Want to know where to stay in Kyoto for your first trip?
This vibrant city, steeped in history and culture, offers a unique experience for every traveler.
I recently visited Kyoto with my family and was blown away by its beauty.
We spent our days exploring ancient temples, strolling through serene gardens, and indulging in delicious local cuisine.
My favorite experience was when we mistakenly ate the food samples around Kiyomizudera. Everything looked so realistic so we were tempted to bite into the fake mochi. π
In this Kyoto hotel guide, I’ve curated a list of the best hotels and hostels in Kyoto to suit various budgets so we can plan your trip together.
While these recommendations are perfect for two people, solo travelers might find even better rates. Let’s explore the options below!
Top 4 Hotels in Kyoto β Check Before You Go!
To make your stay unforgettable, we’ve curated a list of the top 4 hotels in Kyoto.
Each of these accommodations offers exceptional comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm.
1. The OneFive Kyoto Shijo
Hotel price: $100 to $150/night (see updated hotel prices here)
Where is The OneFive Kyoto Shijo near? It’s near Nishiki Market Shopping District, NijΕ Castle, Kyoto Station Building, Gion and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Book this Kyoto hotel because:
- There are many convenience stores and rice bowl restaurants nearby, perfect if you’re hungry after tons of walking in Kyoto!
- Around 5 mins from Omiya Station (Hankyu line), which I really appreciated!
- Comes with your own private toilet with shower with great pressure and hot water. Japanese bidets are amazing as usual π
- Right next to a bus stop so riding a bus to the different places in Kyoto was really good
- Thereβs a 7/11 downstairs, plus it’s conveniently close to Nishiki Market and offers a direct train to Arashiyama
2. Hearton Hotel Kyoto
Hotel price: $90 to 100/night (see updated hotel prices here)
Where is Hearton Hotel Kyoto near? It’s near Nishiki Market Shopping District, Gion and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Book this Kyoto hotel because:
- It is a stoneβs throw from Karasuma Oike Station. So once you reach Kyoto Main Station, just transfer to Karasuma Subway (towards Kokusaikaikan) & third stop would be it
- Less than 5 minutes walk from Exit 1, so I liked it because I had my luggage with me
- Offers two options for their breakfast. You can opt for the buffet @ Level 1 which consists of a mixture of international & Japanese food sections, or Japanese Breakfast @ Level 2. I really love their Japanese breakfast! π
- The hotel provides EVERYTHING. Umbrellas for guests, I literally was saved so many times from the rain by this service.
- They also provide items like BATH SALT!!, facial cleansing oil, hair brush, razor, facial lotion etc. Bedroom shoes and sleeping robes are provided too (in the room).
- Room size is adequate, had enough space for 2 big luggage and 1 small luggage.
- I am grateful that they have coin laundry and dryer available so I didn’t have to pack a lot of clothes haha
3. Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo
Hotel price: $90 to 100/night (see updated hotel prices here)
Where is Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo near? It’s near Sanjusangendo Temple, Gion, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Ginkakuji Temple.
Book this Kyoto hotel because:
- If you take bus number 205 from the bus stop near the hotel, you can visit almost all the tourist attractions. The bus number 205 runs very frequently.
- Only a 5-minute walk to the Kamo River and a 15-minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- There is a space on the 3rd floor where you can get ice or use a microwave!
- Soundproofing was really good, so I stayed without any noise π
- Facilities include a separate Mitsubishi air conditioner, a smart toilet, a 4K Toshiba large TV, a separate small refrigerator, a kettle, an air purifier (with humidification function), and a fully functional bathroom.
- Plenty of amenities to choose from in the lobby, from hotel pajamas to various facial cleansers, moisturizers, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste to various types of tea and coffee
4. Cross Hotel Kyoto
Hotel price: $150 to $160/night (see updated hotel prices here)
- Across the street from Nishiki Market!
- Major attractions are within a short 15-20 minute walk, making it a perfect base for exploring the city π
- Also, Sanjo station is just a short walk over the river, which you can use to get to plenty of places
- Awesome buffet breakfast included with our stay. There was an incredible variety of options, from traditional Japanese dishes to Western favorites!
- The bath was enormous and deep, perfect to go on a soak after a tiring Kyoto tour
- Honestly, I would book here again once I come back to Kyoto — it had everything I needed and it’s in the center of Kyoto so it’s super convenient for first-time travelers!
Where to Stay in Kyoto on a Budget?
Kyoto can be expensive. But it doesn’t have to be! I’ve learned a few tricks for finding affordable places to stay.
One of my favorite strategies is to look for hotels a little outside the absolute city center. They’re often less expensive, but still easy to reach by public transport.
Another thing I do is travel during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall). These times of year are usually less crowded, and hotel prices can be lower.
If you’re staying in Kyoto on a budget, here are my top recommended hotels you’d surely love since they’re ALL less than $70/night:
Best Kyoto Hotels for Families?
Traveling with kids?
Finding the right hotel can make or break your trip.
I’ve done a lot of family travel, and I know what’s important: space, convenience, and maybe a few kid-friendly amenities. Kyoto is an amazing city to explore with family, and having a good home base makes all the difference.
Based on my experience, here are my top family-friendly hotels in Kyoto:
π π See more Kyoto hotels here!
So there you have it! Four great affordable hotels in Kyoto that I think are perfect for first-time visitors. I’ve shared my experiences and some tips to help you choose the best place for your trip.
Kyoto is such a special city. From the stunning temples to the beautiful gardens, there’s so much to see and do. I hope this guide helps you find a comfortable and affordable place to stay so you can focus on making amazing memories.
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or if you’ve stayed at any of these hotels! I’d love to hear about your experiences.
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Thanks for reading. π If you’re looking for a city with rich cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery, Kyoto is a great choice for your next trip.
π Travelling soon? Get a Klook discount when you use KLOOKLIANNE