Japan’s historic, cultural, and religious coronary heart, in addition to the previous capital metropolis – Kyoto – is Japan in a nutshell. As a top-tier vacationer vacation spot, each expertise is on the tip of your fingers. Have you ever been considering of a vacation to Japan and questioning the place to remain in Kyoto? If that’s the case, you’re in the correct place!
The town is made up of 11 wards, every additional divided into neighborhoods. To make your life simpler, I’ve in contrast all of the neighborhoods and listed the 6 finest locations to remain in Kyoto.
If you happen to’re visiting Kyoto for the primary time, the most effective place to remain is downtown Kyoto, providing quite a few points of interest, eating places, lodges, and handy transportation choices.
Lodging in Kyoto vary from luxurious lodges to ryokans (conventional Japanese inns) and hostels, in addition to different mid-range and funds choices, so selecting one might be tough. That can assist you determine, I went by means of almost all of the choices and handpicked the most effective lodges in every of the areas beneficial right here and organized them by value.
No matter you determine, e-book your keep upfront as a result of Kyoto is a well-liked vacation spot, and lodges promote out tremendous rapidly!
So, the place to remain in Kyoto? Let’s discover out!
If you’re in a rush
Check out this record of the most effective lodges in downtown Kyoto:
Here’s a map of the 6 finest areas of Kyoto I’ll speak about on this submit:
1. Downtown Kyoto – the place to remain in Kyoto for the primary time
Downtown Kyoto (Kawaramachi space for locals) is the proper mixture of conventional and trendy Japan. You’ll admire staying right here in case you love getting round on foot because it’s a compact space full of outlets, cafes, bars, and eating places. Plus, you’ll just about at all times be within the proximity of practice stations to take you to all the different metropolis points of interest.
People who find themselves looking out for good meals, craft beers, and sake might be glad with the abundance of eating places, izakayas (Japanese bars), and quirky cafes sprawled all through downtown Kyoto.
One of many prime spots to discover whenever you go to Kyoto is the downtown Kyoto Nishiki Market (map), a meals market providing quite a lot of Japanese delicacies and drinks, corresponding to conventional sake. I’d additionally advocate visiting the Kyoto International Manga Museum and The Cultural Museum of Kyoto, strolling alongside Pontocho Alley, and buying at Karasuma-dori Avenue.
The colourful Kyoto downtown space can be ideally positioned for exploring the Higashiyama ward but additionally the remainder of the town – you possibly can catch a experience from the Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae subway station or the Marutamachi subway station and attain your vacation spot very quickly.
Furthermore, if you wish to expertise sleeping on a tatami mattress, Downtown Kyoto can be identified to have a big choice of conventional Ryokan lodging; you could find our prime picks here, and I counsel you look into those with a personal onsen (scorching spring).
Listed here are my prime decisions for the place to remain in Downtown Kyoto:
Luxurious resort
Minimalist, refined, designer rooms that can make you are feeling like royalty. With a really perfect location downtown near a number of comfort shops and eating places, you possibly can unwind at their on-site onsen, and be served a tasty breakfast within the morning. Some rooms even have views of the Kamo River.
Different lodging choices in Downtown Kyoto
MID-RANGE
The resort options Japanese-style rooms with a personal rest room and all the required facilities, together with Wi-Fi and air-con
BUDGET
Providing each non-public and dormitory rooms and a shared lounge, this hostel is inside strolling distance of the subway station
airbnb
A standard Japanese townhouse providing backyard views positioned a brief strolling distance away from many cool points of interest
Issues to do in Downtown Kyoto
- Don’t miss the standard meals and buying market, Nishiki Market
- Discover the world of Japanese comics at The Kyoto Worldwide Manga Museum
- Buy groceries downtown type Kawaramachi Buying Middle (map)
- Take a good looking night time stroll by means of the slim alleyway of Pontocho Alley
- Take a look at The Cultural Museum of Kyoto
- Go to the hexagonal Chohoji Temple (map)
2. Gion & Southern Higashiyama – for geisha tradition
Southern Higashiyama is likely one of the most well-preserved areas in Kyoto. Conveniently positioned just some blocks Southwest of downtown Kyoto, this space gives the prospect to expertise the attraction of conventional Japanese tradition.
Gion is strictly the neighborhood you imagined in case you learn/noticed “Memoirs of a Geisha” – it’s a well-preserved Previous City the place you possibly can encounter actual (or costumed)geishas!
The normal geisha district of Kyoto, Gion, is positioned within the North a part of the Higashiyama ward. Look out for ladies wearing brightly coloured kimonos on the wood Tatsumi Bridge (map) and go for a night stroll alongside the tiny alleyways within the neighborhood.
Gion is a perfect place to discover a few of the metropolis’s most stunning shrines and temples. It’s a must to go to the Yasaka Shrine (map), a Shinto shrine and certainly one of Kyoto’s logos, and Kiyomizu-dera (map), a Buddhist temple that boasts probably the most beautiful views. And, after all, there’s the unmissable Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine (map).
Gion and Southern Higashiyama are a few of the finest areas to partake in a conventional tea ceremony, however don’t fear—you can too select to dine in one of many many high-class eating places round Hanamikoji Avenue.
Apart from the small conventional wood homes (machiya), temples, and winding alleyways, Southern Higashiyama and Gion are jam-packed with sightseeing and main points of interest. Sure to the east by mountains, you’ll discover one thing new round each nook on this a part of Kyoto.
Luxurious resort
One of the best resort for 5-star luxurious in Southern Higashiyama is a 15-minute stroll from Gion’s geisha district. You possibly can loosen up within the public tub, keep related with the free Wi-Fi, eat an unbelievable breakfast, and luxuriate in a hearty meal within the on-site Japanese restaurant. Plus, you should use the resort’s enterprise amenities.
Different lodging choices in Gion & Higashiyama
mid-range
A 3-star aparthotel providing lodging with non-public loos, every with a scorching tub, and a kitchenette with the required home equipment
funds
A funds resort with capsule rooms and combined dormitories, plus shared loos, a kitchen, and a tour desk
airbnb
Furnished in conventional Japanese type, this dwelling can accommodate as much as 8 folks, providing snug beds and primary cooking amenities
Issues to do in Gion & Southern Higashiyama
- Admire the views from the veranda of Kiyomizu-Dera temple
- Cease to see the geishas at Tatsumi Bridge
- Go to the Yasaka Shrine
- Watch the cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park (map)
- Participate in a conventional Japanese tea ceremony
- Pay a go to to the Fushimi Inari shrine
3. Kyoto Station & Shimogyo – for funds vacationers
The Kyoto Station space, or Shimogyo Ward, is positioned straight South of central Kyoto. It’s the most effective place to remain in Kyoto for funds vacationers as a result of the lodges and lodging on this space are extra reasonably priced than its neighboring districts. It’s additionally a terrific selection if you wish to be close to the practice station and have quick access to quite a few practice strains.
Though its city environment may not be the standard Kyoto you expect, you’ll end up having fun with the shut proximity to Kyoto Prepare Station for the reason that railway station is the gateway to Kyoto. You possibly can hop on a practice or a bus simply, straight to your vacation spot. I extremely advocate you get a Japan Rail Pass (JR Rail Go) if you wish to get across the metropolis – I wouldn’t advocate driving as visitors can get fairly unhealthy.
The Kyoto Station constructing isn’t just a landmark but additionally an attraction. It’s a terrific instance of recent structure and futuristic design, and it’s additionally dwelling to a number of malls, malls, and eating places.
NOTE: that is the most effective place to remain in Kyoto in case you’re planning to take day journeys to different Japanese cities. You possibly can take the bullet practice from Kyoto station to cities like Osaka, Hiroshima, and Himeji.
Pondering it’s all busy outlets and trains? Don’t fear, you even have three temples inside strolling distance from Kyoto station during which to hunt solace. There’s the Higashi Hongan-ji Temple (map), the Toji Temple (map), and the Nishi Hongan-ji Temple (map).
The Kyoto Tower (map) is one other notable landmark within the space, and the Kyoto Aquarium and Kyoto Railway Museum additionally warrant a go to.
Shimogyo and Kyoto Station should not wanting lodging. On this space, you’ll discover a few of the finest locations to remain in Kyoto. Plus, lots of them are at a less expensive value than the opposite areas! Listed here are the most effective ones:
Luxurious resort
A sublime resort that includes a restaurant, a bar, a sauna, and an indoor pool. Friends can profit from a 24-hour entrance desk, a foreign money change, and room service and benefit from the comforts of their spacious rooms. The employees may be very pleasant and useful, and in case you have any particular requests you possibly can at all times flip to the concierge.
Different lodging choices in Kyoto Station Space & Shimogyo
mid-range
Top-of-the-line mid-range lodges in Kyoto, with a day by day buffet breakfast and clear and cozy rooms
funds
A comfy visitor home with soundproof rooms, offering entry to shared rest room amenities and personal parking at an additional value
airbnb
A snug room with 2 single beds, a personal open-air tub, and a balcony overlooking the Kyoto Tower
Issues to do in Kyoto Station Space and Shimogyo
- Marvel on the stunning panoramic view of Kyoto 1 at Kyoto Tower
- Go to a UNESCO World Heritage Website To-ji Temple
- Store for large manufacturers on the Kyoto Station Mall (map)
- Take a look at the indifferent Japanese backyard at Higashi Hongan-ji
- Study Japan’s railway historical past at Kyoto Railway Museum
- Pay a go to to the Kyoto Aquarium
- Cease by the Nishi Hongan-ji Temple
- Hunt for souvenirs on the Umekoji Park Handicraft Market (map)
4. Central Kyoto – the place to remain for a neighborhood expertise
Central Kyoto is the guts of Kyoto and takes up an enormous house on the map of the town. This district has a mixture of each new and previous Kyoto. It actually has one thing for everybody because it borders all the different areas I’ve talked about up to now, with the Kyoto Imperial Palace at its coronary heart.
You’ll see well-preserved conventional Japanese houses on one facet and big workplace buildings on the opposite, with a couple of parks and temples sprinkled all through.
Top-of-the-line areas to remain if you wish to keep away from the vacationer traps and are in search of a extra genuine, native expertise is Central Kyoto. Right here, you will discover a extra trendy, on a regular basis Japanese type, with many eating places close by and a tea home right here and there. It’s additionally tremendous walkable!
Because the title suggests, Central Kyoto is in the course of the town so that you’ll get to cowl loads of the points of interest right here, together with the Imperial Palace (map) and Nijo Fort (map). I like to recommend sightseeing whereas the solar is up, and when the solar units, get pleasure from what Central Kyoto’s nightlife has to supply. You’ll definitely really feel the native vibes of Kyoto right here.
Luxurious resort
The Mitsui Backyard stands out from different luxurious lodges with its trendy but conventional decor. Whereas right here, you possibly can loosen up within the public tub on website and luxuriate in a Japanese breakfast ready from native components. Different perks supplied by this boutique resort embrace baggage storage, dry cleansing companies, air-con, and therapeutic massage companies for an additional cost.
Different lodging choices in Central Kyoto
mid-range
A contemporary resort with a restaurant, a 24/7 entrance desk, air-conditioned rooms, and an excellent breakfast
funds
Every visitor room at this resort has a personal rest room stocked with free toiletries, a desk, and air-con
airbnb
A 2-story conventional wood home with vintage furnishings, a Japanese front room, and a bed room with 3 beds
Issues to do in Central Kyoto
- Discover the previous Emperor’s residence at Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Stroll across the Japanese gardens surrounding Nijo Fort
- Expertise a conventional public bathhouse (onsen) at Goko-yu Sento (map)
- Go to the Kitano-temmangū Shrine (map)
- Enterprise to Northern Kyoto to see the distinguished Kinakaku-ji Temple (map)
5. Northern Higashiyama – the place to remain in Kyoto with household
Northern Higashiyama will utterly stimulate people who find themselves interested by studying extra concerning the Japanese historical past, artwork, and tradition of Kyoto. In comparison with Southern Higashiyama, Northern Higashiyama is much less crowded, with a extra relaxed environment, and is positioned straight East of downtown Kyoto.
The realm may be very serene and relaxed, which is why I like to recommend it to people who find themselves touring with household; in case you’re visiting Japan with younger children or with a toddler. You’ll have loads to do always, and if you wish to get downtown, you possibly can at all times take the native bus.
Within the middle of Northern Higashiyama, you will discover Kyoto’s museum district (Okazaki-koen). Go to Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art (the Kyoto Municipal Museum), then take the children to Kyoto City Zoo.
The attractive Kamo-gawa River borders Northern Higashiyama to the West, whereas to the East, a protracted line of temples stands on the base of the inexperienced Higashiyama mountain vary. This makes it the most effective space to remain in case you’re planning to tour Kyoto’s artwork and historical past landmarks.
Luxurious resort
A 5-star boutique resort with suites in traditional, minimalist Japanese design. Room service and cleansing companies can be found. A breakfast buffet will gas you as you begin your day, when you can decelerate at night time with cocktails on the on-site bar and restaurant. Comply with it with a therapeutic massage or exercise at their wellness middle.
Different lodging choices in Northern Higashiyama
mid-range
This 3-star resort is totally non-smoking and gives free Wi-Fi, a concierge service, and a 24-hour reception
funds
A small guesthouse with non-public rooms and shared dorms, providing a free shuttle service to the close by public tub
airbnb
A standard wood home that’s been absolutely renovated, with a backyard, a double mattress, and a conventional bathtub
Issues to do in Northern Higashiyama
- Recognize stunning Japanese artwork on the Kyoto Metropolis KYOCERA Museum of Artwork
- Take a serene stroll down the Path of Philosophy
- Spend a enjoyable day with the children at Kyoto Metropolis Zoo
- Go to the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts and the Kyoto National Museum
- Go climbing at Mount Hiei
- Admire the views at Keage Incline (map) in the course of the cherry blossom season
6. Arashiyama – the place to remain in Kyoto for nature lovers
Located on the foot of the Arashiyama Mountains, Arashiyama is a rural neighborhood on the outskirts of Kyoto, roughly 30 minutes by practice from Kyoto Station. That is the place to remain in Kyoto for individuals who need to be in a neighborhood surrounded by nature. It’s quiet and peaceable, removed from the motion of the town.
Away from the busy metropolis middle, you’ll get to take leisurely walks by means of bamboo forests, zen gardens, temples, shrines, and parks, virtually continuously surrounded by timber and the occasional monkey.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (map) and the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama are must-visits throughout your keep right here. I’d additionally advocate a go to to Tenryu-ji Temple (map), a Zen temple with attractive sprawling gardens.
Arashiyama is a feast for the eyes and one of the stunning locations to remain in the course of the cherry blossoms and fall seasons. Think about marveling at the fantastic thing about the pink flowers up shut or strolling underneath the crimson leaves in fall. You’ll really feel the cool breeze in your pores and skin throughout these seasons, which is certainly good climate for stress-free outside walks and sightseeing.
Luxurious resort
A mixture of trendy consolation and conventional Japanese-style suites. You’ll get to sleep in spacious and stress-free rooms, some geared up with a kitchen. A really handy location in Kyoto, inside strolling distance to Hankyu Arashiyama Station. Furthermore, you possibly can dine of their bar and restaurant that serves native, Italian, and American delicacies.
Different lodging choices in Arashiyama
mid-range
A stunning boutique resort boasting trendy rooms with air-con and a flat-screen TV, plus it’s pet-friendly
funds
A hostel with Japanese-style bedrooms, a 2-minute stroll from the practice station with a bar and free Wi-Fi
airbnb
A 2-floor, non-public visitor home that has each trendy type and tatami bedrooms, 2 bogs, and laundry amenities
Issues to do in Arashiyama
- Take a stroll by means of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Admire the artwork installations at Kimono Forest (map)
- Go to the Arashiyama Monkey Park
- Go to a quaint hermit cottage at Rakushisha Poet’s Hut (map)
- Take a look at the UNESCO World Heritage Temple Tenryu-ji
- Stroll throughout Togetsukyo Bridge (map)
FAQs about the place to remain in Kyoto
🏨 What’s the finest location the place to remain in Kyoto?
One of the best place to remain in Kyoto is downtown Kyoto, the place you’ll discover the Nishiki, the well-known market, the Kyoto Worldwide Manga Museum, and The Cultural Museum of Kyoto. Discover the Pontocho Alley and keep at wonderful lodges like Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel and Hotel Resol Kyoto.
🇯🇵 Is it higher to remain in Kyoto or Osaka?
Keep in Kyoto if you wish to be taught concerning the historical past and tradition of Japan and be nearer to the area’s conventional points of interest. Osaka is the higher space to remain in order for you an city expertise, cheaper costs, or are on a time restrict, because it’s nearer to the airport.
🏯 What’s Downtown Kyoto referred to as?
Downtown Kyoto can be referred to as Kawaramachi district. It’s a mixture of conventional and trendy Japan. It has a number of temples and shrines, however you’ll additionally discover loads of cafes, bars, and eating places in Downtown Kyoto/Kawaramachi.
📅 What number of days do I want in Kyoto?
3 days are excellent to remain in Kyoto. You’ll get to discover the foremost points of interest, take some day journeys, and luxuriate in kaiseki-ryōri conventional eating.
🚶🏽 Is Kyoto a walkable metropolis?
Exploring Kyoto on foot is feasible seeing as the town is very walkable. Nevertheless, in case you don’t really feel like strolling, there are many trains, subways, buses, taxis you should use to get across the metropolis.
🚈 The place to remain round Kyoto Station?
🏨 What are the good lodges in Kyoto?
👨👩👧👧 The place to remain in Kyoto for households?
🪙 The place to remain in Kyoto on a funds?
The highest spots for funds vacationers visiting Kyoto are the world round Kyoto Station and Shimogyo Ward, and the most effective funds resort right here is Fujitaya BnB.
Conclusion
That’s the top of my information on the place to remain in Kyoto. Hopefully, you’ve already selected an space and picked a resort (or possibly you opted for a conventional ryokan).
Nevertheless, in case you’re nonetheless undecided, listed here are my prime 2 decisions for staying in downtown Kyoto:
- Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel – among the finest luxurious lodges in Kyoto, with an on-site public tub and an incredible restaurant
- Hotel Resol Kyoto – a stunning resort with air-conditioned rooms and 24-hour entrance desk, located close to a subway station
Don’t take too lengthy to determine the place to remain in Kyoto! I like to recommend reserving 4-6 months upfront in the course of the peak seasons of spring (March-Could) and fall (September-December). Inns throughout these seasons run out actually quick!
Pondering of continuous your journey to Japan? Take a look at my lodging and journey information for Tokyo and Osaka.
Do you may have any questions on the place to remain in Kyoto or visiting Japan usually? Remark beneath, and I’ll get again to you!
Blissful travels,
Kate
Pin it for later!
Pin it for later!
