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The Best Hotels, Hostels, & Ryokans In Kyoto

An objective list of the best accomodation in Kyoto based on user reviews


A summer sunset along the river in central Kyoto. Image Copyright: @Ollie_Ronin


Introduction

Good news! This is not a generic blog article with a top ten list, instead of giving you some subjective opinion, full of sponsored content and google ads, this article intends to be something more useful. So what's a good objective measurement for finding the best accomodation in Kyoto? Customer reviews on Google Maps ;)


There is no shortage of accomodation options in Kyoto - hotels, hostels, guesthouses, ryokans, and they all offer something different at different prices.


This list includes all hotel categories and all budgets, the only filter I've personally applied is the exclusion of inconvenient locations, so these places are all located around the central area, close to popular attractions, and within walking distance to train stations. Other attractive areas such as Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, and the Golden Temple are well worth visiting but they have been excluded from this list because their locations are less convenient compared to the central area, Gion, and the Higashiyama district.


Our listing for each place has a summary including the:

  • Description

  • Review Score

  • Average Price

  • Pro's & Con's

  • Type of Traveller

  • Location


The List

(Sorted by price)

  1. Kyoto Morris Hostel

  2. Piece Hostel Kyoto & Sanjo

  3. Tsukimi Hotel Kyoto

  4. Sakura Cross Hotel

  5. Four Sister Residence

  6. The Celestine

  7. Mimaru Apartment Hotel

  8. Hiiragiya Kyoto

  9. Kyokoyado Yutone

  10. Shiraume Kyoto

  11. The Ritz-Carlton

  12. The Park Hyatt Kyoto


 



1. The Kyoto Morris Hostel

The best hostel in Kyoto, the Kyoto Morris Hostel

The highest rated and most popular accomodation in Kyoto is not a guesthouse, ryokan, or a luxury hotel, it is in fact a classy yet humble hostel. Browse through the Google reviews and you will constantly see people say "the best hostel I've ever stayed in". This hostel offers both dormitory and private rooms, with a shared lounge, kitchen, and terrace. It's located near the Gion district and with easy access to many of Kyoto's popular attractions. A big bonus is the free bike rental! Riding a bike in Kyoto is the perfect way to explore the city.

  • Average Price: $20 - $60 per night

  • Review Score: 4.9 ★ (398 reviews)

  • Pros: Affordable, clean, friendly staff

  • Cons: Shared facilities may be inconvenient for some, limited privacy

  • Best for: Budget travellers, backpackers, solo travellers

  • Location: Near Nishiki Market, the Imperial Palace, and the Kamogawa river, with easy access to popular attractions.

  • View on Google Maps.

Lowest prices with Bookings.com, check availability now!


 

2. The Piece Hostel - Sanjo & Kyoto Station

These two hostels are both ranked in the top ten for google reviews, one is located at Kyoto Station, and the other is located near Sanjo Station. Both are convenient locations, although Sanjo is better in terms of walking distance to attractions. Capsule style dorms and private rooms are available, with shared facilities, and free breakfast.

  • Average Price: $20 - $50 per night

  • Review Score: Kyoto Station - 4.7 ★ (980 reviews)

  • Review Score: Sanjo Station - 4.6 ★ (1,137 reviews)

  • Pros: Affordable, modern design, friendly staff

  • Cons: Shared facilities may be inconvenient for some, limited privacy

  • Best For: Budget travellers, backpackers, solo travellers

  • Location For Kyoto Station: Easy train access to all popular attractions and the Shinkansen.

  • Location For Sanjo Station: Near Nishiki Market, the Kiyamachi nightlife district, and the Gion district, along with easy access to popular attractions.

Lowest prices with Bookings.com, check availability now!


 

3. The Tsukimi Capsule Hotel


The Tsukimi Hotel is an artistically designed capsule hotel with modern and stylish architecture. It's located perfectly in the Higashiyama district within walking distance to Gion, Kiyomizudera, and the Yasaka Shrine.

  • Average Price: $40 - $80 per night

  • Review Score: 4.8 ★ (201 reviews)

  • Pros: Modern artistic architecture, private capsule rooms, close to Kiyomizudera Temple

  • Cons: Shared facilities

  • Best for: Solo travellers seeking a modern Japanese-style experience

  • Location: Near Kiyomizudera Temple, Gion, and the Yasaka Shrine, with easy access to popular attractions.

  • View on Google Maps.

Lowest prices with Bookings.com, check availability now!


 

4. The Sakura Cross Hotel - Kiyomizudera


This affordable hotel offers modern Japanese-style rooms in an amazing location for a very reasonable price. Its popularity and positive reviews are mainly due to its low price and prime location - perfect for walking to Kiyomizudera Temple or exploring the geisha streets in Gion.

  • Average Price: $80 - $150 per night

  • Review Score: 4.9 ★ (222 reviews)

  • Pros: Japanese-style rooms, beautiful garden views, close to Kiyomizudera Temple

  • Cons: Value-based price point means limited amenities

  • Best for: Couples & travellers seeking a modern Japanese-style experience

  • Location: Near Kiyomizudera Temple, Gion, and the Kamogawa river, with easy access to popular attractions.

  • View on Google Maps.

Lowest prices with Bookings.com, check availability now!


 

5. Kyoto Four Sisters Residence


This apartment hotel offers modern Japanese-style apartments ideal for families or longer term stays. The modern apartments are stylish and full equiped.

  • Average Price: $150 - $200 per night

  • Review Score: 4.8 ★ (175 reviews)

  • Pros: Modern facilities, close to Nijo Castle

  • Cons: Over 20 mins walking to other popular attractions

  • Best for: Couples & families seeking a complete and modern apartment

  • Location: Near Nijo Castle, short taxi required for other popular attractions.

  • View on Google Maps.

Lowest prices with Bookings.com, check availability now!


 

6. The Celestine Gion


The Celestine Hotel is located in the beautiful Higashiyama district and has all the expected amenities of a 4 star hotel. The design has a noticeable asian vibe along with a modern aesthetic.

  • Average Price: $250 - $600 per night

  • Review Score: 4.5 ★ (767 reviews)

  • Pros: Traditional and modern experience, incredible location

  • Cons: Pricey, the asian style is not desirable for some

  • Best for: Travellers not concerned about price, seeking a modern asian experience, with an amazing location

  • Location: In Higashiyama with walking distance to the Geisha streets of Gion, Kiyomizudera, and the Yasaka Shrine, plus easy access to popular attractions.

  • View on Google Maps.

Lowest prices with Bookings.com, check availability now!


 

7. The Mimaru Apartment Hotel Sanjo


This classy apartment hotel offers luxurious modern Japanese-style apartments, ideal for families or couples wanting extra space. The modern apartments are stylish and full equiped.

  • Average Price: $300 - $500 per night

  • Review Score: 4.7 ★ (303 reviews)

  • Pros: Luxurious modern facilities

  • Cons: Pricey, a taxi required for other attractions

  • Best for: Couples & families seeking a luxurious modern apartment

  • Location: Near Nijo Castle and Nishiki Market, a short taxi required for other popular attractions.

  • View on Google Maps.

Lowest prices with Bookings.com, check availability now!


 

8. The Hiiragiya Hotel


This is a very traditional Japanese boutique hotel with a nice and convenient location.

  • Average Price: $300 - $500 per night

  • Review Score: 4.7 ★ (283 reviews)

  • Pros: Traditional Japanese experience

  • Cons: Pricey, the traditional food is not well suited for many foreign visitors

  • Best for: Travellers not concerned about price and seeking a traditional Japanese experience

  • Location: Near Sanjo Station and the Nishiki Market, walking distance for other popular attractions.

  • View on Google Maps.

Lowest prices with Bookings.com, check availability now!


 

9. Shiraume Ryokan


A beautiful traditional ryokan offering Japanese-style rooms, with an incredible location along the river in a historically preserved street in Gion.

  • Average Price: $400 - $500 per night

  • Review Score: 4.7 ★ (146 reviews)

  • Pros: Traditional Japanese experience, incredible location

  • Cons: Pricey, the traditional style is not desirable for some

  • Best for: Travellers not concerned about price, seeking a traditional Japanese experience, with the absolute best location

  • Location: Along the river in Gion, walking distance to Yasaka Shrine, Kiyomizudera, and the Nishiki Market, plus easy access to popular attractions

  • View on Google Maps.

Lowest prices with Bookings.com, check availability now!


 

10. Kyokoyado Muromachi Yutone


A classy traditional ryokan offering Japanese-style rooms with cypress wood baths. One of the highest rated ryokan's in Kyoto.

  • Average Price: $400 - $600 per night

  • Review Score: 4.9 ★ (91 reviews)

  • Pros: Traditional Japanese experience

  • Cons: Pricey, the traditional food is not well suited for many foreign visitors

  • Best for: Travellers not concerned about price and seeking a traditional Japanese experience

  • Location: Between Nishiki Market and Kyoto Station, walking distance for other popular attractions.

  • View on Google Maps.

Lowest prices with Bookings.com, check availability now!


 

11. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto


The 5 star Ritz-Carlton offers stunning rooms with lovely views over the Kamogawa river. The hotel blends western luxury with Japanese style and modern design.

  • Average Price: $2000 per night

  • Review Score: 4.5 ★ (1,819 reviews)

  • Pros: Luxurious modern hotel, peaceful location on the river

  • Cons: Pricey, taxi required for popular attractions

  • Best for: Travellers not concerned about price, seeking a modern luxury hotel

  • Location: In Higashiyama with walking distance to the Geisha streets of Gion, Kiyomizudera, and the Yasaka Shrine, plus easy access to popular attractions.

  • View on Google Maps.

Lowest prices with Bookings.com, check availability now!


 

12. The Park Hyatt Kyoto


The Park Hyatt is possibly the most unique luxury hotel in Kyoto. Construction took 3 years to complete and was finally launched in 2019. The high attention to detail was a mandatory requirement due it's the location - perfectly situated among the historically persevered streets in Higashiyama. The result is a 5 star luxury hotel with incredible views, stunning design, and the ultimate blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design and technology.

  • Average Price: $2500 per night

  • Review Score: 4.5 ★ (253 reviews)

  • Pros: Unbeatable design, amazing location, Michelin star restaurants

  • Cons: Pricey

  • Best for: Travellers seeking the best luxury hotel in Kyoto

  • Location: In Higashiyama within walking distance to the Geisha streets of Gion, Kiyomizudera, and Kodai-ji Temple, plus easy access to popular attractions.

  • View on Google Maps.

Lowest prices with Bookings.com, check availability now!



 

Summary

So there you have it, the top rated accomodation in central Kyoto based on Google reviews in 2023. I'll update this list each year to reflect any changes. It will be interesting to see how google reviews compare to actual booking websites, I might do another article to compare them in the future.

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