Kyoto - the mere name evokes images of ancient temples, cherry blossoms, elegant geisha and zen gardens. As the symbolic heart of Japan and the capital of the Japanese empire for over 1,000 years, this peaceful city is one of the most beautiful places in the world with over 2,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Located in the west-central part of Honshu Island, on the banks of the Kamogawa River, there are also countless delicious and attractive dishes that can conquer all diners. More specifically, when coming here, visitors can also find a variety of accommodation types, from cheap to the most luxurious.
Best Overall Hotel - Four Seasons Kyoto
Located in the historic Higashiyama area, the Four Seasons Kyoto is a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner, calling it “elegance personified.” The hotel is nestled next to an 800-year-old pond garden, with a glass bridge leading to a tea house serving sake and champagne.
The hotel has 123 rooms and features large bathrooms complete with soaking tubs and showers, while some rooms have balconies overlooking the garden. For relaxation, there is a spa with a Japanese-style wellness treatment, hot tubs and granite baths, and an underground pool with a jacuzzi and wooden cabanas.
The restaurants are all of high quality, including the 10-seat Sushi Wakon, helmed by renowned sushi chef Rei Masuda; and the Asian-European fusion restaurant The Brasserie, located next to the unique pond garden. The restaurant's location is close to famous temples and shrines such as Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo and Fushimi Inari Taisha. It's a hotel so perfect you won't want to leave.
BEST hostel - TAWARAYA
Tawaraya is a traditional Japanese inn that stands out for its hospitality. It is known not only as one of the oldest ryokan (traditional inns) in Kyoto, but also as arguably the best in Japan. It is famous for being very private and extremely difficult to book.
Tawaraya doesn't have a website and reservations must be made by phone. Despite the difficulties, once you're here, it's simply "perfect." This upscale ryokan is centrally located, a short walk from the river and close to plenty of shopping in the historic Higashiyama district.
Owned by the same family for over 300 years, Tawaraya has a total of 18 rooms in wabi-sabi style, a simple architectural style that is in harmony with nature. Each room has a bathroom located in a separate private garden.
The hotel will prepare an elaborate breakfast – with both Western and Japanese options – decorated with seasonal ikebana flowers. You will also participate in tea ceremonies and enjoy massage services.
cheapest hostel - Matsubaya Inn
Just a ten-minute walk from Kyoto Station, Matsubaya Inn offers the charm of a traditional ryokan at a low price.
It offers Western and Japanese-style rooms, an authentic Japanese breakfast, and a safe, clean place to rest. Japanese-style rooms come with slippers and yukata kimonos. The rooms are also equipped with straw mats.
Due to its cheaper price point, Matsubaya does not have private bathrooms in all rooms. However, there is a shared bathroom nearby with full amenities. This three-star inn also has a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.
Most Luxurious Hotel - Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
This five-star hotel was Traveller magazine's number one pick in 2018. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto enjoys a prime location on the banks of the Kamogawa River, with perfect views of the Higashiyama mountain range.
There are a total of 134 spacious hotel rooms, with elegant and beautiful designs and several Japanese gardens designed by the talented landscape designer Kanji Nomura. There are a variety of dining and entertainment options including: La Iris for Italian cuisine; a bar, a lounge with appetizers and full afternoon tea; Pierre Hermé Paris Boutique for the ultimate shopping experience; Mizuki restaurant serving traditional Japanese cuisine.
Alternatively, guests can head to the spa for some pampering. The spa has seven treatment rooms, plus a relaxation room, steam room, sauna and swimming pool.
Best CAPSULE HOTEL - 9 Hours Capsule Hotel
While its accommodations may be small, 9 Hours Capsule Hotel is still a great place to rest your head, not to mention it's just a few minutes' walk from Kawaramachi and Kiyomizu Stations; making it easy to get to Dera Temple in downtown Kyoto.
Futuristic and minimalist, a series of curvaceous white capsules set against a shiny black wall is oddly appealing. The capsules are spread over multiple floors and have free Wi-Fi and power outlets, while shared changing rooms include showers for both men and women. There’s ample luggage storage, but of course, no restaurant or dining options in this modest space. Still, it’s worth a try.
Best Business Hotel - Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Located near JR Kyoto Station in Higashiyama Shichijo, the Hyatt Regency Kyoto offers everything a traveler could want. Designed by Japanese firm Super Potato, the Hyatt offers 187 modern rooms that follow traditional Japanese design, including framed kimonos, paper lanterns and soaking tubs. Smoking is not allowed.
For busy travelers who don’t have time to explore Kyoto’s culture, the hotel has three restaurants: Italian, Japanese and contemporary, all created by Executive Chef Marco Torre. Breakfast options include a traditional Western buffet and Japanese dishes. There is also a bar with a large sake collection and a pastry shop for guests to enjoy while waiting for appointments.
After a long day, guests can relax at Riraku Spa, which offers oriental treatments such as shiatsu and moxibustion. The four-star hotel has also earned a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.
Best Family Hotel - Westin Miyako Kyoto
Full of temples and cultural treasures, Kyoto is an ideal place to take the family to relax and explore. The 49-room Westin Miyako Kyoto is located in the suburbs and is within walking distance of the zoo and Japanese gardens.
The hotel offers breakfast, appetizers and drinks for guests staying in. The Westin is also known for its 'Heavenly Beds', which help children fall asleep more easily. There is also a swimming pool, a 24-hour children's playroom and babysitting services for when parents want some time to explore the city's temples or enjoy the cuisine.
For meals, breakfast will include a Japanese breakfast, a Japanese buffet, and a Western buffet, while dinner will be served at Aquablu, which offers a variety of Japanese and American options; drinks will include a selection of international wines and beers. There's even a kids' buffet with classics like spaghetti and cheese. Finally, the Westin offers free Wi-Fi and a shuttle bus to two local train stations.
The Most Romantic Hotel - Arashiyama Benkei
For couples looking to spend some quality time together, Arashiyama Benkei is the perfect romantic spot to rekindle your romance. It is close to a bamboo forest, a monkey park, and just steps from the river.
Overlooking the river, Arashiyama Benkei offers highly personalized service, with meals served in your room for privacy. Some rooms have private onsens and a variety of amenities and toiletries, including Japanese pajamas and socks, a toothbrush set, konpeito candy and a drawstring gift bag. The hotel even offers private airport transfers.
Best Hotel for Singles - Celestine Kyoto Gion Hotel
Located in the heart of Kyoto's Gion entertainment district, Hotel Celestine Kyoto Gion is within easy reach of Kyoto's best attractions.
Rooms here are spacious and modern, designed in a variety of styles, including tea room-themed rooms - where guests can choose their favorite tea and be taught how to make and enjoy tea by staff; some Spirit of Kyoto-themed rooms are designed in soft cream tones.
The hotel's facilities include a lounge serving complimentary coffee, tea, juice and sweets; a cocktail bar at Oumie Bar; and the Yasaka Endo restaurant, which serves Kyoto-style cuisine, including a breakfast buffet and sushi. There is also a large public bath and a Japanese garden.
