An expert list of the best hotels in Gion based on thousands of customer reviews and knowledge of Kyoto
Image copyright: Ollie Ronin.
Overview
The Gion district in Kyoto is most famously known for being the centre of Geisha culture in Japan. It's located between the downtown area and Higashiyama, providing an extremely convenient position for exploring Kyoto. Along with its traditional atmosphere and historically preserved streets, the Gion district also contains a variety of unique bars and restaurants.
The Gion district provides easy access to everything you'll need for your trip, such as:
Lively streets and markets
Multiple train stations
Famous temples
Unique bars and restaurants
All the hotels on our list are within a 5-15 minute walk from:
The Nishiki Market
Pontocho Alley
The Kamogawa (Kamo River)
The Geisha Area (Miyagawa-cho)
Kyoto's nightlife district (Kiyamachi)
The historically preserved streets of Higashiyama
Famous temples such as Chion-in, Kodaiji, and Kiyomizudera (Higashiyama)
Train stations connecting you to Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, and even Osaka.
The Gion district features a wide range of accommodation, many of which can be quite expensive, so making the right decision can be somewhat time consuming. This article aims to simplify this process for you, providing you with a carefully selected list of hotels based on expert knowledge of the city and an objective analysis of thousands of customer reviews.
All of the options on this list must adhere to our strict criteria:
- An average review score above 8/10
- A minimum of 100 reviews
- The location must be in Gion and 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 Hotels In Gion, Kyoto
High End $300 - $1000
The Gion Kyoka Ryokan ─ 9.4
The Gion Elite Terrace ─ 9.3
Rinn Gion Hanatouro ─ 9.1
Rinn Gion Shirakawa ─ 9.1
The Celestine Hotel Gion ─ 8.9
Mid-Range $150 - $300
Dhawa Yura Kyoto ─ 9.0
Kyoto Inn Gion ─ 9.0
Best Value $40 - $200
The Ryokan Hostel Gion ─ 8.8
The Gion Ryokan Q-beh ─ 8.8
The Sasarindou Hotel ─ 8.2
The Best Luxury Hotels In Gion
1. The Gion Kyoka Ryokan
The Gion Inn Kyoka is so authentically Japanese that it's not even labelled in English on booking.com, instead, it's known as 祇園の宿 杏花. This traditional Japanese ryokan feels like a luxurious piece if history, while still offering the modern comfort of a Western-style mattress. The lovely 100-year-old building was originally a teahouse which has been renovated into a luxury ryokan, giving a unique and charming atmosphere.
• Highlights:
─ Traditional ryokan experience, with private gardens and onsen baths.
─ A charming 100-year-old teahouse, converted into a ryokan.
─ Spacious rooms that can sleep up to 5 people.
• Price Range: $500 - $1000 per night
• Review Score: 9.4 ★ (150+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"We were absolutely ecstatic with our stay here! The ryokan had the charm of historical Japan, but is modernized and impeccable in every way. We were surprised with how large our accommodations were with a tatami tea room, a compact yet efficient kitchen, beautiful onsen bath and spacious bedroom... all with a gorgeous views of our own little zen garden. Loved the smell of the cedar hardwood that permeated the space. We will always remember our stay here for the Kyoto experience we always dreamed of."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2. The Gion Elite Terrace
The Gion Elite Terrace is an upmarket hotel offering a balanced blend of Western comfort and Japanese aesthetics. All the rooms feature a spa bath with microbubbles and an AI voice assistant for various tasks including opening the blinds or turning the lights off. Some rooms also feature a private sauna to help you relax your muscles after a long day of sightseeing.
• Highlights:
─ All the rooms feature a spa bath and an AI voice assistant.
─ Delux rooms feature a private sauna.
─ Balanced blend of Western comfort with Japanese aesthetics.
• Price Range: $250 - $500 per night
• Review Score: 9.3 ★ (1000+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Loved everything about our stay here. So many excellent things: Perfect location and easy access to the train station, walk to most of the major highlights, room was excellent size and had a nice terrace, kitchenette, amazing bathroom w oxygenated bathtub and sauna, comfortable beds. Hotel also has free laundry facility and awesome coffe machine in the lobby for free. The staff were really helpful and even helped us with dinner reservations."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
3. The Rinn Gion Hanatouro
The Rinn Gion Hanatouro is one of the most popular hotels in Gion, all the rooms are comfortable and spacious, featuring balconies with views over Gion, and cedar bathtubs offering the perfect way to relax after a full day of exploring Kyoto. The location is right next to a temple and within easy walking distance to everything in Gion.
• Highlights:
─ Every room comes with a beautiful cedar bathtub.
─ Tucked next to a temple in the heart of Gion.
─ Spacious rooms with modern amenities and balconies.
• Price Range: $250 - $600 per night
• Review Score: 9.1 ★ (200+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Absolutely fantastic location. It was one block away from the main shopping area but tucked away among beautiful historical streets. There are three subway lines within a five minute walk, so getting to the other sights in Kyoto is easy. The rooms were very spacious for a family of four, and the additional amenities with a mini bar and balcony made the space very livable. And the staff were so kind and helpful."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
4. The Rinn Gion Shirakawa
Known for having some of the most beautiful views in Gion, the Rinn Gion Shirakawa provides an exceptional experience unlike any other hotel in Kyoto. Their emphasis is on luxury and comfort blended with both traditional and modern Japan. The high price is justified by some of the highest reviews out of any luxury hotel in Gion, with stunning rooms, modern facilities, and an impeccable location overlooking the Kamogawa river.
• Highlights:
─ Gorgeous views overlooking the Kamogawa river.
─ Emphasis on luxury with a blend of traditional and modern Japan.
─ Large and spacious rooms with luxuious amenities.
• Price Range: $300 - $1000 per night
• Review Score: 9.1 ★ (1200+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"We really enjoyed our stay at the Rinn Gion Shirakawa. Super convenient location in Gion, such a beautiful area with fantastic restaurants and shops nearby. Also super close to the station. The room was very clean with great amenities. The entire hotel was always kept immaculate and smelled really lovely too! We were even given some bath bombs for our bath. The reception staff were always super friendly and helpful. We would 100% stay here again!"
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
5. The Celestine Hotel Gion
The Celestine Hotel is a stunning upmarket luxury hotel located on a quiet street overlooking the beautiful Kenninji Temple. The design of the property and the dedication from the staff exceed all expectations, even providing a personal shuttle from Kyoto station. The property features a beautifully designed onsen and guests constantly praise the exceptional breakfast buffet offering everything from croissants and scrambled eggs to mini tempura treats.
• Highlights:
─ Personalised shuttle service from Kyoto Station.
─ Upmarket luxury hotel offering stunning views and themed rooms.
─ Incredible breakfast buffet with huge variety.
• Price Range: $300 - $800 per night
• Review Score: 8.9 ★ (1100+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"It’s perfectly positioned amidst the peaceful beauty of Gion. It's in easy walking distance to the famous Kiyomizudera Temple. Our room had a gorgeous view over the traditional streets and lush mountains. The room was spotlessly clean, the beds were super comfortable. The services was exceptional, the staff were always willing to help with anything we needed. We are already planning a return stay and cannot wait to come back."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
The Best Mid-Range Hotels In Gion
1. The Dhawa Yura Kyoto
The Dhawa Yura is a beautifully designed boutique hotel perfectly situated in Gion. All the rooms centre around a bamboo garden, creating a natural integration with the modern architecture. Guests rave about the spa and massage service, and the buffet breakfast which serves up a balanced variety of Western and Japanese cuisine.
• Highlights:
─ Stunning architectural design with its own bamboo garden.
─ Highly regarded spa and massage.
─ Very popular breakfast buffet offering Western and Japanese favourites.
• Price Range: $250 - $500 per night
• Review Score: 9.0 ★ (900+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"What did we like? Absolutely everything! This is an amazing location for exploring the city, the geisha district, 2 train stations in about 3 minutes walk, so easy for reaching all tourist locations. Just across the river from Pontocho street, which you will want to visit for dining, and only 8 minutes away from Higashiyama. The room we got was so spacious, it had an extra seating area to enjoy a cup of tea. It is a bit more expensive, but totally worth it. Breakfast was really good: a buffet with both Japanese and continental food."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2. Kyoto Inn Gion - The Second
The Kyoto Inn Gion is constantly praised for its outstanding value, it's rare to find a hotel of this quality in this location at such a competitive price point. The sunfilled rooms are comfortable, thoughtfully decorated, well designed. The location is perfect, the whole hotel is immaculately clean, the staff are super friendly and helpful, and it's located on a quiet street to help you relax after a long day.
• Highlights:
─ Outstanding value-for-money.
─ Sunfilled rooms with comfortable beds and a full set of amenities.
─ Really convenient location on a quiet street in Gion.
• Price Range: $100 - $250 per night
• Review Score: 9.0 ★ (500+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Can't believe the low price! Staff were so friendly & helpful, loved the personal notes that welcomed us into our rooms. The free continental breakfast was minimal but nice to have something before heading out & my daughter loved the juices! The room was spacious, especially compared to some of the other hotels we stayed in while in Japan. The hotel itself was just a short walk from everything. Attention to detail is 10/10 here."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
The Best Affordable Hotels In Downtown Kyoto
1. The Ryokan Hostel Gion
The Ryokan Hostel Gion receives some of the highest reviews out of any hostel in Kyoto. They offer convenient bicycle rental at half the price of normal bike shops, capsule-style dorm beds with extra privacy, and an amazing location in the heart of Gion. The whole facility is super clean and runs like a classy hotel, plus the tatami lounge area provides a traditional vibe for socialising with other travellers.
• Highlights:
─ Daily bike rental for only 500 yen.
─ Capsule-style dorm beds provide extra privacy. ─ Amazing price in an amazing location, one of the highest-rated hostels in Kyoto.
• Price Range: $40 - $200 per night
• Review Score: 8.8 ★ (1200+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"The location is perfect, walking distance to the famous Gion streets and the Subway (Sanjo) which leads to Fushima Inari and some of the famous attractions. The facilities are clean and the bed is super comfortable and spacious. The daily rental bikes were awesome and cheap. The tatami lounge is very cozy and the overall environment has a nice and quiet atmosphere. Will surely come back again."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2. The Gion Ryokan Q-beh
The Gion Ryokan Q-beh combines the charms of a traditional Kyoto ryokan with the low prices of a hostel. The result is a unique experience in a beautiful Kyoto guesthouse while sharing facilities with fellow travellers in a hostel atmosphere. This classic Japanese architecture has a strong emphasis on nature, with a beautiful garden, sliding shoji windows, and soft tatami floors. The perfect choice if you're seeking a traditional Japanese experience in a nice hostel.
• Highlights:
─ A traditional ryokan ambience in a budget-friendly hostel.
─ Location on a quiet street right next to the Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park.
─ Classic Japanese architecture with a beautiful garden, sliding shoji windows, and soft tatami floors.
• Price Range: $30 - $90 per night
• Review Score: 8.8 ★ (1100+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Perfect Kyoto location. Close to Gion but also to downtown and train stations. Lots of great bars and restaurants in strolling distance. Felt new and rooms were clean, quiet and good sized. Extremely good value at time of booking. Really friendly staff and they offer free breakfast snacks."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
3. The Sauna & Capsule Hotel Rumor Plaza
The Sauna & Capsule Hotel Rumor Plaza is a boutique hotel providing a luxury capsule experience that can't be found anywhere else. It's hard to believe a hotel can offer this much at such a low price. This brand-new capsule hotel features a large spa facility integrated into the hotel, including outdoor rooftop baths, indoor sento baths, and a large sauna and shower area. With its perfect location in the heart of Gion, continental buffet breakfast, and super comfy beds, it's no wonder the customer reviews are so high.
• Highlights:
─ Amazing spa facility spanning 3 levels, including a large rooftop bathing area.
─ Continental buffet breakfast.
─ Spacious capsules with comfy beds in the heart of Gion.
Average Price: $40 - $60 per night
Review Score: 8.5 ★ (1000+ reviews)
Review Quote:
"If I could rate it 20/10 I would. Not a fan of capsule hotels but this one is surprisingly comfy. Stayed here for the sauna. Did not expect it to be so big and a commercial 3-levels super sento. Sauna is open 24hrs. They have all the toiletries you need and more. Once you understand how things work this place is magic. Staff are all very nice. Breakfast spread is great (only japanese food). I will return to kyoto just for this place. Location is centered in Gion."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
4. The Sasarindou Hotel
The Hotel Sasarindou is a beautifully designed hotel offering an amazing price in a great location. The building is unique and offers a nostalgic classy atmosphere which sets it apart from other properties. A great choice if you're looking for cheap accommodation with a nice vibe in a super convenient location.
• Highlights:
─ Amazing location in Gion, within walking distance to everything.
─ Nostalgic architecture and classy design.
─ Very competitive price for this location.
• Price Range: $80 - $200 per night
• Google Review Score: 8.2 ★ (350+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Huge room and a super central area of Kyoto. Lovely bathroom with your own enormous bath. Amazing for the price. Close to the Gion-Shijo Station and walking distance to Nishiki Market. The rooms are comfortable, the Japanese style tub/shower area was great. It is right around the corner from a great Takoyaki restaurant."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
