Wondering where to stay in Kyoto for the first time?
Often dubbed the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto offers a wide variety of Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and several palaces some of which are part of the World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Compared to Osaka, Kyoto is far more laid-back but also more traditional, authentic, and less noisy.
While you can find some modern parts in Kyoto, it’s as if time stood still for a long time in most parts of Kyoto, and because of this, it’s as if you go back in time.
Highlights of the city include the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Sento Palace, the Nishiki Market, the Nijo Castle, the Kyoto Railway Museum, and of course the (traditional) food scene.
Kyoto is a large city, with a population of almost one-and-a-half million people and the metropolitan area known as Greater Kyoto is home to nearly four million people, although still a compact city.
So, as you can expect, there are quite a few options to stay at.
In this article, we cover what we believe are the best areas to stay in Kyoto for first-time visitors to make the most out of your holidays.
Each recommended area comes with its advantages and disadvantages.
Certain areas are more suitable for certain travellers than others, for example, to explore the nightlife, family-friendly areas, or for travellers on a stricter budget.
After each recommended area, you can find a summary of the pros and cons and which type of traveller would appreciate that area the most.
At the bottom of this article, you can find a map with all the recommended areas along with the city highlights.
With that being said, let’s jump to our recommendations.
Where to stay in Kyoto first time? Keep reading!
In brief:
Where to stay in Kyoto first time?
The best areas to stay in Kyoto for first-time visitors are Kawaramachi, Southern Higashiyama, Kyoto Station, Central Kyoto, Northern Higashiyama, Arashiyama, and Kibune.
For most tourists, staying around Downtown Kyoto is the most convenient option as you’re located centrally and relatively close to the cultural highlights that are located in Northern and Southern Higashiyama.
But as always, there are a few alternatives that are worth considering, which in the case of Kyoto are such as Arashiyama and Kibune.
In the next paragraphs, we dive deeper into each recommended area.
Overview of the best areas to stay in Kyoto for the first time:
Below, you find a table with an overview of all the recommended areas along with a short explanation of what makes that area so special. You can tap on one of the green links to go immediately to that recommended area, or just continue reading the article.
| The best areas to stay in Kyoto first time | What’s so special about this area? |
|---|---|
| 1. Kawaramachi | Located near city highlights, good connection to public transport, bustling area, good food scene, shopping facilities, expect to pay a premium price for a hotel room. |
| 2. Southern Higashiyama | Many attractions nearby, stunningly beautiful area, an area of cultural and historical importance, but no nightlife scene available. |
| 3. Kyoto Station | Best access to public transport that takes you to every corner of the city and beyond, modern area with modern amenities, proper nightlife scene, good variation of accommodations in all budget classes, but you always have to travel a bit to reach the attractions of the city. |
| 4. Central Kyoto | Budget-friendly area with two major attractions nearby, although you have to travel a bit to reach attractions and it’s not the most beautiful part of the city. |
| 5. Northern Higashiyama |
Beautiful, quiet area that is home to magnificent old shrines, temples, and greenery, but limited accommodations, restaurants and things to do. Ideal for those looking for a quiet area. |
| 6. Arashiyama | Beautiful area known for its peacefulness, access to the famous bamboo groves and a few other highlights, good access to public transport, but very dull in the evening. |
| 7. Kibune | Scenic getaway in the mountains, access to natural beauty and hiking trails, a unique experience and good access to public transport, but you’re located outside the city. |
Districts
There are several districts in Kyoto. Instead of naming them all one by one, it’s better to understand how the city is structured.
There run several rivers through Kyoto but there are two important ones to explain the geography of the districts.
From northwest to south, you find the Katsura River and from north to south you can find the Kamo River.
The districts west of the Kamo River – which is on the east side of the city – is called Higashiyama, which can be divided into Northern Higashiyama and Southern Higashiyama.
This is where you can find the majority of the temples and some of the most important sightseeing attractions.
Between the Katsura River and the Kamo River, you can find the central parts of the city with great access to public transport and the majority of the hotels.
The central parts include Central Kyoto (the largest district), but there are several smaller areas such as Downtown Kyoto and Kyoto Station.
There are a few alternatives, but generally speaking, these are the most important parts you should be aware of when exploring Kyoto.
How to get around in Kyoto?
Most tourists will explore the city on foot, although renting a bike is quite ideal in a relatively flat city like Kyoto. But it’s good to know that there are two different metro lines and six different train lines in the city, although the latter is mostly used for intercity commuting.
Overall, the city is compact and many of the main attractions are concentrated around Higashiyama and Downtown Kyoto, so eventually, you mostly walk from point A to point B.
If you’re planning to visit the nearby city of Osaka, you can either use the bullet train or regular train, or a 30-minute bus or taxi ride.
So, like all Japanese cities, public transport is sophisticated and gives you plenty of affordable and fast options.
We dive deeper into each recommended area after the following impressions of the amazing city of Bangkok.
The best areas to stay in Kyoto for first-time visitors are:
1. Kawaramachi (Downtown Kyoto)
Arguably the best area to stay in Kyoto for first-time visitors is Kawaramach (Downtown Kyoto), which is basically part of the much larger Central Kyoto.
When you choose to stay here, there are a few benefits that others don’t have.
First of all, you have great access to major public transportation lines.
Secondly, you’re located close to both Northern Higashiyama and Southern Higashiyama, where you can find many major attractions and one of the metro lines will take you to Higashiyama Station without much hassle.
Thirdly, there are several attractions located inside Central Kyoto and thus within easy reach of Downtown Kyoto.
Lastly, this is where you can find many hotels, but also shopping facilities, restaurants, and bars, although nightlife is nothing compared to its neighbor Osaka.
Also, it’s good to know that the food scene here is bustling with both traditional and modern markets and the basement of many department stores are amazing food courts.
So, is there anything not to like about Kawaramachi?
Well, hotel prices are more expensive than in other parts and it’s the busiest part of the city so it’s pretty loud and crowded.
But it’s probably the most convenient part of the city.
For who: sightseeing tourists.
Advantages: Located near city highlights, good connection to public transport, bustling area, good food scene, shopping facilities.
Disadvantages: hotels are more expensive here, loud and crowded area.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Kyoto for first-time visitors in this area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Southern Higashiyama
Southern Higashiyama is located in the eastern parts of the city where you can find many main attractions, including Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Gion district, Chion-in Temple, Yasaka Shrine, and Kodai-ji Temple.
These sites offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage and are must-see attractions for tourists.
This area is known for its traditional architecture, which is a combination of Japanese and Chinese styles.
The streets are lined with traditional wooden houses, many of which have been converted into shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Especially during the evening, it’s a feast to walk through these streets.
In the month of July, the Gion Festival (Gion Matsuri) takes place here.
But Southern Higashiyama also offers many opportunities to experience Japanese culture during the whole year, such as tea ceremonies, geisha performances, and traditional Japanese crafts.
Visitors can also dress up in traditional Japanese clothing and take a stroll around the area.
It’s a also popular spot for cherry blossom viewing and picnic in spring and the autumn foliage season in fall.
Southern Higashiyama is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including the Higashiyama Mountains and the Kamo River, and exploring the area on foot is an absolute must.
Southern Higashiyama is conveniently located near other popular areas in Kyoto, such as Gion, Kawaramachi, and Pontocho.
It is also easy to access by public transportation, including buses and trains.
So, when you combine all this, Southern Higashiyama offers a unique and authentic experience of traditional Japanese culture and architecture, combined with beautiful scenery and a convenient location, making it absolutely an amazing area to stay in Kyoto for first-time visitors.
What’s not too like? Well, it’s one of the most popular areas in Kyoto, so expect it to be busy and crowded and due to popularity, the hotel prices here are significantly higher than elsewhere.
For who: those who want to explore Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.
Advantages: many attractions nearby, stunningly beautiful area, an area of cultural and historical importance.
Disadvantages: no proper nightlife scene, busy, hard to find affordable accommodations.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Kyoto for first-time visitors in this area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Kyoto Station
As the name already suggests, staying around this area means that you have direct access to Kyoto’s main train station.
While the previous two recommended areas are surrounded by attractions, when you stay in Kyoto Station, you always have to travel a bit.
At first, this might seem a bit inconvenient, as you’re visiting Kyoto for sightseeing purposes and want to see the highlights of the city.
However, it gives you the opportunity to travel to all corners of the city – as most tourist attractions are located on the east side of the city – as well as travelling to other cities, for example, Osaka, without much hassle.
Kyoto Station is a modern area of Kyoto and is home to the Kyoto Tower.
The railway station itself shows typical modern Japanese architecture at its best, which is a huge contrast compared to the previously recommended area.
And this modernity goes further than the train station alone, so expect this whole area to be modern and with all the comforts that come along with that, with many shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment facilities.
It is also home to several hotels, ranging from budget to luxury options.
Although Downtown Kyoto is the place to be for nightlife, Kyoto Station has a lively nightlife scene as well, with many bars and clubs catering to both locals and tourists, which is ideal to enjoy a drink or two after a long day of sightseeing.
The best word to describe Kyoto Station is “convenient”.
For who: those who want to take advantage of public transport the most (in combination with visiting other cities too).
Advantages: best access to public transport that takes you to every corner of the city and beyond, modern area with modern amenities, proper nightlife scene, good variation of accommodations in all budget classes.
Disadvantage: you always have to travel (a bit) to visit the major attractions.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Kyoto for first-time visitors in this area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Central Kyoto
Although the previously recommended area Kyoto Station offers accommodations in all budget classes, Central Kyoto is typically known for being a budget-friendly area of Kyoto.
Central Kyoto is located north of Downtown Kyoto and is home to the famous Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace (Gosho).
These two are among the major attractions the city has to offer.
You’re located near the metro lines that can easily take you to either the train station or other popular touristy parts of the city for sightseeing purposes.
The downside is that you always have to travel a bit, and because it’s less convenient, Central Kyoto offers more affordable accommodations than other parts.
And that’s something you can take advantage of.
Central Kyoto is also not the most beautiful part of Kyoto.
If you’re willing to make a few compromises, this area will save you quite some bucks while still remaining located centrally with decent access to public transport.
Tip: generally speaking, the city of Osaka offers more affordable hotels in general, and as you can easily take the train between cities, it’s well worth considering staying in Osaka instead.
Or just stay one night in Kyoto and the rest of your stay in Osaka, when you travel on a strict budget.
In that case, have a look at our article about Where to stay in Osaka to find the perfect area to stay in that fits your budget.
For who: the budget-conscious traveller.
Advantages: located near two major landmarks, good variety of affordable accommodations.
Disadvantages: not the most beautiful part of Kyoto, you have to travel to see the other major attractions.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Kyoto for first-time visitors in this area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Northern Higashiyama
Northern Higashiyama is a beautiful, quiet area that is home to magnificent old shrines, temples, and greenery.
Compared to Southern Higashiyama, Northern Higashiyama is a true oasis of peace. Although none of the other areas can compete against its beauty, there is a reason why this area is so calm.
It’s because aside from its beautiful shrines, temples, and greenery, there is not that much to do. For that, you always have to visit other parts.
There is a limited amount of accommodations and restaurants.
So why would you stay in this part of Kyoto? The simple answer is its peacefulness.
If you manage to book a room at one of the few accommodations, you basically have the area completely for yourself.
Now, many young travellers want a more bustling area, and that is something Northern Higashiyama does not offer, but for some tourists, staying in a unique area like Northern Higashiyama is on their bucket lists.
Keep in mind that public transport is somewhat limited compared to the other parts.
One of the best ways to explore this part and be able to move around easily is by renting a bike.
Northern Higashiyama is not for everyone, but the beauty of this area does deserve a special mention in this article.
For who: those seeking absolute peacefulness.
Advantages: Beautiful, quiet area that is home to magnificent old shrines, temples, and greenery.
Disadvantages: Limited accommodations, restaurants, and things to do aside from being beautiful and quiet.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Kyoto for first-time visitors in this area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Arashiyama
Arashiyama is a suburb located on the west side of Kyoto and is renowned for its natural beauty, including the famous bamboo groves, the Togetsukyo Bridge, and the picturesque Katsura River.
The area is also home to several temples and shrines, including the iconic Tenryu-ji Temple and the beautiful Gio-ji Temple, which are great places to explore and learn about Japanese culture and history.
Arashiyama has a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, which makes it an ideal place to stay for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city but is more bustling than the previously recommended area.
There are several traditional Japanese inns (ryokans) and hotels in the area, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the traditional Japanese way of life and hospitality.
As you have good access to public transport and are connected to the lines that take you to Kyoto’s highlights, Arashiyama is a good base for exploring the city.
Just keep in mind that Arashiyama is known for its tranquility, so don’t expect any vibrant nightlife scene.
Families would highly appreciate this area, especially when you value natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a peaceful atmosphere.
For who: families, those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Advantages: beautiful area known for its peacefulness, access to the famous bamboo groves and a few other highlights, good access to public transport.
Disadvantage: not much to do in the evening.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Kyoto for first-time visitors in this area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
7. Kibune
The last area that we recommend is Kibune, a charming mountain village located in the northern part of Kyoto, and it’s – yet again – a great area to stay in for tourists who are looking for a peaceful and scenic getaway from the bustling city.
Kibune is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Kibune River, lush forests, and picturesque waterfalls.
Visitors can take a relaxing hike in the surrounding hills, enjoy the scenic views, and take in the fresh mountain air.
Kibune has also a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can experience traditional Japanese architecture, including the Kibune Shrine, which is over 1,600 years old.
The area also has a number of ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) where visitors can stay and experience the local culture.
This area is known for its unique cuisine, which includes kawadoko dining, where visitors can enjoy a meal on a platform built over the Kibune River.
The area is also famous for its ayu (sweetfish), which is a local delicacy.
Despite being located in a mountainous area, Kibune is easily accessible from Kyoto by train and bus, making it a convenient and easy-to-reach destination, also for those who want to visit this mountain village on a day trip.
As you might have noticed, Kibune is an experience on its own and it’s good to know that you can stay over in the village.
For who: those who want to escape the city life
Advantages: scenic gateway in the mountains, access to natural beauty and hiking trails, unique experience, good accesss to public transport.
Disadvantages: you’re located outside the city and you have to travel the most of all areas to see Kyoto’s highlights.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Kyoto for first-time visitors in this area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
Map of the best areas to stay in Kyoto first time
The next image is a map of the best area to stay in Kyoto including its highlights. The image is in high resolution so you can easily zoom in to see all the details.
A map will follow soon.
There you have it, our recommendations for where to stay in Kyoto.
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