Where to Stay in Kyoto (with map): Top Areas Compared & Hotels for First-Timers!
Updated: Sep 29
Planning your first trip to Kyoto and lost on where to stay? Having visited Kyoto many times, I’ve personally tested out the most popular areas to stay in Kyoto myself, and honestly, each has its pros and cons depending on your travel style. In this article, I’ve broken down the top 4 neighbourhoods for first-time travellers with my honest take to help you quickly find the perfect base for your itinerary!
Essential coupons for you:
Where to stay in Kyoto? Top 4 Areas Compared with Map
Kyoto is quite spread out, but most travellers stick to these 4 main areas: if it’s your first visit, "Kyoto Station" is your best bet for seamless transit around the city and easy day trips to other areas; if you're here for food and shopping, consider staying at "Downtown Kyoto" (Kawaramachi); and for those classic Japanese vibes or a hot spring getaway, "Gion" or "Arashiyama" is the way to go.
Area | Best For | Getting Around | Highlights & Features |
📍 Kyoto station🚝 | Short stays & intercity travel |
| Excellent amenities with multiple department stores inside and around the station |
📍 Downtown Kyoto(Kawaramachi)🛍️ | In-depth exploration, shopping & dining |
| Most vibrant district with diverse shopping, dining and izakayas |
📍 Gion ⛩️ | Traditional Japanese stays & atmosphere |
| Historic streets, just across the river from downtown; near Kiyomizu-dera & Yasaka Shrine |
📍 Arashiyama🎋 | Onsen Ryokan stays |
| Peaceful nature getaway away from downtown; famous for its bamboo grove & river views |
Our picks of Kyoto's best attractions:
4 Best Areas in Kyoto for First-Timers
1. Kyoto Station
The biggest advantage of staying near Kyoto Station is its unmatched connectivity. You can get direct rides to most major sights and jump straight onto trains for day trips to neighbouring cities, saving you from messy transfers with heavy luggage. On top of that, major department stores right at the station make dining and shopping completely effortless. When booking, pay close attention to which exit your hotel is near, as it makes a huge difference in daily convenience:
Central Exit (North Side): Offers easy access to the subway and main bus hub - most convenient if your focus is sightseeing within Kyoto.
Hachijo Exit (South Side): Generally offers better hotel rates and closer access to the Shinkansen, airport buses, and day-tour pickup points - ideal for quick stopovers.
▹ Top Picks: 4 Best Hotels near Kyoto Station
Daiwa Roynet PREMIER
☑️ not the newest, but convenient location
☑️ 5-min walk to JR Central Exit, next to subway
☑️ next to Yodobashi Camera (closes at 10 PM)
2. Downtown Kyoto (Kawaramachi)
The area stretching from Kawaramachi to Karasuma forms Downtown Kyoto, a vibrant hub packed with department stores, restaurants and home to the famous Nishiki Market (though personally, I find it quite touristy). It’s ideal if you want endless shopping and nightlife right at your doorstep. For transport, both areas offer direct Hankyu train rides to Osaka and convenient subway links.
Kawaramachi: Ideal for shopping and sightseeing, placing you steps from shopping arcades, the scenic riverside, and walking distance to the historic Gion area.
Karasuma: Tends to offer better hotel rates and direct subway access to Kyoto Station, though it’s about a 10-minute walk to the main shopping strip.
▹ Top Picks: 4 Best Hotels in Downtown Kyoto
Tokyu Stay Kyoto Sakaiza
☑️ located right by the shopping street, 2-min walk to Hankyu railway station
☑️ spacious rooms, from 24m²
☑️ washer and kitchen in room
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Shijo-Karasuma
☑️ 1-min walk to Hankyu & subway station
☑️ near major shopping spots
☑️ offers triple and connecting rooms
Our picks of Kyoto's best things to do:
3. Gion
Gion is the heart of traditional Kyoto, famous for its well-preserved wooden townhouses and proximity to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. However, there is no direct subway and navigating its cobblestone alleys with heavy luggage can be tricky. For the best balance, stay near the main roads or riverside - this keeps transit like buses and the Keihan Railway (for Fushimi-Inari & Osaka) conveniently close by.
▹ Top Picks: 4 Best Hotels in Gion
Gion Elite Terrace
☑️ opened in 2023
☑️ 10-min walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
☑️ spacious rooms from 29m² with kitchen, high value for families
Minn Gion Sanjo
☑️ opened in 2023
☑️ focuses on multi-bed family rooms with washing machine, kitchen and dining area
☑️ 3-min walk to Keihan railway & subway stations
4. Arashiyama
If you want a hot spring getaway, head to Arashiyama for a traditional ryokan stay with an onsen and half-board dining. The main advantage of staying here is being able to stroll to the Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge early the next morning before the crowds hit (Kyoto is extremely crowded these days!). Just keep in mind that shops close early and it is farther from the city center, so it’s best for those who simply want to relax and recharge.
▹ Top Picks: 2 Best Hotels in Arashiyama
Kadensho
Ref Price: ~¥26,000 (Room Only)
☑️ renovated in 2026
☑️ 5 free reservable private hot spring baths
☑️ complimentary pre-dinner snacks, late-night supper, and yukata selection
Our picks of Kyoto's restaurants:
