Where to Stay in Kyoto: A Guide to the Best Locations

Kyoto has accommodation in every style and price range, from station hotels and business hotels to ryokan, guesthouses and luxury retreats. The best place to stay depends less on a single “best” district and more on how you plan to spend your days. If you are using the shinkansen, airport buses, or day trips, the Kyoto Station Area is the most practical base. If you want restaurants, shopping and nightlife within easy walking distance, choose Kawaramachi or nearby downtown Kyoto. If temples and historic streets are the main reason for your trip, Gion and Southern Higashiyama are hard to beat. For a quieter retreat, look west to Arashiyama or northwest toward Nishijin, Kinkakuji and Takagamine.

Quick Guide: Best Areas to Stay in Kyoto

• Kyoto Station Area: best for shinkansen travel, airport buses, JR lines, luggage-heavy arrivals and day trips.
• Kawaramachi and downtown Kyoto: best for first-time visitors who want dining, shopping, bars, Nishiki Market and Pontocho close by.
• Gosho and Nijo: a quieter central base with subway access, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto Gyoen and Nijo-jo Castle nearby.
• Gion and Southern Higashiyama: best for historic streets, Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine and evening walks, but often busy and expensive.
• Okazaki and Northern Higashiyama: good for museums, temples, the Philosopher’s Path and a calmer stay east of downtown.
• Nishijin, Kinkakuji and Takagamine: quieter northwest Kyoto, better for repeat visitors or travelers happy to use buses and taxis.
• Arashiyama: scenic and peaceful, excellent for a slower stay, but less convenient for covering the whole city quickly.

Kyoto Station Area

The Kyoto Station area is the strongest choice if transport matters most. Kyoto Station has the Tokaido Shinkansen, JR conventional lines, the Karasuma Subway Line, Kintetsu services, airport limousine buses, and local bus stops. It is especially useful for day trips to Osaka, Nara, Uji, Himeji and other cities. For Hokuriku destinations such as Kanazawa, travelers now usually take the Thunderbird Limited Express to Tsuruga and transfer there to the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

The tradeoff is location. Kyoto Station is in the southern part of central Kyoto, so it is not as atmospheric as Gion or as lively at night as Kawaramachi. However, it has a wide mix of hotels, easy luggage logistics, and plenty of station-area shopping and dining. Nearby sights include Nidec Kyoto Tower, Kyoto Railway Museum, Higashi Honganji, Nishi Honganji, Shosei-en Garden and Toji Temple. Shopping options include JR Kyoto Isetan in the station building and Kyoto Yodobashi north of the station.

If you stay here, the JR Nara Line is useful for Tofukuji, Fushimi Inari and Uji, while the Karasuma Subway Line is the simplest rail route toward central Kyoto.

Luxury

• Hotel Granvia Kyoto is directly connected to Kyoto Station, making it one of the easiest choices for shinkansen arrivals and early departures.
• The Thousand Kyoto is a polished station-area hotel on the east side of Kyoto Station, useful for travelers who want a calmer luxury stay close to transport.

Mid-range

• Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is a larger station-area hotel within walking distance of Kyoto Station.
• Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station is directly connected to the station complex, which is useful if you are using Kintetsu, JR or shinkansen services.

Budget

• Ibis Styles Kyoto Station is a compact, practical option across from Kyoto Station’s south side.
• Via Inn Kyoto Station is a straightforward station-area choice for travelers who want easy transport over atmosphere.

Kawaramachi and Downtown Kyoto

Kawaramachi is the heart of downtown Kyoto. For most first-time visitors who want a balance of sightseeing, eating, shopping and evening walks, this is one of the easiest areas to recommend. The wider downtown area around Shijo, Sanjo, Kawaramachi and Karasuma puts you close to Nishiki Market, Pontocho, department stores, bars, restaurants and the Kamo River.

This area does not have as many major temples as Higashiyama, but its advantage is movement. You can walk east to Gion and Southern Higashiyama, use the Keihan Main Line for north-south travel along the east side of the city, use the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line for Osaka and Arashiyama connections, and use subway stations around Karasuma and Karasuma Oike.

Luxury

• The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto sits by the Kamo River and suits travelers who want a high-end stay within reach of downtown and Higashiyama.
• Ace Hotel Kyoto is near Karasuma Oike, making it useful for subway access and downtown dining.
• The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by Hulic is close to the Kamo River and the downtown nightlife area.

Mid-range

• Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier is well placed for the river, Sanjo and the edge of downtown.
• Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo is useful if you want downtown restaurants and shops close at hand.
• Tokyu Stay Kyoto Sakaiza suits longer stays and travelers who want to be close to Shijo-Kawaramachi.

Budget

• Piece Hostel Sanjo is a sociable budget option near the Sanjo and downtown area.
• Comfort Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma is a practical downtown choice around Shijo and Karasuma.
• HOTEL UNIZO Kyoto Karasuma Oike is positioned around Karasuma Oike, a useful subway interchange area.

Gosho and Nijo Area

The Gosho and Nijo area covers the quieter central neighborhoods around Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo-jo Castle. It is less lively at night than Kawaramachi, but it can be a comfortable base if you want wider streets, calmer evenings and access to the Karasuma or Tozai subway lines.

When choosing a hotel here, check the nearest subway station. Nijojo-mae Station on the Tozai Line, Marutamachi Station on the Karasuma Line, and Karasuma Oike Station all make the area easier to use. This district works well for travelers who want a quieter central stay rather than a nightlife base.

Luxury

• Kyoto Brighton Hotel is a quiet, established hotel near the Imperial Palace area.
• HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa is a high-end choice beside Nijo-jo Castle.
• Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto is a smaller luxury stay near Nijo-jo Castle.

Mid-range

• Hotel Monterey Kyoto is around the Karasuma Oike/Shijo side of central Kyoto.
• Moxy Kyoto Nijo is useful for travelers who want the Nijo area and JR/subway access.
• The Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo is another Nijo-area hotel with good access to rail connections.

Budget

• Smile Hotel Kyoto Shijo is a simple option on the downtown side of this broader area.
• FIRSTCABIN Kyoto Nijojo is a capsule-style option near Nijo-jo Castle.
• hotel MONday Kyoto Karasuma Nijo is a practical choice near the Karasuma/Nijo side of central Kyoto.

Gion and Southern Higashiyama Area

Gion and Southern Higashiyama are among Kyoto’s most atmospheric areas to stay. Choose this district if you want to be close to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kodaiji Temple, Yasaka Jinja Shrine, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, Miyagawacho and the lanes of Gion. It is a strong choice for evening walks and historic scenery, but it can be crowded, prices can be high, and taxis may be slow during peak sightseeing periods.

This area is best explored on foot. For transport, the Keihan Main Line is useful, with stations such as Gion-Shijo and Kiyomizu-Gojo giving access along the east side of Kyoto and toward Osaka.

Luxury

• Hyatt Regency Kyoto is in the southern Higashiyama area, close to museums and temple districts.
• Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is a luxury option in the temple district south of Gion.
• Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion is suited to travelers who want Gion access in a quieter setting.

Mid-range

• OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts is close to central Gion and Yasaka Shrine.
• Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto is useful for Kiyomizu-dera and southern Higashiyama walks.
• Kyoto Granbell Hotel is a Gion-area hotel with easy access to evening walks and downtown.

Budget

• Santiago Guesthouse Kyoto is a budget option on the southern Higashiyama side.
• Hotel Abest Grande Kyoto Kiyomizu is positioned for Kiyomizu and Higashiyama sightseeing.
• TSUKIMI HOTEL is a compact choice near the historic east-side sightseeing area.

Okazaki and Northern Higashiyama Area

Okazaki and Northern Higashiyama are best for travelers who want museums, quieter temple walks and a less commercial base than downtown. The area includes the Okazaki museum district, Heian Jingu Shrine, Nanzenji Temple, Eikando Zenrinji Temple, Ginkakuji Temple and the Philosopher’s Path.

This area is quieter than Gion, but it is not as convenient for late-night dining or cross-city travel. Before booking, check how close your hotel is to Higashiyama Station, Sanjo Keihan, a useful bus stop, or the Keihan Main Line.

Luxury

• The Westin Miyako Kyoto is a hillside hotel close to eastern Kyoto temple areas.
• Fufu Kyoto is a quiet luxury stay near the Okazaki and Higashiyama temple district.
• Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei is an upscale Okazaki-area option for museum and temple access.

Mid-range

• The Hotel Higashiyama by Kyoto Tokyu Hotel is near Higashiyama subway station and Shoren-in Temple.
• Hotel Heian No Mori Kyoto is close to Heian Jingu Shrine and the northern Higashiyama area.

Budget

• Guesthouse Hyakumanben Cross is a simple guesthouse option closer to the Hyakumanben/Demachiyanagi side.
• Kyoto Traveler’s Inn is a straightforward option near Okazaki and Heian Jingu Shrine.

Nishijin, Kinkakuji and Takagamine Area

This northwest area is quieter and more residential than downtown. Nishijin is known for traditional textiles, while nearby sightseeing areas include Kinkakuji Temple, Ryoanji Temple and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. If you are staying farther north around Takagamine, the setting can feel very peaceful, but you will rely more on buses, taxis or hotel transport.

This is usually not the easiest base for a first Kyoto visit, especially if you want nightlife or quick access across the city. It can work very well for repeat visitors, quiet stays, northwest temple itineraries, and travelers who do not mind using taxis or the city’s bus network.

Luxury

• Aman Kyoto is a luxury retreat in the quieter northern foothills rather than Nishijin proper.
• ROKU KYOTO is a high-end Takagamine-area hotel suited to travelers who want a slower, greener base.

Mid-range

• THE JUNEI HOTEL Kyoto Imperial Palace West is closer to the Imperial Palace west side than to the far northwest temple area.
• Ryokan Tanoya is a traditional lodging option around the Nishijin side of Kyoto.

Budget

• KéFU stay & lounge is a small, casual lodging option in the northwest Kyoto area.

Arashiyama Area

Arashiyama in western Kyoto is one of the city’s most scenic areas. It is a beautiful place to stay if you want a slow, quiet trip with early morning walks, river views, temples and a more resort-like feel. It is less convenient if you want to cover many neighborhoods in a short stay.

Attractions include the bamboo forest, Mount Iwatayama Monkey Park, Tenryuji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge, the Sagano Romantic Train and boat trips on the Katsura River. Some lodgings in this area also feature natural hot spring baths.

Arashiyama has several rail approaches. From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. From downtown, the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line is useful via Kyoto-kawaramachi or Karasuma with a transfer at Katsura for Hankyu Arashiyama. The retro Randen Tram Line from Shijo-Omiya is slower, but it arrives close to central Arashiyama.

Luxury

• Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto is a riverside luxury hotel in Arashiyama.
• HOSHINOYA Kyoto is a secluded Arashiyama-area retreat for travelers prioritizing atmosphere over transport convenience.

Mid-range

• The GrandWest Arashiyama is a spacious-feeling option in the Arashiyama area.
• Hotel Binario Saga Arashiyama is useful for access around Saga-Arashiyama.

Budget

• Riverside Arashiyama is a more affordable Arashiyama-area option for travelers who want to stay west of central Kyoto.

Visiting Tokyo or Yokohama?

Are you planning to visit Tokyo or Yokohama as well? We compiled comprehensive guides on where to stay in both cities. Please visit Where to Stay in Yokohama, Where to Stay in Shinjuku and Where to Stay in Shinagawa.

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Article by Michael Lambe. Photos by yama1221/pixta (1), gandhi/pixta (2), Sanga Park/pixta (3), anomeaSW/pixta (4), yamaken/pixta (5), Richie Chan/pixta (6,7), cmr_smn/pixta (8). All rights reserved. Last updated 09-Jul-2026.