Where to Stay in Kyoto, Japan
Budget to Luxury

May 20, 2025
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Kyoto is known for its rich history and culture. It is one of my favourite cities in Japan with so many things to do. In this article, we will deep-dive into best areas for your Kyoto stay, top hotels and hostels as well as how to get around the city.

When visiting Kyoto, you will likely get up at 6am at least once during your stay. It is the only way to beat the crowds and get empty shots of Kyoto famous areas such as Fushimi Inari Shrine, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. Staying close to these attractions is crucial to get that extra half hour of sleep and ensure you are one of the first there.

I have collected all my favourite hostels and hotels in the top areas of Kyoto and there is something for every budget. All of the recommended options also have excellent reviews across booking, Google and more, so that you can have the best trip possible!

Table of Contents

Where to stay in Kyoto, Japan for any traveller:

Kyoto’s attractions are a little bit spread out, however the city has a good public transport system consisting of buses and trains. The best areas to stay in to be close to some of the highlights are Kyoto Station, Gion, Downtown and Northern Higashiyama. Accommodation in Kyoto is fairly affordable when booked early and not during peak times – expect prices to at least double during e.g. cherry blossom season.

Affordable hostels in Kyoto

Piece Hostel Kyoto – Lovely dorm rooms with big beds and curtains. Location is super central, right by Kyoto station.

Woman Only Guesthouse Nanohana – This one is for my fellow solo, female travellers. The location is unbeatable and even private rooms are really affordable.

Ryokan Hostel Gion – Really nice dorms with lots of privacy in the dorm beds and located right in the heart of Gion so perfect for sightseeing.

The Millennials Kyoto – Located right in downtown Kyoto, this hotel has high-end pods that allow for ultimate privacy and comfort.

Guest House Oumi – Very clean, traditional guesthouse with a fairly central location. You have to be out of the house from 12-5pm for cleaning, which is the only downside.

FIRSTCABIN Kyoto Nijojo – lovely capsule style hostel, which I always love in Japan. Location is great for some of the top attractions.

Hotels at different price points in Kyoto:

$ HOTEL RINGS KYOTO – Super lovely and affordable hotel right in downtown Kyoto. Rooms are nice and very spacious for Japan!

$ Wanosato Kyoto Musee – Incredible prices for the location (Gion) and beautiful rooms. Breakfast is included.

$ Tabist GROOVE KYOTO OKOSHIYASU – Located close to Kyoto station, this hotel offers big rooms and great service.

$$ Miru Kyoto Nishiki – One of the best reviewed places in Kyoto, Miru has beautiful rooms and lovely staff right in the heart of downtown.

$$ Yadoya Kikokuso – Traditional Japanese ryokan with beautiful Japanese-style rooms and super close to some of the main attractions.

$$ KYOTO Bukkouji Shinmachi – Right in the heart of downtown, this hotel has lovely, modern rooms at fair prices.

$$$ Ishibekoji MUAN – If you are looking for a place where tradition meets luxury, this is it. Everything is laid out for the perfect stay, down to the smallest details.

$$$ Higashiyama Shikikaboku – With the ideal location for sightseeing and a stunningly beautiful exterior and interior, this hotel is one of the best!

$$$ The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu – You can’t get closer to Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka than this hotel. It is one of the leading hotels worldwide and for good reason.

How to get to Kyoto?

There are actually no airports directly in Kyoto, the closest are in its neighbouring city Osaka – Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport.

Itami Airport is only for domestic flights so if you come from say Tokyo or other areas in Japan. From your airport in Osaka, you can then get to Kyoto via train, bus or private shuttle.

Train: Kansai Airport Express from $13.35 (fastest way) or head into Osaka (all the info about getting from Osaka airports to the city centre here) and get the local train for $3-4

Bus: Airport Limousine Bus for around $20

Private Shuttle: Book here – from $150

How to get around Kyoto by public transport:

Kyoto has a great public transport network consisting of buses, subway and trains. You can either buy single trip tickets at the ticket machines each time or use an IC card. An IC card is a prepaid card that you can use for transportation or even the convenience stores, lockers and many more things around Japan. In Kyoto, the IC card is called ICOCA but you can also use Tokyo’s Suica card.

I found using Google Maps to get around Kyoto accurate and also easiest.

How many days do you need in Kyoto?

I know that Japan trips are often on a fairly tight schedule, but I would highly recommend at least three days in Kyoto to see the main attractions. If you have more time, you can venture off the main attractions a little bit and discover a more authentic side of Kyoto.