With its temples, shrines heritage sites and traditional architecture, Kyoto is a must-see stopover for any trip to Japan. Kyoto holds the distinction of being the best-preserved historical city in Nippon. It's often ranked higher than other Japanese cities like Osaka and even Tokyo, the capital of Japan, for tourist enjoyment.
Kyoto is one of the only cities you’ll be able to experience a traditional shrine, a geisha tea ceremony and the best of world heritage all in one day. That alone should send you scurrying to make travel arrangements. Naturally, figuring out where you'll lay your head while there should be a top concern.
Kyoto is full of great locations to stay where you can experience local life. This article directs you to different, and many times artistic accommodation in Kyoto, Japan. Superprof now invites you to discover some of the best locations in Kyoto according to your budget and travel needs as well as your tourist preferences.
The Best Area to Stay in Kyoto
You have plenty of districts to stay in Kyoto where you can spend a couple of days touring the best of what the Kyoto prefecture has to offer. But first, you have to get there. The city is easily accessible by the Shinkansen, Kintetsu and Hankyu bullet trains. Should you prefer to fly, the major airports in the area - Kansai International Airport, Narita Airport and Osaka Itami International all serve Kyoto.
Getting around the city is easy thanks to public transportation so you should have no trouble reaching your accommodation. You might consider booking a room based on location. Some of the qualities you may be interested in are nearness to world heritage sites, price and availability.
Gion is one of the most frequented districts in Kyoto. Known for geiko (geisha) dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos, this district is home to several UNESCO sites. You'll find Shinto shrines and the Kiyomizu Temple, as well as streets that have preserved Shinto culture, the Meiji, Edo, Kofun period and more. Among the Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, you’ll discover Kyoto’s ancient past and sample traditional Japanese food.
If you’re a history buff or want a “traditional” experience, staying in Gion would be worth your while. But you might think historical centres are a bit boring and would rather experience modern downtown Kyoto. In that case, you should stay in the centre of Kyoto next to the Karasuma metro station or Kyoto Tower. It’s a great location if you’re looking for shopping or a fun night out.
Where to Stay in Kyoto Besides Gion
An accommodation near Kyoto Station is great if you have a calendar full of things to do across the city. You may even want to take advantage of the Japan rail or your Japan Rail Pass, also called JR pass. You can use your rail pass to discover the JR West line or take a few day trips. From that aspect, Kyoto is a great starting location for seeing some of Japan’s greatest cities: Himeji, Hiroshima, Hakino, Hokkaido and more.
But you want to explore Kyoto, right? That's the reason you came here, after all. You're in luck: the Arashiyama District, in the West of Kyoto, is another great location to room in. This district is best for those who have the most time in the city or for return visitors.
Arashiyama gives you access to the famous Bamboo Forest and picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge. However, if you’re looking for a location even further from the downtown bustle, consider lodging in the South district. Located next to beautiful mountains, you’ll be within walking distance of the Fushimi Inari Taisha, or Fushimi Inari shrine, dedicated to the god Inari.
Starting from the Taisha, the head shrine at Fushimi Inari, you can hike up the mountain for a breathtaking view. Heading east - higashi, in Japanese, you’ll come to a traditional pagoda, a Heian period shrine and a UNESCO World Heritage monument all in one day. While rooms in this area are few, accessing this location is easy by public transport. You can find the best hostel or hotel Kyoto has to offer and still only be half an hour away from this historic district.
If you want the ultimate in connectivity, look for a room downtown, in the City Centre. This district extends from the Kyoto Station to Gion. You’ll be able to experience many of the different tourist activities and still stick to your budget.
Some of the highlights to visit while staying in City Centre include Nijo Castle, one of the 17 Historical Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. You may then prowl Nishiki Market to find anything from iconic foods to last-minute souvenirs. As long as you're close by, don't forget to tour the Kyoto Imperial Palace. You'll need to know the best seasons to visit these attractions so be sure to take a seasonal guide to the ancient city with you.
The Northern district is a Buddhist temple lover's dream. It's the best area to stay in Kyoto for fans of Japan travel who are ready to experience more UNESCO World Heritage sites. There, you'll find, Zen temples and gardens - Kankuji, or Kinkaku, Kitano and more. These are the perfect destinations if you have rooms in that area.
Where to Stay in Kyoto on a Budget
Experiencing Japanese culture isn’t just buying souvenirs for friends and family or visiting Mount Fuji. It’s also spending a night on a tatami - a woven mat Japanese people typically sleep on, and sampling traditional Japanese foods.
Whether you’re visiting for cherry blossom season or you have an overnight layover from Kansai airport, staying in a hostel is a popular choice, especially in Gion. With so many different activities and so much sightseeing to do in Kyoto, you’ll find $25-50 a night rooms in this central location. You’ll have to pay in Japanese yen on the day you arrive. To make sure you have a room, reserve online in advance.
Capsule hotels are a popular accommodation for travellers. These hotels are scattered from Kansai International Airport to downtown Kyoto. The concept is simple: each room is a small capsule, suitable for one person. These rooms aren't to everyone's tastes but if you care to try, sleeping in one is a great experience.
Capsule hotel rooms can run from $50 to $80 a night. That's not too far off from the price of an Airbnb, which costs between $50 and $100 per night, though fees can vary depending on the season. These private lodgings have become popular in recent years, particularly for the seasoned traveller who enjoys a space of their own.
Best Place to Stay in Kyoto: Traditional Hotels
Finding a hotel room in the city isn’t complicated; today's technology makes it a snap. You can choose your accommodation based on whether you’re in town to visit Kyoto University or making a pilgrimage to a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you're in town for the Matsuri festival, getting a great hotel room takes some booking well in advance. You should prepare for steeper room fees, too.
Luxury hotel prices reflect those rooms' opulence; that's common throughout Japan no matter the season. However, you can enjoy luxury experiences at lower prices so make sure to do your research. Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns. You can book a room in a ryokan to experience traditional Japanese accommodations.
You may also look for a hotel with an onsen, or hot spring. Coming from nearby mountains, these hot springs offer a relaxing experience. Onsen hotel rooms range between $50 and $230 a night.
The Best Place to Stay in Kyoto
Where to stay in Kyoto depends on your interests as well as your budget and the amenities you prefer. It also depends on how long you'll stay. To lease a property in Kyoto, you must pay six months' rent in advance. If you have children, you should consider their schooling.
But if you're in Kyoto for just a short time to appreciate the history of the Shogun, you needn't worry about such things. You can deepen your love for the Edo Period as you ramble from site to highlight. However, you should have a great home base for your travels around Japan. As long as the location, price and amenities suit your needs, you only need to worry about the restaurants and attractions you wish to sample.
Your choice of accommodation will depend on the reason for your stay in Kyoto. This is one of the best-connected cities in Japan. A short bullet train ride will deliver you to places like Kanazawa, Miyajima, Nagoya, Kurama and even the notorious Shinjuku in Tokyo.
You have many natural sites to take in near Kyoto apart from traditional Japanese gardens or rock gardens like those found at Ryozen Kannon. Lake Biwa is a great option for those into being in tune with nature. Want more info? Superprof put together a guide on travelling and staying in Kyoto.
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