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Where to stay in Kyoto?

Kyoto city

Where is the best area to stay in Kyoto?

Here are the best and most suitable areas to stay in Kyoto, listed in rough order of priority, with the most convenient places listed first. Choosing the right location can greatly enhance your experience in this culturally-rich city.

Downtown Kyoto

All things considered, Downtown Kyoto is the best place in the city to stay. You’ll be within walking distance of hundreds of restaurants, shops, and bars, as well as the subway lines and two train lines. Downtown Kyoto is also within walking distance of two of the city’s major attractions: Southern Higashiyama and Northern Higashiyama.

Why Downtown Kyoto is the Best Place to Stay

Downtown Kyoto, also known as “Shijo-Kawaramachi,” is the central business and entertainment district of the city. It’s a great location for travelers who want to experience the energy and excitement of city life, with plenty of options for dining, shopping, and nightlife. The area is also home to many historical landmarks, including the Nishiki Market, the Gion district, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Convenient Location

One of the best things about staying in Downtown Kyoto is its convenient location. You’ll be within walking distance of many popular attractions, including the Nishiki Market, the Pontocho Alley, and the Kamogawa River. You’ll also have easy access to the subway lines and two train lines, making it easy to explore other parts of the city.

Nearby Attractions

Downtown Kyoto is also within walking distance of two of the city’s major attractions: Southern Higashiyama and Northern Higashiyama. Southern Higashiyama is home to many historical temples and shrines, including the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Northern Higashiyama is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional Japanese architecture.

Plenty of Dining and Shopping Options

Downtown Kyoto has a wide variety of dining and shopping options, ranging from traditional Japanese cuisine to international cuisine. You’ll find everything from street food vendors to high-end restaurants, as well as plenty of shopping opportunities, including department stores and traditional Japanese shops.

Southern Higashiyama

Southern Higashiyama is also a great place to stay. It is near some of the most impressive attractions in the city, and there are plenty of restaurants scattered throughout this area, especially if you are staying in or near Gion. Best of all, the streets of Southern Higashiyama are incredibly atmospheric for evening strolls.

Why Southern Higashiyama is a Great Place to Stay

Southern Higashiyama is a beautiful and historic area of Kyoto, known for its many temples and shrines, traditional Japanese architecture, and stunning views of the city. It is a great location for travelers who want to experience the traditional side of Kyoto, with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

Nearby Attractions

Southern Higashiyama is home to many historical temples and shrines, including the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, and Chion-in Temple. It is also home to several museums, including the Kyoto National Museum and the Ryozen Museum of History. The area is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional Japanese architecture, making it a great place to explore and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Plenty of Dining and Shopping Options

Southern Higashiyama has plenty of dining and shopping options, with many restaurants and shops scattered throughout the area. If you are staying in or near Gion, you will have easy access to many traditional Japanese restaurants, as well as international cuisine. You will also find plenty of souvenir shops and traditional Japanese craft stores.

Atmospheric Streets

One of the best things about Southern Higashiyama is its atmospheric streets, which are particularly beautiful in the evening. The area is known for its narrow lanes and traditional Japanese architecture, which creates a unique and memorable atmosphere for evening strolls.

Zie onze volledige lijst met aanbevolen hotels op de Southern Higashiyama pagina.

Kyoto Station 

Kyoto Station is a good place to stay. There are plenty of restaurants and shops, and of course, you are very close to Kyoto Station, which is convenient for trips to other parts of Japan, as well as buses to all parts of Kyoto. The downside is that you will have to travel for your sightseeing in Kyoto.

Why Kyoto Station is a Good Place to Stay

Kyoto Station is the transportation hub of Kyoto, making it a convenient location for travelers who want easy access to transportation to other parts of Japan and the city itself. The area around the station is home to many modern shopping centers and hotels, as well as plenty of dining options.

Easy Access to Transportation

One of the best things about staying near Kyoto Station is the easy access to transportation. The station is the main transportation hub for the city, with trains, buses, and subway lines connecting to all parts of Kyoto and beyond. This makes it a great location for travelers who want to explore other parts of Japan or move around the city quickly.

Plenty of Dining and Shopping Options

Kyoto Station has plenty of dining and shopping options, with many modern shopping centers and department stores located in the area. You will find everything from international brands to local Kyoto specialties. There are also plenty of dining options, ranging from fast food to high-end restaurants.

Drawbacks

One of the drawbacks of staying near Kyoto Station is that you will have to travel for your sightseeing in Kyoto. Many of the city’s historical and cultural attractions are located in other parts of the city, so you may need to take a bus or subway to reach them.

Zie onze volledige lijst van aanbevolen hotels op de Kyoto Station gebied pagina.

Central Kyoto

Central Kyoto covers a huge area in the middle of the city. There are several good hotels in Central Kyoto that are not too far from the city center and subway lines. The downside of staying in Central Kyoto is that you will likely need to travel to the main attractions.

Why Central Kyoto is a Good Place to Stay

Central Kyoto is a great location for travelers who want to be close to the city center and have easy access to transportation. The area is home to many modern amenities, including shopping centers, department stores, and restaurants. It is also within walking distance of several historical landmarks, including Nijo Castle and the Kyoto International Manga Museum.

Modern Amenities

One of the best things about staying in Central Kyoto is the access to modern amenities. The area is home to many shopping centers, department stores, and restaurants, making it a great place to stock up on supplies and enjoy a wide range of dining options.

Easy Access to Transportation

Central Kyoto is well-connected to the city’s transportation system, with several subway lines and bus routes passing through the area. This makes it easy to get around the city and explore other parts of Kyoto.

Drawbacks

One of the main drawbacks of staying in Central Kyoto is that you will likely need to travel to the main attractions in other parts of the city. This can add travel time and expense to your trip, and may not be as convenient as staying in other areas of the city that are closer to the main attractions.

Bekijk onze volledige lijst met aanbevolen hotels op de Central Kyoto pagina.

Northern Higashiyama

Northern Higashiyama is a good place to stay, especially if you want to be close to nature and don’t mind taking a bike or a bus to the city center for dining and shopping (there are also some restaurants in Northern Higashiyama). There are not many hotels in Northern Higashiyama, but there are some Ryokan, guesthouses, and vacation rentals.

Why Northern Higashiyama is a Good Place to Stay

Northern Higashiyama is a beautiful and peaceful area of Kyoto, known for its stunning natural scenery, beautiful temples and shrines, and traditional Japanese architecture. It is a great location for travelers who want to experience the traditional side of Kyoto, while also enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Close to Nature

One of the best things about staying in Northern Higashiyama is the close proximity to nature. The area is home to several natural attractions, including the famous Philosopher’s Path, which runs along a cherry blossom-lined canal, and the Kyoto Botanical Garden, which is home to over 12,000 species of plants.

Traditional Japanese Architecture

Northern Higashiyama is known for its traditional Japanese architecture, with many temples and shrines scattered throughout the area. Some of the most famous temples in the area include the Ginkaku-ji Temple, which is known for its beautiful gardens, and the Nanzen-ji Temple, which is home to several sub-temples and beautiful gardens.

Peaceful and Quiet

Northern Higashiyama is a peaceful and quiet area of Kyoto, making it a great place to relax and unwind. It is a great location for travelers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a more tranquil environment.

Drawbacks

One of the main drawbacks of staying in Northern Higashiyama is the distance from the city center. You may need to take a bike or a bus to reach the main attractions and dining options, which can be inconvenient for some travelers. Zie onze volledige lijst van aanbevolen hotels op de Northern Higashiyama pagina.

Arashiyama

Located on the far west side of the city, Arashiyama is not the most popular place to stay, but it is good for a night or two if you want to stay close to nature. Two of the best accommodations in the city are located here: the stunning Hoshinoya Kyoto, which is accessible by boat on the Hozu-gawa river, and Arashiyama Benkei, a classic Ryokan with beautiful mountain views.

Why Arashiyama is a Good Place to Stay

Arashiyama is a scenic and tranquil area of Kyoto, known for its natural beauty and traditional Japanese architecture. It is a great location for travelers who want to escape the city and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.

Close to Nature

One of the best things about staying in Arashiyama is the close proximity to nature. The area is home to several natural attractions, including the famous bamboo groves, the Tenryu-ji Temple, and the Arashiyama Monkey Park. The Hozu-gawa river is also a great location for a boat ride, which is a unique way to explore the area.

Stunning Accommodations

Arashiyama is home to some of the best accommodations in Kyoto, including the Hoshinoya Kyoto and the Arashiyama Benkei Ryokan. These accommodations offer a unique and luxurious experience, with beautiful rooms and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and natural beauty.

Traditional Japanese Architecture

Arashiyama is known for its traditional Japanese architecture, with many temples and shrines scattered throughout the area. Some of the most famous temples in the area include the Tenryu-ji Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Jojakko-ji Temple, which is known for its beautiful gardens.

Drawbacks

One of the main drawbacks of staying in Arashiyama is the distance from the city center. It can take some time to travel to the main attractions and dining options in other parts of the city, which may be inconvenient for some travelers.

Meer hotels en Ryokan in Arashiyama vindt u op de Arashiyama pagina.

Kibune

Located in the mountains to the north of the city, the village of Kibune is a great place for those looking to escape the city for a night or two. It is home to the breathtaking Ryokan Ugenta, a romantic retreat that is truly one of a kind.

Why Kibune is a Good Place to Stay

Kibune is a peaceful and secluded village in the mountains, making it a great location for travelers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in nature. The village is home to several natural attractions, including the Kibune Shrine and the Kibune River, and is a great location for hiking and exploring the surrounding mountains.

Romantic Retreat

Ryokan Ugenta is one of the best accommodations in Kibune, offering a unique and romantic experience for couples and travelers looking for a luxurious escape. The Ryokan is located in a beautiful natural setting and offers traditional Japanese-style rooms, hot springs, and delicious Japanese cuisine.

Secluded Location

One of the best things about staying in Kibune is the secluded location. The village is tucked away in the mountains, surrounded by nature and beautiful scenery. It is a great location for travelers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a more tranquil environment.

Nature and Hiking

Kibune is a great location for nature lovers and hikers, with several trails and natural attractions located in the surrounding mountains. The Kibune River is a popular spot for hiking and exploring the natural surroundings, and the Kibune Shrine is a beautiful temple located in a serene natural setting.

Drawbacks

One of the main drawbacks of staying in Kibune is the distance from the city center. It can take some time to travel to the main attractions and dining options in other parts of the city, which may be inconvenient for some travelers.

Find more places to stay in Kibune at the Kibune page.

 

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