Where to stay in Kyoto: best areas and hotels
Staying in Kyoto cheaply is not complicated.
The old Japanese capital is quite an expensive city to find accommodation if you travel in high season, that is, during hanami or in autumn.
Even so, as in all of Japan, you can find accommodation for all budgets.
In this post we tell you about the best areas and hotels to stay in Kyoto.
We also leave you 40 things to do in Kyoto so you can enjoy its unique temples.
We stayed at the M’s Plus Shijo Omiya Hotel.
It is comfortable and very well connected.
Where to Stay in Kyoto: Best Areas snd Hotels
1. Gion and Higashiyama district, the best area to stay in Kyoto
If you want comfort and value being centrally located and close to most attractions, this will be your area.
The Gion district is famous for the presence of geishas, although at night it takes on a magical atmosphere.
There you will find a multitude of options to eat and go out for a drink.
The best thing is that you will feel in the Japan of 700 years ago.
The district preserves traditional Japanese architecture very well and it is a luxury to walk through its streets.
Regarding the price, it is the most expensive area to stay in Kyoto.
If you can’t stay in the heart of Gion, try to stay along the Higashiyama district, where some of the most famous temples in the city are located.
For you to have a reference, in high season it is almost impossible to find something below €100 per night.
On the other hand, during the rest of the year you can find interesting things for around €70 per night.
Without a doubt, the best area to stay in Kyoto.
Recommended hotels in the Higashiyama district:
2. Shimogyo district, a comfortable alternative to stay in Kyoto
If you prioritize being near the train station, stay in the Shimogyo district.
If you take out the Japan Rail Pass to move by train, you will surely be interested in having the hotel near the station.
In addition to being well connected by public transport, you will be quite close to the main attractions of Kyoto.
It is a fairly quiet district to stay in Kyoto and cheaper than the previous one.
It was where we stayed and we did not regret it.
So that you have a price reference, outside of high season you can find decent hotels from €50 per night, and in high season, as in our case, for around €80.
Without a doubt, one of the best areas to stay in Kyoto.
Recommended hotels in Shimogyo:
3. Nakagyo district, one of the best options to stay in Kyoto
If you are looking for something cheaper to sleep in Kyoto, in Nakagyo you can find many things.
To give you an idea of the price, you will find interesting hotels for less than €100.
Nakagyo is considered the center of the city.
Basically the district is focused on tourism, commerce and entertainment.
It has many attractions such as the Nijō castle or the lively Nishiki Market.
It is a well-connected area, with different stations.
In less than half an hour by public transport you will be at the furthest monument.
If you prefer to walk, it will take less than half an hour to reach the famous Gion neighborhood.
Some recommended accommodations in Nakagyo:
4. Minami district, a quiet area
As its Japanese translation indicates, minami means south. This district is located just below the Kyoto central station.
It is not a particularly cheap area to stay in Kyoto.
In part, because there is not so much offer. In general, Minami is a working-class district.
As a curiosity, it has a large population of Korean citizens.
It is an unattractive area for tourists: instead of monuments and restaurants, industrial buildings and simple residential areas predominate.
The spectacular To-ji temple is the only exception.
If you find a good hotel north of the neighborhood, you will be in a prime location. Central and well connected.
Good accommodations in Minami:
5. Kamigyo district, a historical area to stay in Kyoto
Finally, Kamigyo is one of the most interesting areas to stay in Kyoto.
It is home to many hotels, so you will find everything. Previously, the area was a district of residences for royalty and the upper classes in the old Japanese capital.
Currently, it is a fairly touristy area with many universities.
However, it is known worldwide for housing the imposing Kyoto Imperial Palace.
At night it is a quiet area, but at the same time with an interesting nightlife.
Regarding the price, you will find many hostels and cheap Japanese-style rooms for approximately €40.
If you want to stay in a hotel, you will find them from €60.
Recommended accommodations in Kamigyo:
Location of the Best Areas and Hotels to Stay in Kyoto
On this map you will find marked the best areas and hotels to stay in Kyoto.
