Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, is a city that effortlessly blends old-world charm with modern convenience. Known for its numerous temples, shrines, and gardens, Kyoto is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, finding the right accommodation is key to making your stay in Kyoto an unforgettable experience. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which hotels are worth considering.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best hotels in Kyoto, covering everything from location and amenities to decor and service, to help you find the perfect place to stay during your visit to this enchanting city.

Be sure to check out our Tokyo travel guide for more inspiration.

Best Kyoto Hotels 2023

Sowaka

The Sowaka Kyoto Hotel is located in the heart of the city’s Higashiyama district, a short walk from many of Kyoto’s famous temples and shrines, including the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Yasaka Shrine. The hotel is also conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to explore the city.

This luxury hotel in Kyoto offers a range of amenities, including a library, tea room, and a garden courtyard. Guests can also enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast, and the hotel’s restaurant serves a range of Japanese and Western cuisine

The hotel’s decor is inspired by traditional Japanese design, with a focus on simplicity and harmony. The interiors are elegantly decorated with Japanese art and antiques, and the hotel’s courtyard features a beautiful garden that provides a peaceful retreat from the city.

The Sowaka Kyoto Hotel offers a range of room types to choose from, including standard rooms and suites. All rooms are beautifully decorated with a blend of traditional and modern Japanese design elements, and feature high-end amenities such as luxurious bedding, flat-screen TVs, and high-speed internet access. Some rooms also feature private gardens or outdoor baths.

Overall, the Sowaka Kyoto Hotel offers a peaceful and authentic Japanese experience in the heart of this beautiful city. Its blend of traditional design and modern amenities, coupled with its convenient location near many of the top attractions, make it one of the best hotels in Kyoto for those looking for a more intimate and personalised stay.

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

The Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is also situated in the city’s Higashiyama district, again, within walking distance of many of the city’s most famous temples and shrines. The hotel is also located close to shopping and dining options, and is about a 10-minute drive from Kyoto Station.

This hotel in Kyoto boasts an impressive range of amenities, including a full-service spa, fitness center, indoor pool, and several dining options, including a Japanese restaurant, a bar, and a cafe. The hotel also offers a variety of cultural experiences, such as traditional tea ceremonies and kimono dressing.

The decor of this Kyoto hotel is inspired by traditional Japanese design, with a focus on natural materials such as wood and stone. The hotel’s interiors are elegantly decorated with Japanese art and ceramics, and there is a beautiful garden on the property that provides a tranquil setting for guests to relax.

The hotel also offers a range of room types, including standard rooms, suites, and traditional Japanese-style rooms called “ryokans.” All rooms are beautifully decorated with a blend of traditional and modern Japanese design elements, and feature high-end amenities such as luxurious bedding, flat-screen TVs, and high-speed internet access. Some rooms also offer stunning views of the hotel’s garden and the surrounding mountains.

Overall, the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto offers a luxurious and authentic Japanese experience, with its beautiful decor, range of amenities, and convenient location near many of Kyoto’s top attractions. So, when looking at where to stay in Kyoto, Japan, make sure the Four Seasons is on your list.

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Kyoto, Japan, is located in the heart of the city, near the Kamogawa River and within walking distance of several popular attractions, including the Nishiki Market and Gion District. The hotel is also conveniently located near public transportation, so you can easily reach all the main attractions.

This luxury Kyoto hotel offers a wide range of amenities, including a full-service spa, fitness center, indoor pool, and several dining options, including a Michelin-starred restaurant. The hotel also offers a variety of cultural experiences, such as traditional tea ceremonies and ikebana flower arrangement classes.

The decor of the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto Hotel is inspired by traditional Japanese design, with a focus on natural materials such as wood and stone. The interiors are elegantly decorated with Japanese art and ceramics, and there is a beautiful garden on the property that provides a tranquil setting for guests to relax.

The hotel offers a range of room types, including standard rooms, suites, and traditional Japanese-style rooms called “ryokans.” All rooms are beautifully decorated with a blend of traditional and modern Japanese design elements, and feature high-end amenities such as luxurious bedding, flat-screen TVs, and high-speed internet access. Some rooms also offer stunning views of the city or the hotel’s garden.

Overall, the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto Hotel offers a luxurious and authentic Japanese experience, with its beautiful decor, range of amenities, and convenient location in the heart of the city. If you’re looking for a high-end hotel experience in Kyoto, the Ritz-Carlton is definitely worth considering.

Park Hyatt Kyoto

The Park Hyatt Kyoto Hotel is located in the Higashiyama district of the city, within walking distance of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Yasaka Shrine. It is also closeby to shopping and dining options, and is about a 15-minute drive from Kyoto Train Station, making it easy to explore further afield.

This fancy hotel in Kyoto, Japan, offers a fantastic range of amenities, including a full-service spa, fitness center, indoor pool, and several dining options, including a Japanese restaurant and a lounge. The hotel also offers cultural experiences, such as tea ceremonies and Japanese cooking classes.

The hotel’s decor is inspired by traditional Japanese design, with a focus on simplicity and elegance. The interiors are beautifully decorated with Japanese art and ceramics, and there is a serene garden on the property that provides a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city.

Take your pick from a range of room types at this Kyoto hotel, including standard rooms, suites, and traditional Japanese-style rooms called “ryokans.” All rooms are elegantly decorated with a blend of traditional and modern Japanese design elements, and feature high-end amenities such as luxurious bedding, flat-screen TVs, and high-speed internet access. Some rooms also offer stunning views of the city or the hotel’s garden.

Overall, the Park Hyatt Kyoto Hotel is a luxurious and tranquil retreat in the heart of the city. Its blend of traditional Japanese design and modern amenities, coupled with its convenient location near many of Kyoto’s top attractions, make it one of the best hotels in Kyoto for travellers seeking an authentic Japanese experience.

Hotel the Mitsui

The Mitsui Kyoto Hotel provides luxury accommodation in the heart of the city and offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese architecture and modern design. The hotel is situated on the bank of the Kamo River and is surrounded by the historic streets of the Gion district, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere for guests.

This luxury hotel in Kyoto offers a wide range of facilities, including a fitness center, spa, and a beautiful indoor pool. The hotel’s spa features a variety of treatments that incorporate traditional Japanese techniques, and the fitness center is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.

The decor of the hotel is inspired by traditional Japanese design and features a mix of natural materials such as wood, stone, and bamboo. The hotel’s interior is adorned with beautiful Japanese artwork and carefully crafted details that create a serene and luxurious atmosphere.

The Mitsui Kyoto Hotel offers a range of room types, from standard guest rooms to luxurious suites, each featuring unique Japanese-inspired decor and modern amenities. The rooms are spacious and elegantly designed, featuring comfortable bedding, high-quality linens, and a range of amenities such as a coffee maker, minibar, and free Wi-Fi.

One standout feature of The Mitsui Hotel in Kyoto is its exceptional dining options. The hotel features several restaurants, including a French restaurant, a sushi bar, and a Japanese teppanyaki grill. Each restaurant offers a unique dining experience and uses only the freshest ingredients to create delicious and beautifully presented dishes.

In summary, The Mitsui Kyoto is a luxurious and well-appointed hotel that seamlessly blends traditional Japanese design with modern amenities. Its prime location, exceptional facilities, and exceptional dining options make it a standout choice for visitors to Kyoto.

Ace Hotel

The Ace Hotel in Kyoto is located in the heart of the city, in the historic district of Shimogyo-ku. The hotel is within walking distance of several attractions such as the Nishiki Market, the Kyoto Tower, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. It is also close to public transportation, making it easy to explore other parts of the city.

The facilities at the Ace Hotel Kyoto are designed to blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern amenities. The hotel has a variety of communal spaces, including a lobby bar, a coffee shop, and a rooftop terrace. There is also a fitness center, a bike rental service, and a 24-hour front desk.

The decor at this stunning hotel in Kyoto is stylish and eclectic, with a mix of traditional Japanese and contemporary design elements. The hotel features custom-made furniture, artwork from local artists, and unique touches such as vintage record players in each room.

The bedrooms here are spacious and comfortable, with a range of room types available to suit different needs. Each room features a king-size bed, high-quality linens, and a private bathroom with a rain shower. The rooms also come equipped with modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and a minibar.

Overall, the Ace Hotel in Kyoto offers a unique and stylish experience for travelers looking to explore the city. Its central location, modern facilities, and blend of traditional and contemporary design make it one of the best Kyoto hotels to stay at. So, when it comes to where to stay in Kyoto, it’s definitely worth considering this one!

Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion

Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion is located in the heart of Kyoto’s famous Gion district, known for its traditional wooden teahouses, historic temples, and charming streets. This Kyoto hotel is within walking distance of popular attractions such as Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, as well as the bustling shopping and dining district of Kawaramachi. The hotel is also conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to explore other parts of Kyoto.

This hotel in Kyoto features a variety of facilities to enhance guests’ stays, including a restaurant and bar serving traditional Japanese cuisine, a fitness center, and a spa with a range of treatments. The hotel also offers a concierge service to assist with booking tours and activities, as well as a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage.

Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion features a modern Japanese design aesthetic with traditional elements such as sliding shoji doors, tatami mats, and a tranquil bamboo garden. The interiors are elegant and understated, with natural materials and soothing colors creating a serene atmosphere throughout the hotel.

The hotel’s guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with a range of room types to suit different needs. Each room features a comfortable king-size bed, high-quality linens, and modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a minibar. The rooms also come equipped with traditional Japanese elements such as yukata robes and slippers.

Overall, Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion is a beautiful and well-appointed hotel in the heart of Kyoto’s historic Gion district. Its central location, modern facilities, and stylish decor make it a popular choice for visitors looking to explore the city and immerse themselves in Japanese culture. Certainly one of the best Kyoto hotels, it’s certainly worth adding this one to your list.

The GrandWest Arashiyama

The GrandWest Arashiyama is located in the scenic Arashiyama district of Kyoto, known for its bamboo forest, picturesque river, and historic temples. The hotel is within walking distance of popular attractions such as the Togetsukyo Bridge and Tenryuji Temple. It is also conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to explore other parts of Kyoto.

This luxury Kyoto hotel offers a range of facilities to enhance guests’ stays, including a restaurant serving Japanese and Western cuisine, a spa offering a range of treatments, and a fitness center. The hotel also has a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and a concierge service to assist with booking tours and activities.

The GrandWest Arashiyama Hotel in Kyoto features a modern Japanese design aesthetic with traditional elements such as tatami mats, shoji screens, and wooden furnishings. The interiors are elegant and understated, with natural materials and soothing colors creating a serene atmosphere throughout the hotel.

The hotel’s guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with a range of room types to suit different needs. Each room features a comfortable king-size bed, high-quality linens, and modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a minibar. The rooms also come equipped with traditional Japanese elements such as yukata robes and slippers.

Overall, The GrandWest Arashiyama is a beautiful and well-appointed hotel in the scenic Arashiyama district of Kyoto. Its central location, modern facilities, and stylish decor make it a popular choice for visitors looking to explore the city and immerse themselves in Japanese culture.

Kyoto offers a plethora of high-quality hotels that cater to the needs of various travelers. From modern and stylish accommodations in the city center to serene and traditional ryokans in the outskirts, there’s something for everyone. The Ace Hotel Kyoto and The Celestine Kyoto Gion offer central locations, modern amenities, and stylish decor, while The GrandWest Arashiyama provides a serene atmosphere in a picturesque location.

These hotels in Kyoto are just a few examples of the many excellent accommodations available in the city. Whether you’re seeking luxury or simplicity, a modern or traditional experience, Kyoto’s hotels are sure to provide you with a memorable stay in this historic and beautiful city. So, take a look through our pick of the best hotels in Kyoto, Japan, and be sure to check out our guide to the best backpacking routes in Asia.