Kyoto Hotel Guide – Top Places to Stay

by kyoto unveiled

Are you ready to embark on a memorable journey to Kyoto and looking for the perfect place to stay? Say no more! We have compiled the ultimate Kyoto accommodation and hotel guide for 2023, just for you! We know, securing your flight is a priority, but a fabulous place to crash is equally essential to make your Kyoto experience unforgettable.

One of the burning questions we often get is, “Should I stay near Kyoto Station or is Shijo the better option?” or “I’m heading to Kyoto for the breathtaking autumn leaves/spring cherry blossoms! Where’s the best spot to stay?” We’ve got your covered! Choosing the right location heavily depends on your itinerary and what conveniences you want at your doorstep.

Drawing from my personal experiences, I’m unveiling top picks for accommodations that promise a magical Kyoto free-and-easy tour. Here are 15 hand-picked Kyoto hotels that are either budget-friendly or ooze uniqueness. When planning your stay, consider hotspots like Kyoto Station, Shijo, and Sanjo. These areas are not only brimming with dining and shopping options but also offer seamless transit to various tourist attractions. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each area:

  • Kyoto Station Accommodation:
    • Get there directly from Kansai Airport
    • Easy access to other cities via various JR trains
    • Swift connection to Osaka, Nara, and the outskirts of Kyoto
    • The surrounding area is a haven for shopaholics and food lovers alike
    • Just a few subway or bus stops away from iconic Kyoto attractions like Kiyomizu-dera and Eikando
  • Shijo Accommodation:
    • Heart of shopping with department stores and shopping streets from Karasuma to Kawaramachi
    • Don’t miss out on Nishiki Market, Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, and Takashimaya
    • Walk your way to the Kamo River, Gion, Yasaka Shrine, and Kiyomizu-dera – it’s a shopper and cultural enthusiast’s paradise
  • Sanjo Accommodation:
    • More residential and quieter ambiance for a peaceful stay
    • Offers more budget-friendly accommodation options without skimping on the quality

Top 5 Hotels Near Kyoto Station

1.Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Nestled just atop Kyoto Station, Hotel Granvia Kyoto is the epitome of convenience meets elegance. Imagine stepping out from the spacious, beautifully adorned rooms, hopping on an escalator, and voila – you’re amidst a plethora of dining, shopping, and transport options! And did I mention the swimming pool?

  • Right next door to Isetan Department Store and the iconic Kyoto Tower.
  • Yodobashi and Bic Camera, two colossal electronic stores, are just a stone’s throw away!
  • Agoda booking link

2.THE THOUSAND KYOTO

A newly minted gem, this hotel is a mere 2-3 minute saunter from Kyoto Station. With its fusion of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern opulence, every corner is an artistic revelation. Control the room’s ambiance with an iPad and even summon robots for hotel supplies – talk about tech-savvy luxury!

  • Just a quick walk to Kyoto Tower and Isetan.
  • Yodobashi and Bic Camera are also nearby for all your gadget needs!
  • Agoda booking link

3.Mercure Kyoto Station

This is where contemporary chic meets affordability. MIMARU is a newly opened stylish hotel not too far from Kyoto Station and it’s every bit as convenient as it is aesthetically pleasing. It’s modern with a touch of traditional Kyoto – think wooden accents meets modern design. And some rooms even boast views of Kyoto Tower!

  • About a 10-minute walk to the station.
  • Close to Kyoto Tower, Bic Camera, Kyoto Railway Museum, and Kyoto Aquarium.
  • Agoda booking link

4.Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto-Ekimae Premier

This gem is connected underground to JR Kyoto Station, a mere 4-minute walk away. The décor is a heartwarming homage to Kyoto’s illustrious kimono culture, adorned with stunning Nishijin-ori textiles. Clean, comfortable, and won’t break the bank!

  • Also just around a 10-minute walk to attractions and shopping spots like Kyoto Tower and Bic Camera.
  • Agoda booking link

5.RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto

This hotel offers a handy shuttle service to and from Kyoto Station, just 3 minutes away. It’s a haven for those traveling with family, including the young ones or the young at heart. A bar and lounge area transform from a cozy coffee spot during the day to a vibrant bar at night. Prestigious and renowned – a guaranteed delightful stay.

  • Proximity to Kyoto Tower, Bic Camera, the mesmerizing Kyoto Railway Museum, and the enchanting Kyoto Aquarium.
  • Agoda booking link

Top 5 Hotels in Shijo Kawaramachi for a Memorable Stay!

1.THE GATE HOTEL KYOTO TAKASEGAWA by HULIC

A masterpiece born from a renovated old school, this gem merges traditional architecture with spaces for art exhibits and community events. Just steps away from Kawaramachi Station, your quest for dining, shopping, and transport is over before it even begins! Admire the Kamo River from the 8th-floor lounge while sipping complimentary wine.

  • Adjacent to Kawaramachi Station
  • A swift 3-minute walk to the Kamo River
  • Nishiki Market and Pontocho, just an 8-minute stroll away
  • Agoda booking link

2.HOTEL FORZA KYOTO SHIJO KAWARAMACHI

Opened its doors in June 2021 and hasn’t stopped impressing since. Nestled in Kyoto’s bustling heart, your shopping, dining, and sightseeing needs are met with style. Clean, comfy rooms are the cherry on top!

  • 2 minutes to Shinkyogoku + Teramachi Kyogoku shopping streets
  • 3 minutes to the iconic Nishiki Market
  • Kamo River and Gion, just a short walk away
  • Agoda booking link

3.Shijo-Kawaramachi

Location is king here, right at exit 9 of Kawaramachi Station and steps away from Shinkyogoku Shopping Street and Takashimaya. The rooms are spacious, boasting mini kitchens and laundry amenities, making it a home away from home.

  • 2 minutes to Shinkyogoku + Teramachi Kyogoku shopping streets
  • A quick stroll to Nishiki Market and the Kamo River
  • Gion’s vibrant atmosphere, just a 12-minute walk away
  • Agoda booking link

4.Richmond Hotel premier KYOTO SHIJO

Imagine a hotel with a LIFE supermarket on the first floor and a lobby that radiates the elegance of a Japanese garden – that’s Richmond for you! The rooms are an epitome of comfort, ensuring your Kyoto stay is nothing short of magical.

5.GOOD NATURE HOTEL KYOTO

Nestled beside Kawaramachi Station and surrounded by the city’s bustling shopping district with Takashimaya and Edion just a glance away. The hotel’s earthy tones and spacious rooms offer a cozy retreat after a day of exploration.

  • Right across from the grand Daimaru Takashimaya
  • Surrounded by shopping and dining extravaganzas
  • Agoda booking link

Top 5 Hotels in Sanjo for an Unforgettable Experience!

1.Hyatt Place Kyoto

Say hello to the newly minted in 2022! Nestled by Kyoto Imperial Palace and connected to Marutamachi Station on the Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line, spacious rooms with a comfy sofa awaits to make your Japanese business hotel experience a memorable one.

  • A 10-minute stroll to Nijo Castle
  • Kyoto Imperial Garden is practically your backyard!
  • Agoda booking link

2.Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo

Unveiled in June 2018, this gem marries exquisite Japanese style with the pulsating energy of the bustling Kawaramachi street. With a drugstore and BAL mall next door, and Mina department store across the street, you’re in the heart of it all!

  • On Sanjo’s liveliest street, right opposite Mina Department Store
  • Business supermarket and bus stops just a hop away
  • Agoda booking link

3.Cross Hotel Kyoto

A stylish haven boasting modern amenities, a mere 5-minute walk from Sanjo subway station. Surrounded by restaurants and shops, it’s a prime spot for travelers looking to explore Kyoto at their own pace. Enjoy a Japanese courtyard vibe in the lobby and top-notch room amenities.

  • 5 minutes on foot to Sanjo subway station
  • A 10-minute walk to Nishiki Market, Shinkyogoku, and Teramachi Kyogoku shopping streets
  • Agoda booking link

4.Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier

Nestled by the enchanting Kamo River, this charming hotel not only offers breathtaking river views but also features a beautiful Japanese garden and an elegant public bath – a blend of elegance and tradition.

  • Located beside the scenic Kamo River
  • Close to the vibrant Kawaramachi and Shijo areas
  • A leisurely walk to Gion and Hanamikoji Street
  • Agoda booking link

5.CANDEO HOTELS Kyoto Rokkaku

Immerse yourself in a Kyoto atmosphere where modern aesthetics meet historical charm. Comfort meets elegance in the rooms, and the townhouse lounge and public bath and sauna offer a slice of relaxation heaven.

  • 5 minutes on foot to the iconic Nishiki Market
  • A stone’s throw from Kyoto’s bustling Shijo district
  • Agoda booking link

I can’t stress this enough – book your accommodation at least 6 months in advance. Trust me, the early bird doesn’t just get the worm; they snag the best rooms in the most coveted spots of Kyoto! And once that reservation confirmation hits your inbox, hold onto it like the golden ticket it is. As the clock ticks down to your Kyoto escapade, those prime spots become as rare as a cherry blossom in winter.

Now, let’s talk pennies and yens. Since October 1, 2018, Kyoto introduced an accommodation tax. Yup, when you’re checking out, there’ll be a little extra tacked onto your bill, but it’s all for a good cause, promise! Here’s the lowdown:

  • If your nightly rate per person is under 20,000 yen, there’s an extra 200 yen tax.
  • Ballpark between 20,000 and 50,000 yen per night? That’ll be an extra 500 yen.
  • Living the high life with over 50,000 yen per night? An additional 1,000 yen tax is yours to pay.

Wondering where those extra yens go? They’re funnelled straight into making Kyoto even more magical. Think less traffic congestion, pristine cityscapes, and updated tourist info signs that’ll make your Kyoto romp a breeze.

So, when in Kyoto, keep this tidbit tucked in your back pocket. Embrace that accommodation tax as your little contribution to keeping Kyoto the mesmerizing gem we all know and adore! Happy travels!

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