Kyoto is the core of Japanese history, culture and spirit. As the premier tourist destination, every experience is within reach. Surrounded by nature, take a walk in Kyoto’s most famous bamboo forest, marvel at the intricate details of beautiful temples, shrines and palaces, admire the geisha in nature and stroll in the Zen garden. Even if the list is long (and this is just the beginning), you still need to check them one by one.
Have you ever thought about vacationing in Japan and want to know where to live in Kyoto? The city consists of 11 districts, divided into multiple districts. In this article, I reviewed the 6 best places here, read on to decide which place is the best place to stay, and choose the best hotel from them. With the best luxury hotels, Kyoto’s ryokan (ryokan) and other affordable accommodations are a difficult choice.
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1. Downtown Kyoto
The center of Kyoto (locally known as the Kawaramachi area) is a perfect fusion of tradition and modern Japan. If you want to take a walk here, it will be a good choice because it is a compact area full of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, and you are often close to the train station, which will take you to other attractions. area. city. Manga Museum and other cities
Those looking for gourmet food, craft beer and Japanese sake will love Izakaya restaurant. (Japanese-style bar) and a quirky cafe in the center of Kyoto. You may find yourself one of the Michelin-starred restaurants. Also, if you want the experience of sleeping on a central cushion, Kyoto is known for having the best ryokans, traditional Japanese accommodations, and many other hotel options.
Luxury Stay:
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel – The minimalist rooms are elegant and designed to make you feel like a member of the royal family. Located in the city center, close to many grocery stores and restaurants, you can relax in the hotel’s hot spring and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Some rooms overlook the Yalu River, which is an ideal place to stay in Kyoto!
Middle Budget:
Tokyu Stay Kyoto – Mid-range rooms, clean, spacious, well located, free wifi and buffet breakfast.
Budget Stay:
Hotel Resol Kyoto – A budget Japanese-style room with a private bathroom and basic facilities.
Downtown Kyoto Attractions:
- Don’t miss the traditional food and Nishiki market market. A gourmet’s paradise!
- Explore the world of Japanese manga in the Kyoto International Manga Museum
- Shopping at Kawaramachi Shopping Center
- Enjoy a delicious meal at a 3-star Michelin-starred restaurant in Nakamura!
- Spend a pleasant evening strolling along the narrow alleys of Pontocho Alley, filled with modern and traditional shops and restaurants.
- Discover the Kyoto Museum
- Visit the hexagonal temple of Showa Temple
2. Gion and Southern Higashiyama
The southern part of Higashiyama is one of Kyoto’s best preserved areas. Although it is located a few blocks southwest of downtown Kyoto. However, the area also gives you the opportunity to experience the charm of ancient Japan, making it the best place to visit the city for the first time.
Ion Garden is the neighborhood you can imagine when reading/watching “Memoirs of a Geisha”: a well-preserved old town where you will meet a real geisha. Photography (sometimes fake).
The traditional geisha district of Kyoto G Garden is also located in the northern part of the area. Be sure to pay attention to the ladies wearing colorful kimonos on the Tatsumi Bridge. Take a walk along the small streets and marvel at the long and narrow wooden houses nearby. The southern ion garden and Dongshan are the best places to watch the traditional tea ceremony. But rest assured, you can choose to dine in many high-end restaurants near Hanami-Kochi Street.
In addition to charming traditional houses (machiya), temples and winding alleys, there are also many major attractions and sights to explore in the southern part of Higashiyama and G Garden. In the east, among the mountains, you will find new things in every corner of this part of Kyoto. Kiyomizu Temple!
Luxury Stay:
The Celestine – The best five-star luxury hotel in the south of Dongshan, only a 15-minute walk from the Yiish G Park area. You can relax in the public bath, connect to free Wi-Fi, enjoy a delicious breakfast, and enjoy healthy meals in the hotel’s Japanese restaurant. In addition, you can use commercial facilities. One of the best places to live in Kyoto for the first time.
Middle Budget:
Kyoto Granbell Hotel – This 4-star hotel is a 2-minute walk from the train station and features a business centre, restaurant and bar.
Budget Stay:
Resi Stay Gojozaka – Four-star budget accommodation, with views of Kyoto City, free Wi-Fi, etc.
Gion and Southern Higashiyama Attractions:
- Climbing to the top of the mountain, you can see the UNESCO-listed temples at Kiyomizu Temple and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kyoto
- On the beautiful streets of Shijo-dori and Shirakawa-Nantori, walk along the machiya line, in many specialty shops selling Japanese art and souvenirs, such as paper, paper strips, handmade tea boxes, and kimonos. Until the curtain
- Shop for beautiful tea and sake sets at Toutensei Kawasaki
- Enjoy cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park, the best cherry blossom park in Kyoto.
- Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
3. Kyoto Station & Shimogyo
Kyoto Station or Shimogyo District is located south of downtown Kyoto. For travelers on a budget, this is the best place in Kyoto, as hotels and accommodations in this area are more affordable than nearby areas. Although the city atmosphere you expect may not be the traditional Kyoto atmosphere. But you will find yourself very happy to be close to Kyoto Station, because it is the gateway to Kyoto. You can easily travel to your destination by train or bus.
Not only Kyoto Station, but also an important place and an interesting place. In addition to cutting-edge architecture and design, countless shopping centers, shopping centers and restaurants can be found in and around the station building. Shops and trains? Don’t worry, there are three temples within walking distance of Kyoto Station, which will bring you more convenience.
Shimokyocho and Kyoto Station are not a few places in Kyoto. In this area, you will find the best places in Kyoto. In addition, many things are cheaper than other areas! this is the best:
Luxury Stay:
MIMARU KYOTO NISHINOTOIN TAKATSUJI – Japanese-style apartment hotel, offering clean and spacious rooms. There are apartments suitable for families and large groups in the kitchen and dining area. You can also request daily cleaning and laundry services at an extra charge; and this hotel near Kyoto Station offers free Wi-Fi and daily breakfast.
Middle Budget:
Hotel Imagine – A friendly 4-star boutique hotel with spacious rooms with seating areas, heating and free Wi-Fi.
Budget Stay:
HOTEL M’s EST KYOTO STATION SOUTH – The 4-star hotel with wellness centre and free Wi-Fi offers cultural and cooking classes.
Kyoto Station & Shimogyo Attractions:
- You can enjoy the panoramic view of Kyoto from the height of Kyoto Tower 100 meters above the ground.
- Visit Toji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Shop from top brands in Kyoto Station Mall.
- Explore independent Buddhist temples and Japanese gardens at Higashi Honganji.
- Learn about the history of Japanese trains at the Kyoto Railway Museum
- Visit Kyoto Aquarium
- Dine in one of the best restaurants in the area
- Look for souvenirs at the handicraft market in Meimuji Park
4. CENTRAL KYOTO
The center of Kyoto is the center of Kyoto and has a large area on the city map. The area is a fusion of old and new Kyoto, and everyone can find a place that suits them. Just like the borders of all other regions that I have been talking about so far, the Kyoto Imperial Palace has always been in his mind. You will see traditional Japanese houses on one side and large office buildings on the other, with parks and temples scattered around.
If you want to avoid tourist traps and seek a more authentic local experience, this is one of the best places. The center of Kyoto is where you can find modern Japanese daily life. There are many cafes, restaurants, bars, department stores and shopping centers in the cities in this area. Like most choices in luxury hotels and boutique ryokans, mid-range prices and budget prices are also different.
As the name suggests, the center of Kyoto is located in the center of the city, so you can visit many attractions, including Nijo Castle. I suggest you take a walk when the sun rises and when you want to enjoy the nightlife in the center of Kyoto. You will definitely feel the local Kyoto here.
Luxury Stay:
Kuraya Jurakudai – A ryokan in the heart of Kyoto with a dining area, kitchenette, heating, private bathroom and whirlpool bathtub. You can relax in the yard, enjoy the garden, or walk to the palace. Guests can enjoy an Asian breakfast with vegetarian options. One of the best hotels in Kyoto!
Middle Budget:
Guesthouse Hana Nishijin – A medium-sized ryokan with shared facilities and a choice of rooms with private bathrooms.
Budget Stay:
Raku Hotel – A 3-star budget hotel offering bright and airy rooms with free Wi-Fi in most areas of Kyoto.
Central Kyoto Attractions:
- Explore the former emperor’s residence at the Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Take a walk in the village of the ancient emperor Castelo Nijo
- Experience traditional public toilets (hot springs) in Gokko-Yu Senho.
- Visit Kitano Shrine
- Head north to Kyoto and visit the iconic Kinakaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion).
5. Arashiyama
Arashiyama is located at the foot of Mount Arashiyama, a rural area on the outskirts of Kyoto, about 30 minutes by train from Kyoto Station. For those who want to live in an area surrounded by nature, this is a place to live in Kyoto. Far from the hustle and bustle and tranquility of the city.Away from the busy city streets, you can stroll quietly among bamboo forests, Zen gardens, temples, shrines and parks, which are almost always surrounded by trees and a few monkeys from time to time.
Arashiyama is a feast for the eyes and one of the most beautiful places for cherry blossoms and autumn. Imagine the beauty of pink flowers nearby, or walking under the red leaves in autumn. In these seasons, you can feel the cool breeze on your skin, which is the ideal weather for relaxing walks and outdoor sightseeing.
Luxury Stay:
The GrandWest Arashiyama – It combines modern comfort and traditional Japanese-style suites. You can sleep in spacious and comfortable rooms, some of which have kitchens. The strategic location of Kyoto is just steps away from Hankyu Arashiyama Station. You can also dine in bars and restaurants, which serve local, Italian and American cuisine. Good place for shopping inside various shops!
Middle Budget:
Hotel Alfa Kyoto – Adult mid-range hotels have only spacious bedrooms. Superior rooms have a built-in sauna.
Budget Stay:
Mulan Hostel – The hostel features Japanese-style bedrooms and is only a 2-minute walk from the train station, bars and free wifi.
Arashiyama Attractions:
- Take a walk in the Arashiyama forest
- Walk to the scenic mountain top park and watch the monkeys in Guishan Park
- Visit Arashiyama Monkey Park
- Relax in the tea room and restaurant of the former Hiranoya
- Visit the picturesque hermit hut at Vee Rakushisha’s hut
- Visit Tenryu Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Crossing the Moon Bridge
6. Northern Higashiyama
Higashiyama Kita will fully support those who know more about Japanese history, art and culture in Kyoto. In addition to the countless temples and shrines in Kitayama Kita area, there are also many museums and art galleries in Higashiyama. It is located east of the center of Kyoto.
Compared with the southern part of Dongshan, the northern part of Dongshan is less crowded and the atmosphere is more relaxed. In the center of the area (Okazaki Park), you will find the town’s museum area, with the beautiful Kamogawa River to the west and the long temple in the Higashiyama green area to the east. If you plan to visit Kyoto’s historical and artistic attractions, this is the best place.
Luxury Stay:
Kyoto Yura Hotel MGallery – This is a five-star boutique hotel with simple, classic Japanese design in its suites. Room service and housekeeping service are provided. The buffet breakfast keeps you energetic from the morning, and in the evening you can relax with a cocktail in the hotel’s bar and restaurant. Massage or exercise in the health center.
Middle Budget:
Koume no Hanare – Experience heating, garden, free Wi-Fi, etc. staying in an authentic Japanese-style hotel in Kyoto.
Budget Stay:
RokuRoku – The friendly hostel is close to many major attractions, with a shared lounge and TV viewing area.
What is the best place to stay in Kyoto?
Higashiyama South is the best place to go in Kyoto, especially if you are here for the first time. You will want to live here and experience the charm of traditional and modern Japan, and it is conveniently located near the center of Kyoto.
Is it better to stay in Kyoto or Osaka?
If you want to learn more about Japanese history and culture and get closer to the traditional attractions of the area, please live in Kyoto. If you want a cheaper city experience or you are short of time because it is close to the airport, Osaka is the best accommodation option.
What is the city of Kyoto?
The center of Kyoto, also known as the Kawaramachi area, combines traditional and modern Japan. In addition to the Kyoto Imperial Palace and its many temples and shrines, there are many cafes, bars and restaurants in the heart of Kyoto/Kawaramachi.
How many days must I go to Kyoto?
In a perfect 3-day stay in Kyoto, you can visit the main attractions, take a day trip, and eat whatever you want without worrying about it. where is the best place to stay in kyoto
Conclusion
You will get a travel guide to the 6 best neighborhoods in Kyoto, including the best hotels in each neighborhood. Hope I can help you determine where to stay in Kyoto and give you some easy travel tips, especially if this is your first time in Kyoto.
At Fushimi Inari Shrine, the most famous attraction in Kyoto, connect with nature and marvel at it. A trip to Kyoto is an experience that allows you to learn and understand the Japanese way of life, especially to nourish the soul. I swear, this is a busy holiday and it will be one of your favorite trips! Do you plan to continue your trip to Japan? Check out my accommodation and travel guides in Tokyo and Osaka.
