Where to stay in Kyoto
Where to Stay in Kyoto: 5 Best Areas
Kyoto’s neighborhoods each have distinct character. Here’s the honest breakdown of 5 areas, for first-time visitors, return visitors, and luxury splurgers.
Higashiyama
Eastern Kyoto with temples + Gion
- Best
- First-time visitors + temple-walkers
- Hotels
- Hyatt Regency Kyoto, Westin Miyako Kyoto, traditional ryokan options
- Note
- Walking distance to Kiyomizu-dera + Yasaka Shrine + Gion. Touristy but central.
Karasuma (downtown Kyoto)
Modern central Kyoto
- Best
- First-time visitors + business travelers
- Hotels
- Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei, Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel
- Note
- Walking distance to Nishiki Market + central station + Imperial Palace. Practical base.
Gion (geisha district)
Traditional Kyoto
- Best
- Couples + traditional experiences
- Hotels
- Hyatt Regency Kyoto (luxury), Hoshinoya Kyoto, traditional ryokans (Hiiragiya, Tawaraya)
- Note
- famous Kyoto location. Quiet evenings + geisha-spotting + traditional ryokan stays.
Arashiyama (western Kyoto)
Forested mountain town
- Best
- Slow travelers + nature seekers
- Hotels
- Suiran Luxury Collection, Hoshinoya Kyoto, Arashiyama Benkei
- Note
- Bamboo grove + monkey park. Removed from central Kyoto — pick if you want forest seclusion.
Northern Kyoto (near Kinkaku-ji)
Quieter residential
- Best
- Return visitors + serenity seekers
- Hotels
- ROKU Kyoto LXR Hotels, Mume Kyoto
- Note
- Less touristy. Closer to Kinkaku-ji + Ryoan-ji + Imperial Palace. Quiet.