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Kyoto – a name that simply evokes images of ancient temples, cherry blossoms, elegant geishas, and Zen gardens. As the symbolic heart of Japan and the former capital of the Japanese Empire for over 1,000 years, this tranquil city is one of the most beautiful places in the world, boasting over 2,000 Buddhist and Shinto shrines. Located in the west-central part of Honshu Island, on the banks of the Kamogawa River, it also offers a plethora of delicious and tempting culinary delights to conquer any palate. Even more impressive is the wide variety of accommodation options available, from budget-friendly to the most luxurious.
The hotel with the best overall rating - Four Seasons Kyoto
Located in the historic Higashiyama area, the Four Seasons Kyoto is a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, hailed as "personified elegance." The hotel is nestled beside an 800-year-old garden pond, with a glass bridge leading to a tea house serving sake and champagne.
The hotel currently has 123 rooms, all equipped with large bathrooms complete with soaking tubs and showers, while some rooms have balconies overlooking the gardens. For relaxation, it offers a spa with specialized Japanese wellness treatments, hot tubs and granite countertops, and an underground swimming pool with a jacuzzi and wooden cabanas.
The restaurants here are all of high quality, including Sushi Wakon, a 10-seat restaurant served by renowned sushi chef Rei Masuda; and The Brasserie, a fusion Asian-European restaurant nestled beside a unique pond garden. The hotel's location is close to famous temples and shrines such as Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangen-do, and Fushimi Inari Taisha. It's safe to say this hotel is so perfect you won't want to leave.
BEST guesthouse - TAWARAYA
Tawaraya is a traditional Japanese inn distinguished by its hospitality. It is known not only as one of the oldest ryokan (traditional inns) in Kyoto, but also arguably the best inn in Japan. It is renowned for its privacy and is extremely difficult to book.
Tawaraya doesn't have a website, and reservations must be made by phone. Despite the inconvenience, once you're here, all you can say is "perfect." This upscale inn is located in the city center, a short walk from the river and close to many shops in the historic Higashiyama district.
Owned by the same family for over 300 years, Tawaraya boasts a total of 18 rooms featuring wabi-sabi architecture, a simple and tranquil style that harmonizes with nature. Each room has its own bathroom located in a separate garden.
The hotel will prepare an elaborate breakfast for guests – with both Western and Japanese options – decorated with seasonal ikebana flowers. In addition, you will participate in tea ceremonies and enjoy massage services.
Cheapest guesthouse - Matsubaya Inn
Located just a ten-minute walk from Kyoto Station, Matsubaya Inn offers the charm of a traditional inn at an affordable price.
This property offers Western and Japanese-style rooms, an authentic Japanese breakfast, and a safe, clean place to rest. Japanese-style rooms include slippers and yukata kimonos. Additionally, the rooms are furnished with straw mats.
Due to its lower-than-average prices, Matsubaya does not provide private bathrooms in all rooms. However, there is a nearby shared bathroom with full amenities. This three-star hostel has also received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.
The most luxurious hotel - Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
This five-star hotel was Traveller magazine's number one choice in 2018. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto boasts a prime location on the banks of the Kamogawa River, with perfect views of the Higashiyama mountain range.
The hotel boasts a total of 134 spacious guest rooms, featuring elegant and beautiful designs, and several Japanese gardens designed by the renowned landscape designer Kanji Nomura. A wide range of dining and entertainment options are available, including: La Iris for Italian cuisine; a bar and lounge offering appetizers and afternoon tea; Pierre Hermé Paris Boutique providing a high-end shopping experience; and Mizuki restaurant serving traditional Japanese cuisine.
Additionally, guests can visit the spa to relax. The spa here has seven treatment rooms, plus a relaxation room, a steam room, a sauna, and a swimming pool.
The best capsule hotel - 9 Hours Capsule Hotel
Although its accommodations may be small, the 9 Hours Capsule Hotel is still a great place to rest, not to mention it's just a few minutes' walk from Kawaramachi and Kiyomizu stations; and easily accessible to Dera Shrine in downtown Kyoto.
With its futuristic aesthetic and minimalist design, a series of white, arched capsule-like rooms set against a glossy black wall possess a strange allure. The capsule rooms are spread across multiple levels and offer free Wi-Fi and power outlets, while shared changing rooms include bathrooms for both men and women. There's also ample luggage storage, but of course, no restaurant or dining options in this modest space. Nevertheless, it's definitely an experience worth trying.
Best Business Hotel - Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Located near JR Kyoto Station in Higashiyama Shichijo, Hyatt Regency Kyoto offers everything a traveler could need. Designed by the Japanese company Super Potato, the Hyatt boasts 187 modern rooms that follow traditional Japanese design, including framed kimono fabrics, paper lanterns, and soaking tubs. Notably, smoking is prohibited here.
For busy travelers who don't have time to explore Kyoto's culture, the hotel boasts three restaurants—Italian, Japanese, and contemporary—all expertly crafted by Executive Chef Marco Torre. Breakfast options include a traditional Western buffet and Japanese dishes. There's also a bar with a large sake collection and a pastry shop for guests to enjoy while waiting for appointments.
After a long, tiring day, travelers can relax at Riraku Spa, which offers Eastern treatments such as shiatsu and moxibustion. This four-star hotel has also earned a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.
Best Family Hotel - Westin Miyako Kyoto
With its abundance of temples, shrines, and cultural treasures, Kyoto is an ideal destination for family relaxation and exploration. The Westin Miyako Kyoto Hotel, with its 49 rooms, is located in the suburbs and is conveniently within walking distance of the zoo and Japanese gardens.
The hotel provides breakfast, appetizers, and drinks for guests. In addition, Westin is famous for its 'Heavenly Beds' that help children fall asleep more easily. There is also a swimming pool, a 24-hour children's playroom, and babysitting services for parents who want some free time to explore the city's temples or enjoy the local cuisine.
For meals, breakfast includes Japanese breakfast, Japanese buffet, and Western buffet, while dinner is served at Aquablu with a diverse selection of Japanese and American options; drinks include a curated selection of international wines and beers. There's even a children's buffet featuring classics like spaghetti and cheese. Finally, Westin offers free Wi-Fi and a shuttle bus to two local rail stations.
The most romantic hotel - Arashiyama Benkei
For couples wishing to spend quality time together, Arashiyama Benkei is the perfect romantic spot to rekindle their romance. It's near a bamboo forest, a monkey park, and just a few steps from the river.
Overlooking the river, Arashiyama Benkei offers highly personalized service, with meals served in your room for privacy. Some rooms offer private onsens and a variety of amenities and personal items, including Japanese-style pajamas and socks, toothbrush sets, konpeito candy, and drawstring bags as gifts. The hotel even offers a private airport shuttle service.
Best hotel for singles - Celestine Kyoto Gion hotel
Located in the heart of Kyoto Gion's entertainment district, Celestine Kyoto Gion Hotel is very close to Kyoto's best attractions.
The rooms here are spacious and modern, designed in various styles, including tea room-themed rooms where guests can choose their favorite tea and be taught how to brew and enjoy it by the staff; and some Spirit of Kyoto-themed rooms designed in soft cream tones.
The hotel's amenities include a lobby serving complimentary coffee, tea, juices, and sweets; a cocktail bar at Oumie; and the Yasaka Endo restaurant, serving Kyoto-style cuisine, including a buffet breakfast and sushi. There is also a large public bath and a Japanese garden.
