Where to Stay in Kyoto: 5 Best Areas to Stay

If you’re traveling to Japan, you must have been blinded by all those social media posts of official tourism companies and your friends about the country. So, you find yourself checked into a hotel in Tokyo. Where else, right? But, suddenly, one of your close friends tells you, “Hey, check out Kyoto.” And you did. 

You’ve seen how beautiful Kyoto is, so you decide to fly to Japan once more and focus your itinerary on this classic city. Nobody could blame you.

In Kyoto lie several classical Buddhist temples – some centuries-old – zen gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses like you see in anime. It’s also renowned for kaiseki dining, where you’re served various courses of authentic Japanese dishes witha  geisha you, or maybe walking around outside the Gion district after you eat.

It’s totally impossible to visit Kyoto, then hop back to your hotel in Tokyo, so find out here the best areas to stay in Japan’s old city of Kyoto.

1. Downtown Kyoto: Shops and Restaurants

Not all the time that Google could be your best buddy when looking for accommodations in strategic areas, so it’s better to listen to avid travelers in Japan. 

Hands-down, the best area to stay in while in Kyoto is the Downtown. This area covers central Kyoto on Kamo River’s west bank. It encompasses the historic Ponto-Cho Geisha district, the main shopping street Kawaramachi-dori of the modern shopping district of Shijo Kawaramachi, and several other attractions nearby. 

However, if there’s a downside, it’s that there are not so many temples to find around the vicinity. Rather, it’s more for the modern lifestyle – shops, malls, restaurants, bars, food markets, and nightlife.

2. Central Kyoto: Castles and Temples

So, if you really want to unearth the classic-ness that is Kyoto as it was before, then choose to stay around the Central Kyoto area. This vicinity, located at the eastern part of the Nakagayo Ward, the area north of Kyoto Station, going further to the southern edge of the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, is mostly a business area today, but the touristy side is always there, of course.

Find yourself at a short distance from the Nijo Castle with its iconic halls and vast gardens. If you want to shop, there’s the Teramachi Walking Street. If you want to dine, there are lots of restaurants around, including stalls that offer street food at Nishiki Market. If you want nightlife, sneak out from your hotel’s reception to the Pontocho Alley to the east. 

ALSO READ: BEST THINGS TO DO IN KYOTO FOR COUPLES

3. Kyoto Station: The Railway Station Area

Don’t feel cheap when you’ve chosen to stay at a railway station area that’s the Kyoto Station. For a country where some of the world’s tiniest apartments are, it’s still a luxury to stay here. 

In a city famous for its well-preserved historic architecture, buildings, temples, and shrines, the Kyoto Station succeeds in showing off modern Japanese architecture at its finest. 

Aside from marveling at the impressive architecture and interiors around, you could also lose yourself in hundreds, yes, hundreds of shops and restaurants. Plus, check out the rooftop terraces for dramatic views of the surroundings. Nearby attractions are  Kyoto Tower Observation Deck, Nishi Hongan-ji Temple, and more.

4. Southern Higashiyama: Classic Atmosphere 

If the business atmosphere of Japan irritates you and you just want to touristy side, then stay at Southern Higashiyama, touted as the heart of the tourist district. It’s also a walking distance to the famous attractions in Kyoto. 

What you’ll love about Southern Higashiyama is that it lies around Gion, which you know is the place where to find a humongous array of traditional wooden houses, high-end restaurants, and geishas who walk around like shopping for cosmetics, maybe? 

Kidding aside, getting a room in this area puts you under the spotlight of a wide variety of Kyoto’s most famous temples, such as Chion-in and Kennin-ji. If there’s a downside, it’s that the transportation from here may be challenging.

ALSO READ: BEST THINGS TO DO IN KYOTO AFTER DAY TOUR

5. Arashiyama: Nature at Its Finest

You’re still in this list of the best areas to stay in Kyoto, and not things to do in Kyoto. Sure, the Arashimaya area, famous for the relaxing expanse of bamboo trees, offers places where you can stay and rest for the night. Have you seen Instagram posts of people opening the curtains and windows of their hotel rooms beside the Swiss Alps? That’s the priceless vibe that this area can offer. 

Oh, majestic Kyoto. Are you ready to fly to this destination? Seriously, you will never regret it.

---

Want to explore Kyoto comfortably on an e-bike? Join our Kyoto Bike Tour and conveniently roam around the best sights in the city.

BOOK YOUR SLOT TODAY!