Where to Stay in Kyoto (Best Places & Areas in 2025)

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I recently traveled Japan, and, after spending time in Kyoto’s key neighborhoods, I learned the city’s wards are quite different from one another. You may be surprised that not every neighborhood embodies the “traditional” aesthetic. 

I recommend the Nakagyo ward for most first-time visitors. This neighborhood is conveniently located near the city center. Attractions are all around and there are a range of accommodations.

MOGANA is my #1 hotel pick in Kyoto, for its great location and beautiful yet comfortable rooms. Another great (and budget-friendly) option is The Royal Park Canvas – Kyoto Nijo, which offers a central location near Nijō Castle.

The hotel with the single best location in Kyoto, though, has surely got to be The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa. Just a block from the Kamo River, you can walk almost anywhere from its location smack in the middle of it all. The Gate also sits along a picturesque walking alley lined with traditional izakaya bars and restaurants. 

With that said, you have options. Read on for a detailed breakdown of each Kyoto area I recommend, including pros and cons and custom maps. But, first, a quick summary of my top pick hotels for those in a rush:

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Best Places to Stay in Kyoto

Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Kyoto? Here are my top picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – MOGANA
• 🗺️ Best Location – The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa or The Royal Park Canvas – Kyoto Nijo
• 🏯 Best Ryokan (Japanese B&B) – Ryokan Motonago
• 💎 Best Luxury – Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion
• 👘 In Gion (“Geisha District”) – Rinn Gion Shirakawa
• 👨‍👩‍👦 For Families – STITCH HOTEL Kyoto or Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu
• 🛎️ Best Boutique – Kyoto Ryokan Sakanoue
• 🏨 Best Hostel – Piece Hostel Sanjo
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo or The Royal Park Canvas – Kyoto Nijo 

Next, we’ll deep dive into Kyoto’s best areas and neighborhoods.

Traveling Japan? Bookmark Travel Lemming’s guides to where to stay in Tokyo and where to stay in Osaka to read next! 

7 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Kyoto

Kyoto is one of Japan’s larger cities space-wise, but it still feels much more compact than places like Tokyo and Osaka. With that being said, the neighborhoods in Kyoto can be far apart from one another. Visitors will need to use buses, trains, or taxis to get around.

Nakagyo

👉 Best Area For First-Timers | ✨ Best Nakagyo Hotels: MOGANA • The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa • The Royal Park Canvas – Kyoto Nijo • Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo

As a first-time visitor to Kyoto, there is no better place to stay and get to know the city than Nakagyo. This neighborhood is in a prime location near the city center with easy access to other neighborhoods like Kita, Shimogyo, and Gion. 

There are lots of intriguing attractions in Nakagyo that will appeal to newcomers as well, such as Nishiki Market, Nijō Castle, and the Kyoto International Manga Museum. 

Nakagyo offers a wide range of accommodations for any type of traveler. MOGANA, my #1 hotel pick, has high-end suites with the royal treatment. 

Or, for the perfect walkable location, check out The Gate Hotel. It’s about as central as you can get and guests rave in the reviews. It also has a nice rooftop restaurant and bar.

On a budget? The Royal Park Canvas – Kyoto Nijo feels luxurious, but costs as little as ~$68 per night. Or Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo can sometimes be even cheaper, and offers a traditional Japanese vibe.

Overall, Nakagyo is a fun district for young people and solo travelers because there is a vibrant nightlife scene at spots like BAR･SILENT THIRD and House of KI NO BI. Don’t forget to try Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera Kyoto to taste Michelin-star conveyor belt sushi for a reasonable price.

The other side of having all this stuff going on in Nakagyo is that it is a very busy area with mainly tourists making up the crowds. Depending on your preferences, this can be a huge bother.

Pros of Staying in Nakagyo Neighborhood:

• Amazing location 
• Affordable food 
• Solid nightlife scene
• Many hotels at a variety of price points
• Cultural attractions nearby

Cons of Staying in Nakagyo Neighborhood:

• A bit touristy 
• May get noisy if staying along main streets

Gion

👉 Luxury, Ryokans & the “Geisha District” | ✨ Best Gion Hotels: Ryokan Motonago • Rinn Gion Shirakawa • Hotel The Celestine

Technically part of the larger Higashiyama ward, the tiny district of Gion is known as the “geisha district.” You may recognize it from social media because it is one of the most photogenic neighborhoods in the whole city (maybe even all of Japan!). 

Gion is known for its picturesque narrow streets and signature traditional wooden architecture. Every Kyoto tourist comes through Gion at some point. 

The reason I don’t list Gion as my top area? Well, its small size and high demand means high hotel prices! 

If you want to treat yourself to a luxury stay, check the stunning suites at Rinn Gion Shirakawa or the Michelin-rated Hotel The Celestine. 

Another option here is to stay in a traditional Japanese “ryokan.” Another Travel Lemming writer, Chelsea, says that staying at a ryokan here was one of her favorite experiences in Japan. Specifically, Chelsea stayed at Ryokan Motonago and you can read her full review for even more info. 

Gion isn’t just traditional aesthetics, though. There are lots of cute shops around. I stumbled upon a store making handmade rings on the spot called glänta Kyoto Ninenzaka. 

The food and drink scene in Gion is divine. Upscale restaurants like Sushi Gion Matsudaya and Gion Karyomake food feel like an art form. There are also lovely tea houses lining the streets, such as Saryo Tsujiri Tea House and Saka Maruyama. 

The thing about staying in a neighborhood like Gion is that it doesn’t come anywhere close to cheap. Accommodations alone can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars per night during the high season in the spring and fall.

Pros of Staying in Gion Neighborhood:

• Adorable streets with historic charm (this is the part of Kyoto you are likely picturing in your mind!) 
• Yummy food 
• Great location for photos
• Gorgeous hotels

Cons of Staying in Gion Neighborhood:

• Hotels are quite expensive
• Crowded (small, and filled with tourists)

Higashiyama

👉 Best Area For Families & Couples | ✨ Best Higashiyama Hotels: Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto • Kyoto Ryokan Sakanoue •  The Machiya Kamiumeya • Seikoro Ryokan • Kyo-Anthu Inn 

Ok, maybe you can’t afford a Gion hotel but still prefer a more “traditional” environment? Consider looking nearby in Higashiyama, the large district (that, if we’re being technical, includes Gion). 

In Higashiyama, you’ll find preserved wood buildings and narrow lanes, all along the lower slopes of Kyoto’s mountains. Attractions like Kiyomizu-dera and the Kyoto National Museum are also conveniently located here. 

One great option here is the highly-rated Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu, which offers family-friendly rooms and rooftop views. Or, for a very traditional boutique, check out the highly-rated Kyoto Ryokan Sakanoue.

Higashiyama has affordable dining options, such as Negibouzu. Along with establishments like Kōdaiji Jūgyūan that provide a luxury dining experience.

Something to consider about Higashiyama is that a little walking is required when you stay in this district. Since the area is very hilly, it might not be a good fit for people with mobility difficulties.

Pros of Staying in Higashiyama Neighborhood:

• Restaurants for any budget
• Lots of bars
• Many attractions 
• Beautiful views of Kyoto

Cons of Staying in Higashiyama Neighborhood:

• Still can be pricey
• Lots of hills
• Some areas can get crowded, particularly around sunset

Shimogyo

👉 Best Area For Business Travelers | ✨ Best Shimogyo Hotels: STITCH HOTEL Kyoto • Dusit Thani Kyoto • Luck You Kyoto  • Auberge AZABU

Business travelers in Kyoto need a neighborhood that’s near a major transportation hub, has plenty of places to eat nearby, and isn’t super noisy. That’s why Shimogyo is such a perfect choice for business travelers. 

Kyoto Station is located right in this ward, which makes it very easy to get to the airport, nearby cities, or anywhere else you need to go in Japan. Plus, it’s surrounded by other cool Kyoto neighborhoods, such as Nakagyo and Higashiyama. 

Shimogyo has tons of comfortable, clean, well-equipped places to stay and one of the best is Dusit Thani Kyoto. The hotel has everything you would require for doing business in Kyoto, such as meeting facilities, a suit press, soundproof rooms, and even a full-service spa.

For families, STITCH HOTEL Kyoto is also a good option (many rooms offer bunk beds for the kids). It’s quite close to the river and just a few blocks to Gion.

The major drawback of Shimogyo is that there are very few points of interest inside the district itself. People staying in this area will need to heavily rely on public transportation to visit Kyoto’s top attractions. 

Pros of Staying in Shimogyo Neighborhood:

• Central location near other neighborhoods
• Close to Kyoto Station
• Lots of hotels and apartment rentals
• Variety of restaurants

Cons of Staying in Shimogyo Neighborhood:

• Few attractions 
• Very urban with limited greenspaces 

Fushimi

👉 Best Area For Budget Travelers | ✨ Best Fushimi Hotels: Zen Kyoto Apartment Hotel  • Inari Ohan  • Hotel and Spa Lotus Modern • Stay Inn KOTO 

The Kyoto neighborhood of Fushimi is home to one of the most iconic attractions in Japan – the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Most people visit this district to check out this famous spot, but it can also be a great place for budget travelers if you don’t mind staying a bit further out from the center.

Stay Inn KOTO is a perfect example of an affordable Fushimi hotel that still doesn’t cut corners on comfort. The hotel is a quick walk away from the Inari Gates and the main Fushimi train station. It has spotlessly clean Japanese-style rooms and costs as little as $47 per night. 

The culinary scene for budget travelers is also rich in Fushimi. The cabbage rolls and noodle soup from Bengaraya will warm your soul for just a couple of dollars.  Or, grab a table at Inoue for a full nigiri lunch set that costs less than $10. 

The downside of choosing Fushimi as a home base in Kyoto is that it’s pretty far away from the main city center and other neighborhoods. It takes 20 to 45 minutes to reach other parts of Kyoto from Fushimi depending on where you’re going. 

Pros of Staying in Fushimi Neighborhood:

• Near One of Japan’s famous attractions
• Historic neighborhood
• Affordable accommodations
• Good food and drink scene

Cons of Staying in Fushimi Neighborhood:

• Outside of the city center
• Limited attractions besides the Fushimi Inari Shrine

Minami

👉 Best Area For A Quiet Environment | ✨ Best Minami Hotels: Sunrise Suites • KYOSTAY Iroha Toji Main • BON Kyoto Station

Although Kyoto is a rather peaceful city as a whole, the neighborhood of Minami is particularly quiet and serene. This is the best place to stay if you prefer to avoid other tourists and simply want to blend into everyday life in a mostly residential area of Kyoto. 

Even though it feels far-removed, Minami is still well-connected to the rest of Kyoto by public transportation. It is also very close to Kyoto Station, making it a good jumping-off point for taking day trips around Japan. 

The peacefulness of Minami does come with a cost, which is that there is not much nightlife going on in this neighborhood. There aren’t too many attractions either, besides Tōji Temple. If the quiet atmosphere is worth the lack of a bar scene, KYOSTAY Iroha Toji Main is one of the best places to stay in Minami. They have air-conditioned family rooms that can accommodate up to five people and there is a bus stop on the same street as the hotel.

Pros of Staying in Minami Neighborhood:

• Quiet environment
• Near a major train station
• A residential area that’s good for families 
• Well-connected to the rest of Kyoto

Cons of Staying in Minami Neighborhood:

• Few attractions 
• Limited nightlife

Kita

👉 Best Area For Cultural Attractions | ✨ Best Kita Hotels: Guesthouse Bon • ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts  • Ryokan Nenrinbo 

Kyoto is a treasure trove of cultural attractions and many are conveniently situated in the Kita ward. Here, you will be near the well-known golden temple of Kinkaku-ji. More quaint places of worship will also be close, such as the Genkō-an Temple and the Imamiya and Hirano Shrines. 

Besides temples, Kita has several other types of cultural sites, such as the Haradani Garden, the Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts, and Funaoka Onsen. The mix of attractions makes Kita a good place for families and visitors interested in Japanese culture. 

While there is plenty of stuff to do in Kita, it’s calmer than the busy city center. Since it’s less of a tourist hotspot, there are fewer hotels to choose from around the area. So, visitors should book their accommodations well in advance. 

One of the best things about Kita is that it’s closer to nature and you can truly appreciate that difference when you stay at ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts. This unreal hotel is nestled in the mountains and offers lavish touches such as an on-site hot spring bath and spa. 

Pros of Staying in Kita Neighborhood:

• Many pretty temples and shrines
• Cultural attractions
• Close to nature
• Calmer than the busy city center

Cons of Staying in Kita Neighborhood:

• Fewer hotels to choose from
• Limited restaurant scene

Tips for Staying in Kyoto

Respect the rules and local customs at Kyoto’s temples

Kyoto is well-known for its more than 1,600 temples, and visiting these gorgeous structures is a must in the city. However, one of the most serious cultural taboos in Japan is misbehaving at a temple or shrine. 

These cultural attractions attract lots of curious travelers. However, it’s very important to still respect the Japanese customs like a local. Do not take photos inside the temples and don’t interrupt people who are participating in religious practices. 

Stay at a Ryokan for traditional accommodation and a unique experience

A Ryokan is a special type of Japanese accommodation that feels like a very traditional bed and breakfast. The bedrooms consist of futon mattresses on the floor, there is usually a communal bath or onsen, and guests are typically invited to dinner with the hosts. 

It’s a more personalized, immersive experience than simply staying at a hotel in Kyoto and it’s bound to make a memory.

Read more about the experience in Chelsea’s piece: Staying in a ryokan was one of my favorite experiences in Japan.

Here are some of the best ryokans to consider in Kyoto: 

• 🏆 Best Overall: Ryokan Motonago (our pick!)
• 👪 Best for Families : Seikoro Ryokan
• 💑 Best for Couples: Yuzuya Ryokan
• 💎 Best Luxury: Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo

It’s easy to take a day trip or two from Kyoto on the public transit

Take a day or two to venture outside the city to one of the many nearby day trips once you’ve done your fair share of exploring Kyoto. Thanks to Japan’s amazing public transportation it’s simple and relatively cheap to visit places like Nara, Kobe, or even as far as Osaka for the day. 

Wander Kyoto at night for a different experience of the city  

I wouldn’t go wandering around just any foreign country at night, but Japan is one of the safest in the world. Even as a solo female traveler, I felt comfortable exploring when it was dark out.

In fact, it’s highly recommended to return to some of Kyoto’s temples in the evening to see their lights all aglow. After that, there is a fun nightlife scene around the Nakagyo and Higashiyama neighborhoods. 

Be prepared to pay the local hotel tax at check-in

Japan charges a 10% consumption tax on things like hotels that many travelers don’t notice in Tokyo because it’s usually included on the bill. In Kyoto, however, the hotel tax is typically charged at check-in. Be prepared to pay this fee when you arrive at your hotel.

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a little overrated 

You’ve probably seen the photos on Instagram. For some reason, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove just keeps going viral again and again. And, yes, the bamboo really is that tall.

But here’s the thing: it’s pretty small (there are bigger bamboo forests all over Japan), it gets crowded quickly, and the only way to get a photo like the above is to get up at the crack of dawn and get there before the crowds roll in. 

Arashiyama is also quite far from the city center, so it’s a trek to get there. Honestly, if you’re only visiting Kyoto for a few days, don’t feel bad about skipping it. There’s a reason it made my list of overrated Japan attractions.

Try the random, little food places you find along the way

Many visitors in Kyoto are tempted to simply search for the best restaurants online, but one of the best ways to find delicious eats here is by popping into random spots. 

For example, I randomly found this ice cream shop on a stroll in the Higashiyama district. It was the perfect sweet treat to break up the long uphill trek to Kiyomizu-dera. I would never have found it just by searching on Google Maps. 

👉 Read Next: What to Pack for Japan (26 Things You Might Forget to Bring)

FAQs about Kyoto Hotels

What are the best areas to stay in Kyoto for first-timers?

The best area for first-timers to stay in Kyoto is Nakagyo. It’s central, close to the attractions, walkable, and offers lots of hotel options at every price point. With that said, you can also consider staying in Gion if you are looking to splurge a little.

What are safe areas to stay in Kyoto?

Although most of the city is very safe, Minami and Kita are especially secure areas to stay in Kyoto. These districts have minimal nightlife and they are located outside of the crowded city center. Since these areas are a bit more residential, there tends to be a calmer, safer atmosphere.

Where should I avoid staying in Kyoto?

Avoid staying too far out of the center, as Kyoto is larger than you may expect and you may find that it’s difficult to get around. In general, most tourists should probably stick to the areas I recommend above (particularly Nakagyo, Gion, Higashiyama, and Shimogyo). 

What are the best parts of Kyoto to stay on a budget?

Fushimi and Nakagyo are the best parts of Kyoto to stay on a budget. These districts have a bunch of nice accommodations for prices of $50 per night or lower depending on the season. Nakagyo and Fushimi also offer a ton of budget-friendly restaurants, bars, and even attractions like the famed Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nijō Castle. 

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I hope this helped you plan your perfect stay for Kyoto!

Traveling more around Japan? Don’t miss our guides to where to stay in Tokyo and where to stay in Osaka. 

–Nate Hake contributed to this guide