Kyoto skyline and cityscape - Popular travel destination in Japan, Asia
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Asia

Kyoto

Japan

Safety Score

9/10

Currency

JPY

Language

Japanese

Timezone

Asia/Tokyo

About Kyoto

Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, enchants visitors with its breathtaking blend of tradition and natural beauty, featuring over 1,600 temples, serene gardens, and iconic shrines like Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari-taisha. Wander through the historic streets of Gion, where geishas gracefully move between tea houses, and savor exquisite kaiseki cuisine that reflects the seasons. With its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, Kyoto offers a serene escape into Japan's past, making it an unforgettable destination for travelers seeking a deeper connection with Japanese culture.

Historic templestraditional tea ceremoniesgeisha culturecherry blossomskaiseki cuisine

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kyoto is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. Spring is renowned for cherry blossoms, particularly in late March to early April, while autumn showcases stunning fall foliage from late October

Weather Throughout the Year
Jan5°50mm
Feb6°45mm
Mar10°60mm
Apr15°75mm
May20°90mm
Jun24°120mm
Jul28°150mm
Aug30°130mm
Sep25°130mm
Oct19°70mm
Nov14°50mm
Dec8°55mm

Where to Stay in Kyoto, Japan

Hotels & Accommodations in Kyoto

The listings are curated based on a number of parameters, including ratings by users on different platforms, hotel category, location, and overall guest satisfaction scores.

Cross Hotel Kyoto

Pontocho
71-1 Daikokuchō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8031, Japan

Luxury accommodation in Pontocho

Park Hyatt Kyoto

Gion
京都市東山区高台寺, 360 桝屋町 東山区 京都市 京都府 605-0826, Japan

Luxury accommodation in Gion

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Kawaramachi Jokyoji

Kawaramachi
620番 Teianmaenochō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8031, Japan

Luxury accommodation in Kawaramachi

Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto

Arashiyama
Japan, 〒616-8385 Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Sagatenryūji Susukinobabachō, 翠嵐ラグジュアリーコレクションホテル京都

Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto offers a unique blend of Japanese and Western hospitality, coupled with an unbeatable location that's in proximity to major attractions. Guests praise the professional, friendly staff, luxurious amenities, and the serene atmosphere.

Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto offers a unique blend of Japanese and Western hospitality, coupled with an unbeatable location that's in proximity to major attractions. Guests praise the professional, friendly staff, luxurious amenities, and the serene atmosphere.

Pros
  • +Excellent staff
  • +Luxurious amenities
  • +Prime location
Cons
  • -Communication issues

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

Higashiyama
445-3 Myōhōin Maekawachō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0932, Japan

Luxury accommodation in Higashiyama

The Celestine Hotel Gion

Gion
572 Komatsuchō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0811, Japan

Luxury accommodation in Gion

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa

Gion
Aburano-Koji St. Nijo-Sagaru, Nakagyo-Ku, 284 二条油小路町 中京区 京都市 京都府 604-0051, Japan

Luxury accommodation in Gion

Ace Hotel Kyoto

Pontocho
245-2 Kurumayachō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8185, Japan

The Ace Hotel Kyoto offers a luxurious, comfortable stay with exceptional service and convenient location, making it a top choice for travelers.

The Ace Hotel Kyoto offers a luxurious, comfortable stay with exceptional service and convenient location, making it a top choice for travelers.

Pros
  • +Spacious rooms
  • +Excellent service
  • +Prime location

Richmond Hotel Premier Kyoto Shijō

Pontocho
Japan, 〒600-8494 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Kasabokochō, 50番

Luxury accommodation in Pontocho

Richmond Hotel Premier Kyōto Ekimae

Pontocho
565-3 Kitafudōdōchō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8233, Japan

The Richmond Hotel Premier Kyoto Ekimae is highly praised for its exceptional service, cleanliness, and additional amenities. However, its distance from central Kyoto may be a downside for some travelers.

The Richmond Hotel Premier Kyoto Ekimae is highly praised for its exceptional service, cleanliness, and additional amenities. However, its distance from central Kyoto may be a downside for some travelers.

Pros
  • +Exceptional service
  • +Immaculate cleanliness
  • +Generous amenities
Cons
  • -Street noise
  • -Distance from central Kyoto

Hotel Chourakukan

Gion
604 Maruyamachō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0071, Japan

Hotel Chourakukan offers a luxurious and historical experience, characterized by excellent service, stunning interiors, and unique dining options.

Hotel Chourakukan offers a luxurious and historical experience, characterized by excellent service, stunning interiors, and unique dining options.

Pros
  • +Historical ambiance
  • +Excellent service
  • +Unique dining
Cons
  • -Pricey
  • -Average sandwiches

Hilton Kyoto

Kawaramachi
416 Shimomaruyachō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8006, Japan

Luxury accommodation in Kawaramachi

SOLARIA HOTEL KYOTO PREMIER

Pontocho
Japan, 〒604-8001 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Kamiōsakachō, 509番地

Luxury accommodation in Pontocho

Good Nature Hotel Kyoto

Kawaramachi
Japan, 〒600-8022 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Inarichō, 2丁目318番6

Luxury accommodation in Kawaramachi

Nazuna Kyōto Tsubaki St.

Pontocho
838 Bōmonchō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8388, Japan

Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St. offers a unique, enjoyable stay with its comfortable rooms and attentive staff. The private onsen and inclusive amenities add to the overall delightful experience.

Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St. offers a unique, enjoyable stay with its comfortable rooms and attentive staff. The private onsen and inclusive amenities add to the overall delightful experience.

Pros
  • +Comfortable rooms
  • +Attentive staff
  • +Private onsen
Cons
  • -Slow check-in
  • -Off-center location

Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto

Higashiyama
4-chōme-450-1 Gojōbashihigashi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0846, Japan

The Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto provides a luxurious, high-end experience with its beautiful decor, top-notch amenities, and excellent service. Despite being somewhat removed from the city's busy center, guests appreciate its serene atmosphere and proximity to various attractions.

The Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto provides a luxurious, high-end experience with its beautiful decor, top-notch amenities, and excellent service. Despite being somewhat removed from the city's busy center, guests appreciate its serene atmosphere and proximity to various attractions.

Pros
  • +Luxurious amenities
  • +Excellent service
  • +Quality food
Cons
  • -Location slightly remote
  • -Limited accessibility

HOTEL MUSSE KYŌTO SHIJŌ-KAWARAMACHI MEITETSU

Pontocho
Japan, 〒604-8033 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Narayachō, 3丁目301番地1

Hotel Musse Kyoto Shijo-Kawaramachi Meitetsu offers a premium experience with abundant amenities in a central location, although noise from the busy street nearby is a common concern.

Hotel Musse Kyoto Shijo-Kawaramachi Meitetsu offers a premium experience with abundant amenities in a central location, although noise from the busy street nearby is a common concern.

Pros
  • +Great location
  • +Good value
  • +Convenient amenities
Cons
  • -Street noise
  • -Small rooms

Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Kadensho

Arashiyama
5-4 Arashiyama Nishiichikawachō, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0003, Japan

Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Kadensho offers a unique cultural experience with its private baths, traditional meals, and Japanese-style accommodations. The establishment is welcoming, catering to diverse clientele while providing excellent service.

Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Kadensho offers a unique cultural experience with its private baths, traditional meals, and Japanese-style accommodations. The establishment is welcoming, catering to diverse clientele while providing excellent service.

Pros
  • +Private onsens
  • +Traditional meals
  • +Welcoming environment
Cons
  • -No refunds
  • -Outdated decor

APA Hotel Kyoto Gion EXCELLENT

Gion
555番地 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan

The APA Hotel Kyoto Gion EXCELLENT generally offers a pleasant experience with its convenient location, thoughtful amenities, and comfortable accommodations. However, some guests have reported issues with room cleanliness and the hotel's check-in process.

The APA Hotel Kyoto Gion EXCELLENT generally offers a pleasant experience with its convenient location, thoughtful amenities, and comfortable accommodations. However, some guests have reported issues with room cleanliness and the hotel's check-in process.

Pros
  • +Great location
  • +Accommodating staff
  • +Daily amenities
Cons
  • -Room cleanliness
  • -Difficult check-in

Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo

Pontocho
420 Sakuranochō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8035, Japan

Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo is a highly recommended hotel due to its fantastic location and modern amenities, despite a few comfort-related issues.

Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo is a highly recommended hotel due to its fantastic location and modern amenities, despite a few comfort-related issues.

Pros
  • +Fantastic location
  • +Clean rooms
  • +Helpful amenities
Cons
  • -Uncomfortable pillows
  • -Poor Wi-Fi

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei

Pontocho
361 Rokkakuchō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8212, Japan

The Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei in Kyoto offers an exceptional stay in a well-located, serene atmosphere, with high-quality amenities, exceptional service and a relaxing onsen experience.

The Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei in Kyoto offers an exceptional stay in a well-located, serene atmosphere, with high-quality amenities, exceptional service and a relaxing onsen experience.

Pros
  • +High quality service
  • +Excellent amenities
  • +Relaxing onsen
Cons
  • -Limited view
  • -Occasional noise

Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto

Pontocho
Japan, 〒604-0943 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Kamihakusanchō, 249

Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto is a stylish, affordable hotel with a cozy atmosphere, conveniently located near major attractions. The hotel stands out for its unique cultural touches, friendly staff, and relaxing onsen.

Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto is a stylish, affordable hotel with a cozy atmosphere, conveniently located near major attractions. The hotel stands out for its unique cultural touches, friendly staff, and relaxing onsen.

Pros
  • +Prime location
  • +Cultural activities
  • +Friendly staff
Cons
  • -Limited cleanliness
  • -Not child-friendly

Hotel Monterey Kyoto

Pontocho
604 Manjūyachō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8161, Japan

Hotel Monterey Kyoto offers spacious rooms, exceptional amenities, and a relaxing onsen experience in a convenient location. However, some guests encountered issues with valuables and the hotel's tattoo policy.

Hotel Monterey Kyoto offers spacious rooms, exceptional amenities, and a relaxing onsen experience in a convenient location. However, some guests encountered issues with valuables and the hotel's tattoo policy.

Pros
  • +Spacious rooms
  • +Comfortable bedding
  • +Friendly staff
Cons
  • -Valuables' security
  • -Tattoo restrictions

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo

Pontocho
17 Nishikujō Inmachi, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8412, Japan

The Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo offers a comfortable stay with spacious rooms, excellent amenities, and a prime location near Kyoto Station. Guests also praise the hotel's delicious breakfast options and helpful staff.

The Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo offers a comfortable stay with spacious rooms, excellent amenities, and a prime location near Kyoto Station. Guests also praise the hotel's delicious breakfast options and helpful staff.

Pros
  • +Prime location
  • +Spacious rooms
  • +Excellent amenities
Cons
  • -Inconsistent pricing
  • -Old room conditions

ASAI Kyoto Shijo

Pontocho
444 444 Shunzeichō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8417, Japan

ASAI Kyoto Shijo is a highly recommended hotel in Kyoto, praised for its excellent location, friendly staff, and modern, clean facilities.

ASAI Kyoto Shijo is a highly recommended hotel in Kyoto, praised for its excellent location, friendly staff, and modern, clean facilities.

Pros
  • +Excellent location
  • +Friendly staff
  • +Clean facilities
Cons
  • -Small rooms
  • -Limited toiletries

Find the perfect place to stay in Kyoto with our guide to the best hotels and accommodations. Whether you're looking for luxury hotels, boutique stays, or budget-friendly options, Kyoto has accommodations for every traveler and budget.

Top-rated stays include Cross Hotel Kyoto, Park Hyatt Kyoto, Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Kawaramachi Jokyoji, known for their excellent service and locations.

The best areas to stay in Kyoto depend on your interests. Central locations offer convenience, while neighborhood stays provide authentic Kyoto experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kyoto

The best area depends on your priorities. City center locations offer convenience but may be pricier. Neighborhoods slightly outside the center can offer better value while still being well-connected.

For the best rates and availability, book 2-3 months in advance, especially during peak season. Last-minute deals can be found, but selection may be limited.

Kyoto offers hotels, apartments, hostels, and boutique stays. Hotels work well for shorter trips, while apartments suit longer stays or families. Check our recommendations above for top-rated options.

Explore More of Kyoto

About Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto offers travelers an authentic Japan experience with its unique blend of culture, cuisine, and attractions. Whether you're exploring historic landmarks, savoring local flavors, or discovering hidden gems, Kyoto promises memorable adventures for every type of traveler. Our curated guide features 12 must-see attractions, 25 recommended restaurants, 25 places to stay, carefully selected to help you make the most of your visit. Use Free City Guides to plan your perfect Kyoto itinerary, discover local favorites, and travel smarter with insider tips from experienced travelers.

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