Where to stay in Kyoto: the best hotels and ryokan

Whether you like high-energy city breaks or prefer a more slow, immersive stay, there’s no shortage of great places to base yourself in the historic and culturally layered city of Kyoto.

Kyoto is a timeless and dynamic city, defined by its ancient temples, living traditions and its distinct, character-filled neighbourhoods. No two are the same, and where you stay can totally change the rhythm of your trip. The same goes for the city’s wide-ranging accommodation options – with Kyoto stays spanning everything from design-forward boutique hotels and heritage-rich ryokan to all-out luxury sanctuaries. 

If you’re new to the city, or a repeat visitor and looking for somewhere a little different to lay your head, here’s your guide to where to stay in Kyoto. 

The best areas to stay in Kyoto 

Kyoto’s neighbourhoods are diverse and distinct, with an area to suit every kind of traveller. 

Downtown Kyoto (Kawaramachi/Central) 

The glowing needle of Kyoto Tower in downtown Kyoto. (Credit: Getty/ Sean Pavone)

Downtown Kyoto is vibrant and fast-moving, and incredibly convenient. The district is packed with shopping strips, restaurants, multi-level department stores, laneway arcades and vibrant nightlife, plus it’s highly walkable and well-connected by multiple train and subway lines. It’s ideal if you want energy and easy access to everything. 

Southern Higashiyama and Gion 

Gion is globally famous as Kyoto’s premier geisha district. (Credit: Getty/pinglabel)

When you think of Kyoto, you’re probably picturing the lantern-lit streets of Southern Higashiyama and Gion – with preserved streets, traditional wooden buildings, iconic temples and historic teahouses, and geisha and maiko roaming the streets. It’s atmospheric and very beautiful, especially in the early morning or evening, and is a great spot to stay if you want to experience Kyoto’s most iconic side. 

Kyoto Station Area 

Kyoto Tower stands 131 meters tall just across from Kyoto Station. (Credit: Getty/ferrantraite)

If you’re regularly venturing outside Kyoto on day trips, the area around Kyoto Station is hard to beat. You’ll enjoy direct access to trains, buses and the Shinkansen, along with very walkable retail and dining precincts. This spot may not have the charm and old-world atmosphere of other parts of the city, but it’s super practical. 

Northern Higashiyama/Okazaki 

A boat ride on the Lake Biwa Canal in Okazaki. (Credit: Getty/TokioMarineLife)

Situated in Kyoto’s leafy north-east, this district is decidedly quieter and more residential than other tourist-heavy areas, but it’s no less culturally rich. Stay here if you want easy proximity to museums, temples and tree-lined walking paths, but with peaceful leafy streets and fewer crowds.

Arashiyama 

Katsura River in the scenic Kameyama Park in Arashiyama, Kyoto. (Credit: Getty/Faina Gurevich)

On the western edge of the city, Arashiyama is ideal for nature lovers and those who want to be totally immersed in Kyoto’s scenic natural outdoors – it’s slow-paced and almost rural in feel, with stunning river views and mountain scenery. Think of it more as a retreat than a convenient base. 

Best luxury Kyoto hotels 

If you’re after polish and a sense of occasion, Kyoto’s collection of luxury accommodation delivers in spades. 

Ace Hotel Kyoto 

Ace Hotel Kyoto blends ancient artistry and contemporary cool. (Credit: Supplied)

Best for: Design-conscious travellers who want a central, social base 

This design-led hotel in central Kyoto is both culturally grounded and globally minded. It blends architecture by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma – think timber, concrete and washi-inspired textures – with playful details like record players and custom furnishings in every room. It also connects directly to the Shinpukan complex, which is packed with places to eat and shop. The hotel’s central position makes it easy to explore both downtown and cultural sites. 

Address: 245-2 Kurumayacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 

Prices from: ¥75,000 per night* 

The Shinmonzen 

The minimalist accents honour traditional Japanese design. (Credit: The Shinmonzen)

Best for: High-end travellers who want privacy, architecture and a curated stay 

Set on a quiet Gion street, right beside the canal, this intimate boutique hotel has just nine suites – so it’s ideal if you want a deeply private and highly curated stay. Each room is pared-back and architecturally refined, with a river-facing balcony overlooking the Shirakawa River and museum-grade artworks lining its walls, plus you’ll receive highly attentive service and the chance to arrange private dining. 

Address: 235 Shinmonzen-dori, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 

Prices from: ¥150,000 per night* 

The Thousand Kyoto 

Best for: Travellers who want convenience, calm and easy transport access 

Located a short two-minute walk east of Kyoto Station’s Karasuma exit, The Thousand is a nice balance of convenience and tranquillity. You’ll be greeted by an expansive and cathedral-like lobby on arrival, before heading up to generously sized and softly minimalist rooms with a quietly luxurious feel. The hotel also has a spa, fitness centre, landscaped terraces and numerous places to dine – so it’s well-equipped and particularly suited for short-stay or stopover travellers. 

Address: 570 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto 

Prices from: ¥70,000 per night* 

Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel 

Best for: Couples and luxury travellers who want a scenic, nature-immersed stay 

You’ll find this riverside hotel in the picturesque neighbourhood of Arashiyama, right along the edge of the Katsura River near Togetsukyo Bridge. It incorporates restored century-old buildings from the Meiji era, with both river and garden views from the manicured grounds. The rooms are serene and beautifully appointed, with some even featuring private open-air onsens. 

Address: 12 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 

Prices from: ¥160,000 per night* 

Aman Kyoto 

Aman Kyoto is a luxury resort nestled in a once-forgotten secret garden. (Credit: Supplied)

Best for: Ultra-luxury travellers seeking seclusion and retreat-style stays 

Aman Kyoto is a truly tranquil spot, immersed in untouched nature, around a 30-minute drive from the city centre near Kinkaku-ji. The hotel spans 80 acres of moss gardens and woodland, with pavilion-style suites containing deep soaking tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows that let all of the surrounding greenery in. The dining and wellness experiences here are a highlight. 

Address: 1 Okitayama Washimine-cho, Kita Ward, Kyoto 

Prices from: ¥350,000 per night* 

Best mid-range Kyoto Japan accommodation 

These stand-out hotels balance comfort and good value, with locations in some of Kyoto’s best neighbourhoods. 

Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo 

The hotel was built on the historical site where Goto Shojiro frequently stayed during the turbulent late Edo period.

Best for: Travellers who want value in a central location 

This hotel is situated just off Kawaramachi Street in Downtown Kyoto. The central location is great if you’re exploring the city on foot, while the hotel’s interior is still quietly atmospheric and thoughtfully styled. Rooms feature tatami-style floors and sliding partitions, with a shoes-off policy that reinforces the traditional feel. The guest lounge is also a standout feature, with complimentary coffee and plush seating areas. 

Address: 59-1 Daikoku-cho, Kawaramachi-dori-Sanjo-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 

Prices from: ¥25,000 per night* 

Cross Hotel Kyoto 

This sleek boutique hotel sits right on Ryoma-dori Street, making it an exceptional base for dining and exploring. (Credit: Cross Hotel Kyoto)

Best for: Travellers who prioritise space and comfort 

If you want to stay close to Gion, Cross Hotel is a conveniently located spot with slightly larger rooms and modern finishes. Each room features a separate bathroom layout and clean-lined furnishings, with enough space to comfortably accommodate two to three guests. The ground-floor restaurant and bar are also consistently busy, but you can easily explore the surrounding area from here – Nishiki Market, for instance, is just 10 minutes away on foot. 

Address: 71-1 Daikokucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 

Prices from: ¥35,000 per night* 

The Celestine Kyoto Gion 

Each room is a reimagined version of a traditional Kyoto house. (Credit: The Celestine Kyoto Gion)

Best for: Couples wanting a quieter stay in Gion 

The Celestine is a polished mix of classic design and modern creature comforts – imagine warm timber finishes, muted palettes and traditional detailing. The large communal bath and guest lounge are also lovely spots for winding down after a day of sightseeing. Getting around Gion is easy from here, with easy walking access to the area’s temples. 

Address: 572 Komatsu-cho, Yasaka-dori Higashioji-nishiiru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 

Prices from: ¥45,000 per night* 

Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto 

Settle into the spacious twin room. (Credit: Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto)

Best for: Travellers who value design and a more local feel 

Nohga is a tribute to the craft-driven and creative spirit of Kyoto, with furniture, textiles and artwork by local makers. The rooftop bar has sweeping views across the city and the in-house bakery and restaurant are both popular with locals and worth visiting if you’re after casual, well-executed dining. Stay here if you want easy access to the temple precinct of Kiyomizu-dera (around a 10-15 minute uphill walk) and Higashiyama’s backstreets. 

Address: 4 Chome-450-1 Gojobashihigashi, Higashiyama Ward 

Prices from: ¥40,000 per night* 

Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei 

This traditional Kyoto accommodation is tucked in Okazaki, home to many of the city’s cultural sites. (Credit: Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei)

Best for: Couples seeking a peaceful, culturally rich stay 

This low-rise boutique hotel is ideal if you want stillness and seclusion – it’s an adults-only spot. Plus, it’s incredibly central in the cultural hub of the Okazaki area, within walking distance of numerous museums and cultural sites and overlooking Okazaki Betsuin Temple. The rooms are refined and detail-driven, with handcrafted ceramics, textiles and woodwork. 

Address: 26-6 Okazaki Tennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 

Prices from: ¥55,000 per night* 

Best ryokan in Kyoto 

Ryokan are Japanese inns centred on hospitality, bathing rituals and multi-course kaiseki dining. They’re perfect for experiencing a more authentic and slower-paced side of Japanese culture. 

Togetsutei 

Best for: First-time ryokan guests 

Right on the banks of the Katsura River in Arashiyama, Togetsutei is a classic expression of tatami flooring, futon bedding, no shoes in guest rooms and traditional kaiseki meals – the multi-course culinary experience Kyoto is famous for. There are both communal and private bathing options available, along with garden outlooks and riverfront views and excellent proximity to the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. 

Address: 54-4 Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto 

Prices from: ¥50,000 per night* 

Ryokan Kanamean Nishitomiya 

Best for: Food-focused travellers seeking a traditional stay 

If you’re staying in central Kyoto but still want a deeply traditional experience, check into Ryokan Kanamean Nishitomiya. There are just seven suites on offer, but each is individually designed and finished with heritage-inspired touches. The kaiseki is a highlight, with dishes made from seasonal ingredients and paired with wines from the carefully curated cellar. The service here is intuitive and highly personalised, too. 

Address: 562 Honeyanocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 

Prices from: ¥120,000 per night* 

Arashiyama Onsen Kadensho 

Step into an elevated ryokan experience. (Credit: Arashiyama Onsen Kadensho)

Best for: Travellers wanting a more accessible ryokan experience 

For a more contemporary take on a traditional ryokan, this is your best bet. Arashiyama Onsen Kadensho has tatami rooms and yukata (light cotton robes) but its bathing and dining experiences are more flexible than the more formal ryokan. You can use all five themed private onsen without booking – a rarity at this price point – plus a large communal bath and multiple dining venues. 

Address: 5-4 Arashiyama Nishiichikawacho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto 

Prices from: ¥45,000 per night* 

Where to stay in Kyoto for first-timers 

If it’s your first time in Kyoto, the best area depends on how you want to experience the city: 

Want walkability, food and nightlife? Stay in Downtown Kyoto (Kawaramachi), where it’s central, lively, well-connected and easy to get around. 

Want temples, atmosphere and postcard Kyoto? Choose Higashiyama or Gion, ideally on a quieter side street. 

Want convenience and transport? The Kyoto Station area is the most practical base. 

Want something slower and more local? Look at the quieter, more residential pockets of Northern Higashiyama/Okazaki. 

Want a peaceful, nature-focused stay? Head to Arashiyama, especially for a ryokan experience. 

Note on pricing 

Hotel prices in Kyoto vary significantly by season. Rates can increase sharply during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn foliage (November). High-end properties like Aman Kyoto and The Shinmonzen often exceed their listed starting rates during peak periods.