Small & Intimate boutique hotels in Kyoto

Best Small Boutique Hotels in Kyoto

Looking for an intimate stay? Discover the best small boutique hotels in Kyoto, picked for their unique charm and highly-rated service.

Looking for an intimate stay? Discover the best small boutique hotels in Kyoto, picked for their unique charm and highly-rated service.

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Aoi Hotel Kyoto - Luxury Apartment-

Aoi Hotel Kyoto - Luxury Apartment-

5 Star Hotel
Kyoto
Small Boutique · 6 rooms
Opened in 2015

A collection of elegant townhouses along the Kamogawa River, providing a private, luxurious Kyoto experience with beautiful views.

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Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano

Kyoto Ryokan Gion Sano

3 Star Hotel
Kyoto
Small Boutique · 10 rooms

A family-run ryokan offering tatami rooms and traditional hospitality, with a location that immerses guests in the charm of Gion.

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Tomoya Residence Hotel Kyoto Nijo Takakura

Tomoya Residence Hotel Kyoto Nijo Takakura

Kyoto
Small Boutique · 14 rooms
Opened in 2018

A modern boutique hotel offering stylish, spacious rooms with traditional Japanese touches, near Kyoto’s cultural sites.

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Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo

Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo

5 Star Hotel
Kyoto
Small Boutique · 17 rooms
Renovated in 2017

A traditional inn in Nanzenji, featuring tatami mat rooms, private gardens, and an onsen, immersing guests in a quintessential Kyoto experience.

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Seikoro Ryokan

Seikoro Ryokan

5 Star Hotel
Kyoto
Small Boutique · 19 rooms
Renovated in 2021

One of Kyoto’s classic ryokans, offering an authentic Japanese experience with tatami rooms, kaiseki dining, and exceptional hospitality.

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GOZAN HOTEL & SERVICED APARTMENT Higashiyama Sanjo

GOZAN HOTEL & SERVICED APARTMENT Higashiyama Sanjo

4 Star Hotel
Kyoto
Small Boutique · 20 rooms
Renovated in 2017

A riverside hotel with apartment-style rooms, ideal for long stays, blending modern convenience with Japanese decor.

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SOWAKA

SOWAKA

4 Star Hotel
Kyoto
Small Boutique · 23 rooms
Renovated in 2019

Located in the heart of Gion, Sowaka combines traditional Kyoto aesthetics with modern luxury, offering rooms in a restored machiya with views of...

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MIMARU Kyoto Station

MIMARU Kyoto Station

4 Star Hotel
Kyoto
Boutique · 40 rooms
Opened in 2019

A family-friendly boutique hotel offering spacious rooms with kitchenettes, located conveniently near Kyoto Station.

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More highly-rated boutique hotels in Kyoto

Explore other boutique stays in Kyoto if the options above don't catch your eye.

Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto

Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto

5 Star Hotel
Kyoto
Opened in 2015

An exquisite riverside retreat in Arashiyama, offering luxurious rooms with private onsens and views of the Katsura River.

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Ryokan Mugen (Adult Only)

Ryokan Mugen (Adult Only)

4 Star Hotel
Kyoto

A renovated machiya offering a serene, intimate atmosphere with traditional wooden interiors and a focus on Kyoto’s local culture.

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Hotel Kanra Kyoto

Hotel Kanra Kyoto

4 Star Hotel
Kyoto
Boutique · 68 rooms
Renovated in 2016

An elegant boutique hotel featuring minimalist decor, tatami floors, and soaking tubs, blending contemporary design with Japanese elements.

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Piece Hostel Sanjo

Piece Hostel Sanjo

2 Star Hotel
Kyoto
78 rooms
Opened in 2018

A chic, boutique-style hostel with modern amenities and minimalist decor, ideal for travelers seeking style on a budget.

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Noku Kyoto

Noku Kyoto

4 Star Hotel
Kyoto
81 rooms
Opened in 2015

A stylish boutique hotel inspired by Japanese art and nature, offering elegant rooms and close proximity to the Imperial Palace.

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Kyoto Granbell Hotel

Kyoto Granbell Hotel

4 Star Hotel
Kyoto
105 rooms

Located in Gion, this boutique hotel offers a perfect blend of Japanese-style rooms and modern facilities, with an onsen for relaxation.

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City Overview

Kyoto is a city in Japan known for its historic temples, shrines, and traditional districts such as Gion. It is served by rail and bus networks that connect cultural sites and residential areas throughout the city.

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Where to Stay in Kyoto

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.

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.

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.

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.