Where to stay in Kyoto for First Timers: Best Areas and Hotel Reviews

If you are planning your first trip to Kyoto, then you must be wondering what to do and where to stay in Kyoto. And if you already started your research, you’ll quickly realize that all the attractions are spread out all over the city. Which makes the task of choosing the right hotel in the right area very important.

And there are many excellent areas to stay in Kyoto where it can accommodate different price points. But to be honest, if you are visiting Kyoto for the first time, you want to be in close proximity to all the highlights so you can maximize your time in the city. That means staying either in and around Downtown Kyoto (Kawaramachi) or near Kyoto Station.

In this post, I simplified all the information for choosing the best place to stay in Kyoto for first time and I included hotel reviews on some of the Kyoto hotels I stayed during my last trip.

My Kyoto accommodation reviews are an opinion of my own, and I did not receive any compensation of any kind. I only want to share what I love. 
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Kyoto Accommodation: what you need to know

Before booking a hotel in Kyoto, take a look at my post on everything you need to know before going to Japan. I included a lot of travel information, including how to get around Japan and other travel tips.

Here are a few additional tips for booking accommodations in Kyoto:

• Guest rooms are generally quite small and basic. But that’s part of the Japanese accommodation culture and aesthetics.
• Check-in at 3pm and check-out at 11am.
• Room wear and indoor slippers are always included.
• Most mid-range hotels will have toiletries are placed at reception or near elevator so you can take what you need.
• Most Kyoto hotels will have shared washing machines. Sometimes high-end hotels will have it in the guest room.
• Every hotel has their own housekeeping schedule – they do not clean the room everyday.
• Hotel prices can be higher on the weekends and during high seasons (cherry blossom, Christmas, etc)
• Pay attention to payment details like cancellation policy, etc. If you are not sure of your travel dates, choose the option where you can get a refund if you change your mind or if something comes up unexpectedly.

Kyoto: Best Areas to Stay for Solo Travellers

If you are visiting Kyoto for the first time, book a hotel in Kawaramachi, the downtown area of Kyoto, near Kyoto Station or accommodation close to either area especially if you are following my 2-day Kyoto itinerary or have limited time in the city.

There are obviously other areas to stay in Kyoto and if you are staying longer than a few days, consider other neighbourhoods like Arashiyama and Higashiyama

But to simplify the process of choosing the best areas to stay in Kyoto for a first time visitor, concentrate your efforts on accommodations close to or in Kawaramachi and Kyoto Station area.

I also included hotel reviews for several mid-range and high-end hotels in these areas. I included a general overview of the hotel and my honest opinion of each in the highlight and lowlight sections.

Here is a quick summary of the three best areas to stay in Kyoto and the hotels I stayed in during my last trip:

Best Area to Stay in Kyoto: Kawaramachi (Kyoto Downtown)

Kawaramachi is the downtown of Kyoto, which combines both traditional Japanese culture and modern Japan all in one. Kyoto Downtown includes the area where Shijo Street and Kawaramachi Street intersect and the neighbourhood just northwest of it.

Everything you need is within walking distance; all the best attractions, traditional shopping arcades, department stores, restaurants, coffee shops, bars and everything else in between.

Why you should stay in Kyoto Downtown area:

• Walking distance to many local attractions including Nishiki Market, Teramachi Street, Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, Kamogawa River, Pontocho, Gion, Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu
• Walking distance to many excellent Kyoto restaurants including Michelin-level eateries
• All the major department stores are within reach, like Daimaru and Takashimaya
• Direct access to Keihan Line, Hankyu-Kyoto Line, Tozai Subway Line, many Kyoto city buses

Downtown Kyoto Hotels

1. Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo

Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo is a 3.5-star modern Japanese hotel in Kawaramachi. It is part of a hotel chain that has locations all over Japan including three in Kyoto. The centrally located hotel has a lounge and lobby on the first floor, and a restaurant and laundromat in the basement.

I chose a Single Room, a 16 sqm room that includes a semi-double bed, a desk area, a compact bathroom, and a tatami floor (Japanese straw matting). It also has a floor-to-ceiling window with views of the backstreets of Kawaramachi.

Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo: highlights and lowlights

• Highlights: 2-minute walk to Teramachi Street and Pontocho; walkable to many attractions; bus stop in front of the hotel
• Lowlights: room feels small due to low ceiling and dark colours; not much amenities

Address: 59-1 Daikokucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto | Rate: from￥10,000 for Single Room

2. nol kyoto sanjo

nol kyoto sanjo is a chic boutique hotel inspired by traditional Japanese design in the Kawaramachi area. The building was a traditional machiya townhouse that was once used as a shop for sake brewery. Today, the hotel adopted the same “machiya-zukuri” aesthetics but with a modern twist.

The boutique hotel has 48 well-designed modern rooms. I chose the Tsuboyu Superior Room, a 26 sqm room with twin beds, a sitting area, a round Hiba wood tub, an ensuite bathroom, a washer-dryer, and a microwave.

As a guest, you can enjoy free coffee and drinks at the Machiya Lounge. Between 3-9pm, you can even try some of the featured local sakes at the sake bar.

nol kyoto sanjo: highlights and lowlights

• Highlights: modern Japanese guest room; unique wood bathtub; washer dryer within the unit; sake sampling in the lounge; walkable to most attractions in Kawaramachi
• Lowlights: no other amenities; breakfast must be reserved the day before

Address: 700 Osakazaimokucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto | Rate: from ￥28,000 for Tsuboyu Superior Room

Best Neighbourhood in Kyoto: Kyoto Station

Kyoto Station is the major transportation hub and shopping district in Kyoto. Trains, subway and buses intersect at this junction which makes Kyoto Station a popular area to stay. Plus, there are a handful of attractions, places to eat and supermarkets in the nearby vicinity.

Why you should stay near Kyoto Station:

• Direct access to Shinkansen (bullet train), JR Line, Kintetsu Kyoto Line, Karasuma Subway Line, JR highway buses and many Kyoto city buses
• Many shops and restaurants in the Kyoto Station Building, Japan’s second largest station building
• Close to many supermarkets like Isetan Department Store, Kohyo Kyoto Store and Lopia Kyoto Yodobashi Store
• Excellent home base for taking day trips to Osaka, Nara, Uji and Kobe

Kyoto Station Hotels

3. REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi By Vessel Hotels

REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi By Vessel Hotels is a contemporary budget boutique hotel south of Kyoto Station. The 4-star hotel has 9 floors of guest rooms. Some of the hotel amenities include a laundromat, vending machines, ice machines on the 6th floor, and a lounge (free drinks in the afternoon) on the first floor.

I stayed in a 16 sqm Single Room, which included a double bed, a desk/table area, a fridge and beverage nook, and a compact washroom. It includes a sunset view with Kyoto Station as a backdrop.

REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi By Vessel Hotels: highlights and lowlights

• Highlights: 3-minute walk to Kyoto Station; new and functional room; comfortable desk/table area; one of the cheaper hotels I found near Kyoto Station
• Lowlights: not much amenities

Address: 57 Higashikujo Muromachi, Minami Ward, Kyoto | Rate: from ￥6,500 for Single Room

Best Area to Stay in Kyoto: Central Kyoto

The Central Kyoto area is quite big and includes well known attractions like Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle. The area covers a big part of the city with the exception of Downtown Kyoto and Kyoto Station area.

Why you should stay in Central Kyoto area:

• Cheaper accommodations than the popular Downtown Kyoto and Kyoto Station areas
• Some excellent Kyoto restaurants but scattered throughout
• Still have access to buses, subway and trams but might be a few minutes walk to the bus stop or station

4. hotel tou nishinotoin kyoto

hotel tou nishinotoin kyoto is a 4-star modern contemporary hotel located in Central Kyoto and 10-minutes north of Kyoto Station. The hotel design concept focuses on light and shadow and wabi-sabi (beauty of quiet simplicity).

I chose the Moderate Twin Room, a 17 sqm Japanese-style room with two twin beds on a raised wooden platform, a sitting area, and a bathroom. As a guest, you can enjoy the welcome drinks in the free lounge, use the Grand bath for free and access the books in the library on the first floor.

hotel tou nishinotoin kyoto: highlights and lowlights

• Highlights: free use of public bath, hotel feels luxurious
• Lowlights: room is a little dark (even though that is the design concept); must walk at least 10 minutes to get anywhere (Kyoto train station and attractions)

Address: 455 Nishinotoincho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto | Rate: from ￥7,700 for Moderate Room

5. Agora Kyoto Karasuma

Agora Kyoto Karasuma is a 4-star hotel located in Central Kyoto but just outside of the Downtown Kyoto area. The design concept focuses on minimalistic design and sukiya-zukuri (a type of Japanese residential architectural style based on the refined culture of Japanese tea ceremony).

There are six room types, and I picked the Superior King Room, an 18sqm room with a king bed, a sitting area, a vanity area, and a separate toilet and shower. There is an option for a breakfast set, free welcome drinks and an on-site restaurant if you want to try fusion Japanese food.

Agora Kyoto Karasuma: highlights and lowlights

• Highlights: excellent location: 2-minute walk to Downtown Kyoto area; close to Karasuma Station for Hankyu Kyoto Line and many buses stop on Shijo Street, Shijo-Omiya Station for the Keifuku Randen Line; separate vanity, shower and toilet
• Lowlights: not much amenities; very basic lobby area

Address: 701-1 Myodenjicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto | Rate: from ￥8,000 for Superior Room

Best hotel and best area to stay in Kyoto for first time: my recommendation

Personally, I prefer to stay in Kawaramachi because I like to wander and the downtown Kyoto is perfect for walking. I like the idea of walking a lot, going back to the hotel to rest for a bit which makes the location of the hotel very important. Plus, I’m not a fan of Kyoto buses (always busy and long wait during rush hour), so I prefer to walk.

If I only have a few days in Kyoto and budget is not a huge issue, I would stay at nol kyoto sanjo. The room is super nice and most places are walkable.

But if I want a more budget friendly place, I would stay at Agora Kyoto Karasuma. Even though the hotel is technically outside the Kyoto Downtown area, the room is nice and the hotel is very central to many attractions and it is easy to take transportation.

Choosing an accommodation in Kyoto especially if it is your first in the city. I hope this post simplified everything you need to know about Kyoto accommodations. Let me know in the comments which area you are staying in Kyoto and which hotel you booked and if you would recommend it.

Ready to plan your trip to Japan? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner 
* Book accommodation: find the best Japan accommodations on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance and set up your mobile phone before arriving in Japan.
* Join tours: check Klook or Get Your Guide for the best tours around Japan.

Thank you for reading my Kyoto accommodation guide

I have many posts on Japan and you might also like these other posts on solo travel in Japan:

Introduction to Japan

• Solo Travel to Japan: 17 best cities for solo travellers
• Things I wish I knew before going to Japan
• Off-the-beaten-path places in Japan
• One month in Japan: from Tokyo to Hiroshima

Kansai region

• Kyoto 2-day itinerary
• Kyoto Food Guide: What and Where to Eat
• Uji day trip from Kyoto
• Kurama to Kibune hiking itinerary
• Nara day trip from Kyoto or Osaka
• Nara famous food: Where and What to Eat
• Hike Yamanobe-no-Michi Trail in Nara Prefecture
• 2-day Osaka itinerary
• Where to stay in Osaka for first time traveller
• Where and What to Eat in Osaka, Japan
• Minoh Waterfalls Trail: easy day hike from Osaka
• Osaka to Kobe day trip: 1-day itinerary
• Best food in Kobe: Where and What to Eat
• Arima Onsen day trip itinerary
• Himeji day trip from Osaka

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!