, or staying in this pretty areas.

2. Downtown Kyoto

Don’t be fooled by the name. Downtown might make this sound like you’re staying in a dowdy business district, but this area of Kyoto is home to some of its most luxurious hotels, including Tawaraya, the ryokan with the reputation for the best service in Japan! But don’t stress if you’re on a budget; plenty of less spendy options exist.

On the map, look for the area just west of the river. It runs from a few blocks south of Shijo Kawaramachi (look for Kyoto Kawaramachi and Karasuma stations on the map; that’s the road that runs between them) and up to Oike-dori, the road on which you’ll find Kyoto Shiyakusho Mae station. It’s bounded by the river on the east and Karasuma Station on the west.

It’s a fantastic location for evening entertainment, as you’re right next to the busy Pontocho Alley and a short walk to Gion. It’s also better for reaching other transport than Gion/Higashiyama, as it’s closer to the road that the buses use—and it has excellent train links.

What’s In Walking Distance?

Nishiki Market, Nijo Castle, Gion and Kiyomizu-Dera are all within a 30-minute walk.

Visiting Other Sights

It’s very easy. There are good train and bus connections. This is also a great area to stay in if you want to visit Osaka from Kyoto, as the cheap, local trains (including the pretty Zen Garden train) go directly from the downtown stations.

Getting Here From Kyoto Station

It’s the area furthest from the station on this list. The best connections are via bus, but, as we’ve mentioned before, it’s not a good idea to go on the local buses with suitcases as the locals need to use them to get around. You can catch the train to Shijo Station and walk from there if that suits your hotel location.

The best option with luggage, though, would be to catch a taxi from Kyoto Station; this will take 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic and the exact location of your hotel.

Recommended Hotels

BnA Alter Museum

‘We don’t need to stay here, but have you seen this place?’ asked my friend Kendall when we were deciding where to stay on our next Kyoto trip. It blew my mind! Twenty minutes of discussion later, about which fabulous room we would book if we were staying there, which we absolutely weren’t, I booked the room with the floating bed and the flamingos (above), and she had some gothic extravaganza!

Artists design the rooms at BnA Alter Museum, and each one is different. Make sure you read the descriptions carefully. Some rooms are more practical than others! I’m glad to say that my room – 904 – was incredibly comfortable. I woke up at one point and decided that the bed was like sleeping on a cloud! Definitely recommended (see by longer review of the BnA Alter Museum here)

Hiiragiya Ryokan

This is a proper ryokan with Japanese-style rooms, futon beds, and elaborate meals included in your stay.

It’s reputation comes close to Tawaraya – but it’s a lot easier to book!

The property is divided into the original old inn and a new wing. Both are decorated in Japanese style, but the new wing is lighter and more contemporary. The rooms do not have private onsen, but two baths are on the premises.

The property also runs the Hiirigaya Bekkan Annex, which is a few streets away.

Cross Hotel Kyoto

I’ve heard a lot of good things about this stylish, moderate-priced hotel in various Japan chat groups and I can see why. Rooms are spacious and bright, and nice touches, like the Japanese garden, remind you of where you are. It’s a good dependable place to stay.

The Millennials Kyoto

If you’re looking for something more fun but are also watching your budget, this branch of a new type of capsule hotel could be for you especially if you’re traveling solo.

As we explained in our piece on sleeping in a capsule hotel, the pods at The Millenials are much larger than those at traditional capsule hotels (that’s a picture of their Shibuya hotel above).

While they are still for solo travelers, so couples can’t share, they do allow couples or friends to book neighboring pods.

Check Rates For Your Dates in Kyoto Here

3. Central Kyoto – around Gojo/Kiyomizu-Gojo Stations

Central Kyoto is the name for a large area of Kyoto, so I’m narrowing things down and suggesting this small strip as the best location within it to stay.

Within a 20-30-minute walking distance of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and the pretty Higashiyama district around it, many of the hotels in this area front the busy Karasuma Gojo road – but don’t let that put you off. I’ve stayed here a couple of times and haven’t noticed noise from the road at all.

Why do I stay here? It’s not the most popular area, which means the hotels here can often be a bit cheaper. If I book early enough, I can stay in my favorite hotel in this area for as little as AU$80 a night—that’s amazing for Kyoto.

It may not be for you if you want everything right on your doorstep, but if that doesn’t worry you, read on.

What’s in Walking Distance?

The closest ‘must-see sights’ are Kiyomizu-dera and Higashiyama, just over the other side of the river. You can also walk to Gion in about 25 minutes. Nishiki Market is a 15-minute walk away, Pontocho Alley is 20 minutes away.

I also really enjoyed the tea ceremony I did at the Jotokuji Temple, which is just across the main road. You’ll also find some smaller quirky shrines in the backstreets – the one above is specifically to bless women, and there’s a cat shrine that’s on my list for next time.

Visiting Other Sights

You’re right by two stations. Kiyomizu-Gojo station is particularly convenient because it has direct trains to Fushimi Inari and Osaka. Numerous buses stop nearby to take you to the sights of Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama.

Getting Here from Kyoto Station

The second closest area to Kyoto Station on this list. You can take the train to Gojo Station or Kiyomizu Gojo in about 5 minutes and walk a short distance to your hotel. Or, it’s about a 7-minute drive from the station so it’s affordable by taxi.

Eating and Drinking Nearby

This is the one thing this area lacks a little. You won’t starve, as I said in my post on my favorite chain restaurants in Japan, there are cheap, cheerful and filling restaurants around here, and you will find some independent eating places dotted around the backstreets.

But if you’re hoping to have rows of atmospheric izakaya or first-class Kaiseki restaurants on your doorstep and wander along choosing which you fancy, this isn’t the best choice for you as you’ll have to walk or get a taxi back from the livelier areas like Pontocho or Gion.

Recommended Hotels

Sotetsu Fresa Kiyomizu- Gojo

This is usually where I stay when I visit Kyoto. It’s a great business hotel at a reasonable price, which is what I’m looking for. The standard rooms are perfect for one person, but on my last trip, they upgraded me to a double room, which would be ideal for a couple. The staff is also incredibly friendly.

Citadines Karasuma Gojo

Located virtually on top of Gojo Station, this is fantastic for transport, especially if you’re doing day trips. I stayed here on my first visit to Kyoto as I was looking for a larger room and using Kyoto as a base to visit Naoshima, aka Japan’s Art Island and Okunoshima, also known as Bunny Island, and this couldn’t be beaten for the price.

Admittedly, that was a while back, but friends of mine stayed here on their trip in January 2024 and said it’s still very comfortable. They liked that it’s within walking distance of both Kyoto Station and the main shopping area (slightly north). They also had no problems finding places to eat and drink nearby.

Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo

Mimaru is one of the best chains in Japan for families, offering larger rooms with lots of beds and, usually, a kitchen. They have a few branches in Kyoto, but this one is good for access to both Kyoto Station and public transport to take you to other sites. The rooms here can sleep as many as eight.

Oh – and it also has a Pokemon-themed room, which would make any fan’s whole trip.

Kyoto Station

Because most people arrive in Kyoto via bullet train or the airport limousine bus from Itami Airport, both of which drop you at Kyoto Station, this area is appealing to many first-time travelers. There are plenty of hotels to choose from, and you can quickly drop your bags at your hotel and start sightseeing. If you’re just in Kyoto for a night or two or using Kyoto as a base for day trips, staying by the station is a great choice.

I actually ended up staying around here on my last trip when I had to change my plans and go back to Kyoto when heavy rains stopped the trains preventing me getting to my next stop. It was fine for a short visit, however, I wouldn’t stay here myself if I was in Kyoto for longer (I think four whole days in Kyoto is the time you need to do Kyoto well) just because you will always be traveling back and forth to the main sights.

Traveling around the city is always a part of sightseeing in Kyoto, but for a longer stay, I’d want to be a bit closer to at least some of the action some of the time.

What’s In Walking Distance?

The attractions around Kyoto Station, like Kyoto Tower and Higashi Hongan-Ji Temple, are within walking distance. Everything else is a bit of a trek.

Visiting Other Sights

Walking might be out, but frequent, multiple bus and train connections make it easy to reach all of Kyoto’s main sights via public transport, so you’re not totally in the back of beyond.

Getting Here From the Station

Super easy! Chances are you’ll be able to walk to your hotel in 10 minutes or less.

Eating and Drinking Nearby

There are restaurants inside the station itself and, Kyoto Tower and the Aeon Mall nearby also have a number of eateries so you certainly won’t go hungry, but if you’re looking for something a little more atmospheric or hoping to bar hop, your only real option is the row of izakayas along Shichijo (like Sumigushi Manten). Otherwise, you’ll need to travel to one of the other dining or drinking areas in Kyoto.

Recommended Hotels Near Kyoto Station

Monday Apart Premium

If you want to stay around Kyoto Station with a family, look at this. Rooms sleep up to four with two single beds and bunk beds and have kitchens. The Superior Family Room is 32 square metres, which is impressive for Kyoto, where rooms often run small.

Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Very popular with tourists this is attached to the station so you’re not going to find a more convenient location but, if you’re a light sleeper note that you can hear the trains from some of the rooms. It’s a big hotel so it can get busy, but that also means availability is generally good.

It also has an indoor pool, which is a nice touch.

Ala Hotel Kyoto

Clean, modern rooms and an on-site public bath are the big selling points of this highly-rated hotel.

The rooms start at 20 square metres, which is a decent size for a Japanese hotel and they have a large bed.

It has a 9.2 rating on booking.com – that’s higher than most of the places I stay in in Kyoto and they’re all great so….

Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichojo

If you’re not sure your back will cope with sleeping on a futon in one of Kyoto’s famous ryokans, but you want something a little more traditional than a standard Western-style hotel, this could be a happy medium. It has a Western-style bed, but tatami mat floors and an onsen in the hotel (although check the rules if you have tattoos).

They also offer a lot of complimentary extras like free ice cream and nightly ramen.

Should you Stay in Arashiyama?

Arashiyama is a very popular place to visit in Kyoto. It’s home to the bamboo forest, the Sagano Romantic Train and the fantastic Otagi Nenbutsu-ji shrine, my favourite place in the city. However, because it’s far from Kyoto’s other sites and the station, it’s not the best place for most first-time travelers to stay.

So, that’s my guide to the best places to stay in Kyoto. I hope it helped you make some decisions. If not, head over to our guide on how to decide where to stay in Japan, which might give you a few pointers on what to consider.

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