An expert analysis of the best hotels and accommodation in the historical district of Higashiyama, within walking distance to Chion-in, Kodaiji, and Kiyomizudera
The view from the Park Hyatt in Higashiyama
Overview
Higashiyama is a district in north-eastern Kyoto which is famous for its historically preserved streets, traditional architecture, and ancient temples. It's located right next to Gion and is well-known for Kiyomizudera temple, one of the busiest and most popular temples in Japan. Higashiyama is considered one of the most beautiful areas of Kyoto, and as such, it contains some of the nicest hotels in Japan. We've combined our expert knowledge of the area with an analysis of hundreds of customer reviews to bring you a reliable list of the best accommodation in Higashiyama, right next to the famous Kiyomizudera, Kodaiji, and Chion-in Temples.
All of the options on this list must adhere to our strict criteria:
- Must have an average review score above 8.5 stars
- A minimum of 50 reviews
- The location must be in Higashiyama and be convenient for sightseeing
Our listing for each place has a convenient summary including the:
Description
Highlights
Average Price
Review Score
Review Example
Need help sightseeing and exploring the temples?
Check out our comprehensive article: A Complete Guide To Visiting Higashiyama
Image Copyright: Ollie Ronin
The 6 Best Hotels In Higashiyama
High End
Mid-Range
Best Value
The Best Luxury Hotels In Higashiyama
1. The Park Hyatt Kyoto
The Park Hyatt is one of the most opulent luxury hotels in Kyoto, and one of the most beautiful hotels in Japan. Perfectly situated among the historically preserved streets in Higashiyama, construction took over 3 years and was finally completed in 2019. The high attention to detail was a mandatory requirement to ensure the hotel would blend in with its location. The result is a 5-star luxury hotel with incredible views, stunning design, and within walking distance to UNESCO-listed temples. Paired with the consistently glowing reviews, it's easy to see why the Park Hyatt is often claimed to be the best luxury hotel in Kyoto.
• Highlights:
─ Within walking distance to the famous Kiyomizudera, Kodaiji, and Chion-in temples.
─ 5 restaurants with Michelin-starred chefs and award-winning cuisine.
─ Incredible architecture and stunning facilities.
• Price Range: $1600 - $2200 per night
• Review Score: 9.4 ★ (45+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Prime location among the tourist attractions. Walking distance to all popular spots. A 10/10 experience that I’ll never forget. My stay here made Park Hyatt my favorite hotel in the world, and Kyoto my favorite city in Japan. From the point you arrive, you will be meticulously taken care of. The 2 restaurants within the hotel, Yasaka and Kyoyamato, were beyond amazing - the food, service and atmosphere were top notch and the best I’ve ever had."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2. The Seiryu Hotel Kiyomizudera
The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu is one of the most popular luxury hotels near Kiyomizudera. It's especially famous for its lavish rooftop bar serving unbelievable cocktails with stunning views over Higashiyama and the Yasaka Pagoda. It's often called a boutique hotel as the original building was an elementary school, giving the architecture and layout an interesting and unique atmosphere.
• Highlights:
─ 5-minute walk to Kiyomizudera and Kodaiji temple.
─ Awarded a Michelin Key, part of the hotel awards issued by the Michelin Guide.
─ The famous K36 rooftop bar gives stunning views over the historical area while serving up incredible cocktails.
• Price Range: $600 - $1800 per night
• Review Score: 9.4 ★ (500+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"I wish I could give this hotel 10 stars. During our trip we stayed in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka and this was the best hotel we stayed at by far. The service was amazing, the rooms were beautiful, the food was delicious, and the location was great."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
The Best Mid-Range Hotels In Higashiyama
1. The Ishibekoji Muan Ryokan
The Ishibekoji Muan is a luxurious ryokan located in a historically preserved side street only 2 minute's walk from Kodaiji Temple. The Ishibekoji Muan provides a traditional Japanese experience perfectly suited for the surrounding environment. The guest reviews are filled with praise and admiration, with many people wishing they had booked more than 1 night.
• Highlights:
─ Located in a beautifully preserved street, 2 minute's walk from Kodaiji Temple.
─ Consistently glowing reviews praising the authentic traditional experience.
─ A traditional ryokan experience.
• Price Range: $300 - $600 per night
• Review Score: 9.6 ★ (200+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"The most perfect traditional Ryokan experience, such beautiful attention to detail. The Hinoki bath is such a special highlight of this room in addition to the Japanese style breakfast and spacious area. The staff are really friendly and welcoming and the location is perfect. Just moments walk through lovely cobbled streets to reach the temples, restaurants, and cafes. This place exceeded all expectations. "
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2. The Saka Hotel Kyoto
The Saka Hotel Kyoto is a superb mid-range hotel offering a luxury experience at a reasonable price. The customer reviews rave about the incredible private baths and the three onsite restaurants which serve a variety of traditional Japanese cuisine. If you're looking for an up-scale experience blending traditional aesthetics with modern comfort, then the Saka Hotel is the perfect choice.
• Highlights:
─ Luxurious private baths in every room.
─ Within a 6-minute walk from Kiyomizudera and Kodaiji Temple.
─ Three on-site restaurants serving a variety of traditional cuisine.
• Price Range: $250 - $500 per night
• Review Score: 9.3 ★ (550+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"This was easily our best stay of our entire two week trip. The location, cleanliness, atmosphere, and most of all the service were beyond exceptional. The hotel was so tranquil, and the bath in the room was divine. We would stay again for that alone. The staff even provided sake for the bath, as well as face masks and skin care that were much appreciated. The location is spectacular."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
The Best Budget Hotels In Higashiyama
1. The RC Kyoto Yasaka
The RC Kyoto Yasaka is one of the coolest boutique hotels in Kyoto, and somehow one of the most affordable. This hotel has turned raw concrete into an art form, with four rooms on four levels, each with its own unique theme and decor. The views over Higashiyama from the rooftop are truly captivating, and it's located right next to the Yasaka Pagoda.
• Highlights:
─ Located within 40 meters of the Yasaka Pagoda.
─ An artistic boutique hotel, with a separate theme on each floor.
─ Consistently glowing reviews praising its design, location, and price.
• Price Range: $150 - $250 per night
• Review Score: 9.1 ★ (550+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"An excellent boutique hotel. The rooms are big and beautiful and the staff are so welcoming. The property is so conveniently located, right at the base of the magnificent Yasaka Pagoda and within walking distance to so many other temples and quaint shops/restaurants. Guests can also enjoy free access to the hotel's rooftop, and the view was simply breathtaking. An oasis in a historical part of Kyoto."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2. The Tsukimi Hotel
The Tsukimi Hotel is a lovely capsule hotel with a strong focus on design and location. The capsule rooms are super comfortable and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. There's some social space for hanging out and all the facilities are spotless. It's impossible to beat this price in this location, perfect for both solo travellers and groups of friends.
• Highlights:
─ The best price you'll find for this area, amazing value in such an amazing location.
─ Within a 7-minute walk to Kiyomizudera and Kodaiji Temple.
─ Comfy capsules providing a unique form of privacy.
• Price Range: $50 - $80 per night
• Review Score: 8.9 ★ (550+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"I loved this hostel! It’s so clean and comfortable, very spacious as well. The staff is soooo kind and helpful. The location is perfect. I was able to sleep in when I needed to, which was wonderful. They have free coffee/tea and a kitchen available for guests. The rooftop also has the best view!"
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
