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Where to stay in Kyoto? 4 areas compared, pick by your itinerary

Last checked 10/22Hotel info from each hotel's official websiteTravel times per the railway companies' official websites

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The short answer

  1. Big luggage, trips to Osaka and NaraStay at Kyoto StationHARUKA, the shinkansen and limousine buses all arrive at Kyoto Station, and city buses start here too.
  2. Evening shopping and foodStay in Shijo Kawaramachi · GionNishiki Market, Pontocho and Gion are within walking distance, and Hankyu trains run straight to Osaka Umeda.
  3. Quieter stay, limited budgetStay in Shijo KarasumaTwo subway stops to Kyoto Station, and Nishiki Market is within walking distance.
  4. Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge early in the morningStay in ArashiyamaStay a night to explore early in the morning before the crowds; hot spring ryokan are in this area too.
Machiya-lined street in Gion
Kyoto · Gion

Pick an area for your trip

Tap a situation and the comparison table and map below will highlight the recommended areas

AreaAirport transferPrice bandGood forTrade-offs
Kyoto StationHARUKA, the shinkansen and limousine buses all arrive at Kyoto Station, and city buses and the subway start here too. The easiest area if you have luggage. HARUKA about 76–100 min; limousine bus about 85–90 min $–$$ Those arriving and leaving via Kansai Airport by HARUKA or limousine bus Those who want to walk around Gion and Pontocho in the evening (you'll need a bus or the subway)
Shijo Kawaramachi · GionKyoto's busiest district: Nishiki Market, Pontocho and Gion are within walking distance, and Hankyu trains run straight to Osaka Umeda. HARUKA to Kyoto Station, then transfer $–$$ Those who want evening walks around Gion, Pontocho and the Kamo River Those coming straight from Kansai Airport with big luggage (requires a transfer at Kyoto Station)
Shijo KarasumaThe Karasuma subway line and Hankyu meet at Shijo-Karasuma. Kyoto Station is two subway stops away, and Nishiki Market and Shijo Kawaramachi are walkable. HARUKA to Kyoto Station, then the subway $–$$ Those who want to stay downtown but often head back to Kyoto Station for trains Those who want old streets and temples right outside the door (this area is mostly office buildings and shops)
ArashiyamaTogetsukyo Bridge, the Bamboo Grove and the Sagano Romantic Train are all nearby; stay a night to explore early in the morning before the crowds. HARUKA to Kyoto Station, then the JR Sagano Line $$–$$$ Those who want to stay at a hot spring ryokan and take Kyoto slowly Those spending most days in the city (daily round trips on the JR Sagano Line or Randen)
Map of Kyoto's 4 areas relative to the direction of Kansai Airport To Kansai Airport (HARUKA) 1Kyoto Station 2Shijo Kawaramachi · Gion 3Shijo Karasuma 4Arashiyama
Not to scale. Tap a number to jump to that area.

Price band: $ = double room about NT$3,000 or less per night · $$ = NT$3,000–6,000 · $$$ = NT$6,000 or more (based on each hotel's public rates on its official site; actual prices set by the platform)

Kyoto Tower seen from Kyoto Station

1Kyoto Station

HARUKA, the shinkansen and limousine buses all arrive at Kyoto Station, and city buses and the subway start here too. The easiest area if you have luggage.

Who it suits, who it doesn't, airport transfer
Good for
  • Those arriving and leaving via Kansai Airport by HARUKA or limousine bus
  • Those doing day trips to Osaka and Nara or taking the shinkansen
  • First-time visitors to Kyoto who want to haul luggage less
Not ideal for
  • Those who want to walk around Gion and Pontocho in the evening (you'll need a bus or the subway)

Airport transfer: the JR limited express HARUKA runs to Kyoto Station; across all 30 services on JR West's weekday timetable, Kansai Airport → Kyoto takes about 76–100 min (most daytime services about 78–81 min). The Limousine Bus “Kyoto” line to Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit takes about 1 h 25 min to 1 h 30 min, adults ¥2,800 one way (bus company website). (Source)

Hotel Keihan Kyoto GrandeHotel Keihan Kyoto Grande

Kyoto Station · City hotel · Price band $

Good for: those arriving by HARUKA or shinkansen who want the hotel right by the station

  • JR · Shinkansen · Subway · Kintetsu Kyoto Station Hachijo East Exit, about 1 min walk
  • Double rooms about 19㎡
  • Breakfast: buffet at Octavar restaurant on floor 2, 7:00–10:00; adults ¥2,750, elementary schoolers ¥1,400 (incl. tax)

Good to know:On the south side of Kyoto Station (Hachijo exit); you'll need a bus or the subway to reach Shijo Kawaramachi and Gion.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

Check rooms on AgodaTrip.com Opens this hotel's page directly · Prices set by the platform

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto StationMitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station

Kyoto Station · City hotel · Price band $

Good for: those who want to stay on the north side of Kyoto Station, a short walk from city buses

  • JR Kyoto Station Central Exit, about 3 min walk
  • Double rooms about 21㎡
  • Breakfast: Japanese-style obanzai buffet 6:30–10:00 (last entry 9:30), ¥2,860 (incl. tax)

Good to know:Standard double room windows don't open and have frosted glass; check-in 15:00, check-out 11:00.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

Check rooms on AgodaTrip.com Opens this hotel's page directly · Prices set by the platform

Hotel Granvia KyotoHotel Granvia Kyoto

Kyoto Station · City hotel · Price band $$

Good for: those taking the shinkansen or HARUKA who want a spacious room

  • JR Kyoto Station (direct access)
  • Double rooms about 30㎡
  • Breakfast: buffet on floor 2, 6:30–10:00; adults ¥5,000, elementary schoolers ¥2,500

Good to know:The cheapest is a 30㎡ standard twin (two single beds); buffet breakfast ¥5,000 per person; check-out 12:00.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

Check rooms on AgodaTrip.com Opens this hotel's page directly · Prices set by the platform
Machiya on Gion Shinbashi-dori

2Shijo Kawaramachi · Gion

Kyoto's busiest district: Nishiki Market, Pontocho and Gion are within walking distance, and Hankyu trains run straight to Osaka Umeda.

Who it suits, who it doesn't, airport transfer
Good for
  • Those who want evening walks around Gion, Pontocho and the Kamo River
  • Those who love shopping and eating out
  • Those taking Hankyu trains to Osaka Umeda
Not ideal for
  • Those coming straight from Kansai Airport with big luggage (requires a transfer at Kyoto Station)
  • Those who want quiet evenings

Airport transfer: JR limited express HARUKA to Kyoto Station. JR West's weekday timetable has 30 trains in total; Kansai Airport → Kyoto takes about 76–100 min (most daytime trains about 78–81 min), then transfer by bus or train to Shijo Kawaramachi. (Source)

Store coupons you can use in this area
Cocokara Fine Shijo Kawaramachi NishiTsuruha Drug Yasaka Shrine-maeSugi Pharmacy Shijo KawaramachiEDION Kyoto Kawaramachi flagshipTakashimaya Kyoto

Super Hotel Kyoto Shijo KawaramachiSuper Hotel Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi (Natural Hot Spring Gosho no Yu)

Shijo Kawaramachi · Gion · Business hotel · Price band $

Good for: tight budgets, staying in the Kawaramachi district with a hot spring bath

  • Hankyu Kyoto-kawaramachi Station, about 3 min walk
  • Double rooms about 12㎡
  • Large public bath on site
  • Breakfast: free breakfast (freshly baked bread), 7:00–9:00

Good to know:Rooms 12㎡; some room types have a shower booth only; the hot spring bath alternates between men's and women's hours.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

Check rooms on AgodaTrip.com Opens this hotel's page directly · Prices set by the platform

Cross Hotel KyotoCross Hotel Kyoto

Shijo Kawaramachi · Gion · City hotel · Price band $

Good for: those who want to stay in Sanjo Kawaramachi with a large room and a bathtub

  • Subway Tozai Line Kyoto-Shiyakusho-mae Station (Zest Oike Exit 2), about 4 min walk
  • Double rooms about 25㎡
  • Rooms with bathtub
  • Breakfast: buffet at KIHARU Brasserie 7:00–10:00 (price not listed on this page of the official site)

Good to know:Breakfast seating is first come, first served; the official site says 8:00–9:00 has the longest waits.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

Check rooms on AgodaTrip.com Opens this hotel's page directly · Prices set by the platform

The Gate Hotel Kyoto TakasegawaThe Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by HULIC

Shijo Kawaramachi · Gion · Boutique hotel · Price band $$

Good for: those who want design-forward rooms beside the Takase River

  • Hankyu Kyoto-kawaramachi Station (Kiyamachi North Entrance), about 3 min walk
  • Double rooms about 23㎡
  • Breakfast: 6:30–10:00, ¥4,400 (guests ¥3,600, incl. tax, no service charge)

Good to know:The cheapest Essential rooms are 23㎡; guest breakfast price ¥3,600.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

Check rooms on AgodaTrip.com Opens this hotel's page directly · Prices set by the platform
Shijo-Karasuma intersection

3Shijo Karasuma

The Karasuma subway line and Hankyu meet at Shijo-Karasuma. Kyoto Station is two subway stops away, and Nishiki Market and Shijo Kawaramachi are walkable.

Who it suits, who it doesn't, airport transfer
Good for
  • Those who want to stay downtown but often head back to Kyoto Station for trains
  • Those who like chain hotels with a large public bath (all three hotels here list one on their official sites)
  • Those taking Hankyu to Osaka Umeda
Not ideal for
  • Those who want old streets and temples right outside the door (this area is mostly office buildings and shops)

Airport transfer: JR limited express HARUKA to Kyoto Station. JR West's weekday timetable has 30 trains in total; Kansai Airport → Kyoto takes about 76–100 min (most daytime trains about 78–81 min), then transfer to the Karasuma subway line to Shijo or Karasuma-Oike Station. (Source)

Store coupons you can use in this area
Daimaru Kyoto

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto ShijoMitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo

Shijo Karasuma · City hotel · Price band $

Good for: tight budgets, those who want a large public bath

  • Hankyu Karasuma Station Exit 26; Subway Karasuma Line Shijo Station Exit 2, about 6 min walk
  • Double rooms about 17㎡
  • Large public bath on site
  • Breakfast: buffet 6:30–10:00 (last entry 9:30), ¥2,530 (incl. tax)

Good to know:6 min walk from the station; the large public bath gets crowded at peak times.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

Check rooms on AgodaTrip.com Opens this hotel's page directly · Prices set by the platform

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi BetteiMitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei

Shijo Karasuma · City hotel · Price band $

Good for: those who want machiya-style lanes plus a large public bath

  • Subway Karasuma Line Shijo Station (North Gate, Exits 22 and 26), about 7 min walk
  • Double rooms about 19㎡
  • Large public bath on site
  • Breakfast: 6:30–11:00 (last order 10:00), adults ¥2,970, ages 6–12 ¥1,800 (incl. tax)

Good to know:7 min walk from Shijo Station; breakfast is served until 11:00, good for late risers.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

Check rooms on AgodaTrip.com Opens this hotel's page directly · Prices set by the platform

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo PremierMitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier

Shijo Karasuma · City hotel · Price band $$

Good for: those who want a large room of 30㎡+ plus a large public bath

  • Subway Karasuma Line · Tozai Line Karasuma-Oike Station Exit 5, about 3 min walk
  • Double rooms about 30.2㎡
  • Large public bath on site
  • Breakfast: 7:00–11:00 (last entry 10:30), ¥3,850 (incl. tax)

Good to know:The nearest station is Karasuma-Oike, not Shijo; the large public bath is closed from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

Check rooms on AgodaTrip.com Opens this hotel's page directly · Prices set by the platform
Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama

4Arashiyama

Togetsukyo Bridge, the Bamboo Grove and the Sagano Romantic Train are all nearby; stay a night to explore early in the morning before the crowds.

Who it suits, who it doesn't, airport transfer
Good for
  • Those who want to stay at a hot spring ryokan and take Kyoto slowly
  • Those who want to visit the Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge early in the morning
  • Those taking the Sagano Romantic Train or the Hozugawa River boat ride
Not ideal for
  • Those spending most days in the city (daily round trips on the JR Sagano Line or Randen)
  • Tight budgets (rates found on official sites here are all mid-range or above)

Airport transfer: JR limited express HARUKA to Kyoto Station. JR West's weekday timetable has 30 trains in total; Kansai Airport → Kyoto takes about 76–100 min (most daytime trains about 78–81 min), then transfer to the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. (Source)

Hotel Binario Saga ArashiyamaHotel Binario Saga Arashiyama

Arashiyama · City hotel · Price band $$

Good for: those taking the Sagano Romantic Train or who want to be next to the JR station

  • JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, about 1 min walk
  • Double rooms about 17.5㎡
  • Large public bath on site
  • Breakfast: restaurant breakfast on floor 1, 7:00–9:00, reservation required

Good to know:10–15 min walk from Togetsukyo Bridge; few restaurants nearby, and dinner at the inn must be reserved the day before; the front door locks at 24:00; check-out 10:00.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

Check rooms on AgodaTrip.com Opens this hotel's page directly · Prices set by the platform

TogetsuteiKyoto Arashiyama Onsen Togetsutei

Arashiyama · Hot spring ryokan · Price band $$$

Good for: those who want a hot spring ryokan by Togetsukyo Bridge with Kyoto cuisine

  • City bus “Arashiyama-koen” stop (about 50 min on route 28 from JR Kyoto Station), about 1 min walk
  • Large public bath on site
  • Breakfast: most plans include breakfast and dinner (Kyoto cuisine)

Good to know:Most official plans include dinner and breakfast, from ¥34,650 per person; the official site doesn't give the walking time from the nearest station, but pickup is available.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

Check rooms on AgodaTrip.com Opens this hotel's page directly · Prices set by the platform

Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen KadenshoKyoto Arashiyama Onsen Kadensho

Arashiyama · Hot spring ryokan

Good for: those who want to stay next to Hankyu Arashiyama Station with hot springs and private baths

  • Hankyu Arashiyama Station, about 1 min walk
  • Double rooms about 18㎡
  • Large public bath on site
  • Breakfast: breakfast price and hours not found on the official site this time

Good to know:Only toothbrushes are in the room; pick up other amenities from the amenity shelf behind the front desk after check-in; check-in 15:00, check-out 11:00.

Source:Hotel's official website(checked 10/22)

Check rooms on AgodaTrip.com Opens this hotel's page directly · Prices set by the platform

Kyoto guides

All 3 guides
Kyoto · Stays by theme
Kyoto budget hotels: 6 hotels under NT$3,000 (Taiwan dollars) a night Kyoto hotels in price band $ (about NT$3,000 or less a night, in Taiwan dollars): 6 hotels here, in Kyoto Station (2), Shijo Kawara… Checked 10/22
Kyoto · Stays by theme
Kyoto hotels near the station: 8 hotels within a 3-minute walk Kyoto hotels within a 3-minute walk of a station per their official sites: 8 hotels here, in Kyoto Station (2), Shijo Kawaramachi ·… Checked 10/22
Kyoto · Stays by theme
Kyoto hotels with a public bath: 7 hotels, by area Kyoto hotels with a public bath stated on their official sites: 7 hotels here, in Shijo Kawaramachi · Gion (1), Shijo Karasuma (3)… Checked 10/22

Hotel decided? Still to book for this trip

Kyoto hotelsNot sure where to stay? Compare areas first
AgodaTrip.com Where to stay
HARUKADirect from Kansai Airport to Tennoji, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto; no transfer if you're staying in Kyoto.
KlookKKday
Japan eSIMBuy before you go and get online as soon as you land; check that your phone supports eSIM first.
KKday

FAQ

Where to stay on a first visit to Kyoto?

With big luggage and day trips to Osaka and Nara, stay at Kyoto Station; for evening shopping and food, stay in Shijo Kawaramachi · Gion. Both are safe choices for a first visit.

How to get from Kansai Airport to Kyoto?

The JR HARUKA limited express goes straight to Kyoto Station with no transfer; with lots of luggage you can also take the limousine bus to Kyoto Station's Hachijo exit. If you're staying in Shijo or Arashiyama, transfer at Kyoto Station to the subway, a bus or JR.

Is it easy to visit Osaka while staying in Kyoto?

Yes. From Shijo Kawaramachi and Shijo Karasuma, Hankyu trains run straight to Osaka Umeda; from Kyoto Station, JR runs straight to Osaka and Shin-Osaka stations.

Is Arashiyama worth an overnight stay?

Worth it if you want the Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge before the crowds, or a hot spring stay; but it's farther from the city, so other days need more commuting time.

How is the price band determined?

The lowest public room rate found on each hotel's official booking system, converted at Bank of Taiwan's yen rate on the day. During cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, Kyoto rates can be several times the starting price; actual prices depend on your dates on the platform.

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