Where to Stay in Kyoto: The Best Areas for Every Traveller
Where to stay in Kyoto, from Kyoto Station and downtown Kawaramachi to Gion, Higashiyama and Arashiyama, with the pros and cons of each area and tips on the city's hotel tax.
Quick answer
- Best all-rounder: downtown around Shijo and Kawaramachi, close to food, shopping and trains to Osaka.
- Best for transport: Kyoto Station, with the shinkansen, the airport express and buses at the door.
- Best for atmosphere: Gion and Higashiyama, where you can walk the old streets before the crowds.
- Best for peace and quiet: Arashiyama, once the day visitors leave.
- Book early: Kyoto has fewer hotels than Tokyo and fills up fast in spring and autumn.
Kyoto is compact, but where you stay changes your trip more than in Tokyo. The sights are spread around the edges of the city, buses can be slow and crowded, and the best moments often come early in the morning. A good base saves you a lot of time.
Kyoto's best areas at a glance
| Area | Best for | Watch out for | Mid-range double per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyoto Station | Short stays, day trips, early trains | Modern and less charming | 15,000 to 30,000 yen |
| Downtown (Shijo, Kawaramachi, Karasuma) | Food, shopping, nightlife, first-timers | Busy at weekends | 15,000 to 30,000 yen |
| Gion and Higashiyama | Old streets, temples, ryokan | Higher prices, fewer trains | 25,000 to 60,000 yen |
| Arashiyama | Quiet evenings, nature, ryokan | About 25 minutes from the centre | 25,000 to 60,000 yen |
| Okazaki and the Imperial Palace area | Calm, museums, families | Fewer restaurants | 15,000 to 30,000 yen |
Our tip: Kyoto's hotel tax rose in March 2026 and now depends on the room price, from 200 yen up to 10,000 yen per person per night. See our trip cost guide for the full table.
Kyoto Station
Staying by the station makes the most sense if you are in Kyoto for only one or two nights, plan day trips to Nara, Osaka or Hiroshima, or have a lot of luggage. The shinkansen, the Haruka express to Kansai Airport and most city buses leave from here.
- Stay here if: you want the easiest arrivals and departures.
- Know that: the area is modern and you will travel 15 to 25 minutes to the old districts.
Downtown: Shijo, Kawaramachi and Karasuma
Downtown is the best all-round base. You are close to Nishiki Market, the restaurants of Pontocho, the shopping arcades and the Kamo River, and Gion is a short walk across the bridge. The Hankyu and Keihan lines run to Osaka, and the subway links to Kyoto Station.
- Stay here if: this is your first visit and you want food and life on your doorstep.
- Good to know: Karasuma is a little quieter and better value than the streets right by Kawaramachi.
Gion and Higashiyama
This is the Kyoto most people imagine: wooden teahouses, stone lanes and pagodas. Staying here lets you walk to Kiyomizu-dera and the Yasaka Pagoda at 7am, when the streets are almost empty. It is also the best place for a traditional ryokan or a restored machiya townhouse.
- Prices are higher and rooms book out early.
- There is no direct train to Kyoto Station, so arrive by taxi or bus with luggage.
- Respect the private lanes in Gion. Some now ban photography, and fines apply.
Arashiyama and quieter areas
Arashiyama, on the western edge of the city, is famous for the bamboo grove and the river. By evening the crowds leave and it becomes peaceful, which makes it a lovely place for one night in a ryokan. For a full stay it is a little far from everything else.
- Okazaki: near Heian Shrine and the museums, calm and good for families.
- The Imperial Palace area: quiet, central and close to the subway.
Which area suits you?
| You are | Stay in |
|---|---|
| A first-timer staying three nights or more | Downtown |
| Only in Kyoto for one or two nights | Kyoto Station |
| Planning day trips to Nara, Osaka or Hiroshima | Kyoto Station |
| Looking for a ryokan or a special night | Gion, Higashiyama or Arashiyama |
| Travelling with young children | Kyoto Station or Okazaki |
| On a budget | Around Kyoto Station or Karasuma |
Tips for booking in Kyoto
- Book three months or more ahead for late March, early April and mid November to early December.
- Check how far the hotel is from a subway or train station. Buses get very full at peak times.
- Machiya stays are beautiful but often have steep stairs and no lift.
- Many ryokan include dinner and breakfast at set times, so check the times before you book.
- Consider staying in Osaka if Kyoto is full or expensive. It is only 15 to 30 minutes away by train.
Our tip: Use the subway and trains first and buses second. A Subway and Bus 1-day Pass is sold if you plan to hop around.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Kyoto?
For most first-timers, downtown around Shijo and Kawaramachi. It is central, full of restaurants and close to Gion.
Is it better to stay near Kyoto Station or in Gion?
Kyoto Station is better for short stays and day trips. Gion is better for atmosphere and early morning walks, but costs more.
How many nights do I need in Kyoto?
At least three nights. Four or five lets you add Nara and a slower pace.
Should I stay in Kyoto or Osaka?
Stay in Kyoto if you mainly want temples and old streets. Osaka is cheaper and livelier at night, and Kyoto is an easy day trip from there.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, rules and services in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
