An expert analysis based on customer reviews and knowledge of Kyoto
The Park Hyatt in Kyoto
Introduction
Let's face it, finding the right hotel can be a very time-consuming process, especially when you're paying extra for a luxurious experience. How do you know which location to choose? How can you be sure it will be worth the price? And how can you trust the recommendations on other websites? We aim to solve all these problems for you while saving you time, ensuring you have the absolute best experience during your holiday.
Our Expertise
After working as a tour guide in Kyoto for 3 years I decided to compile this list based on my expert knowledge of this incredible city. On top of this knowledge, I've analyzed thousands of customer reviews on Google to determine an accurate list of the best 5-star luxury hotels in Kyoto. Luxury hotels come with a high price tag, but as you know, time is more valuable than money. Unlike other websites, this is not a generic article with a top ten list, instead of providing a subjective opinion full of sponsored content and Google Ads, this article gives you measurable data and metrics.
The only filters I've personally applied are:
- a minimum average review rating of 4.5 stars
- a minimum of 100 reviews
- a minimum class rating of 5 stars
- the location must be convenient for sightseeing
Our listing for each place has a convenient summary including the:
Description
Highlights
Average Price
Review Score
Review Example
The 6 Best Luxury Hotels In Kyoto
(Sorted by rating & number of reviews)
Honourable Mentions
1. Luxury Hotel Sowaka
The Luxury Hotel Sowaka is one of the most unique luxury hotels in Japan, it provides an unmatched traditional experience perfectly blended with the high standards of modern luxury. Often talked about as the best luxury ryokan in Kyoto, it's located in the historically preserved Higashiyama district and specializes in blending Japanese aesthetics with high-end comfort.
• Highlights:
─ Luxurious rooms featuring traditional tatami flooring and modern amenities
─ Michelin-starred chefs at Gion Loka serve up modern Japanese cuisine
─  The hotel includes an exquisite courtyard with a thoughtfully designed Zen garden, Koi fish, and the soothing sounds of trickling water.
• Price Range: $1000 - $2000 per night
• Location: Higashiyama
• Google Review Score: 4.7 ★ (180+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"A hidden gem luxury boutique hotel in Kyoto, a short walk away from the hustle and bustle of tourist spots, one can chill and relax away in this peaceful environment. Tastefully designed with a Zen element. The room was spacious, traditional but with all the modern amenities available."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
Well-known among the top luxury hotels in the world, the Ritz-Carlton sits on the banks of the Kamogawa River featuring breathtaking views of the Higashiyama mountains. The location provides some peace from the busy tourist attractions while also staying within walking distance to make everything feel convenient.
• Highlights:
─ Rooms and suites offering stunning views of the river and mountains
─ Award-winning spa and wellness centre
─ Michelin-starred restaurants including Tempura Mizuki and La Locanda
• Price Range: $1500 - $2700 per night
• Location: Downtown
• Review Score: 4.6 ★ (2200+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"The best hotel that we stayed at in Japan! It’s situated right beside the river, the location is great, it’s a short walk or taxi to most attractions in Kyoto. The hotel is beautiful and has some top class restaurants. Rooms are spacious and the staff are extremely friendly. Everyone spoke English very well."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
3. The Mitsui Luxury Collection
The Mitsui Luxury Collection is situated next to Nijo Castle and has a strong emphasis on the elegance of traditional Japanese aesthetics. They pride themselves in connecting their guests with the natural beauty of Japan, its rich history, and its charming culture. Their dedication to the happiness of each guest is a unique experience that will make you never want to leave.
• Highlights:
─  Stunning private onsens and thermal springs with water sourced 1000m underground
─  Located right next to the UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle
─  French, Italian, and Japanese cuisine served up by Michelin-stared chefs
• Price Range: $1300 - $3000 per night
• Location: Nijo Castle
• Review Score: 4.6 ★ (600+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"One of the best luxury hotels in Kyoto. Atmosphere is excellent and compliments Kyoto very well. Reception, garden, restaurants, rooms, spa and onsen work and flow harmoniously together. Everything feels tailor made especially for you. Feels like a hidden peice of Japan inside Kyoto. The staff are excellent and very friendly. The central garden is breathtaking. The restaurants on site are excellent as well. The onsen was incredible."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
4. The Hotel Seiryu Kiyomizu
The Seiryu Hotel is located in the historically preserved streets of Higashiyama, right next to the famous Kiyomizudera temple. It's a stunning and remarkable hotel in one of the best locations in Kyoto, with views over Kyoto's traditional architecture and the 5-story Yasaka Pagoda.
• Highlights:
─  Right next to Kiyomizudera and Kodaiji temple
─  The building was originally an elementary school, all the classrooms have been converted into hotel rooms, giving a unique sense of architectural history
─  The K36 rooftop bar gives stunning views of the historical area while serving up incredible cocktails
• Price Range: $600 - $1400 per night
• Location: Higashiyama
• Review Score: 4.6 ★ (350+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"I wish I could give this hotel 10 stars. During our trip we stayed in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka and this was the best hotel we stayed at by far. The service was amazing, the rooms were beautiful, the food was delicious, and the location was perfect."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
5. The Park Hyatt Kyoto
The Park Hyatt is one of the most opulent luxury hotels in Kyoto. Construction took 3 years to complete and was finally opened in 2019. The high attention to detail was a mandatory requirement due to the location - perfectly situated among the historically preserved streets in Higashiyama. The result is a 5-star luxury hotel with incredible views, stunning design, and within walking distance to UNESCO-listed temples. It's easy to see why the Park Hyatt is often claimed to be the best luxury hotel in Kyoto.
• Highlights:
─  Within walking distance to the famous Kiyomizudera, Kodaiji, and Chion-in temples
─  5 restaurants with Michelin-starred chefs and award-winning cuisine
─  Incredible architecture and stunning facilities
• Price Range: $1700 - $2200 per night
• Location: Higashiyama
• Review Score: 4.5 ★ (450+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Prime location among the tourist attractions. Walking distance to all popular spots. A 10/10 experience that I’ll never forget. My stay here made Park Hyatt my favorite hotel in the world, and Kyoto my favorite city in Japan. From the point you arrive, you will be meticulously taken care of. The 2 restaurants within the hotel, Yasaka and Kyoyamato, were beyond amazing - the food, service and atmosphere were top notch and the best I’ve ever had."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
6. The Marufukuro
Marufukuro is a gorgeous boutique hotel housed in the former headquarters of Nintendo. This unique concept offers a glimpse into the company's nostalgic past, with restored architecture, vintage furnishings, and a museum lounge dedicated to Nintendo's history.
• Highlights:
─  Unique luxurious vibe with the history of Nintendo
─  Contemporary Japanese cuisine at the hotel's restaurant, Carta, with a menu that changes seasonally to reflect the flavours of the Kyoto region
─  Located in a quiet neighbourhood within walking distance to central Kyoto
• Price Range: $400 - $1000 per night
• Location: Between Kyoto Station & Gion
• Review Score: 4.7 ★ (170+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Phenomenal boutique hotel. Really cool atmosphere with amazing service. The history of the old Nintendo office can definitely be felt and the Nintendo themed lounge museum with the self-service bar are a really nice touch. The included breakfast was also delicious."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
Honourable Mentions
These three hotels make our list due to their highly sought-after popularity.
They fall just below our ideal requirement for a minimum average review of 4.5 stars, but they make up for it with their own unique charm, features, and highlights.
1. The Four Seasons
The Four Seasons in Kyoto is one of the classiest hotels in Japan, the property has been built around an 800-year-old garden in a quiet corner of Kyoto, nearby famous attractions such as Kiyomizudera. The service and standards at the Four Seasons are world-renowned, and when combined with that famous Japanese hospitality, it offers up an experience like no other.
• Highlights:
─  Features an incredible 800-year-old garden exclusively for hotel guests
─  World-renowned for excellent service and high standards of luxury
─  6 exquisite venues offering Michelin-starred cuisine
• Price Range: $1500 - $5000 per night
• Location: Between Kyoto Station & Higashiyama
• Review Score: 4.4 ★ (1500+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"An absolutely wonderful place to stay in Kyoto. They provide first rate service from start to finish, with great attention to detail. The concierge was able to book us amazing restaurants around Kyoto. The rooms are gorgeous, the exclusive garden is stunning, and the amenities, including the indoor pool and spa, were spectacular."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2. The Suiran Luxury Collection
The Suiran Luxury Hotel in Arashiyama offers an incredible experience immersed in the natural environment of Japan. Arashiyama is a district in western Kyoto most famous for its bamboo forest, stunning nature, and UNESCO-listed temples. The Suiran Hotel is at the center of this incredible location, providing a truly special experience. Many people consider this to be the best hotel in Arashiyama, and one of the best luxury hotels in Kyoto.
• Highlights:
─  A beautiful cafe overlooking the river
─  French-inspired Japanese cuisine in a 100-year-old traditional restaurant
─  Right on the river in the heart of Arashiyama, within walking distance to the famous bamboo forest
• Price Range: $900 - $1500 per night
• Location: Arashiyama
• Review Score: 4.3 ★ (600+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"The Suiran is perfectly located right on the river, it's easy to walk to all of the tourist spots nearby. The hotel itself is really lovely and all of the staff are so nice and accommodating. We had teppanyaki the first night which was delicious and the second night we ate at the main restaurant, both were flawless. Everything from check in to check out was seamless."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
3. The Hyatt Regency
The Hyatt Regency is located on the quiet side of Higashiyama, between the famous Kiyomizudera temple and Fushimi-Inari shrine. It's an escape from the busy streets, popular temples, and famous shines, yet close enough to still feel convenient. Taxis are always available for you at the lobby, and the quiet location is a nice break after a full day of sightseeing.
• Highlights:
─  The famous Hyatt luxury with a much lighter price tag
─  Only 5-10 minutes by taxi to the famous Kiyomizudera temple and Fushimi-Inari shrine
─  The Rikuku Spa offering a wide range of Eastern and Western treatments
• Price Range: $300 - $800 per night
• Location: Between Kyoto Station & Higashiyama
• Review Score: 4.3 ★ (1900+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"The service and professionalism are top notch. Breakfast is the main highlight, amazing Western buffet with Japanese set menu. Rooms are modern and clean. Very comfortable beds with ample space in the rooms. Complementary taxi to the hotel from Kyoto Station. And lastly but very importantly, the concierge service is world class! Such a memorable and world class experience here."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
Summary
So that's it! The best luxury hotels in Kyoto based on Google reviews. My personal favorite is the Park Hyatt, this property is truly phenomenal, with incredible restaurants, amazing architecture, and an awesome location right in the middle of stunning temples and the historically preserved streets of Higashiyama.