Kyoto is the cultural soul of Japan, a city of 2,000 temples and shrines. Unlike Tokyo's neon chaos, Kyoto is about quiet gardens, wooden machiya houses, and the changing seasons. The choice of where to stay is stark: the convenience of Downtown, the transport hub of the Station, or the historic atmosphere of Higashiyama.
Downtown (Kawaramachi & Karasuma)
The modern heart of the city. Staying here puts you in the middle of covered shopping arcades, department stores, and the Pontocho dining alley. It is the most strategic location, offering walking access to Gion and direct train access to Arashiyama and Osaka.
What we love
- +Best shopping and dining options (Nishiki Market)
- +Central location walkable to Gion and Pontocho
- +Direct train lines (Hankyu & Keihan)
Worth noting
- –Lacks the 'old Kyoto' temple atmosphere
- –Can be crowded and noisy
- –Modern architecture dominates
Nearby
Nishiki Market · Pontocho Alley · Teramachi Shopping Arcade · Nijo Castle (nearby) · Kyoto International Manga Museum
Southern Higashiyama & Gion
This is the Kyoto of your imagination: geishas hurrying down cobbled lanes, wooden teahouses, and ancient pagodas. Staying here means you can beat the crowds to Kiyomizu-dera at sunrise. It is incredibly atmospheric but becomes a tourist crush during the day.
What we love
- +The most beautiful, historic streets (Sannenzaka)
- +Walking distance to Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine
- +Authentic Ryokan (inn) experiences
Worth noting
- –Extremely crowded with tourists during the day
- –Restaurants can be expensive/exclusive
- –No subway access (relies on buses or walking)
Nearby
Kiyomizu-dera Temple · Yasaka Shrine · Hanamikoji Street (Gion) · Kodai-ji Temple · Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka
Kyoto Station Area
The futuristic Kyoto Station is a city within a city. While the immediate area is modern and lacks charm, the convenience is unbeatable for day trips (Nara/Osaka/Hiroshima) and Shinkansen access. It has a high concentration of large, modern hotels.
What we love
- +Unbeatable transport hub (Shinkansen/Bus/Subway)
- +Huge selection of hotels for all budgets
- +Great shopping and dining within the station
Worth noting
- –Not 'charming' or historic
- –Far from the main temples and nightlife
- –Feels like a generic big city
Nearby
Kyoto Tower · Kyoto Station Building (Architecture) · Toji Temple (nearby) · Higashi Hongan-ji · Kyoto Railway Museum
Handpicked Hotels
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Northern Higashiyama (Okazaki)
Quieter and more refined than its southern neighbor, this area centers around the Philosopher's Path and the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji). It’s a green, scholarly district with museums and tranquil canals. Perfect for walkers and those seeking a meditative atmosphere.
What we love
- +Peaceful, leafy, and less crowded
- +Home to the Philosopher's Path
- +Cultural hub with many museums
Worth noting
- –Far from nightlife and downtown dining
- –Transport is reliant on buses
- –Everything closes early
Nearby
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) · Philosopher's Path · Nanzen-ji Temple · Heian Shrine · Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art
Arashiyama
Located on the western outskirts, Arashiyama is a nature retreat famous for its bamboo grove and river scenery. While usually a day trip, staying overnight allows you to experience the magical bamboo forest without the crowds and enjoy traditional ryokans with river views.
What we love
- +Stunning natural beauty (mountains/river)
- +Experience the Bamboo Grove alone at sunrise
- +High-end luxury ryokans (e.g., Hoshinoya)
Worth noting
- –Far from the rest of the city (30 mins by train)
- –Becomes pitch black and quiet after 6 PM
- –Daytime crowds are intense
Nearby
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove · Tenryu-ji Temple · Togetsukyo Bridge · Monkey Park Iwatayama · Sagano Romantic Train
Fushimi
Famous for the endless red torii gates of Fushimi Inari and its sake breweries. Located in the south, it feels more working-class and local. Staying here offers a unique experience away from the main temple circuit, with easy train access to both Kyoto Station and Osaka.
What we love
- +Early access to Fushimi Inari Shrine (essential)
- +Charming Sake district with canal boat rides
- +More affordable accommodation
Worth noting
- –Further from the main city center
- –Limited nightlife options
- –Can feel a bit industrial in parts
Nearby
Fushimi Inari Taisha · Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum · Fushimi Canal · Tofuku-ji Temple · Daigo-ji Temple (nearby)
More Places to Stay
Boutique Hotels in Kyoto
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