Where to Stay in Kyoto: best areas and hotels for your trip

Choosing where to stay in Kyoto makes a big difference to your trip. The city has temples, shrines, historic streets and traditional neighbourhoods spread across several areas, so your hotel's location can greatly simplify your itinerary.

Unlike Tokyo, Kyoto is not a city of skyscrapers and large urban centres on every corner. Here, the best area depends on your travel style: first visit, transport, traditional atmosphere, restaurants, temples or value for money.

If it is your first time in Kyoto, the ideal is to stay in areas such as Kyoto Station, Downtown Kyoto / Kawaramachi, Gion or Higashiyama. These areas make it easier to access the main temples, restaurants, public transport and classic sightseeing spots around the city.

Comparison of the best areas to stay in Kyoto

Average price ranges researched for the next 1–2 months on Booking, Trip.com and similar platforms. Prices may vary depending on the season, how far in advance you book and the hotel category.

Best area for first-time visitors: Downtown Kyoto / Kawaramachi

Downtown Kyoto, especially the Kawaramachi area, is one of the best places to stay in Kyoto on a first visit. The area has many restaurants, shops, cafés, public transport and easy access to famous neighbourhoods such as Gion, Pontocho and Higashiyama.

Staying here makes the itinerary much easier: you can head out in the evening for dinner, walk along busy streets and still have good connections for visiting temples, shrines and other parts of the city.

Is it worth staying in Kawaramachi?

Yes. Kawaramachi is one of the most practical choices for first-time visitors to Kyoto. The area is central, well connected and has excellent infrastructure for tourists.

Recommended hotels in Downtown Kyoto / Kawaramachi

Best area for transport: Kyoto Station

The Kyoto Station area is the best choice for those who prioritise transport. The station connects trains, metro, buses and the shinkansen, and makes day trips to Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Himeji and other Japanese cities much easier.

This area does not have the traditional atmosphere of Gion or Higashiyama, but it is extremely practical. It also tends to have many hotels across different price ranges, restaurants and shops inside or near the station.

Is it worth staying near Kyoto Station?

Very much so, especially if you plan to take day trips, arrive by bullet train or want to make getting around as easy as possible. For those who want a more traditional experience, Gion or Higashiyama may be more appealing.

Recommended hotels near Kyoto Station

Best traditional area: Gion

Gion is one of Kyoto's most famous and traditional areas. The neighbourhood is known for its ancient streets, teahouses, restaurants, lanterns, preserved architecture and the classic atmosphere of the old city.

Staying in Gion is ideal for those who want a more charming and historic experience. You will be close to Pontocho, Yasaka Shrine, Hanamikoji Street and several beautiful areas to explore at night.

Is it worth staying in Gion?

Yes. Gion is one of the most special areas in Kyoto, particularly for those who want to feel the city's traditional atmosphere. The one thing to note is that hotels can be more expensive and some options fill up quickly during peak season.

Recommended hotels in Gion

Best area for temples and history: Higashiyama

Higashiyama is one of the most beautiful areas to stay in Kyoto. The neighbourhood is packed with temples, shrines, historic streets and famous attractions such as Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka and Yasaka Pagoda.

Staying in Higashiyama is great for those who want to walk the ancient streets early in the morning, before most tourists arrive. The area has a more historic and visual character, perfect for those who want a classic Kyoto experience.

Is it worth staying in Higashiyama?

Very much so, especially for those who want to stay close to Kyoto's most beautiful temples and streets. The area can be less convenient for transport than Kyoto Station or Kawaramachi, but more than makes up for it with atmosphere.

Recommended hotels in Higashiyama

Best value area: Karasuma / Shijo

Karasuma and Shijo are good areas for those who want a well-placed location without paying the higher prices of Gion or the premium hotels near the most famous attractions. The area has metro access, shops, restaurants and relatively easy connections to different parts of the city.

This area works well for those who want a balance between price, transport and location. You will not be as close to the most traditional streets, but getting around is straightforward.

Is it worth staying in Karasuma or Shijo?

Yes. For those who want good value, Karasuma and Shijo are excellent choices. The area is practical, central and tends to have hotels at more balanced prices.

Recommended hotels in Karasuma / Shijo

Do you need to stay near the metro or bus in Kyoto?

Yes. Kyoto has metro, trains and many bus lines, but some attractions are spread out and getting around is not always as direct as in Tokyo. Staying near a station or good bus lines helps considerably.

For those planning day trips, staying near Kyoto Station is very practical. For those who want to explore the historic part of the city and go out in the evenings, Kawaramachi, Gion and Higashiyama tend to be better options.

How many nights should you stay in Kyoto?

The ideal is between 3 and 5 nights in Kyoto.

With 3 nights, you can visit classic attractions such as Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, Arashiyama and some of the most important temples.

With 4 or 5 nights, the trip becomes more relaxed and you can include more temples, markets, traditional neighbourhoods and day trips to Nara or Osaka.

Is Kyoto good for a first trip to Japan?

Yes. Kyoto is one of the most important cities to visit on a first trip to Japan. It shows a more traditional side of the country, with temples, shrines, gardens, historic streets and cultural experiences.

Kyoto pairs very well with Tokyo and Osaka, forming one of the most classic routes for first-time visitors to Japan.

Does Kyoto pair well with Tokyo, Osaka and Nara?

Yes. Kyoto fits perfectly into Japan's main destination itineraries.

A classic route would be:

Tokyo → Hakone → Kyoto → Osaka

or:

Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka → Hiroshima

It is also very common to do day trips from Kyoto to Nara or Osaka, depending on how many days you have available.

My final recommendation

For a first visit, the best area to stay in Kyoto is Downtown Kyoto / Kawaramachi. It offers a good location, restaurants, shops, transport and easy access to Gion and Higashiyama.

If you want maximum convenience for trains and day trips, Kyoto Station is an excellent choice. For a more traditional experience, Gion is one of the most special areas in the city.

If the focus is temples, historic streets and photography, Higashiyama may be the best option. For those who prioritise value, Karasuma / Shijo offers a practical location with more balanced prices.