Where to Stay in Kyoto: Best Areas, Hotels & Ryokans
Choosing where to stay in Kyoto can make a big difference to your trip.
Kyoto’s attractions are spread across a large area, and travelling from one side of the city to another often takes longer than expected. Staying in the right neighbourhood can save time, reduce long bus journeys and make your evenings much easier.
For most first-time visitors, Downtown Kyoto around Kawaramachi, Sanjo and Shijo is the best overall choice.
However, the right area depends on your itinerary:
- Downtown Kyoto: best overall area for first-time visitors.
- Gion and Higashiyama: best for traditional atmosphere.
- Kyoto Station: best for day trips and train connections.
- Arashiyama: best for nature, relaxation and ryokans.
- Central Kyoto: best for a quieter and more local stay.
- Kurama and Ohara: best for a one-night countryside retreat.
Best Areas to Stay in Kyoto at a Glance
Downtown Kyoto
Best for: first-time visitors, restaurants and shopping
Main advantage: central and convenient
Possible drawback: less traditional than Gion
Gion and Southern Higashiyama
Best for: couples, photographers and traditional atmosphere
Main advantage: historic streets and temples nearby
Possible drawback: generally more expensive
Kyoto Station
Best for: short stays and day trips
Main advantage: excellent train connections
Possible drawback: less atmospheric
Arashiyama
Best for: nature, ryokans and romantic stays
Main advantage: peaceful mornings and evenings
Possible drawback: far from eastern Kyoto
Central Kyoto and Nijo
Best for: quieter stays and repeat visitors
Main advantage: relaxed atmosphere and subway access
Possible drawback: fewer major attractions within walking distance
1. Downtown Kyoto: Best Overall Area
The area around Kawaramachi, Shijo and Sanjo is the best choice for most first-time visitors.
You will be close to Nishiki Market, Pontocho Alley, Teramachi Shopping Arcade and a large selection of restaurants. Gion is just across the Kamo River, while the Hankyu Railway, Keihan Railway and subway make it easier to move around the city.
Why stay here?
- Excellent restaurants and shops.
- Easy walk to Pontocho and Gion.
- Useful train and subway connections.
- Lively in the evening.
- Practical for a first visit.
Possible downside
Downtown Kyoto feels more modern than Gion or Higashiyama. Choose the eastern side of the river if traditional streets are your main priority.
Cross Hotel Kyoto
A modern and comfortable hotel near Sanjo and Kawaramachi. It is ideal for travellers who want to walk to Pontocho, Gion and the main shopping streets.
Best for: first-time visitors and couples
Price category: mid-range to upper mid-range
Good Nature Hotel Kyoto
A stylish contemporary hotel near Kawaramachi with spacious interiors and an excellent central location.
Best for: couples and design-conscious travellers
Price category: upper mid-range
2. Gion and Higashiyama: Best for Traditional Kyoto
Gion and Southern Higashiyama offer the atmosphere many travellers imagine when thinking about Kyoto.
You will find wooden machiya houses, historic streets and easy access to Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, Kodai-ji, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka and Kiyomizu-dera.
The main advantage is being able to explore these areas early in the morning and after most day visitors have left.
Why stay here?
- Historic streets and traditional architecture.
- Many famous temples within walking distance.
- Excellent for photography.
- Strong selection of boutique hotels and ryokans.
Possible downside
Hotels are often more expensive, and transport can be less convenient than around Downtown Kyoto or Kyoto Station.
Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion
A refined hotel combining modern comfort with traditional Kyoto-inspired design. Its quieter position in southern Gion works well for couples and cultural stays.
Best for: couples and comfortable traditional atmosphere
Price category: upper mid-range to luxury
Kyoto Granbell Hotel
A stylish option in the heart of Gion, with contemporary Japanese design and a more accessible price than many luxury properties nearby.
Best for: couples and younger travellers
Price category: mid-range
Yuzuya Ryokan
A small traditional ryokan near Yasaka Shrine, suitable for travellers seeking tatami rooms, personal hospitality and a more intimate experience.
Best for: special occasions and traditional stays
Price category: luxury ryokan
3. Kyoto Station: Best for Transport and Day Trips
Kyoto Station is the most practical place to stay if you are planning several day trips or only have a short time in the city.
The Shinkansen, JR lines, subway and many bus routes all converge here. It is convenient for travelling to Osaka, Nara, Uji, Himeji and Hiroshima.
Why stay here?
- Easy arrival and departure with luggage.
- Excellent for day trips.
- Large selection of hotels.
- Plenty of restaurants and shops nearby.
Possible downside
The area is less atmospheric than Gion and usually requires transport to reach Kyoto’s main temples.
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Directly connected to Kyoto Station, Hotel Granvia is ideal for early departures, short stays and travellers with luggage.
Best for: rail travel, families and short visits
Price category: upper mid-range
Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo
A modern hotel with tatami-style interiors and communal bathing facilities. It offers a Japanese atmosphere without the fixed routines of a traditional ryokan.
Best for: travellers wanting Japanese-style accommodation near the station
Price category: mid-range
4. Arashiyama: Best for Nature and Ryokans
Arashiyama is busy during the day but becomes much quieter once most visitors return to central Kyoto.
Staying overnight lets you visit the bamboo grove early in the morning and enjoy the riverside at a slower pace.
For most travellers, Arashiyama works best as a one-night stay, not as the only base for an entire Kyoto trip.
Why stay here?
- Beautiful natural surroundings.
- Peaceful mornings and evenings.
- Good selection of ryokans.
- Excellent for couples and special occasions.
Possible downside
It is far from Gion, Kiyomizu-dera and many attractions in eastern Kyoto.
Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel
A high-end riverside hotel combining luxury service with traditional Japanese design.
Best for: honeymoons and special occasions
Price category: luxury
Check prices for Suiran Kyoto on Agoda
Togetsutei
A traditional ryokan near Togetsukyo Bridge offering Japanese-style rooms, seasonal meals and bathing facilities.
Best for: traditional ryokan stays
Price category: upper mid-range to luxury
Check more Arashiyama hotels on Agoda
5. Central Kyoto and Nijo: Best for a Quieter Stay
Central Kyoto around Nijo Castle, Karasuma Oike and the Imperial Palace is a good alternative to the busier tourist areas.
It feels more residential, offers useful subway connections and can provide better value or larger rooms.
Ace Hotel Kyoto
A contemporary design hotel near Karasuma Oike Station, with restaurants, social spaces and references to Kyoto craftsmanship.
Best for: creatives and design-conscious travellers
Price category: upper mid-range
Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo
A boutique property inside renovated traditional buildings near Nijo Castle.
Best for: couples and machiya-style stays
Price category: luxury
Should You Stay in Kurama or Ohara?
Kurama and Ohara are located in the mountainous northern part of Kyoto.
They are ideal for travellers looking for forest scenery, temples, traditional meals and a slower pace. However, they are not convenient bases for a typical first visit to Kyoto.
Consider them for a one-night retreat before or after staying in central Kyoto.
Possible options include:
- Kurama Onsen for a mountain hot-spring experience.
- Oharasansou for traditional accommodation in Ohara.
- Ohara no Sato for a more rustic countryside stay.
Always check current transport arrangements and operating conditions before booking.
Hotel or Ryokan: Which Is Better?
A hotel is usually the better choice for flexibility and convenience.
A ryokan is a more structured cultural experience that may include tatami rooms, futon bedding, communal baths and seasonal meals.
Choose a hotel when:
- You want flexible meal times.
- You prefer Western beds.
- You are staying several nights.
- You have large luggage.
- You plan to stay out until late.
Choose a ryokan when:
- You want traditional Japanese hospitality.
- You are interested in a kaiseki dinner.
- You are comfortable with futon bedding.
- You are celebrating a special occasion.
- You can follow fixed check-in and dining times.
For many travellers, the best solution is to spend most nights in a central hotel and add one night in a ryokan.
How Many Nights Should You Stay in Kyoto?
For a first trip, I recommend spending at least three or four nights in Kyoto.
- Three nights: choose one central hotel.
- Four nights: enough for the main districts at a comfortable pace.
- Five nights: consider adding one night in Arashiyama or a ryokan.
- Six nights or more: suitable for day trips and slower exploration.
Avoid changing hotels simply to move between Downtown Kyoto and Gion. They are close enough that relocating is usually unnecessary.
What to Check Before Booking
Distance from public transport
Check the walking route from the nearest railway or subway station, not only the distance shown on the map.
Room size
Hotel rooms in Japan can be compact. Check the floor area if you are travelling with several suitcases.
Meal plan
Ryokan rates may include no meals, breakfast only or both dinner and breakfast.
Check-in deadline
Traditional inns often require guests to arrive before dinner service begins.
Private or communal bath
Do not assume every ryokan room has a private bathroom or private onsen.
Tattoo policy
Bathing rules vary between properties. Contact the accommodation directly when access to the bath is important to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Kyoto for first-time visitors?
Downtown Kyoto around Kawaramachi, Sanjo and Shijo is the best overall area for most first-time visitors.
Is it better to stay near Kyoto Station or in Gion?
Choose Kyoto Station for day trips and convenient transport. Choose Gion for traditional atmosphere and historic streets.
Is Kyoto Station a good place to stay?
Yes. It is particularly convenient for short stays, families with luggage and travellers planning several train journeys.
Should I stay in Arashiyama?
Arashiyama is ideal for one relaxing or romantic night. It is less practical as your only base in Kyoto.
Are ryokans in Kyoto expensive?
They can be more expensive because rates may include traditional meals and personal service. Always compare the meal plans included.
How far in advance should I book?
Book several months ahead for cherry blossom season, autumn foliage and Japanese public holidays.
My Final Recommendation
For most first-time visitors, the best place to stay is Downtown Kyoto near Kawaramachi, Sanjo or Shijo.
It offers the best balance of restaurants, transport and walking access to Gion.
Choose Gion or Southern Higashiyama if traditional atmosphere is your priority. Choose Kyoto Station if your itinerary includes several day trips or early train departures.
For a special experience, add one night in Arashiyama, Kurama or Ohara, but keep most of your stay in a more central area.
Need help planning your Kyoto itinerary?
Kyoto’s attractions often appear close together on a map but can require long bus journeys, transfers and considerable walking.
My custom Japan travel planning service can help you choose the right area, organise realistic sightseeing days and connect Kyoto efficiently with the rest of your trip.
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