Kyoto, the country's ancient capital, is a timeless city in which to experience the charm of the oldest Japan. It is known as the city of a thousand temples and here you can stroll through traditional geisha quarters, visit ancient palaces and admire the beauty of the parks, especially during the cherry blossom season! There are many things to see and do and the city is really big, so one of the first things to decide is where to stay.
So let's find out where to stay in Kyoto: the best districts to stay in and those to avoid!
Useful tips: the best districts to stay in
First rule: look for accommodation near a train or metro station, this will make your stay much easier!
The area around Kyoto central station (Minami-ku district) is connected to the whole city, so highly recommended, especially for short stays! It is easy to find good value accommodation here.
The Higashiyama district is also very convenient and well served by transport!
If you are looking for nightlife, the best option is Nakagyo, which is the centre of Kyoto. It is a fairly touristy area, but well served by all means and with a lively nightlife!
If youare looking for peace and quiet then we recommend Kamigyo and Sakyo, which are also ideal for families and those who want to experience cycling! However, these districts are further away from the centre, so are recommended for longer stays of at least a week (if you are only staying a few days, it is better to stay near the station).
Good areas to stay but away from the centre are Arashiyama, Yamashina and Fushimi, but again these are worth considering if you are staying at least two weeks!
Recommended areas tosave money: Kyoto Station, Higashiyama, Yamashina, Fushimi, Shimogyō-ku
Recommended areas forfamilies with children: Higashiyama, Kamigyo, Sakyo, Arashiyama
Recommended areas foryoung people: Kyoto Station, Nakagyo, Shimogyō-ku
Bestaccommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Kyoto. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking
If you are in Kyoto on business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on booking.com
Kyoto area guide
Capital of the prefecture of the same name and former capital of Japan for more than a millennium before it became Tokyo, Kyoto covers an area of 827 square kilometres and has a population of about one and a half million. The city is divided into 11 different districts or districts, each with its own identity and soul!
Thebest districts to stay in are the central ones, especially if you have little time to spare or if it is your first time visiting Kyoto. The best ones for a tourist stay are the following:
Nakagyō-ku: the central district of the old city, today the main administrative centre, where you can find Nijo Castle and nearby the Kyoto Imperial Palace
Shimogyō-ku: district immediately south of Nakagyo, it does not include any particular attractions inside but is very close to Nakagyō-ku, Minami-ku, which are two strategic districts
Minami-ku: neighbourhood immediately south of Shimogyō-ku, which also includes Tokyo Central Station, an excellent area to stay in if you are visiting the city for the first time or have little time available
Kamigyō-ku: a little further north than Nakagyō-ku, here you will find the Kyoto Imperial Palace
Higashiyama-ku: near the central station, where you will find attractions such as the Gion district, the famous Kiyomizu-dera temple and the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Nishikyō-ku: district that in its northern part includes the Arashiyama area, the city's famous bamboo forest
Sakyo-ku: district in the northern part of the city, bordered by the districts of Nakagyo and Higashiyama
Yamashina-ku and Fushimi-ku: south-east of the city, ideal for stays of at least two weeks given the distance from the city centre
Kita-ku and Ukyō-ku: very large districts, whose northern areas are too peripheral, therefore not recommended for a stay, purely as a matter of distance and travel time by public transport
Areas to avoid: Kyoto is one of the safest cities in Japan, if not the safest overall. The only areas to avoid for a stay are those on the outskirts, but not for safety reasons, but because of the distance from the centre and the main attractions, e.g. the northern areas of the Kita-ku and Ukyō-ku districts.
Minami-ku district / Kyoto Station
Photo by Zairon. The area around Kyoto Central Station is one of the best places to stay, especially if this is your first time visiting the city or if you only have a few days to spare! The station is in a very central location, in the northern part of Minami-ku District, and is well connected to the main attractions! Also nearby are the Tō-ji Temple, the Kyoto Tower and the Kyoto Aquarium!
This area is especially recommended for those staying less than a week in the city. Moreover, here you can find excellent solutions for all budgets, as there is no lack of hostels and low-cost hotels, without sacrificing quality! It is, however, not recommended for families, as it can be a bit chaotic!
Average prices in the district range from around €25.00 for low-cost accommodation to €500.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Evaluate the neighbouring areas in the nearby Shimogyō-ku district: located between Nakagyō-ku and Minami-ku, it is not really a recommended district as there are no major attractions within it, but you can consider staying in the areas of this district that border the two districts it is between.
Recommended accommodation
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel with 24-hour reception, shuttle service, concierge service and free WiFi. Ideal for couples and families | |
Hostel 3 min walk from the station. Private rooms or dormitory beds, private or shared bathroom. 24-hour reception, shared kitchen and lounge. Ideal for young people | |
4-star hotel 7 min walk from the station. Free WiFi, air-conditioned rooms, restaurant and shared lounge. Ideal for couples | |
Hotel inside a ryokan, traditional Japanese inn. Rooms are spacious with private bathroom. Luggage storage and free wifi. Ideal for couples or families |
District Nakagyō-ku / Nakagyo
Photo by Jakub Hałun. North of the central station is the Nakagyo district, the heart of the former capital! Today it is the financial and business district, the real centre of the city. Here you will find attractions such as the wonderful Ni-jo Castle, the famous Nishiki Market and The Museum of Kyoto.
It is an ideal district especially for young people and fun seekers. In fact, this is a bit of a hub for nightlife, with numerous clubs, and of course no shortage of restaurants, including international ones, and shopping centres! Moreover, you can find really good deals and sleep in the special Capsule Hotels!
Finally, it is really well located for getting around the city! Here you will find the Karasuma Oike metro station and the Nijo Station, which leads to Kyoto Central Railway Station in just 7 min.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €20.00 for low-cost accommodation to €450.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Evaluate the neighbouring areas in the nearby Shimogyō-ku district: located between Nakagyō-ku and Minami-ku, it is not really a recommended district as there are no major attractions within it, but you can consider staying in the areas of this district that border the two districts it is between.
Recommended accommodation
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel with 24-hour reception, restaurant, communal lounge and free Wi-Fi, laundry service. Ideal for couples | |
Hostel without curfew with showers open 24/24h, communal bathroom and kitchen and possibility to rent bikes. Ideal for young people | |
Capsule Hotel with 24-hour reception and bike rental service. Capsule with minimalist and wooden furnishings, free WiFi. Ideal for young people | |
4-star Ryokan with 24-hour reception, laundry service, free WiFi. Units with bedroom and kitchen, some with lounge area. Ideal for couples and families |
Kamigyō-ku / Kamigyo district
Photo by Sailko. The district you meet immediately after Nakagyo, proceeding northwards, is Kamigyo, a very quiet residential district, also ideal for cycling! Here the main attraction is the Kyoto Imperial Palace with its large gardens.
This area is mainly recommended for families and those looking for a bit of peace and quiet, away from the nightlife of Nakagyo, for example. You can walk through the streets or move around by bicycle, discover one of the most authentic sides of the city and immerse yourself in the most traditional Japan!
Another great point in favour of the district is its excellent location: situated just north of the centre, it allows you to reach attractions such as the famous Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple or Ni-jo Castle in a very short time! For example, from Imadegawa Metro Station (opposite the Imperial Palace) you can get to Central Station in just 10 min!
Average prices in the district range from around €40.00 for low-cost accommodation to €400.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel opposite the Imperial Palace. Free WiFi, restaurant, bicycle rental, 24-hour reception and massage service. Ideal for couples | |
Hostel in a traditional building in a very good location. Rooms with soft lighting and clean communal bathrooms with toiletries. Communal kitchen and coin-operated washing machines. Ideal for young people | |
Traditionally furnished guest house with double or triple rooms with shared bathroom. Free WiFi throughout. Ideal for young people and couples | |
5 star hotel 5 min from the Imperial Palace. Rooms with air purifier/humidifier, matcha tea set and bathroom with bathtub. Restaurant with traditional cuisine. Ideal for couples and families |
Higashiyama-ku / Higashiyama District
One of the best districts to stay in, if you want to immerse yourself in more traditional Japan, is definitely the Higashiyama district, east of the city centre. Here you will find the famous Gion district, the Geisha district, as well as one of the city's most famous temples, the Kiyomizu-dera. In the southernmost part, however, you can easily reach the wonderful Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine!
This is an ideal district for families and anyone who wants to experience the real Japanese atmosphere. The costs of some accommodation are slightly higher than average, but it is not difficult to find good accommodation at affordable prices too! And best of all, this is the right area to stay in a Ryokan, i.e. a traditional Japanese inn!
Finally, the area is served by the Keihan Main Line railway line, with numerous stations located along the Kamo River. From here you can travel quickly to the centre, even on foot (15 min).
Average prices in the district range from around €20.00 for low-cost accommodation to €500.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel on Sanjo Street, 10 min walk from Gion. Air-conditioned rooms with TV, refrigerator and private bathroom. Ideal for couples | |
Japanese-style hostel with rooms for two or three people, with private or shared bathroom. Free WiFi connection. Ideal for young people and couples | |
Aparthotel with free WiFi. Accommodation with fully equipped kitchen and private bathroom. Ideal for two people | |
Luxury hotel in true Japanese style with spa, wellness centre, restaurant and 24-hour reception. Large rooms with every comfort. Ideal for couples |
Sakyo-ku / Sakyo district
Photo by user:KMR. Having seen the main and more central districts, we now recommend some slightly more peripheral areas to consider if you're staying at least a week in the city! The first is the large Sakyo district, a wonderful residential area on a hill, located east of the Kamo River and north of the Higashiyama district!
It is an ideal district for families and those seeking tranquillity, completely surrounded by forests and hills! There are numerous temples here, such as the Heian Shrine or Nanzen-ji Temple. It is always best to stay in the southernmost part of the district, closer to the centre!
As for getting around, the district is served by two railway lines and several stations. If you take Demachiyanagi Station in the southern part as a reference point, you can reach Kyoto Central Station in about 20 min.
Average prices in the district range from around €30.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Ryokan with spa bath, bike rental, parking and free wifi.Accommodation with seating area and desk but shared bathroom divided by gender. Ideal for young people and families | |
Hostel with lounge with cafeteria and bar serving happy hour and local dishes, bike rental and WiFi. Private rooms or dormitories. Ideal for young people | |
Ryokan providing free shuttle bus to and from the station, free parking, free wifi and 2 public toilets. Rooms with traditional futon beds and garden views. Some rooms have private bathrooms. Ideal for 2 or 3 people | |
Private Japanese house producing miso and red beans. Rooms with shared bathroom facilities and WiFi included. Dinners with km0 or home-produced meals. Ideal for groups |
Nishikyō-ku / Arashiyama district
We now move to the western part of Kyoto, to one of the most charming districts in the whole city, namely Arashiyama, located in the Nishikyō-ku district. It is also one of the hottest tourist spots, as the world-famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is located here!
Again, however, this is an area recommended if you are staying in Kyoto for more than a week, as the district is a long way from the other attractions. Rich in greenery and ancient temples, it is also a very romantic district, with luxury hotels with all amenities, often chosen for honeymooners or romantic getaways!
As far as transport is concerned, staying here you will necessarily have to use transport: from the Torokko Arashiyama railway station to the Central Station will take about 30 min, with longer times to get to other attractions.
Average prices in the district range from around €60.00 for low-cost accommodation to €700.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel with 24-hour reception and luggage storage. Air-conditioned room with river view, wardrobe and free WiFi. Ideal for couples | |
Apartment complex with bedroom, lounge area, bathroom and small equipped kitchen. 24-hour reception and pets allowed. Ideal for couples, families or groups | |
4-star residence with rooms or flats with a kitchen. Up to 5 people. Restaurant, bar and room service. Ideal for couples and families | |
5-star Japanese-style hotel surrounded by greenery, with large garden. Spa and wellness centre, 24-hour reception, restaurant and room service. Ideal for couples and families |
District Yamashina-ku and Fushimi-ku / Yamashina and Fushimi
Photo by Masaya I. Finally, if you are planning a stay of at least a week, two excellent districts to stay in are Yamashina and Fushimi. Located in the eastern part of Kyoto, these are two neighbourhoods considered to be peripheral, very quiet indeed!
This area is especially recommended for those who want to enjoy peace and quiet, away from the city traffic! It is also an ideal area for families, always bearing in mind the distance. Definitely worth considering during the cherry blossom season, when the river banks are filled with blossoming trees!
Finally, the area is well served by train and metro! In fact, the neighbourhoods are crossed by the Keihan Main Line and, starting for instance from Fushimi Station, you will reach the Central Station in about 15 min. The important thing is always to look for accommodation close to the stops!
Average prices in the district range from around €40.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Residence with rooms or flats with fully equipped kitchen, up to 6 people. Terrace, parking and laundry service. Ideal for couples, families and groups | |
Hotel with shared lounge and Wi-Fi in all areas. Rooms with private bathroom, microwave and refrigerator. Ideal for couples | |
Japanese-style ryokan with rooms with a patio and garden view. Communal lounge, tour desk and express check-in and check-out. Ideal for couples and families | |
Hotel with restaurant, daily housekeeping service, 24-hour reception and free WiFi. Fully equipped rooms. Ideal for couples |
Countries near Kyoto where to stay
Whether or not it's your first time visiting Kyoto and regardless of how many days you stay, the best solution is always to sleep in the city! Kyoto is indeed very extensive, made up of many heterogeneous districts and with a great offer of accommodation.
But sleeping outside the city is ill-advised mainly because of a question of transport! Japan's public transport is world-renowned for its punctuality, especially the railway system, but here the problem is another: to cross the city and reach attractions at opposite points could take more than an hour! Staying outside Kyoto would make the journey time even longer, not to mention the cost of the ticket!
Kyoto accommodation price map
OMIT THIS PARAGRAPH
