An expert list based on customer reviews and knowledge of Kyoto
Image Copyright: Ollie Ronin
Overview
Arashiyama is famous for its lush bamboo forest, stunning autumn leaves, and beautiful ancient temples. It's also home to some of the most incredible hotels in Kyoto, perfect for escaping the city and feeling more in touch with the natural environment of Japan. Here, we'll summarise the highest-ranking accommodation based on customer reviews and our expert knowledge.
Accommodation in Arashiyama sells out very fast for the autumn and cherry blossom seasons, so early bookings are essential.
All of the options on this list must adhere to our strict criteria:
- An average review score above 8.5/10
- A minimum of 100 reviews
- The location must be convenient for sightseeing
Our listing for each place has a convenient summary including the:
Description
Highlights
Average Price
Review Score
Review Example
The Best Accommodation In Arashiyama
The Best Hotels In Arashiyama
Arashiyama is also home to some of the most incredible hotels in Kyoto. Here we'll summarise the highest-ranking accommodation based on customer reviews. Accommodation in Arashiyama sells out very fast for the autumn and cherry blossom seasons, so early bookings are essential.
1. The Ryotei Rangetsu
The Ryotei Rangetsu is a luxury ryokan in a prime location on the Hozugawa river. It's a touch of modern luxury with a heavy emphasis on the traditional Japanese experience. The astonishingly high reviews are a testament to their commitment towards the happiness of every guest. With views of the mountains, the river, and natural hot springs flowing from deep underground, it's easy to see why the customer reviews are so high.
• Highlights:
─ Natural hot spring onsen with both private and communal baths available
─ Prime location on the river, 7 mins walk from the bamboo grove
─ Strong emphasis on traditional Japanese fine dining
• Price Range: $1000 - $2000 per night
• Review Score: 9.7 ★ (120+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"This ryokan checked off everything on my list: Private in-room outdoor bath with hot spring-sourced water overlooking the river and mountains, amazing and unforgettable cuisine (had a 9-course dinner, make-your-own onigiri for midnight snack, and a very big breakfast), and so close to the temples, the bamboo forest, everything. Just heaven, the best ryokan experience in Japan."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2. The Muni Kyoto
The Muni Kyoto by Onko Chishin is situated right next to the Rangetsu, perfectly located along the Hozugawa river. The Muni Kyoto provides a modern luxury experience along with sophisticated Japanese design and impeccable hospitality. Winner of the IF Design Awards in 2021, the whole hotel feels like an architectural gallery. The food here is also a unique experience, featuring an incredible restaurant by world-renowned French chef Alain Ducasse, and a boutique cafe serving up unbelievable breakfast, lunch, chocolates, and pastries.
• Highlights:
─ An indulgent wellness spa combining Swiss treatments with a Japanese influence
─ Prime location on the river, 7 mins walk from the bamboo grove
─ Unbeatable dining experience with a restaurant and cafe operated by world-renowned French chef Alain Ducasse
• Price Range: $600 - $2000 per night
• Review Score: 9.3 ★ (360+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"This was our favorite hotel that we stayed at in Japan. Everything from the design, service, room, location and food were all outstanding. Listening to the birds on the balcony while drinking incredible coffee and taking a walk at sunrise to the bamboo forest became unforgettable memories for us."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
3. The Suiran Luxury Collection
The Suiran Luxury Hotel in Arashiyama offers the perfect combination of a modern luxury hotel with traditional Japanese elements, all while being surrounded by bamboo forests, pristine waters, and ancient temples of Kyoto. It's located on the Hozugawa river only a few minutes walk from the Muni and Rangetsu, but just far enough to provide a slightly more peaceful experience away from the busy streets and half immersed in the forest.
• Highlights:
─ Right on the river, only 5 mins walk from the bamboo grove
─ A beautiful cafe that overlooks the river
─ French-inspired Japanese cuisine in a 100-year-old traditional villa restaurant
• Price Range: $850 - $1200 per night
• Location: Arashiyama
• Review Score: 8.7 ★ (100+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"The Suiran is perfectly located right on the river, it's easy to walk to all of the tourist spots nearby. The hotel itself is really lovely and all of the staff are so nice and accommodating. We had teppanyaki the first night which was delicious and the second night we ate at the main restaurant, both were flawless. Everything from check in to check out was seamless."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
4. The Mulan Hostel
The Mulan Hostel is the best budget hostel in Arashiyama. It has its own unique charm located away from the touristy streets and yet close enough for walking to all the attractions. While most visitors explore Arashiyama from the Saga-Arshiyama Station, this hostel is conveniently located next to the alternative Arashiyama Station which is connected to the Osaka train lines, making day trips to Osaka super easy. The dorm rooms get booked out pretty fast due to its small size and popularity, so make reservations early.
• Highlights:
─ Right next to Arashiyama Station for easy day trips to Osaka
─ 7 mins walk to the monkey park and the Hozugawa river
─ Perfect budget hostel for Arashiyama
• Price Range: $35 - $100 per night
• Review Score: 8.9 ★ (170+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Absolutely loved this hostel! Really hospitable owners and staff. The rooms, kitchen and common areas were spacious and clean. There’s a family computer, a bunch of board games and books and other materials for entertainment by the reception. Can even rent bikes in front of the hostel."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
5. The Kadensho Onsen Arashiyama
The Kadensho Onsen is a nostalgic ryokan hotel famous for being one of the first hotels in Kyoto to offer natural onsen baths. It's moderately priced and includes 4 public baths (guests only) and 5 private baths, each with its own theme and setting. It's known for being foreigner-friendly, so long as you like traditional Japanese food, and its peaceful location away from the crowds is a nice change of pace.
• Highlights:
─ Close to Arashiyama Station for easy day trips to Osaka
─ 6 minutes walk to the monkey park and 10 minutes from the bamboo grove
─ 4 public baths (guests only) and 5 private baths
• Price Range: $250 - $600 per night
• Review Score: 8.5 ★ (500+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"The onsen is amazing. 5 private baths and a public bathing area with plenty of space. The free yukatas were very comfortable and the staff were very kind and helpful. You can reserve massages for extra cost that are perfect after wandering around Kyoto. The location is also great. The Arashiyama bamboo forest is about a 10 min walk from the hotel. The train station is a 1 min walk from the enterance and takes about 15-20 mins to get to central Kyoto."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
