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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
