Where to stay in Kyoto: the best neighbourhoods (2026)
Choosing where to stay in Kyoto means first choosing a neighbourhood: Japan's former imperial capital lines up more than a thousand temples and shrines, between the eastern hills, a lively centre and the bamboo groves of the west. Sleeping in the geisha lanes of Gion, in the heart of Kawaramachi or by the river in Arashiyama makes for very different stays.
Good news: the city is compact, served by a metro, buses and trains, and many sights are reachable on foot or by bike. The real question is the atmosphere you want on your doorstep and your budget (expect 90 to 160 EUR a night for a good, well-located comfortable hotel, 25 to 60 EUR in a hostel; a night in a traditional ryokan is worth the experience). This guide splits Kyoto into 4 neighbourhoods, each defined by the places most recommended by the Avygeo community.
At a glance: our picks by traveller type
Pick the profile that suits you to head straight to the recommended neighbourhood.
The neighbourhood map in Kyoto
Get your bearings on the neighbourhoods and must-see sights before choosing where to drop your bags. Click a name to jump to its description.
Gion & Higashiyama Collines de l'est
for traditional Kyoto and the temples
Postcard Kyoto, at the foot of the eastern hills: the Gion geisha quarter with its wooden tea houses, the Kiyomizu-dera temple and its sloping lanes, the Yasaka shrine and the Maruyama park, then further north the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji) and the Philosopher's Path. The most atmospheric area and the best for a first visit. The flip side: very popular, you need to book early and rise before the tour groups.
What to see & do in the area
Where to stay in this area
Park Hyatt Kyoto Luxury
A luxury hotel high on the Higashiyama slopes, steps from Kiyomizu-dera, with rooms overlooking the Yasaka pagoda.
Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion Mid-range
Elegant and refined right in Gion, in contemporary Japanese style, on foot from the tea houses and temples.
The Millennials Kyoto Budget
A smart, connected capsule hotel near Kawaramachi and Gion, ideal for exploring on a budget.
Pros
- Gion, Kiyomizu-dera and the eastern temples on your doorstep
- The most atmospheric, perfect for a first visit
Cons
- Very popular (book early)
- Rise early to beat the tour groups
Downtown Kawaramachi, Pontochō & Nijō Centre
for the central side, dining and life
The lively heart of Kyoto, between the two rivers: the big Kawaramachi shopping street, the Nishiki market, the restaurant lanes of Pontochō along the Kamo, the Nijō castle and, to the northwest, the famous Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and the Ryōan-ji rock garden (a few minutes by bus). Central, foodie and perfectly connected. The flip side: more urban than traditional, and lively at night on the Pontochō side.
What to see & do in the area
Where to stay in this area
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Luxury
A luxury hotel facing Nijō castle, with a historic garden and a hot-spring-fed onsen, an exceptional address.
Kyoto Hotel Okura Mid-range
A large, comfortable hotel at the Kawaramachi-Oike crossroads, ultra central, on foot from Pontochō and the Nishiki market.
Len Kyoto Kawaramachi Budget
A design hostel with a sociable café-bar, right in Kawaramachi, ideal for going out and exploring on a budget.
Pros
- Restaurants, the Nishiki market and Pontochō on your doorstep
- Ultra central and perfectly connected
Cons
- More urban than traditional
- Lively at night on the Pontochō side
Kyoto Station & the south Sud
for convenience and day trips
Around Kyoto Station, a masterpiece of modern architecture: the best base for arriving, leaving and exploring by train (including the Shinkansen and access to Nara and Osaka), steps from the thousand-torii Fushimi Inari shrine and the To-ji and Tōfuku-ji temples. Practical, modern and well connected. The flip side: more functional than charming, one ride from the eastern hills.
What to see & do in the area
Where to stay in this area
Hotel Granvia Kyoto Luxury
An upscale hotel right inside Kyoto Station: step off the Shinkansen and you're at the hotel, unbeatable for day trips.
Sakura Terrace The Gallery Mid-range
A warm design hotel a few minutes from the station, with a garden, a bath and a sociable feel, excellent value.
Piece Hostel Kyoto Budget
An award-winning design hostel near Kyoto Station, bright and friendly, ideal for small budgets and day trips.
Pros
- Fushimi Inari, the Shinkansen and day trips on your doorstep
- Practical, modern and well connected
Cons
- More functional than charming
- One ride from the eastern hills
Arashiyama & the west Ouest
for nature and quiet
West of the city, at the foot of the mountains: the famous bamboo grove, the Togetsukyō bridge over the Hozu river, the Tenryū-ji zen temple and its gardens, the monkey mountain and peaceful countryside temples. A splendid natural setting, ideal for slowing down and enjoying a riverside ryokan. The flip side: 20 to 30 minutes by train from the centre, very busy by day but magical early morning and evening.
What to see & do in the area
Where to stay in this area
Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto Luxury
A luxury hotel on the banks of the Hozu river in Arashiyama, with private hot springs and gardens, an enchanting retreat.
Arashiyama Benkei Mid-range
A traditional riverside ryokan with Japanese baths and kaiseki cuisine, the authentic Japanese experience.
Hotel Binario Saga Arashiyama Budget
A comfortable hotel near Saga-Arashiyama station, with a public bath, good value for exploring the west.
Pros
- The bamboo grove, the river and countryside temples on your doorstep
- Nature, quiet and the ryokan experience
Cons
- 20 to 30 minutes by train from the centre
- Very busy by day
Our tips for booking the right place
- Buses, trains and bikes : Kyoto is explored by bus (dense but often crowded), metro, train and bike (ideal and flat in the centre). Get an IC card (ICOCA or Suica) on arrival. Kyoto has no airport: you arrive by Shinkansen or from Kansai (Osaka) airport by direct train, which is why a hotel well linked to Kyoto Station helps.
- When to book : Two peaks to book very early (4 to 5 months ahead) and at high prices: the cherry blossom (late March to early April) and the red autumn maples (mid to late November). Summer is hot and humid, winter clear and calm: the best deals outside the two peaks.
- Try a night in a ryokan : The ryokan experience (a traditional inn) with tatami, futon, a Japanese bath and a kaiseki dinner is worth at least one night, especially in Arashiyama or Gion. Book early, the best addresses are popular and often small.
- Hotels far from a bus or train line: Kyoto is spread out and its temples scattered, so a poorly connected address wastes precious time.
- Arashiyama and the big temples in the middle of the day: packed; sleep on the spot or arrive early morning to enjoy them in peace.
- Osaka hotels sold as near Kyoto: allow 45 minutes to an hour each way; to visit Kyoto, stay in Kyoto, near the station or the centre.
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