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Unique Ryokans & Hotels – Where to stay in Kyoto Japan

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There is an abundance of unique accommodation options to be found in Kyoto! In this Blog, I will share with you exactly where to find them and where to stay in Kyoto, Japan. From modern and luxurious Hotels to unique Ryokans, or funky budget friendly Hostels we will cover all your options in the BEST locations!

Kyoto, known as one of Japan’s cultural centers, is nestled in the heart of Japan. Kyoto has it all from, it’s abundance of temples and the charm of its historic streets, to its vibrant markets and bustling nightlife, Kyoto offers an unforgettable experience for travelers of all interests.

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1. Booking.com

Booking.com is my go-to site for booking all across the world, so of course it makes the list as one of my favorite sites to book accommodation in Japan!

 

2. Rakuten.com

Rakuten Travel is the biggest online hotel & unique ryokans reservation company in Japan. Rakuten Travel offers substantial savings on regular hotel room rates. You have 24-hour access to real-time online booking and can make reservations anytime you want.

When should you book?

I like to book 3 -9 months in advance to get the best PRICES and to have the most properties available. It is important to book as soon as you can, as rooms and properties do book out, especially unique Ryokans!

NB: Some properties will not have their calendars loaded for bookings 9- 12+ months in advance, so be mindful of this.

When choosing where to stay in Kyoto, you need to consider your preferences for atmosphere, convenience, and proximity to attractions. Each area has its own distinct character and benefits. So, let me break it down!

Where to stay in Kyoto:

1. Gion District:

Benefits: Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses, and narrow cobblestone streets. Staying here offers a glimpse into old Japan with easy access to historic landmarks like Yasaka Shrine and Kodai-ji Temple. The Gion District also has ALOT of luxury and very unique ryokans.

Proximity to Transport: Gion is well-connected by bus and train, with Gion-Shijo Station and Higashiyama Station nearby.

Kyoto Machiya Fukune (Mid/Luxury)

SEE MORE Kyoto Machiya Fukune

In my opinion, the standout of this unique Ryokan is its hot tub private open-air bath.

Each of the unites features a private entrance and are air-conditioned. Each of the units have a single living room, 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The Ryokans offer a tatami, washing machine, tea and coffee making facilities, TV plus streaming services, as well as a view of the garden.

  • Hot Tub / private open air bath
  • Air-conditioning & Heating
  • 2 Bedrooms / 1 Bathroom Ryokan

Six Senses (Luxury)

SEE MORE: Six Senses

Six Senses is the essence of luxury and features many 5-Star services such as concierge, a well-equipped fitness center, room service, restaurant, kids club, and an indoor pool and sauna.

Rooms are well appointed with the usual suspects: Air-conditioning, a coffee machine and kettle, fridge and minibar, safety deposit box.

All this LUXURY in a central location makes this property a STAND OUT!

  • Coneirge
  • Fitness Centre
  • Room Service
  • Onsite Restaurant
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Airport shuttle
  • Indoor Swimming pool, Spa and Sauna

Hotel Lantern Gion (Budget)

SEE MORE: Hotel Lantern Gion

This traditional and affordable Ryokan is located within a 10-minute walk of Gion Shijo Station in a famous geisha district. Guests will love the experience of staying in this authentic local area.

Hotel Lantern Gion offers a very unique Japanese feel accommodation with beautiful wooden decor and features. You will get free WiFi and every room comes with both air conditioning and heating. Selected rooms have tatami flooring and traditional futon bedding while others come with western beds.

Please note that most rooms will share bathroom facilities and do not come with towels.

  • Aircon & Heating
  • Traditional and western style room / beds
  • Free breakfast
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Swimming pool and Spa

Machiya Maya Gion (Mid Range)

SEE MORE: Machiya Maya Gion

Machiya Maya Gion offers beautifully renovated machiya-style suites with modern amenities. It is located in the highly desired area in Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district and is only an 8 minute walk to Gion-Shijo Station.

You’ll love the area with a lot if nearby restaurants, bars and tea houses in the well known, Hanamikoji Street, as well as in the nearby geisha district.

You will find, all suites have private ensuites, tatami flooring, floor and wall heating, air-conditioning, washer and dryer and large beds.

  • Large Double Bed
  • Airconditioning and Heating
  • Wifi
  • Washer & Dryer
  • Swimming pool and Spa
  • Tatami flooring

Your complete Osaka Guide plus where to stay in Osaka

If you are visiting Kyoto, not doubt you will be adding a stay in Osaka.

We have put together a complete guide of the best areas to Stay, Hotel Recommendations, and the BEST things to do!

Your Complete Osaka Guide

Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi):

Benefits: Downtown Kyoto is bustling with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It’s a great choice for travelers who want convenience and easy access to modern amenities.

Proximity to Transport: This area is served by multiple subway stations, including Shijo Station and Kawaramachi Station, making it easy to navigate the city.

Yado Kiramachi (Mid Range)

SEE MORE: Yado Kiramachi

Yado Kiramachi is a DREAM LOCATION and is only 600 metres from the centre of Kyoto. One of its standout features is, it offers its guests a garden area, hot tub and a terrace. These unique Ryokans, also features family rooms, private bathrooms, FREE WiFi, and a selection of their rooms have a balcony.

  • Hot tub & Garden terrace
  • Free Wifi
  • Bar/lounge
  • Family Rooms
  • Private Bathrooms
  • Some rooms have a balcony

BnA Alter Museum

SEE MORE: BnA Alter Museum

If you are looking for something with a WOW FACTOR, something TRULY UNIQUE then take a look at the BnA Alter Museum. Situated in the centre of Kyoto, BnA Alter Museum is only a 600m stroll from Gion Shijo Station, or 1.2 km stroll from Kyoto Shigaku Kaikan Conference Hall.

The 4-star property features an onsite bar, and every room features air-conditioning, private bathrooms and free wifi.

  • Free Wi-Fi througout
  • Hot tub
  • Family-friendly
  • Bar/lounge
  • Air-conditioned
  • Smoke-free rooms available

Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku (Mid -Luxury)

SEE MORE- Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku

Candeo Hotels Karasuma Rokkaku is a modern and traditional Ryokan centrally located in Kyoto. It has all the modern features you could expect, with air-conditioning / heated rooms, free Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping.

Onsite you will find a bar and a shared lounge. You will also love the hotel’s spa experience, and its sauna and hot tub.

Located near to Gion Shijo Station.

Features:

  • Spa Experience with Sauna and Hot Tub
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry
  • Heating
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Bar
  • Free Wifi

Still looking for where to stay in Tokyo? We have put together 2 guides to help!

  1. Where to stay in Tokyo for FIRST TIMERS
  2. 12 x Unique Onsen Hotels in Toyko

Kyoto Station Area:

Benefits: As Kyoto’s main transportation hub, the area around Kyoto Station is ideal for travelers who prioritize convenience and easy access to transportation links. It’s also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and accommodation options.

Proximity to Transport: With Kyoto Station at its center, this area offers extensive transportation options, including JR trains, buses, and the Kyoto City Subway, allowing you to explore Kyoto and beyond with ease.

Henn na Hotel Kyoto Hachijoguchi (Budget range)

SEE MORE: Henn na Hotel Kyoto Hachijoguchi

Henn na Hotel Hachijoguchi is unique and quirky hotel situated centrally in Kyoto. What makes this property so unique is the Dinosaur Robots that assist you to check into your room. Other features include a restaurant, free WiFi and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Centrally located, you will find Kyoto Station and Sanjusangen-do Temple nearby.

  • Robot Staff
  • Restaurant, Bar and Lounge
  • Air-conditioned / heated rooms
  • Smoke-free rooms
  • Free Wifi
  • Luggage Storage

100 years old traditional Kyoto Machiya townhouse – K’s Villa (Mid range)

SEE MORE: Kyoto Machiya townhouse

Kyoto Machiya townhouse is one of the most unique Ryokan’s located in the center of Kyoto. The home features so many features, including private bathroom with HOT TUB, air-conditioning, dressing room, coffee machine and a safety deposit box.

The property offers guests free use of bikes and free WiFi.

Located close to Kyoto Station, Sanjusangen-do Temple and TKP Garden City.

  • Private bathroom with Hot tub
  • Air-conditioned / heating
  • Dressing Room
  • Coffee Machine, fridge, microwave
  • Safety Deposit Box

Hotel Kuu Kyoto (Budget)

SEE MORE: Hotel Kuu Kyoto

Hotel Kuu Kyoto is a 3 Star affordable Hotel option and located 2.3 km from Gion Shijo Station and 2.6 km from Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

The area is great for riding and the property offers bike hire.

Additionally the Hotel provides concierge services and onsite restaurant, swimming pool & spa, free Wi-Fi, non-smoking rooms, and a terrace.

  • Restaurant
  • Spa, Swimming pool
  • Bike hire
  • Free Wi-Fi

Dusit Thani Kyoto

SEE MORE: Dusit Thani Kyoto

If you like LUXURY then you will love the Dust Thani Kyoto. It is conveniently located right in the centre of Kyoto near to Kyoto Station.

Onsite you guest will have access to the Fitness Centre, Sauna and Hot tub, indoor pool, as well as the Restuarant.

Features:

  • Indoor swimming pool, sauna and Hot Tub
  • Room service
  • Spa and wellness center
  • Free WiFi
  • Family rooms
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
  • Bar and Restaurant
  • Good breakfast
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Did you know, that Japan has some of the WORLD BEST Beaches and Reefs. Okinawa is a collection of 106 islands at the south of Japan and an incredible place to add to your itinerary.

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Budget BUT still BOUGIE!:

If you are on a budget and looking for something, AFFORDABLE but still central, modern and clean, then check out the list below:

 

Need more inspiration and looking for THINGS TO DO?

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