Where to stay in Kyoto: the best areas for your trip

In short: for a first visit, stay downtown (Shijō, Kawaramachi). For a traditional atmosphere, Gion and Higashiyama; for the Shinkansen and day trips, the Kyoto Station area; for calm and nature, Arashiyama. Try at least one night in a ryokan or a machiya.

Understanding Kyoto in two minutes

Kyoto is laid out on a grid, between hills covered in temples. To the south is Kyoto Station, where the Shinkansen and airport trains arrive. In the centre, around Shijō and Kawaramachi, are the shopping district, Nishiki Market and Pontochō alley. East of the Kamo River lie Gion and Higashiyama, the Kyoto of temples and teahouses. Far to the west is Arashiyama and its bamboo grove. The subway runs on a north-south and an east-west line; buses go everywhere but are often packed.

The right area for your trip

First visit: Shijō and Kawaramachi

Downtown is the most convenient: restaurants, shops, Nishiki Market, Pontochō alley in the evening, and Gion a few minutes’ walk away. The subway and trains to Osaka and Arashiyama leave from the area.

Traditional atmosphere: Gion and Higashiyama

Cobbled lanes, teahouses and temples: Gion and Higashiyama offer postcard Kyoto, with Kiyomizu-dera and the Yasaka pagoda on foot. This is the ideal area for a ryokan. It is very busy by day: enjoy it early in the morning and in the evening.

Shinkansen and day trips: Kyoto Station

Modern hotels, department stores and every connection: the station area is perfect for a short stay, a late arrival or day trips to Nara, Osaka and Hiroshima. Less charm, but very practical.

Practical business hotels: Karasuma

Along Karasuma avenue, between the station and downtown, there are many well-located business hotels on the subway line, often more affordable.

Calm and nature: Arashiyama

To the west, Arashiyama offers its bamboo grove, Zen temples and river, and a few ryokans with baths. Further from the centre, but magical in the evening and early morning, once the crowds have left.

What type of accommodation?

• Ryokan: a traditional inn with tatami mats, futons, often a bath and a kaiseki dinner.
• Machiya: a traditional wooden townhouse, rented as a whole, ideal for families or friends. Check that the listing is properly registered with the authorities.
• Business hotel: small, spotless and well located.

Getting to Kyoto

• By Shinkansen: Kyoto Station is linked to Tokyo and Osaka.
• From Kansai Airport: the Haruka limited express runs directly to Kyoto Station.

For timetables and fares, check the official websites. A private transfer takes you straight to your accommodation.

Our booking tips

1. Book months ahead for cherry blossoms (late March to early April) and autumn (November).
2. Check the nearest subway or train station: buses are slow and crowded at sightseeing times.
3. Allow for Kyoto’s accommodation tax, charged per person per night, which depends on the room rate.
4. Check-in times are often strict in ryokans, especially for dinner: let them know if you’ll be late.
5. Travel light or use luggage delivery services between hotels.

Once you’re there

To plan your days, see our guide Things to do in Kyoto. The areas and useful services are on our Kyoto page.