Where to Stay

Kyoto offers a wide and diverse range of accommodations for its nearly 40 million visitors per year that come from Japan and around the world. From the luxurious Kyoto Hotel Okura (pictured right) to humble guesthouses, like Greenpeace Inn, the city has lodgings to suit all budgets and tastes. Moreover, Kyoto, perhaps more than any other city in Japan, offers visitors the chance to experience a stay in a traditional ryokan, or Japanese inn, and sample the famed hospitality and often-times fine food at this uniquely Japanese style of accommodation. One good example is Hiiragi-ya, within 15 minutes of the city center.

Shimogyo-ku

Shimogyu-ku offers plenty of hotel options that are at the top of the price range, with single room rates exceeding JPY18,000. These deluxe international class hotels offer the highest standards of service and guest facilities. The new Hotel Granvia in Kyoto's striking new railway station and the nearby Rihga Royal Hotel, as well as the classy Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto are some of the city's most renowned hotels. All of these establishments are also located conveniently close to subway links, giving easy access to the city.

But not to worry, Shimogyo-ku also has plenty of more affordable options for those who want to stay in this centrally located ward at a lower price. Among these are functional business hotels, such as the Hotel Hokke Club Kyoto, as well as a traditional stay at a family-owned Japanese ryokan, where the facilities will be more basic, with plain but clean tatami mat rooms, no meals, and often a communal bath. Since many of these ryokans are usually family-owned, however, you can expect a friendly and homely atmosphere. Try Ryokan Riverside Takase or Ryokan Hinomoto.

Nakagyo-ku

Many fine first-class international standard hotels in the JPY12,000-18,000 bracket are spread throughout the wards of central Kyoto, and Nakagyo-ku is no exception for those who want high class and are willing to pay a high price.  The ANA Hotel Kyoto near Nijo Castle is a great option, but for something really special, try Kinmata, a traditional Edo-period inn that has been in business since 1801, and offers such amenities as in-room cuisine, antique decor and beautiful gardens that will be sure to make your stay feel as authentically Japanese as possible.

In the moderate bracket (JPY8,000-12,000), Nakagyo-ku also has some distinctive and well-established places to stay that also have lots of individual character. These include the historic Hotel Fujita Kyoto with its great views, famed bar and old-world charm, the Hotel Gimmond, reminiscent of Europe, and the pleasant Hotel Pastel Kyoto in the city center.

In the budget category, with prices for a single room costing up to JPY8,000, Nakagyo-ku provides the traveler with a variety of options, including the Co-op Inn Kyoto, a low-cost option popular with academics visiting Kyoto University. 

Higashiyama-ku

Located on the East side of central Kyoto, Higashiyama-ku is the place to stay for those who want to be nearby the popular nightlife of the Gion district, while also having access to the less metropolitan side of Kyoto. On the high-end, the delightful Westin Miyako Hotel Kyoto, located in a tranquil wooded area in the eastern hills, offers five-star luxury with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.  But if you want to stay in the heart of the Gion district, check-in to Ryokan Yoshima, a ryokan that has it all: location, relaxation and luxury. It would be impossible to describe this traditional ryokan as anything but wonderful.

Of course, paying top dollar to stay in Higashiyama-ku is going to result in world-class style and comfort, but that doesn't mean great accommodations in this ward have to come at a high price.  The Kanakiya Bed & Breakfast, for example, offers simple decor with the feel of traditional Japanese house life. Also in this category are the Ryokan Ohto and Hotel Iroha.  A number of women-only hotels are also available at low prices, including Hotel Chorakukan and the Lady's Inn Sakata.

Sakyo-ku

Home of the famous and stunning Shinkaku-ji (Golden Pavillion), Sakyo-ku doesn't have the same density of attractions as Kyoto's central wards, but there are still plenty of hotels and other accommodations for travelers of all types. The lakeside Grand Prince Hotel situated in a peaceful, almost rural northern section of town, with its magnificent views of Mt. Hiei, is the perfect option for those who have the money to spend.  Heihachi Tea House Inn, located on the Takano River and dating back to the 17th Century, is an equally beautiful option for those looking for upscale ryokan accommodations.  Also in the deluxe bracket, at Kinmata, now celebrating 200 years of business, the visitor can expect impeccable food and service, tranquil gardens, and historic buildings, which house precious antiques and works of art, as well as guest lists displaying the names of the rich and famous.

For those who don't have the budget for high-class luxury but still want comfort and convenience, Greenpeace Inn offers a cheaper stay and a location close to Matsugasaki Station. Alternatively, the Kyoto Traveler's Inn is close to both the city center and the famous Heian Shrine. And if you what you insist on is an authentically Japanese stay, have no fear, Ryokan Rakucho offers ryokan accommodations close to both the Kamo River and Kyoto Botanical Gardens.