An overview of where to stay based on expert knowledge of Kyoto
Downtown Kyoto on the Kamogawa River. Image copyright: Ollie Ronin
Introduction
Kyoto is known for being the soul of Japan with its vibrant history, hundreds of ancient temples, and thousands of shrines. But where abouts should you stay? How much time should you spend? And what time of year should you visit?
Figuring all this out can be time-consuming, so this guide aims to provide you with an efficient overview of where to stay in Kyoto, how many days to plan for, and what to expect for each season.
Contents
1. What's the best location for staying in Kyoto?
- 1.1 Downtown
- 1.2 Gion
- 1.3 Higashiyama
- 1.4 Arashiyama
- 1.5 Kyoto Station
2. FAQ
What are the best locations for staying in Kyoto?
The best locations for staying in Kyoto come down to 5 main areas:
All of these locations offer something unique. They all have their own atmosphere and noteworthy highlights.
Here's a simplified summary:
─ Downtown is best for convenience.
─ Gion is best for a combination of convenience and traditional vibes.
─ Higashiyama is best for a historical experience.
─ Arashiyama is best for nature lovers.
─ Kyoto Station is best for short stays and easy transfers.
The best location is to some extent a little subjective, so we'll answer this question with an emphasis on the most convenient location. In that context, the best and most convenient locations for staying in Kyoto are Downtown and Gion - ideally close to the Kamogawa (Kamo River).
The Best Locations For Staying In Kyoto
1. Downtown & Gion
Pontocho Alley in downtown Kyoto
Downtown and Gion are both tied for first place, they are right next to each other, seperated by the Kamo River (Kamogawa). Downtown is to the west of the Kamogawa and Gion is to the east. These two areas provide the easiest access to everything you could ever want from your trip, such as:
Lively streets and markets
Multiple train stations
Famous temples
Unique bars and restaurants
All of which are within a 5-15 minute walk, including:
The Nishiki Market
Pontocho Alley
The Kamogawa (Kamo River)
The Geisha District (Gion)
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.
How to choose between downtown and Gion?
Location wise, they are nearly the same in terms of convenience, but downtown is slightly more convenient, and less costly due to more hotels. Gion will provide you with a more traditional atmosphere, along with slightly higher prices.
Want to check out the hotels in Gion and the downtown area?
We compiled an expert list of the best hotels in Gion and the best hotels in downtown Kyoto based on customer reviews.
2. Higashiyama
Early morning in Higashiyama
The next best area is Higashiyama, it's right next to Gion, but a bit further from downtown. Higashiyama is known for it's historically preserved streets, traditional architecture, and a beautiful collection of famous temples including Kiyomizudera.
Although this area becomes very busy during the day, at night time it takes on a whole different atmosphere - the traditional cobbled streets become quiet and peaceful, providing a charming and refreshing break from a full day of sightseeing.
Higashiyama contains some of the finest hotels in Kyoto, offering everything from high-end luxury accommodation to outstanding mid-range and budget options. We compiled a complete list of the best accommodation in Higashiyama based on customer reviews, you can check it out here.
More interested in sightseeing?
Check out our article for a complete guide to visiting Higashiyama.
3. Arashiyama
The Katsura River during autumn
Arashiyama, famous for its bamboo forest, ancient temples, autumn leaves and cherry blossoms, it's ideal if you want to feel closer to nature. It's on the western edge of Kyoto, just a 15-minute train ride from Kyoto Station.
It requires some extra travel if you want to explore other parts of the city, but it makes up for it with its own unique and immersive atmosphere. Popular attractions within walking distance of Arashiyama include:
─ The Bamboo Forest
─ Famous temples including Tenryu-ji and Jojakko-ji
─ The Monkey Park
─ The Hozugawa River
Most of the accommodation in Arashiyama has a strong emphasis on luxury experiences, much like Higashiyama, so you'll find some of the nicest hotels in Kyoto are located here.
Check out this article for A Complete Guide To Arashiyama which includes the best things to do during your visit plus a list of the best accommodation based on customer reviews.
4. Kyoto Station
The view from Kyoto Station
Kyoto Station will provide the most convenient access for arrivals and departures. An important point, however, is to ensure you pick a property that's north of the station, not south. South of Kyoto Station is significantly more inconvenient as all the nice restaurants, bars, busses, and attractions are on the opposite side, and travelling from one side to the other is a surprisingly laborious task.
All the other locations we've mentioned require an additional train or taxi once you arrive in Kyoto, so booking accommodation here can be super nice if you're tired from travelling.
Compared to the other locations we've mentioned, there are no standout attractions within walking distance of Kyoto Station, but that's not a problem as you can easily catch a train to most areas including:
─ Arashiyama
─ Fushimi Inari
─ Downtown
─ Gion and Higashiyama (Kiyomizudera)
─ Day trips to Osaka or Nara
Another perk of staying around Kyoto Station is the price of accommodation, you might find the rates to be slightly lower than the other areas we've mentioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What about other areas in Kyoto?
There are loads of accommodation options all over Kyoto, but the areas we've listed here are undoubtedly the best after analysing a variety of factors that will have the largest impact on your trip. However, you can still have an awesome trip by staying in different locations, you might find lower prices too, but these locations serve as a valuable guide in terms of convenience and travel time. One example is Fushimi Inari, there are a couple of nice places but it's lacking in terms of accommodation options. Another example is the Philosopher's Path, it's an amazing area but only ideal during the cherry blossom season, and might require regular taxi fares.
How long should I stay in Kyoto?
The most common complaint among travellers who visit Kyoto is "I wish I had planned for more days here". Generally speaking, most people agree you need a minimum of 3 full days to experience the ancient capital. Personally, I would say you need at least 4, and preferably 5, but it really depends on your interests and personal preferences. Just keep in mind you can easily do day trips to both Osaka and Nara from Kyoto, so if you spend 5 days in Kyoto then you could break it up with day trips without having to carry your luggage to a different city. But then again, some people prefer variety and want to experience Osaka, so it really depends on what you like and who you're travelling with.
Is it expensive to stay in Kyoto?
Accommodation in Kyoto is on average much cheaper than Tokyo, and even Osaka. Sometimes you can find hotels and hostels up to 30% cheaper than in Tokyo, and 20% cheaper than Osaka. In comparison to other countries, accommodation in Japan is typically cheaper in price and higher in quality, however, the price difference during peak seasons can be significant.
Are there cool backpacking hostels in Kyoto?
Kyoto and Tokyo have some of the coolest hostels in the world with some of the best prices. We created this list based on thousands of customer reviews, check it out here: The 5 Best Hostels In Kyoto.
Where are the best luxury hotels in Kyoto?
Kyoto has a unique variety of luxury accommodation including traditional ryokans, boutique hotels, and stunning 5-star hotels. You'll find the service to be unique from any other country, something which Japan is famous for. Much like all of our accommodation articles, we created this list based on thousands of customer reviews and personal expertise so you know you won't be disappointed, check it out here: The Absolute Best Luxury Hotels In Kyoto.
