Best Areas to Stay in Kyoto (For First-timers and Returning Visitors)
On each trip to Kyoto, we liked to stay in different areas. Kyoto is generally very safe, no matter where you stay, but choosing the right base can really enhance your visit. Your decision should depend on: what you want to see and do, how much you rely on public transportation, whether you are a first-timers or returning visitors and the season you are visiting Kyoto. Below is a breakdown of some of the best areas to stay in Kyoto, based on our experiences.
Gion
- Best for: first-time visitors, traditional culture lovers.
Why stay here: If it is your first time in Kyoto and you want to soak in Kyoto’s old charm, stay here. It is home to a lot of temples, shrines, and streets with traditional architecture. Gion was where we stayed on our first trip and if we could do it again, we would still do the same. Walking through the streets of Gion is an important experience of a first trip to Kyoto. Gion is also a great place to explore Kyoto local cuisine since there are many traditional restaurants in this area.
Yes, you have probably heard that Gion is crowded (and it is), but only in certain spots, like Hanamikoji-dori, Sannenzaka, and Ninenzaka. Walk just a few blocks away and it quickly becomes peaceful and atmospheric again.
Top attractions and things to do: staying in Gion, you will be within walking distance of top sites like Kiyomizu-dera, Kodai-ji, Yasaka Shrine, and Gion Shirakawa. I often suggest taking a Gion walking tour, either private or with a small group, on your first trip to Kyoto as it helps add context and history so you can appreciate more.
Hotel recommendations in Gion
Due to the prime locations, hotels in Gion are often more expensive than other areas. Not all accommodations in Gion or within walking distance to Gion will have good access to public transportation. If you rely on public transportation, you can consider places close to Sanjo Station (conveniently on the subway line and Keihan line which can take you to places like Tofuku-ji, Fushimi Inari) or Gion-Shijo Station. Here are some great places to stay:
- The Celestine Gion Hotel (see our review | Booking | Agoda | Expedia): part of Mitsui Garden hotel group, this upscale hotel is where we stayed on our first trip. The hotel is at a quiet corner of Gion, opposite Kennin-ji Temple. Rooms are larger than Japanese standard, and service is efficient.
- Gion Misen (see on Booking | Agoda | Expedia): an affordable boutique hotel north of Gion, with walking distance to Sanjo and Gion-Shijo Stations. My sister stayed here with her family and recommended it.
- Park Hyatt Kyoto (see on Booking | Agoda | Expedia): this is one of the luxury hotels with the best location in Kyoto in my opinion. It is very close to Kodai-ji, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, and has great views of Yasaka Pagoda.
Karasuma, Shijo, Kawaramachi Stations Area
- Best for: first-time visitors relying on trains, shoppers, nightlife lovers.
Why stay here: Not as traditional and atmospheric as Gion, but this lively area is full of shops, restaurants, izakayas, and nightlife. It is well-connected by subway and trains with the Hankyu lines running through here, which is great for taking trips to Arashiyama or Osaka. Overall, its central location makes it easy to explore the city.
This area can also work for return visitors. For our most recent visit, we stayed at The HIRAMATSU near Karasuma-Oike Station, which is just one station away from this area, and liked the location more than we thought. The neighborhood was very quiet throughout the day and there are quite a lot of interesting local restaurants within walking distance.
Top attractions and things to do nearby: Pontocho, GEAR Non-verbal theater, Takashimaya shopping mall and depachika. Nijo Castle and Gion are also not far away.
Hotel recommendations
- Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto (Booking | Agoda | Expedia): this is a beautiful hotel with a rooftop terrace and onsen facilities, located within walking distance to Kyoto-Kawaramachi and Gion-Shijo Stations.
- The GATE Hotel Kyoto (Booking | Agoda | Expedia): this hotel is steps away from Pontocho, Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station and Sanjo Station.
- The HIRAMATSU Kyoto (Booking | Agoda | Expedia): this is one of our most favorite hotels in Kyoto to date. The room is very spacious for Japanese standards and since the hotel occupies a traditional wooden store house, the place has a charming and historic feel.
Kyoto Station Area
- Best for: travelers who will do multiple day-trips from Kyoto
Why stay here: This is the transportation hub of Kyoto, with direct access to Shinkansen bullet trains, local JR lines, Kintetsu lines and city buses and airport connections. It is very convenient for taking day trips to Nara, Uji, Osaka, or even Himeji when staying near Kyoto Station. There are many food options in the station and department store basements. This area is pretty quiet at night so people who want some nightlife activities may not like it.
This area is usually not our first recommendations for first-time visitors if you plan to explore mostly within Kyoto since it is not walkable to the main temples or scenic spots.
Top nearby attractions and things to do: Higashi Hongan-ji, Toji Temple, shopping malls and depachika right inside the station. I also highly recommend taking a short taxi ride to Sanjusangendo. The new Teamlab Biovortex is just 10-minute walk from this area and though I’m not a fan of it at all, I know a lot of travelers love TeamLab exhibitions.
Hotel recommendations near Kyoto Station
- The Thousand Kyoto (see our review | Booking | Agoda | Expedia): One of our favorite hotels in Kyoto. Beautiful design, excellent service, just steps from the station. Spacious rooms by Japanese standards.
- Hotel Granvia Kyoto (Booking | Agoda | Expedia) this hotel is located right inside the station.
- Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo (Booking | Agoda | Expedia): this modern hotel aims for a ryokan feel and features a large public bath.
Northeastern Higashiyama
- Best for: returning visitors who want a different scenery, especially great in the fall and spring.
Why stay here: The area in northeastern Higashiyama around Keage Station and Nanzen-ji is great for returning travelers who visit in the fall and spring. We stayed here in autumn and absolutely loved the walks and vibrant foliage in this part of Kyoto. The cons of this area is fewer restaurants and shops, no nightlife.
Even though it is not as central, Keage Station is on the Tozai subway line, which makes it relatively easy to reach downtown. You can also connect to Shiga Prefecture destinations like Ishiyama-dera or Hikone Castle if you are up for day trips beyond Kyoto.
Top attractions and things to do nearby: Nanzen-ji, Keage Incline, Lake Biwa Canal Museum, Eikan-do, Konchi-in, Heian Shrine are some of our favorite places. I also have a walking route for this area you can check out in this Kyoto fall itinerary. Keage Incline and the gardens of Heian Shrine are top cherry blossoms spots in Kyoto.
Hotel recommendations
- The Westin Miyako Kyoto (see our review | Booking | Agoda | Expedia): Recently renovated, elegant and spacious rooms, great grounds and views, large public onsen. This is one of the few hotels in Kyoto with expansive gardens. We had a perfect stay here in the fall.
- The Hotel Higashiyama Kyoto Tokyu (Booking | Agoda | Expedia): a refined, modern stay in a quiet area.
Arashiyama
- Best for: returning travelers who visit in the fall and want a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy how picturesque Arashiyama is.
Why stay here: We love Arashiyama area in the fall. Staying in this area will allow you to enjoy a laid-back riverside atmosphere and stunning fall foliage without the crowds early in the day.
I don’t recommend this area for first-time visitors unless all you want to see in Kyoto is Arashiyama. It is pretty far away and not well connected by public transportation to other popular areas in Kyoto. In addition, Arashiyama has pretty limited accommodation and dining options. The area is super quiet in the evening.
Top attractions and things to do nearby: There’s more to Arashiyama than just the bamboo forests. We also created two Arashiyama walking routes here: one for fall foliage season in this Kyoto fall itinerary post and another that explores the less crowded northern part in this post.
Hotel recommendations in Arashiyama
- Muni Kyoto (Booking | Agoda | Expedia) a stylish hotel with a prime location right across from the river. It is very close to the bamboo forest and top temples in this area.
- Ryotei Rangetsu (Agoda | Booking | Expedia): A ryokan with a prime riverside location. Some rooms feature private open-air baths.
Note: this post was originally posted in August 2025 and has been updated with new information from our latest trip in February 2026.
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