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Kyoto is one of my favourite cities. In. The. World.
It’s a unique blend of ancient Japanese culture and contemporary delights. This city had me hooked from the first time I was visiting Japan and keeps reeling me back in, time and time again.
Once the capital city of Japan, Kyoto has retained its tradition and culture. From STUNNING temples and elegant tea ceremonies to lush gardens and enchanting bamboo forests. Kyoto is a treasure trove of Japanese culture and history just waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re up for exploring ancient shrines, strolling through beautiful gardens or eating your way around the mind-blowing restaurants – there is something for everyone!
However, the city is pretty damn huge and deciding where to stay in Kyoto is no easy task. With so many neighbourhoods to choose from, it can be a pretty stressful decision.
But don’t you worry that pretty head of yours, I’m here to help! I’ve compiled my wisdom into this guide for you to indulge in. I’ve dived into my top five areas to stay in Kyoto, what makes them unique and the best things to do in each.
So, sit back and relax while I take you through everything I know.
Photo: @audyscala
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Backpacking Japan and headed to Kyoto? Cool! Looking for a specific place to stay? I have listed my top picks for the best places to stay below.
Hana-Touro Hotel Gion | Best Hotel in Kyoto
Located close to Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, this boutique hotel opened in 2017. It offers a modern base from which to explore historic Kyoto. There’s an onsite restaurant and you can arrange diverse cultural activities.
All rooms have a private bathroom. There are spacious rooms for two and four, with a choice of Western rooms or traditional Japanese sleeping arrangements (with tatami mats). Some rooms even have a balcony!
Guest House Ga-Jyun | Best Hostel in Kyoto
Situated in Kyoto’s historic core, this guest house is just a short walk from many major attractions. Private rooms in various sizes are available as well as single-gender and mixed dorms. When it comes to hostels, this is one of my favourites in the whole world!
Breakfast is included and you can use the kitchen to cook your own meals too. You can relax and chat with other guests in several indoor common areas as well as the outdoor seating area. There are coin-operated washing machines, bike rentals, free Wi-Fi, and all the other necessities to make it the best hostel in Kyoto!
Unique Architect Renovated Studio | Best Airbnb in Kyoto
This Airbnb has taken the traditional elements of a Machiya and playfully added modern elements, like two comfy Western-style beds and basic kitchen facilities. These make it feel familiar and are beautifully married with touches of old tradition like the wooden beams and earthen floors. To me, this feels like a very luxurious stay for your visit to Kyoto.
I reckon this is the best Airbnb in Kyoto.
Southern Higashiyama
Southern Higashiyama is home to many of Kyoto’s most famous and popular tourist destinations. If you haven’t been to Southern Higashiyama, you haven’t been to Kyoto!
Central Kyoto
With the greatest choice of accommodations in the city, Central Kyoto is one of the cheapest neighborhoods to stay in Kyoto.
Downtown Kyoto
Downtown Kyoto is a popular neighborhood because it’s one of the best areas to stay in Kyoto for nightlife. Although it’s not a prime sightseeing area it is one of the best parts of Kyoto for modern comforts, leisure, and shopping.
Shimogyo-ku
Shimogyo-ku is our pick for the best Kyoto neighborhood for families because of the amount of dining and shopping options close to hand in addition to its close proximity to the train station.
Alongside the old city, Kyoto offers modern and alternative attractions. Whether you are looking to visit Kyoto’s shrines, temples, and historic streets, or you’re more interested in its pop-culture society, you’ll find there are plenty of things to do in Kyoto!
Southern Higashiyama is Kyoto’s prime tourist area. Home to a wealth of sights, it’s often the first place that visitors make a beeline for. Northern Higashiyama is another major tourist area, with fascinating shrines and sprawling green spaces. It’s generally a bit quieter and less crowded than its southern neighbour. For me, after visiting on a few occasions, it’s my go-to area to stay in.
Of course, if it’s your first time staying in Kyoto, Central Kyoto is the spot. There are a number of smaller attractions sprinkled throughout the area as well as the more well-known sites. It was the area I stayed in on my first visit and I found it perfect for exploring all the must-see places.
Photo: @audyscala
While Downtown Kyoto may be lacking in sightseeing spots, it makes up for it with its diverse leisure activities, restaurants, bars, shops, and accommodation options. It’s also centrally located which makes travelling further afield much easier.
Shimogyo-ku, the area around Kyoto Station, is a terrific place for shopping. Many people choose to stay here for its boutique hotels, luxury hotels and traditional accommodation options.
For tastes of the old, traditional Kyoto visit the weaving area of Nishijin and the geisha area of Gion. Accommodations in these areas are fewer, but I have found a few and included them in my list below.
I know you’ll enjoy the old capital! It’s a city truly brimming with a unique attitude and quirky things to do. Unlike anywhere else in the world.
Kyoto’s Four Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
While many places to visit in Kyoto offer heaps to see or do, being interesting doesn’t necessarily mean that a place is the best area to stay in Kyoto.
Whether you’re looking for the cheapest sleep in Kyoto, a Kyoto area that’s perfect for families, the best place for first-time visitors to fully appreciate Kyoto, or something else entirely, here are some of my best picks to help you decide on where to stay.
1. Southern Higashiyama – Where to Stay in Kyoto for Your First Time
Southern Higashiyama is home to many of Kyoto’s most famous and popular tourist destinations. It’s a must-visit neighbourhood in Kyoto to get the full experience of being there.
Kyoto is traditionally a city known for its ancient cultural influences. However, a weekend in Kyoto has a lot more modern delights such as cool coffee shops, breweries, vintage stores, and other trendy secrets to discover.
Photo: @audyscala
Staying here means that you’ll be within easy walking distance of many major sites, while still being able to easily walk to Downtown Kyoto if you fancy a change of scenery for dinner or want to hit the shops or nightlife. As well as being the best Kyoto neighbourhood for first-time visitors, Southern Higashiyama is also among Kyoto’s coolest neighbourhoods.
Sowaka | Best Hotel in Southern Higashiyama
Located in the heart of the fascinating geisha district of Gion, Sowaka is one of those luxury hotels you feel like you could live in forever. An elegant hotel with service that makes you feel like you are in ancient Kyoto, but it’s a chic downtown Kyoto hotel. Enjoy your time here and make the most of being in a central location, Sowaka is just 800 metres from Gion Shijo Station.
Ryokan Hostel Gion, Kyoto | Best Hostel in Southern Higashiyama
Ryokan Hostel in Gion is one of the best hotels and, ideally located near a ton of restaurants, bars, and cafes. You can choose between a private room, or a 24-bed dormitory room, which can be a mixed or a female-only dorm. Each capsule bed is fitted with curtains for privacy and an individual reading light.
The bathrooms are clean and modern with some of the most luxurious amenities. This is a real Kyoto-style hostel with luxury facilities in an ideal location – what more would you want? There are also some great Kyoto Ryokans that you’ll absolutely love.
Kyoto Machiya | Best Airbnb in Southern Higashiyama
This is a traditional Machiya (traditional wooden townhouse) capable of housing up to four guests in the cultural area of Gion. Here, you just need to step outside to find fascinating sights and traditional Japanese culture. The home has two Japanese-style rooms for sleeping, meaning floor mattresses.
The modern rooms in this Machiya are lighter and airier than your traditional Machiya with added skylights and fewer walls than the original build. Visit Kyoto and have an authentic stay with all the modern amenities without the modern hotel experience, host your own traditional Japanese tea ceremony err’yday.
Top Things to Do in Southern Higashiyama
Photo: @audyscala
- Visit glorious well-known temples like Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu-dera, Kennin-ji, and Chion-in.
- Step away from the typical tourist trail and explore lesser-visited temples such as Kodai-ji, Shoren-in, and Entoku-in.
- Feel a sense of nostalgia with a stroll along the scenic Ishibei-koji Lane.
- Admire Yasaka-no-to Pagoda.
- Be boujee and take a back seat with a personal driver to take you to see the best of Kyoto on a day trip with hotel pickup and drop-off
- Take pictures of the curious and unusual Yasui-kompira-gu Shrine.
- Pack a picnic and head to the lush Maruyama-koen Park.
- Watch a spell-binding performance at Minamiza Kabuki Theatre.
- Soak up sweeping city views from Shoren-in Shogunzuka Seiryuden viewpoint.
- Take a tour of Arashiyama, visit Arashiyama Park, the Okochi Sanso Garden, and Tenryuji Temple, walk around the monkey park, and browse the local shopping street.
- Shop for traditional goods in the small stores along Chawan-zaka.
- Try and spot geishas in Hanami-koji.
- Wander around Gion in the evening and immerse yourself in the mysterious air, with geishas, old wooden buildings, and shady-looking characters aplenty.
- Sip a drink in a quaint tea shop along Ninen-zaka.
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View on Osprey2. Central Kyoto – Best Place to Stay in Kyoto on a Budget
With the greatest choice of accommodation choices in the city, Central Kyoto is one of the cheapest neighbourhoods and the best place to stay in Kyoto if you’re on a budget.
Photo: @audyscala
Although Central Kyoto only has two major attractions of note, you’ll stumble across smaller places and hidden gems that are sure to capture your imagination. Plus, it’s easy to get to and from the prime sightseeing hotspots and smash out your Kyoto itinerary! For me, it was the first place I stayed when I visited Kyoto and I really loved the area.
K-style Gosyonishi | Best Hotel in Central Kyoto
A location-friendly accommodation in Central Kyoto, K-style Gosyonishi has private air-conditioned rooms with toilet and shower facilities. The comfort is next level for a mid-range hotel (apart-hotel, really) with western-style rooms and super friendly staff. This is one of the best hotels for getting around Kyoto city on foot (and saving cash), or, you can rent a bike from here.
Backpackers Hostel K’s House | Best Hostel in Central Kyoto
In a bangin’ central location, this Kyoto hostel is a nine-minute walk from JR Kyoto Train Station. Backpackers Hostel K’s House wants to provide you with a clean, cosy, friendly stay in Kyoto City. When visiting Japan, staying in a hostel like this is life-changing in terms of the people you’ll meet and the adventures you can go on.
Keisi Gold House | Best Airbnb in Central Kyoto
Sleeping up to four guests, this traditional Japanese Airbnb was built to offer guests a totally authentic experience. You’ll sleep on futons on the floor and there’s a small kitchenette with a fridge and microwave.
My favourite feature? The “outdoor” shower and bath in the garden. So hot.
Top Things to Do in Central Kyoto
Photo: @audyscala
- Be wowed by the impressive Nijo-jo Castle, a large Edo-era fortress that was built by Shogun leaders.
- Stroll through the beautiful gardens of Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) and see the official city home of the Emperor.
- Relax in the beautiful Kyoto Botanical Gardens, a lesser-visited place of serenity and nature.
- Bathe with the locals at Goko-yu Sento or Funaoka Onsen.
- Admire more than 20 temples and lovely Japanese gardens at Daitoku-ji.
- Explore the surroundings of the attractive Shimogamo-jinja Shrine.
- Delve into the local pop culture at Kyoto Manga Museum.
- Marvel at Kyoto Station Building or even take a day trip to Osaka.
- Wander through the atmospheric ruins of Sento Imperial Palace (Sento Gosho).
- Learn more about Japan’s mysterious geishas at Sumiya Pleasure House.
- Experience life in a local market at Nishiki Market.
- Enjoy peace and quiet at Kamo-gawa riverside.
- Take a day trip to nearby destinations like Osaka, Nara, or the small villages and hamlets on the outskirts of Kyoto.
3. Downtown – Best Area to Stay in Kyoto For Nightlife
Downtown Kyoto is a popular area to stay in because it’s one of the best places to stay in Kyoto for nightlife. Although it’s not a prime sightseeing area it is also one of the best parts of Kyoto for modern comforts, leisure, and shopping.
Photo: @audyscala
Additionally, you’ll find heaps of places to eat, accommodation to suit varying budgets, and lively markets. Just to make it even more appealing, the well-known tourist area of Southern Higashiyama can easily be reached on foot!
Hotel Grand Bach Kyoto Select | Best Hotel in Downtown
A charming luxury hotel in Downtown Kyoto, Grandbach has yummy rooms that come suited to both a Western taste and a Japanese taste. Some rooms have beds, whereas others have sleeping spaces with traditional tatami mats.
All rooms are en-suite and come with a TV, a fridge, a kettle, and access to free Wi-Fi. Grand Bach is one of the best hotels and especially noted for its friendly staff members who will make sure you enjoy Kyoto.
The Millenials Hostel Kyoto | Best Hostel in Downtown
A clean, cosy, comfortable, and sociable hostel, The Millenials is truly unique for its capsule beds and stylish communal space. The entire hostel has contemporary furnishings and state-of-the-art appliances, from the communal workspace to the capsule beds to the waterfall showers in the bathrooms. Everything about this hostel says luxury.
Not only is every private capsule luxuriously styled, but they’re high-tech, and controlled by an iPod which allows guests to turn their capsules into living spaces. Other perks include a working lounge, kitchen, play zone, dining area, and a 24-hour bar.
2BR House W/ Hinoki Bath & Traditional Garden | Best Airbnb in Downtown
An ideal accommodation in Kyoto for families or groups of friends, this quirky two-bedroom house can accommodate up to five people. Guests can rent the entire space, where you will sleep in traditional Japanese fashion on floor mattresses.
The major bonus of staying here is its proximity to downtown Kyoto Nishiki market, which is the ideal spot for shopping, street food, and awesome nightlife. It’s also just a short walk away from Kyoto’s museum district. The highlight of this house is the Japanese Hinoki Bath that overlooks the beautiful garden and courtyard.
Top Things to Do in Downtown Kyoto
Photo: @audyscala
- Shop till you drop in the hugely popular Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades; the covered arcades are not only fantastic for finding a range of goods, but they’re also ideal ways to spend a rainy day in Kyoto.
- Give your credit cards a workout in large modern shopping centres such as Daimaru and Takashimaya and sample a huge selection of dishes in their expansive food courts.
- Browse in specialty stores like Zohiko, Ippodo, Rin Vintage Store, and Morita Washi.
- Get up close and personal with nocturnal birds of prey at Owl Family Kyoto.
- Visit the peaceful Rokkakudo Temple, a lovely sanctuary in the heart of the business area.
- Try eel (unagi) at the charming and old-world Kane-yo restaurant.
- Take a cooking class to learn how to reproduce your favourite Japanese meals back at home.
- Wander along Pontocho Alley in the daytime, admiring the traditional wooden homes and soaking up the atmosphere.
- Discover what makes Japanese green tea so special on a guided tour down in Uji.
- Be wowed by the cherry blossom at Shimbashi (in season).
- Head to Pontocho in the evenings to experience some of Kyoto’s liveliest nightlife.
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Grab an eSIM!4. Shimogyo-ku – Best Neighborhood in Kyoto for Families to Stay In
Although there are several parts of the city that would be great for families, Shimogyo-ku is my pick for the best place to stay in Kyoto for families because of the amount of dining and shopping options close at hand in addition to its proximity to the train station.
Photo: @audyscala
Families arriving by train (the most common way to arrive in Kyoto) won’t have to trawl the kids around to reach their accommodation, and you have transportation right at your fingertips for conveniently getting around Kyoto’s places of interest.
The diverse eateries nearby ensure that everyone is happy at mealtimes too!
Kyoto Century Hotel | Best Hotel in Shimogyo-ku
A short walk from the Kyoto station area and Kyoto Tower, you get spacious boutique hotel rooms with wonderful amenities. It’s a great location for getting the kids to all the sightseeing in Kyoto and the buffet breakfast has both Western and Japanese options.
Of all the Kyoto hotels, this one ticks a lot of boxes. Everybody will be happy!
2BR Traditional House W/ Garden | Best Apartment in Shimogyo-ku
Experience a traditional Japanese inn with a stay in this delightful house. There are five beds spread through two rooms, with a combination of tatami mats and beds. The two-floor home has a modern and spacious bathroom, plus a large, fully-stocked kitchen.
It also has a cute courtyard garden in traditional Japanese style. And, it’s conveniently located in the city centre, near subway lines and Kyoto train station is just 15 minutes away.
Piece Hostel | Best Hostel in Shimogyo-ku
A trendy boutique hostel, Piece Hostel Kyoto is just a two-minute walk from Kyoto Station. There’s an onsite café-bar as well as laundry facilities, bike rentals, and a tour desk.
Freebies include breakfast and Wi-Fi. Guests can chill on the terrace or in the lounge, and cook their favourite meals in the shared kitchen. There are mixed dorms with pod-style beds and private double rooms.
Unique Architect Renovated Studio | Best Airbnb in Shimogyo-ku
This Airbnb has taken the traditional elements of a Machiya and playfully added modern elements, like two comfy Western-style beds and basic kitchen facilities. These make it feel familiar and are beautifully married with touches of old tradition like the wooden beams and earthen floors. To me, this feels like some sort of a boutique hotel; a very luxurious stay for your visit to Kyoto.
Top Things to Do in Shimogyo-ku
Photo: @audyscala
- Enjoy views of Kyoto from the 15th-floor viewing terrace in Kyoto Station.
- Watch the latest movies at the modern cinema in the train station.
- Admire the modern architecture of Kyoto Station, one of the biggest train stations in all of Japan.
- Go to the top of Kyoto’s tallest building, Kyoto Tower, for a bird’s eye view of the city.
- Marvel at the towering pagoda of To-ji Temple and explore the beautiful temple’s grounds.
- Have a fun-filled family day out at Kyoto Aquarium.
- Sample an array of food in the myriad restaurants in the station itself and also in the surrounding streets.
- Discover Fushimi, Kyoto’s major sake brewery district on this guided walking tour in Kyoto and visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum. Treat your taste buds to a tasting of 18 different sakes.
- Learn more about train transportation and the history of the railroad in Japan at Kyoto Railway Museum.
- Learn more about the city’s past at Kyoto National Museum.
- Watch the Aqua Fantasy musical fountain show in the evening.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Kyoto
Here’s what people usually ask about the areas of Kyoto and where to stay.
What To Pack For Kyoto
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Where to Stay in Kyoto to Stay in a Ryokan?
Ryokan Hostel Gion, Kyoto is my top choice! Obviously it’s a hostel, so not really the ancient experience, if youwant that, check out the article I have on Kyoto Ryokan’s.
Where Are the Best Luxury Hotels in Kyoto?
In my opinion, Southern Higashiyama is where you want to be. You’ll be within easy walking distance of the coolest vibe and able to easily walk to Downtown Kyoto if you wanna switch it up. Sowaka is a stunning boutique hotel feeling luxury hotel to stay in while you’re here.
What’s Happening in Nakagyo Ward?
All sorts baby! I’ve called it Central Kyoto throughout this article so all the fun things in my central Kyoto section are all yours. Try visit the Imperial Palace of Kyoto Gosho in Nakagyo Ward during your visit.
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Kyoto
I wrote this no-nonsense neighbourhood guide to help you pick the best place to stay in Kyoto based on your travel preferences. Do you want the nightlife? The tradition? The convenience?
I recommend Guest House Ga-Jyun in the historic core as the best hostel in Kyoto. For those wanting more privacy, stay at Hana-Touro Hotel Gion, an atmospheric hotel surrounded by plenty of diverse, cultural activities.
If all else fails, I recommend Southern or Northern Higashiyama as the place to stay in Kyoto for your first time. Night owls, base yourself in Downtown Kyoto and finally since this isn’t the cheapest city, those on a budget will want to choose Central Kyoto as their area to stay.
There are some feelings that can only be found in Japan and, furthermore, some that are only found in Kyoto. It’s why I fell in love with it so much from the moment I stepped foot off the plane!
If you can catch the cherry blossoms, definitely do it! Otherwise, get out there, and get exploring! Hopefully, by now, you know where to stay in Kyoto if I missed anything special, let me know in the comments.
Photo: @audyscala
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Japan.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Kyoto.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Kyoto instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Kyoto to plan your trip.
- Planning out an itinerary for Kyoto is a great way to maximise your time.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Japan.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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