Where to Stay in Kyoto 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map

Kyoto offers unique accommodation from centuries-old ryokan (traditional inns) to sleek modern hotels. The city's spread-out temples make location important - eastern Higashiyama for temple walks, central Gion for atmosphere, or station area for transport convenience. A traditional ryokan stay with tatami rooms and kaiseki dinner is quintessential Kyoto.

Editor's Pick for First-Timers

Gion / Downtown

Stay between Gion's traditional lanes and Kawaramachi's restaurants for the perfect blend. Walk to Nishiki Market, Pontocho alley, and geisha district while maintaining easy bus access to all temples.

Romance & Geisha

Gion

Temples & Walks

Higashiyama

Shopping & Dining

Downtown

Nature & Bamboo

Arashiyama

Transport & Convenience

Kyoto Station

Gardens & Temples

Northern Kyoto

Quick Guide: Best Areas

Gion: Geisha district, traditional machiya houses, Yasaka Shrine, evening walks
Higashiyama: Temple walks, Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka lanes, traditional crafts
Downtown (Kawaramachi): Shopping, Nishiki Market, restaurants, nightlife, Pontocho alley
Arashiyama: Bamboo grove, monkey park, river scenery, quieter traditional Kyoto
Kyoto Station Area: Transport hub, Shinkansen access, modern hotels, convenience
Northern Kyoto (Kinkaku-ji area): Golden Pavilion, Ryoan-ji rock garden, quieter temple district

Things to Know

  • • Kyoto Station area lacks atmosphere - convenient but soulless for a cultural trip
  • • Some Gion machiya rentals face narrow alleys difficult with luggage
  • • Arashiyama is magical but far from evening dining and nightlife
  • • Peak season (cherry blossom, autumn leaves) sees prices triple - book 4-6 months ahead

Understanding Kyoto Geography

Kyoto spreads across a basin surrounded by mountains on three sides. The historic center runs north-south along the Kamo River. Eastern hills (Higashiyama) hold major temple walks. Western Kyoto (Arashiyama) offers nature and bamboo. Northern Kyoto has scattered major temples. The station anchors the south.

Main Districts Central: Gion (geisha district), Downtown/Kawaramachi (shopping/dining), Pontocho (riverside dining). East: Higashiyama (temple walks), Southern Higashiyama (Fushimi Inari). West: Arashiyama (bamboo/nature), Sagano. North: Kinkaku-ji area (Golden Pavilion), Daitoku-ji. South: Kyoto Station (transport hub), Fushimi (sake district).

Accommodation Map

Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.

Best Neighborhoods in Kyoto

Gion

Best for: Geisha district, traditional machiya houses, Yasaka Shrine, evening walks

$108+ $216+ $540+
Luxury
Couples Romance Traditional Japan Photography

"Timeless geisha quarter with wooden machiya and stone-paved lanes"

10 min walk to Kiyomizu-dera
Nearest Stations
Gion-Shijo (Keihan Line) Kawaramachi (Hankyu Line)
Attractions
Yasaka Shrine Hanamikoji Street Kennin-ji Temple Geisha spotting areas
8.5
Transit
Low noise
Extremely safe. Respect geisha privacy - no photos.

Pros

  • Authentic atmosphere
  • Geisha sightings
  • Evening magic

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Crowded main streets
  • Few budget options

Higashiyama

Best for: Temple walks, Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka lanes, traditional crafts

$76+ $162+ $432+
Mid-range
Sightseeing History Photography First-timers

"Temple-dotted hillside with preserved merchant streets"

15 min bus to Kyoto Station
Nearest Stations
Kiyomizu-Gojo (Keihan Line) Bus 100, 206
Attractions
Kiyomizu-dera Temple Ninenzaka Sannenzaka Kodai-ji Temple Yasaka Pagoda
7.5
Transit
Moderate noise
Very safe. Crowded during peak hours.

Pros

  • Temple access
  • Stunning walks
  • Traditional shops

Cons

  • Extremely crowded
  • Hills to climb
  • Early morning tourists

Downtown (Kawaramachi)

Best for: Shopping, Nishiki Market, restaurants, nightlife, Pontocho alley

$65+ $140+ $378+
Mid-range
Shopping Foodies Nightlife Convenience

"Modern Kyoto with department stores, food markets, and riverside dining"

5 min walk to Gion
Nearest Stations
Kawaramachi (Hankyu Line) Kyoto-Shiyakusho-mae (Tozai Line)
Attractions
Nishiki Market Pontocho Alley Shinkyogoku shopping Teramachi Street
9
Transit
Moderate noise
Very safe. Japan's crime rate is extremely low.

Pros

  • Great restaurants
  • Shopping
  • Central transport

Cons

  • Less traditional
  • Busy streets
  • Pachinko parlors

Arashiyama

Best for: Bamboo grove, monkey park, river scenery, quieter traditional Kyoto

$86+ $194+ $648+
Mid-range
Nature Photography Day-trippers Couples

"Western Kyoto escape with bamboo forests and riverside temples"

25 min train to Kyoto Station
Nearest Stations
Arashiyama (JR/Hankyu/Keifuku Lines)
Attractions
Bamboo Grove Tenryu-ji Temple Togetsukyo Bridge Monkey Park Okochi Sanso Villa
7
Transit
Low noise
Very safe. Peaceful natural area.

Pros

  • Bamboo grove
  • Nature scenery
  • Ryokan options

Cons

  • Far from center
  • Limited nightlife
  • Crowded midday

Kyoto Station Area

Best for: Transport hub, Shinkansen access, modern hotels, convenience

$59+ $130+ $324+
Mid-range
Business Train travelers First-timers Convenience

"Modern transport hub with easy access to all Kyoto areas"

Direct access to all major lines
Nearest Stations
Kyoto Station (JR/Kintetsu/Metro)
Attractions
Kyoto Tower Toji Temple Station building architecture Shinkansen access
10
Transit
Moderate noise
Very safe. Modern, well-lit area.

Pros

  • Best transport
  • Modern hotels
  • Luggage storage

Cons

  • Not atmospheric
  • Corporate feel
  • Far from temples

Northern Kyoto (Kinkaku-ji area)

Best for: Golden Pavilion, Ryoan-ji rock garden, quieter temple district

$54+ $108+ $270+
Mid-range
Temple seekers Gardens Quiet Photography

"Spread-out northern temple zone with famous gardens"

30 min bus to central Kyoto
Nearest Stations
Bus 101, 205 from Kyoto Station
Attractions
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) Ryoan-ji Temple Ninna-ji Temple Daitoku-ji Temple
6
Transit
Low noise
Very safe. Quiet residential area.

Pros

  • Iconic temples
  • Quieter than Higashiyama
  • Beautiful gardens

Cons

  • Bus transport needed
  • Temples spread apart
  • Limited hotels/dining

Accommodation Budget in Kyoto

Budget

$54 /night
Typical Range: $49 – $59

Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities

Most Popular

Mid-Range

$108 /night
Typical Range: $92 – $124

3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations

Luxury

$270 /night
Typical Range: $232 – $313

5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities

💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.

Our Top Hotel Picks

€ Best Budget Hotels

Piece Hostel Sanjo

Downtown

★ 8.8

Design-forward hostel with stylish common areas, excellent coffee bar, and perfect downtown location. Private rooms available. Japan hostel excellence.

Solo travelersBudget travelersDesign lovers
Check Availability

€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels

Hotel Kanra Kyoto

Kyoto Station

★ 9

Contemporary machiya-style hotel with tatami areas in every room, onsen bath, and refined Japanese design. Modern ryokan experience near station.

CouplesDesign loversJapanese style seekers
Check Availability

Sowaka

Gion

★ 9.2

Boutique hotel in renovated machiya with acclaimed La Cime restaurant, just steps from Yasaka Shrine. Contemporary Japanese elegance in geisha district.

FoodiesCouplesGion atmosphere
Check Availability

Noku Kyoto

Downtown

★ 8.9

Minimalist boutique hotel with Japanese aesthetics, rooftop terrace, and excellent Kawaramachi location. Thoughtful design and great value.

Design loversCouplesCentral location
Check Availability

€€€ Best Luxury Hotels

Hoshinoya Kyoto

Arashiyama

★ 9.6

Arrive by private boat to this secluded riverside ryokan. Traditional arts activities, kaiseki mastery, and complete immersion in Japanese hospitality.

Ultimate luxuryTraditional experienceSpecial occasions
Check Availability

The Mitsui Kyoto

Downtown

★ 9.5

Former Mitsui family estate converted to ultra-luxury hotel with 300-year-old garden, thermal spa, and FORNI Italian restaurant.

Luxury seekersGarden loversHeritage experience
Check Availability

Tawaraya Ryokan

Downtown

★ 9.7

Operating since 1709, one of Japan's most celebrated ryokans. Impeccable kaiseki, tatami suites, and centuries of hospitality tradition. Reservation essential.

Traditional puristsSpecial occasionsCultural immersion
Check Availability

✦ Unique & Boutique Stays

Nazuna Kyoto Toji

Near Toji Temple

★ 9.1

Cluster of restored machiya townhouses as private suite-style accommodation with personal onsen baths. Traditional living, modern privacy.

CouplesPrivacy seekersTraditional experience
Check Availability

Smart Booking Tips for Kyoto

  • 1 Book 4-6 months ahead for cherry blossom (late March-early April) and autumn leaves (mid-November)
  • 2 Ryokan often require full prepayment and have strict cancellation policies
  • 3 Many ryokan include elaborate kaiseki dinner and breakfast - compare total value
  • 4 Summer (June-August) is hot and humid but significantly cheaper
  • 5 Gion Festival (July) and New Year's see high demand
  • 6 Traditional machiya townhouse rentals offer space and atmosphere for families

Why you can trust this guide

We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.

Curated locations based on walkability & safety
Real-time availability via live partner maps
Jan Krenek

Ready to Visit Kyoto?

Book your flights, accommodation, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Kyoto?
Gion / Downtown. Stay between Gion's traditional lanes and Kawaramachi's restaurants for the perfect blend. Walk to Nishiki Market, Pontocho alley, and geisha district while maintaining easy bus access to all temples.
How much does a hotel cost in Kyoto?
Hotels in Kyoto range from $54 per night for budget accommodation to $108 for mid-range and $270 for luxury hotels. Prices vary by season and neighborhood.
What are the main neighborhoods to stay in Kyoto?
Gion (Geisha district, traditional machiya houses, Yasaka Shrine, evening walks); Higashiyama (Temple walks, Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka lanes, traditional crafts); Downtown (Kawaramachi) (Shopping, Nishiki Market, restaurants, nightlife, Pontocho alley); Arashiyama (Bamboo grove, monkey park, river scenery, quieter traditional Kyoto)
Are there areas to avoid in Kyoto?
Kyoto Station area lacks atmosphere - convenient but soulless for a cultural trip Some Gion machiya rentals face narrow alleys difficult with luggage
When should I book a hotel in Kyoto?
Book 4-6 months ahead for cherry blossom (late March-early April) and autumn leaves (mid-November)

More Kyoto Guides

Weather

Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit

View Forecast →

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month weather and seasonal tips

Read Guide →

Things to Do

Top attractions and hidden gems

Explore →

Itineraries

Coming soon

Overview

Complete travel guide for Kyoto: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.

Read Full Guide →