Where to Stay in Kyoto: Best Neighborhoods & Hotel Tips

Where to Stay in Kyoto: A Quick Breakdown

For this guide, I’ve identified six main neighborhoods in Kyoto that I recommend for visitors. Here’s a quick breakdown of each:

• 🏙️ Downtown Kyoto: Best for first-time visitors, foodies, & convenience → Jump to section
• ⛩️ Gion & Southern Higashiyama: Best for couples, culture, & ryokan stays → Jump to section
• 🌸 Northern Higashiyama: Best for history buffs, relaxed stays, & local atmosphere → Jump to section
• 🌿 Central Kyoto: Best for quiet stays, slow travel, & repeat visitors → Jump to section
• 🚅 Kyoto Station Area: Best for short stays, budget travelers, & heavy luggage → Jump to section
• 🎋 Arashiyama: Best for nature lovers, photographers, & scenic stays → Jump to section

Where to Stay in Kyoto Map

To help you visualize each neighborhood (and its nearby attractions), I’ve also included a map of the best places to stay in Kyoto.

Neighborhood Color Guide: Red= Arashiyama; Green= Central Kyoto; Purple= Northern Higashiyama; Blue = Southern Higashiyama; Yellow =Downtown Kyoto; Black= Kyoto Station Area 

➡️ Click here to view an interactive version of this map!

The Best Areas to Stay in Kyoto Explained

Without further ado, here’s my in-depth guide to Kyoto’s best neighborhoods. I’ve also included hotel recommendations for each area based on a mix of personal experience, research, traveler reviews, location, and budget – with a preference for Japanese-owned stays when possible.

Downtown Kyoto: Shopping, Nightlife & Dining

Best For: First-Timers, Foodies, & Convenience

Downtown Kyoto lies in the heart of the city and is super convenient in terms of transit and urban amenities.

The neighborhood is well-connected, with multiple train stations, subway lines, and bus stops, making it easy to explore the rest of Kyoto.

In addition, the area is home to countless hotels, restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and nightlife.

That said, Downtown Kyoto is not the most authentic or traditional neighborhood in the city. You won’t find as many temples, shrines, or bamboo groves here – but they are just a short ride away.

Things to Do in Downtown Kyoto

Nishiki Market in Downtown Kyoto

If you decide to stay in Downtown Kyoto, you’ll have easy access to a wide variety of activities – all right at your doorstep. From bustling markets to fascinating museums and expansive shopping streets, here are some of the top things to do in the downtown area.

• Nishiki Market: Spanning 5 blocks, Nishiki Market is one of Kyoto’s largest and oldest markets. Here, you can find everything from street food and fresh produce to speciality products, like ceramics and local Japanese knives. 
• Pontocho Alley: A must-visit for foodies, Pontocho Alley is packed full of local restaurants and bars. Some of which even offer views overlooking the Kamo River.
• Museum Hopping: Downtown Kyoto is home to a number of notable (and fun) museums, including: The Museum of Kyoto, the Samurai Ninja Museum, and the Kyoto International Manga Museum.
• Shopping: If shopping is on your agenda, Downtown Kyoto is the place to be! Popular spots include: Teramachi and Shin Kyogoku Shopping Arcades, as well as the bustling streets of Shijo and Kawaramachi.

Top Accommodations in Downtown Kyoto

Thinking Downtown Kyoto might be right for you? Here are some of the neighborhood’s most popular places to stay.

Gion & Southern Higashiyama: Traditional Streets & Cultural Exploration

Best For: Couples, Culture, & Ryokan Stays

The cultural heart of Japan, Gion (and, more widely, Southern Higashiyama), is the place to stay if you want to immerse yourself more fully in Japanese culture.

This is where you’ll find Kyoto’s famous picturesque alleyways, stunning historic shrines, and traditional local teahouses.

While the area is generally more expensive than other parts of the city, the setting, scenery, and atmosphere of old Kyoto make it well worth the splurge.

Besides, you’ll get an insider’s look at Gion after dark, which is a truly magical experience, one with fewer crowds and beautiful lantern-lit streets.

Things to Do in Southern Higashiyama

Yasaka Shrine in Gion

If you opt to stay in Southern Higashiyama, you’ll be surrounded by some of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. From historic temples and shrines to traditional teahouses and cultural encounters, here are some of the area’s can’t-miss highlights.

• Gion: Kyoto’s most famous historic district, Gion is packed full of traditional charm and hidden gems. Here, you’ll find a variety of quaint restaurants, shops, and teahouses, as well as iconic sites like Yasaka Pagoda and the preserved streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. 
• Kiyomizu-dera: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s oldest and most famous temples. Dating back more than 1200 years, this iconic destination features vibrant historic architecture and incredible views overlooking the city.
• Smaller Temples & Shrines: Southern Higashiyama is dotted with several smaller temples and shrines that offer a quieter, more peaceful experience than their famous counterparts. A few worth noting include: Yasaka Shrine, Chion-in Temple, and Kodai-ji Temple.
• Cultural Encounters: As the cultural heart of Kyoto, Southern Higashiyama offers a variety of unique, hands-on experiences. From traditional tea ceremonies and calligraphy workshops to geisha encounters and samurai shows, there are plenty of ways to connect with the local culture here.

Top Accommodations in Southern Higashiyama

Planning to stay in Southern Higashiyama? Here are some of the neighborhood’s top-rated hotels and ryokans.

Northern Higashiyama: Temples & Historic Walks

Best For: History Buffs, Relaxed Stays, & Local Atmosphere

Set along the base of the Higashiyama Mountains, Northern Higashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most scenic and peaceful areas. 

The neighborhood is filled with serene temples, quiet walking paths, and pockets of local life that feel far removed from the city’s busier districts.

Needless to say, this part of Kyoto definitely feels more residential and laid-back compared to many others on our list.

While accommodations here are limited and the area is less central, the trade-off is a calmer atmosphere full of hidden gems.

Things to Do in Northern Higashiyama

The Silver Pavilion

If you choose Northern Higashiyama as your base, you’ll be immersed in one of Kyoto’s most scenic and quietly historic corners. From peaceful temple complexes to lush walking paths and tucked-away cultural sites, here are some of the neighborhood’s must-see highlights.

• Silver Pavilion: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Silver Pavilion (also known as Ginkaku-ji) is a Buddhist temple that dates back to the 1400s. Celebrated for its natural beauty, it’s home to several Japanese gardens, walking paths, and incredible views overlooking the city. 
• Philosopher’s Path: Spanning 2 kilometers, the Philosopher’s Path is a quiet, picturesque stone walkway set along the banks of a canal. Nestled beside the route, you’ll find a number of quaint restaurants, cozy cafes, and small historic temples like Hōnen-in Temple.
• Museum Hopping: Northern Higashiyama is filled with unique and culturally important museums. Some of the most notable include: the National Museum of Modern Art – Kyoto, the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, the Nomura Museum, and the Hosomi Museum.
• Historic Temples & Shrines: There are a number of temples and shrines scattered throughout Northern Higashiyama. Of those, a few worth mentioning include: Nanzen-ji Temple, Heian Jingu Shrine, and Eikan-dō Temple.

Top Accommodations in Northern Higashiyama

Looking to base yourself in Northern Higashiyama? Here are some of the neighborhood’s most popular hotels and ryokans.

Central Kyoto: Historic Gardens & Tranquil Streets

Best For: Quiet Stays, Slow Travel, & Repeat Visitors

Central Kyoto is a quieter, more refined part of the city, known for its historic estates, traditional streets, and beautifully kept gardens.

While the area is home to major landmarks like Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace, it still manages to feel calm and residential, with fewer tour groups and more everyday local life.

Staying here offers a slower, more refined glimpse of Kyoto, one filled with peaceful mornings and relaxed evenings.

Although you’ll need to rely a bit more on public transportation to get around, the area more than makes up for it with its serene setting and historic charm.

Things to Do in Central Kyoto

The gardens at Kyoto Imperial Palace

If you decide to stay in Central Kyoto, you’ll be within easy reach of both iconic landmarks and under-the-radar cultural gems. From imperial estates and historic gardens to atmospheric bathhouses, here are some of the best things to do in the neighborhood.

• Kyoto Imperial Palace: For more than 500 years, Kyoto was the capital of Japan, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace served as its main seat of power. Today, the property is used by the Imperial family for special state occasions and remains open to the public the rest of the year. 
• Nijo Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nijo Castle is one of the best surviving examples of feudal-era architecture in Japan. Dating back to 1603, it was once the home of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period.
• Funaoka Onsen: A local hidden gem, Funaoka Onsen is a tattoo-friendly public bathhouse known for its intricate wooden carvings and historic atmosphere. It’s a great place to experience traditional Japanese bathing culture – just be sure to read up on onsen etiquette before you go!
• Smaller Temples & Shrines: Central Kyoto is full of small, lesser-known shrines that are definitely worth checking out! Some of note include: Kenkun Shrine, Seimei Shrine, and Shōkoku-ji Temple.

Top Accommodations in Central Kyoto

Considering Central Kyoto for your base? Here are some of the neighborhood’s best hotels and ryokans.

Kyoto Station Area: Day Trips & Easy Access

Photo by Akira Cake via Unsplash

Best For: Short Stays, Budget Travelers, & Heavy Luggage

The area around Kyoto Station is one of the most convenient places to stay for easy access to public transportation within the city and beyond.

Its central transit hub is served by multiple rail lines, including the Shinkansen (bullet train), making it an ideal base to explore Kyoto and nearby cities like Nara and Uji.

The neighborhood itself has a very modern, urban feel, with large hotels, department stores, and countless dining options clustered around the station.

While the area lacks the traditional atmosphere of Kyoto’s more historic districts, its unmatched access and convenience make it a practical choice – especially for shorter stays.

Things to Do Near Kyoto Station

An exhibit at teamLab Biovortex Kyoto

If you opt to stay near Kyoto Station, you’ll discover there’s more to explore here than just the train station. From lesser-known temples to interactive art exhibits and stunning observation decks, here are some of the neighborhood’s most notable highlights. 

• teamLab Biovortex Kyoto: Japan’s newest teamLab experience, Biovortex Kyoto is the country’s largest and most immersive digital art museum. Featuring more than 50 interactive exhibits, it uses a unique mix of technology, light, and sound to create a constantly changing, multi-sensory experience.
• Nidec Kyoto Tower: Standing 131 meters tall, Kyoto Tower offers panoramic views overlooking the city and the surrounding region. In fact, on clear days, it’s possible to see as far as Osaka!
• Historic Temples: While the area around Kyoto Station is modern and more developed, the neighborhood is still home to quite a few cultural landmarks. Those of note include: Higashi Honganji Temple, Toji Temple, and Nishi Hongwanji Temple.
• Shopping: Kyoto Station is one of the city’s main shopping hubs, second only to Downtown Kyoto. Major shopping complexes here include Porta Shopping Mall, Aeon Mall Kyoto, and Isetan Department Store, which is located inside Kyoto Station.

Top Accommodations Near Kyoto Station

Interested in staying near Kyoto Station? Here are some of the neighborhood’s most popular hotels and ryokans.

Arashiyama: Nature & Scenic Landscapes

Best For: Nature Lovers, Photographers, & Scenic Stays

Nestled along the western edge of the city, Arashiyama feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of central Kyoto. 

With its dramatic natural scenery, riverfront views, and forested mountains, the area offers a peaceful setting, one that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in the city.

It also happens to be home to some of Kyoto’s most well-known attractions, including the iconic bamboo grove, several historic temples and shrines, and even a wild troop of Japanese macaque monkeys.

While the area is quite far from the city center and hotels here tend to be on the pricey side, its setting and atmosphere more than make up for it.

Things to Do in Arashiyama

The bamboo forest at Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple

If you choose to stay in Arashiyama, you’ll be surrounded by incredible scenery and historic cultural landmarks. From lush bamboo groves to ancient temples, stunning riverside excursions, and playful wildlife encounters, here are some of the best things to do in Arashiyama!

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: The district’s main claim to fame, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest offers up-close views of the city’s most famous bamboo grove. Spanning roughly 400 meters, the path here winds through the village of Sagano, creating one of the city’s most iconic and photographed walking routes. 
• Monkey Park Iwatayama: Home to approximately 120 wild Japanese macaque monkeys, Monkey Park Iwatayama offers the unique opportunity to observe Kyoto’s local wildlife in their natural habitat. The park also features stunning views overlooking the city – although you will have to hike a bit to reach the top! 
• Historic Temples & Shrines: Arishiyama is full of historic temples and shrines. While Tenryu-ji is, undoubtedly, the most famous, other lesser-known temples include Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple, Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, and Daikaku-ji Temple.
• River Excursions: Flowing through the heart of Arashiyama, the Hozugawa (or Hozu) River offers some of the city’s most beautiful scenery. You can take in these incredible views while on a river cruise. Join-in cruises, private boat rides, and rafting adventures are all available. 

Top Accommodations in Arashiyama

Hoping to stay in Arashiyama? Here are some of the neighborhood’s most notable hotels and ryokans.

Tips For Finding Your Ideal Kyoto Stay

Kyoto Brighton Hotel in Cental Kyoto

Now that you have a better understanding of the city’s top neighborhoods, deciding where to stay in Kyoto should hopefully feel a bit more manageable. That said, there are still a few more factors you’ll want to keep in mind before making a final decision. These considerations will help ensure you find a stay that best fits your itinerary, budget, and overall travel style.

• Plan Around Your Itinerary: Before you book anything, take a look at your itinerary and figure out where you’ll be spending most of your time. Staying close to your must-see sights will save you time in transit and help make your days feel much more relaxed.
• Prioritize Transit Access: Kyoto is quite spread out, so easy access to a train or subway station should be top of mind. If you can, try to stay within walking distance of public transit to reduce your commute and save time.
• For Shorter Trips, Choose A Central Location: If you’re only in the city for a few days, then I highly recommend staying in either Downtown Kyoto or near Kyoto Station. Both areas are central and well-connected, which will help you see more of the city in less time.
• Consider a Ryokan Stay: If you’re at all interested in experiencing a more traditional and cultural side of Japan, consider staying in a ryokan. Even just one night in a Japanese inn can add a truly memorable and distinctly Japanese element to your trip. 
• Be Flexible With Your Dates: Hotel prices in Kyoto vary greatly from season to season and even from day to day. I’m talking rooms that costs $300 this week could be $150 by next week. So, if your schedule allows, be flexible with your dates. Adjusting your stay by even just a few days can sometimes lead to much better prices and options overall.
• Book Your Accommodations Early: Kyoto is one of Japan’s most popular destinations, so hotels and ryokans often sell out well in advance – especially around cherry blossom season and in the fall. So, it’s best to book your accommodations as early as you can. 
• Don’t Worry About Getting It “Perfect”: Remember, when it comes to accommodations, “perfect” doesn’t actually exist. So don’t stress yourself out too much trying to find that one place that ticks every single box. As long as you book a stay near transit with your itinerary in mind, you should be just fine!

Frequently Asked Questions About Staying in Kyoto

From my photoshoot at Studio Kokoro Arashiyama!

Here are my thoughts on some commonly asked questions about visiting Kyoto. 

How Many Days in Kyoto Is Enough?

I recommend spending at least 3 days in Kyoto. This will give you plenty of time to visit the city’s major attractions and check out a few of its hidden gems. That said, if you plan to do a day trip to Uji or Nara, then I’d suggest staying a bit longer – ideally 4-5 days.

Is It Better to Stay in Downtown Kyoto or Gion?

I wouldn’t say that one is necessarily better than the other. It really just depends on the type of experience that you’re looking for in Kyoto. If your goal is to immerse yourself in the city’s traditional culture, then I’d recommend Gion, hands down. This is where you will find the city’s historic streets, its classic tea houses, and its timeless old-world atmosphere. That said, if you prefer to be more connected to the city’s nightlife, its dining hubs, and its major transit stations, then Downtown Kyoto is the way to go. At the end of the day, both areas are excellent places to stay – it just comes down to your personal preferences and priorities.

Is Gion Too Touristy to Stay In?

While Gion can be very touristy, there are still plenty of hidden corners that offer a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. In reality, the neighborhood is quite large, so it’s definitely possible to escape the crowds and still experience the area’s historic charm. In fact, Gion becomes noticeably quieter in the evenings, once the daytime crowds thin out. So, even if you were to stay on one of the busier streets, it’s still possible to enjoy a calmer, more traditional side of the district in the evenings.

What’s the Best Area to Stay in Kyoto Without a Car?

If you’re planning to visit Kyoto without a car, the best places to stay are Downtown Kyoto and the area around Kyoto Station. Both neighborhoods are extremely well-connected to public transit, so getting around and exploring the rest of the city is easy to do. On top of that, both areas offer a wide range of restaurants, hotels, bars, and shopping centers, which adds to their overall convenience.

Gion can also be another great option to consider, especially if you are looking for a more traditional and culturally-rich atmosphere. Just keep in mind – while public transportation is readily available, it will take slightly longer to reach certain parts of the city compared to the main transit centers.

Which Area Is Best for Sightseeing in Kyoto?

If I had to pick two areas for sightseeing in Kyoto, they’d be Gion and Arashiyama. Both neighborhoods offer the most to do in terms of sightseeing and cultural encounters. In Gion, you can wander the city’s historic streets, visit its traditional tea houses, and explore countless temples and shrines. Meanwhile, Arashiyama is known for its scenic landscapes, riverfront views, bamboo groves, and collection of beautiful historic temples. 

Is It Better to Stay in Kyoto or Osaka?

The answer to this question really comes down to your personal preferences and your planned itinerary. If you want to experience a more authentic, cultural, and traditional side of Japan, then I would recommend Kyoto. But if vibrant nightlife, street food, and shopping are your main priorities, then Osaka is the way to go. That said, if you can, I highly recommend splitting your time between both cities! Each offers its own unique vibe and highlights – spending a few nights in each will give you the best of both worlds!

🌟 See how you can combine both destinations in my 10 Day Japan itinerary!

Final Thoughts: Where to Stay in Kyoto

So there you have it – my complete guide on where to stay in Kyoto! Hopefully, this article has helped you narrow down the best area for your trip, so you can feel more confident about choosing your home base.

No matter which neighborhood you go with, you’re sure to have an incredible time! After all, every corner of Kyoto is brimming with historic charm, cultural landmarks, and unforgettable experiences!

Still unsure of where to stay in Kyoto? Or have a favorite neighborhood of your own? Let me know in the comments below!

Enjoy this Kyoto travel guide? Pin it now for later!