Choosing the right hotel in Kyoto makes your trip much easier.
These 10 hotels place you close to the main sights and give you quick access to trains and buses.
They are also practical, with nearby 7-Eleven stores and coin laundry for longer stays.
I hope this guide helps you find a place that makes your time in Kyoto smooth and enjoyable. 😊
1. Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
a. Hotel Overview
- Location: Located in Shimogyo Ward, in the heart of the bustling Shijo-Kawaramachi shopping and dining district.
- Atmosphere: This vibrant and convenient area is packed with department stores, shops, and restaurants.
- Hotel Facilities: The hotel features coin-operated laundry facilities for guest convenience.
- Access: The hotel connects directly to Exit 11 of the Shijo-dori underground passage, providing easy access to Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line.
- Nearby Essentials: Several convenience stores including 7-Eleven and FamilyMart are just 1-2 minutes away, offering snacks, drinks, and ATMs.
- Check Prices: Agoda | Booking.com
b. Walking-Distance Attractions
- Nishiki Market (2-minute walk): Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, this covered market street offers local snacks and fresh produce sampling opportunities.
- Shinkyogoku and Teramachi Arcades (2-minute walk): Covered shopping streets featuring boutiques, souvenir shops, and restaurants.
c. Local Transportation
- Shijo Station (7-minute walk): Karasuma Subway Line provides direct access to Kyoto Station in 5 minutes, connecting to JR lines, Shinkansen, and numerous bus routes.
- Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (4-minute walk): Hankyu Line offers direct service to Osaka Umeda in 45 minutes and convenient Arashiyama access with one transfer at Katsura (31 minutes total).
- Gion-Shijo Station (10-minute walk): Keihan Line provides direct access to Fushimi Inari Shrine in 15 minutes and Osaka Yodoyabashi in 50 minutes.
- Shijo Kawaramachi Bus Stop (5-minute walk):
- Bus 31, 46, 201, 203: Direct to Gion and Yasaka Shrine (5 minutes)
- Bus 207: Direct to Kiyomizu-dera (25 minutes)
- Bus 12 or 205: Direct to Kinkaku-ji (40 minutes)
- Bus 11: Direct to Arashiyama (50 minutes)
d. Regional and Airport Access
- Kansai Airport: Walk to Shijo Station (7 minutes), take the subway to Kyoto Station (12 minutes), then board the JR Haruka Limited Express to Kansai Airport (1 hour 20 minutes).
- Osaka Umeda: Take the Hankyu Limited Express directly from Karasuma Station (45 minutes).
- Nara: Take the Kintetsu Limited Express from Kyoto Station directly to Kintetsu Nara Station (35 minutes).
2. Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
a. Hotel Overview
- Location: Located in Shimogyo Ward, near the Shijo-Karasuma intersection in central Kyoto.
- Atmosphere: This bustling area is packed with department stores, boutiques, restaurants, and shops. The hotel sits just off the main road for a quieter stay.
- Hotel Facilities: Coin-operated laundry machines available.
- Access: Just 2 minutes from Shijo Station (Exit 4) on the Karasuma Subway Line and 2 minutes from Karasuma Station (Exit 23) on the Hankyu Line.
- Nearby Essentials: 7-Eleven around the corner and Life Shijo Karasuma supermarket nearby for groceries.
- Check Prices: Agoda | Booking.com
b. Walking-Distance Attractions
- Nishiki Market (8-minute walk): “Kyoto’s Kitchen” – a 400-meter covered market with fresh seafood, pickles, vegetables, and local snacks.
- Teramachi & Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades (8-minute walk): Covered shopping streets with boutiques, souvenir shops, and restaurants.
c. Local Transportation
- Shijo Station (2-minute walk): Karasuma Subway Line reaches Kyoto Station in 5 minutes.
- Karasuma Station (2-minute walk): Hankyu Line direct to Osaka-Umeda in 45 minutes.
- Shijō Karasuma Bus Stops (steps away):
- Bus 46, 201, 203: Direct to Gion and Yasaka Shrine (5 minutes)
- Bus 207: Direct to Kiyomizu-dera (30 minutes)
- Bus 205: Direct to Kinkaku-ji (40 minutes)
d. Regional and Airport Access
- Kansai Airport: JR Haruka Limited Express from Kyoto Station (1 hour 20 minutes).
- Osaka Umeda: Hankyu Limited Express from Karasuma Station (45 minutes).
- Nara: Kintetsu Limited Express from Kyoto Station (35 minutes).
3. Hotel Grand Bach Kyoto Select
a. Hotel Overview
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- Location: Located in the Shijo-Kawaramachi area, central and lively with shops, arcades, and restaurants all around.
- Atmosphere: This is the energetic center of downtown Kyoto, known for its fantastic shopping, dining, and nightlife.
- Hotel Facilities: On-site coin laundry available.
- Access: Use Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (1 minute). For subway, the closest is Exit 12 at Shijo Station (8 minutes).
- Nearby Essentials: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson all within a few minutes.
- Check Prices: Agoda | Booking.com
b. Walking-Distance Attractions
- Nishiki Market (2-minute walk): “Kyoto’s Kitchen” – a covered food market street.
- Teramachi & Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades (1-minute walk): Covered shopping streets right next to the hotel with traditional craft shops, souvenirs, boutiques, and cafés.
- Pontocho Alley (8-minute walk): Narrow dining lane by the Kamogawa River – one of Kyoto’s traditional entertainment districts.
c. Local Transportation
- Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (5-minute walk): Hankyu Kyoto Line – best for direct access to Osaka-Umeda and Arashiyama via easy change at Katsura.
- Shijo Station (8-minute walk): Karasuma Subway Line reaches Kyoto Station in 2 stops. Best for Kyoto Station and transfers at Karasuma-Oike to the Tozai Line for Higashiyama sights.
- Gion-Shijo Station (9-minute walk): Keihan Main Line – best for direct access to Fushimi Inari and Osaka Yodoyabashi.
- Shijo Kawaramachi Bus Stops (5-minute walk):
- Bus 31, 46, 201, 203: Direct to Gion and Yasaka Shrine (5 minutes)
- Bus 207: Direct to Kiyomizu-dera (25 minutes)
- Bus 12 or 205: Direct to Kinkaku-ji (40 minutes)
- Bus 11: Direct to Arashiyama (50 minutes)
d. Regional and Airport Access
- Kansai Airport: Walk to Shijo Station (8 minutes), take subway to Kyoto Station (2 stops), then JR Haruka Limited Express to Kansai Airport. Total time: About 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Osaka Umeda: Hankyu Limited Express from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (45 minutes).
- Nara: Subway to Kyoto Station, then Kintetsu Limited Express to Kintetsu-Nara Station (35 minutes).
4. Hotel M’s Est Shijo Karasuma
a. Hotel Overview
- Location: Located in Shimogyo Ward at the lively Shijo-Karasuma intersection in central Kyoto’s business and shopping district.
- Atmosphere: This busy downtown area features office towers, department stores, and easy access to shopping streets.
- Hotel Facilities: On-site coin laundry (self-service) available for guests.
- Access: Just 2 minutes from Shijo Station (Exit 1) on the Karasuma Subway Line and 1 minute from Karasuma Station (Exit 19) on the Hankyu Line (connected underground).
- Nearby Essentials: Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson within a few minutes’ walk.
- Check Prices: Agoda | Booking.com
b. Walking-Distance Attractions
- Nishiki Market (5-minute walk): “Kyoto’s Kitchen” – a famous 400-year-old covered market filled with stalls selling fresh produce, street food, and local specialties.
- Teramachi & Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades (5-minute walk): Covered shopping streets with traditional craft shops, souvenirs, boutiques, and cafés.
c. Local Transportation
- Shijo Station (2-minute walk): Karasuma Subway Line reaches Kyoto Station in 5 minutes.
- Karasuma Station (1-minute walk): Hankyu Kyoto Line offers direct service to Osaka-Umeda (45 minutes) and Arashiyama via transfer at Katsura (31 minutes total).
- Shijo Karasuma Bus Stops (2-minute walk):
- Bus 46, 201, 203: Direct to Gion and Yasaka Shrine (5 minutes)
- Bus 207: Direct to Kiyomizu-dera (30 minutes)
- Bus 205: Direct to Kinkaku-ji (40 minutes)
- Bus 5 or 32: Direct to Ginkaku-ji (35 minutes)
- Bus 11: Direct to Arashiyama (50 minutes)
d. Regional and Airport Access
- Kansai Airport: Take subway to Kyoto Station (5 minutes), then JR Haruka Limited Express (1 hour and 20 minutes).
- Osaka Umeda: Hankyu Limited Express from Karasuma Station (45 minutes).
- Nara: Subway to Kyoto Station (5 minutes), then Kintetsu Limited Express to Kintetsu-Nara (35 minutes).
5. Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Kawaramachi Jokyoji
a. Hotel Overview
- Location: Located in Shimogyo Ward near the Shijo-Kawaramachi intersection, in the heart of Kyoto’s downtown shopping and dining area.
- Atmosphere: This lively area is packed with department stores, shops, cafés, and restaurants that stay busy into the evening.
- Hotel Facilities: Laundry service available via front desk (no self-service coin laundry on-site).
- Access: Just 1 minute from Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (Exit 10) and 1 minute from Shijo Station via underground passage (Exit 10).
- Nearby Essentials: 24-hour convenience stores including FamilyMart and Lawson within 1-2 minutes’ walk. Major department stores like Takashimaya nearby.
- Check Prices: Agoda | Booking.com
b. Walking-Distance Attractions
- Teramachi Shopping Arcade (1-minute walk): Historic covered shopping street blending traditional shops selling crafts and religious goods with modern clothing stores and cafés.
- Nishiki Market (3-minute walk): “Kyoto’s Kitchen” – a vibrant 400-meter-long market with about 130 stalls selling local delicacies from fresh tofu skin to pickled vegetables and grilled seafood.
- Pontocho Alley (7-minute walk): Narrow, atmospheric lane running parallel to the Kamo River, famous for traditional wooden restaurants, exclusive teahouses, and evening glimpses of geiko and maiko.
c. Local Transportation
- Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (1-minute walk): Hankyu Kyoto Line offers direct Limited Express service to Osaka-Umeda (45 minutes) and Arashiyama with one transfer at Katsura.
- Shijo Station (1-minute walk): Karasuma Subway Line reaches Kyoto Station in 2 stops (5 minutes).
- Gion-Shijo Station (7-minute walk): Keihan Main Line provides direct access to Fushimi Inari Shrine (15 minutes) and Osaka Yodoyabashi (50 minutes).
- Shijo Kawaramachi Bus Stops (3-minute walk):
- Bus 31, 46, 201, 203: Direct to Gion and Yasaka Shrine (5 minutes)
- Bus 205: Direct to Kinkaku-ji (40 minutes)
- Bus 207: Direct to Kiyomizu-dera (25 minutes)
d. Regional and Airport Access
- Kansai Airport: Walk to Shijo Station (1 minute), take subway to Kyoto Station (5 minutes), then JR Haruka Limited Express (1 hour and 20 minutes).
- Osaka Umeda: Hankyu Limited Express from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (45 minutes).
- Nara: Subway to Kyoto Station (5 minutes), then Kintetsu Limited Express to Kintetsu-Nara Station (35 minutes).
6. Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station
a. Hotel Overview
- Location: Right next to Kyoto Station in the Shimogyo-ku district – you’re in the heart of the city’s main transportation hub.
- Atmosphere: Busy, modern area with lots of travelers, shops, and restaurants. Very convenient but not traditional or quiet.
- Hotel Facilities: Self-service coin-operated laundry facility on the 7th floor.
- Access: Just 3 minutes from Kyoto Station.
- Nearby Essentials: Several 24-hour convenience stores including Lawson and 7-Eleven within 1 minute for snacks, drinks, and international-friendly ATMs.
- Check Prices: Agoda | Booking.com
b. Walking-Distance Attractions
- Kyoto Tower (3-minute walk): Iconic 131-meter-tall tower directly across from Kyoto Station offering 360-degree panoramic city views from its observation deck 100 meters up.
- Higashi Hongan-ji Temple (7-minute walk): Large Buddhist temple complex with massive wooden halls. Free to enter.
c. Local Transportation
- Kyoto Station (3-minute walk): One of Japan’s most important transportation hubs with two main sides – North Side (Karasuma/Central Exit) for hotel and city buses, South Side (Hachijo) for Shinkansen and long-distance travel.
- Key train lines from Kyoto Station:
- JR Sagano Line: Best route to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
- JR Nara Line: Direct to Fushimi Inari Shrine.
- Kyoto Municipal Subway (Karasuma Line): Reaches central Kyoto areas like Shijo-Karasuma.
- City Bus Terminal (3-minute walk from hotel, outside central exit):
- Bus 206: Direct to Gion (25 minutes) and Kiyomizu-dera (30 minutes)
- Bus 205: Direct to Kinkaku-ji (47 minutes)
- Bus 9, 50: Direct to Nijo Castle (20 minutes)
d. Regional and Airport Access
- Kansai Airport: JR Haruka Limited Express from Kyoto Station (1 hour 20 minutes).
- Osaka Umeda: JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid from Kyoto Station (30 minutes).
- Nara: Kintetsu Limited Express from Kyoto Station south (Hachijo) side to Kintetsu-Nara Station (35 minutes).
7. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae PREMIER
a. Hotel Overview
- Location: Right in Kyoto’s central station district in Shimogyo Ward – the city’s main transport hub with shops, restaurants, and offices nearby.
- Atmosphere: Lively during the day with travelers and commuters, but quiets down at night.
- Hotel Facilities: Coin-operated laundry on the 2nd floor. 24-hour coin laundry on-site.
- Access: 4-minute walk from Kyoto Station’s Central Exit.
- Nearby Essentials: Lawson and FamilyMart convenience stores within 2 minutes.
- Check Prices: Agoda | Booking.com
b. Walking-Distance Attractions
- Kyoto Tower (3-minute walk): Iconic 131-meter observation tower directly across from Kyoto Station offering 360-degree panoramic city views from its 100-meter-high deck.
- Higashi Hongan-ji Temple (2-minute walk): Massive Buddhist temple complex featuring one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Free admission with tranquil atmosphere contrasting the busy station area.
c. Local Transportation
- Kyoto Station (4-minute walk): Major transportation center with distinct areas – northern section (Central/Karasuma Exit) serves local trains and buses, southern section (Hachijo Exit) handles bullet trains and airport services.
- Key train lines from Kyoto Station:
- JR Sagano Line: Direct access to Arashiyama’s bamboo forest.
- JR Nara Line: Connects to Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nara city.
- Karasuma Subway Line: Links to downtown Kyoto including Shijo shopping district.
- City Bus Terminal (4-minute walk from hotel, outside central exit):
- Bus 206: Direct to Gion (25 minutes) and Kiyomizu-dera (30 minutes)
- Bus 205: Direct to Kinkaku-ji (47 minutes)
- Bus 9, 50: Direct to Nijo Castle (20 minutes)
d. Regional and Airport Access
- Kansai Airport: JR Haruka Limited Express from Kyoto Station (1 hour 20 minutes direct to KIX).
- Osaka Umeda: JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid from Kyoto Station (30 minutes).
- Nara: Kintetsu Limited Express from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu-Nara Station (35 minutes, closer to Nara Park).
8. Hotel Keihan Kyoto Ekiminami
a. Hotel Overview
- Location: Located in Minami Ward on the south side of Kyoto Station (Hachijo side).
- Atmosphere: Modern and bustling area dominated by the station, large hotels, and shopping centers.
- Hotel Facilities: Coin laundry on-site.
- Access: Just 1 minute from Kyoto Station’s Hachijo Exit. This southern exit provides direct access to Shinkansen platforms and Kintetsu Railway.
- Nearby Essentials: Numerous 24-hour convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) around the station. Avanti shopping mall, Isetan department store, and various eateries within short walking distance.
- Check Prices: Agoda | Booking.com
b. Walking-Distance Attractions
- To-ji Temple (15-minute walk): UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Japan’s tallest wooden pagoda. Simple direct walk southwest from hotel without navigating through the main station building.
- Kyoto Tower (10-minute walk): City’s landmark observation deck with fantastic panoramic views. Must walk through Kyoto Station to the north side as the tower is directly across from the main entrance.
c. Local Transportation
- Kyoto Station (1-minute walk): Major transportation center with distinct areas – southern section (Hachijo Exit) handles Shinkansen and Kintetsu Railway, northern section serves local trains and main bus terminal.
- Key train lines from Kyoto Station:
- JR Sagano Line: Direct access to Arashiyama.
- JR Nara Line: Connects to Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nara.
- Karasuma Subway Line: North-south line to city center, access to Shijo Street and Nishiki Market
- Shinkansen: High-speed trains to Tokyo, Nagoya, Hiroshima.
- Kujo Station (8-minute walk south): Karasuma Subway Line station offering direct downtown access while bypassing Kyoto Station crowds. Direct access to Shijo shopping street.
- City Bus Terminal (10-minute walk through station to north side):
- Kyoto Express Bus 100: Direct to Gion (20 minutes) and Kiyomizu-dera (25 minutes)
- Bus 206: Direct to Gion (25 minutes) and Kiyomizu-dera (30 minutes)
- Bus 205: Direct to Kinkaku-ji (47 minutes)
d. Regional and Airport Access
- Kansai Airport: JR Haruka Limited Express from Kyoto Station (1 hour 20 minutes direct).
- Osaka Umeda: JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid from Kyoto Station (30 minutes).
- Nara: Kintetsu Limited Express from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu-Nara Station (35 minutes, closer to Nara Park).
9. Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA
a. Hotel Overview
- Location: Located in Minami Ward, just steps from Kyoto Station’s south side (Hachijo Exit).
- Atmosphere: Modern, functional area dominated by the station, hotels, and large shopping centers like Kyoto AVANTI and AEON Mall. Lively and practical base but not traditional old-town neighborhood.
- Hotel Facilities: Coin-operated laundry available on 2nd floor.
- Access: Just 2 minutes from Kyoto Station’s Hachijo Exit. This side provides direct access to airport buses and some local routes.
- Nearby Essentials: 7-Eleven and FamilyMart convenience stores near the station. Kyoto Avanti mall across the street with cafés, restaurants, and shops. AEON Mall (8-minute walk) with supermarket and food court.
- Check Prices: Agoda | Booking.com
b. Walking-Distance Attractions
- Toji Temple (16-minute walk): UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Japan’s tallest wooden pagoda (57 meters).
- Kyoto Tower (11-minute walk through station): Modern 131-meter observation tower across from the station’s north exit. Offers 100-meter-high viewing deck with panoramic views, especially beautiful at sunset.
c. Local Transportation
- Kyoto Station (2-minute walk from Hachijo Exit): Major transportation hub served by JR Lines, Tokaido Shinkansen, Kintetsu Kyoto Line, and Karasuma Subway Line. Connects to all parts of Kyoto and beyond.
- Key train lines from Kyoto Station:
- JR Sagano Line: Direct access to Arashiyama.
- JR Nara Line: Connects to Fushimi Inari Shrine and Uji.
- Karasuma Subway Line: Reaches downtown Shijo/Karasuma area.
- Tokaido Shinkansen: High-speed trains to major cities.
- Kujo Station (7-minute walk south): Direct subway access to downtown (Shijo for shopping, Karasuma-Oike for museums, Imadegawa for Imperial Palace) without going through Kyoto Station.
- City Bus Terminal (10-minute walk through station to north side):
- Bus 100 or 206: Direct to Kiyomizu-dera and Gion (15-30 minutes)
- Bus 205: Direct to Kinkaku-ji (47 minutes)
d. Regional and Airport Access
- Kansai Airport: JR Haruka Limited Express from Kyoto Station (1 hour 20 minutes direct).
- Osaka Umeda: JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid from Kyoto Station (30 minutes).
- Nara: Kintetsu Limited Express from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu-Nara Station (35 minutes).
10. Via Inn Prime Kyotoeki Hachijoguchi
a. Hotel Overview
- Location: Located in Minami Ward on the south side of Kyoto Station (Hachijo area). The hotel sits in a modern, convenient district with hotels and shopping centers, generally quieter than the busy north side of the station.
- Atmosphere: Modern and functional area with a calm feel compared to the bustling main station area.
- Hotel Facilities: Self-service laundry facilities on multiple floors for guest convenience during longer stays.
- Access: Just 2 minutes from Kyoto Station’s Hachijo West Exit.
- Nearby Essentials: 24-hour 7-Eleven convenience store located on the hotel’s ground floor.
- Check Prices: Agoda | Booking.com
b. Walking-Distance Attractions
- To-ji Temple (15-minute walk): UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its five-story pagoda – Japan’s tallest wooden pagoda.
- Kyoto Tower (10-minute walk): Iconic observation deck with wide city views.
c. Local Transportation
- Kyoto Station (2-minute walk from Hachijo West Exit): Your primary transportation hub connecting to virtually everywhere. The Shinkansen platforms are conveniently located on the Hachijo (south) side, very close to the hotel.
- Key train lines from Kyoto Station:
- JR Sagano Line: Direct access to Arashiyama.
- JR Nara Line: Connects to Fushimi Inari Shrine and Uji.
- Karasuma Subway Line: Reaches downtown Shijo/Karasuma area.
- Tokaido Shinkansen: High-speed trains to major cities.
- Kujo Station (8-minute walk south): Direct subway access to downtown (Shijo for shopping, Nishiki Market, Imadegawa for Imperial Palace) without going through Kyoto Station.
- City Bus Terminal (10-minute walk through station to north side):
- Kyoto Express Bus 100: Direct to Gion (20 minutes) and Kiyomizu-dera (25 minutes)
- Bus 206: Direct to Gion (25 minutes) and Kiyomizu-dera (30 minutes)
- Bus 205: Direct to Kinkaku-ji (47 minutes)
d. Regional and Airport Access
- Kansai Airport: JR Haruka Limited Express from Kyoto Station (1 hour and 20 minutes direct).
- Osaka Umeda: JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid from Kyoto Station (30 minutes).
- Nara: Kintetsu Limited Express from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu-Nara Station (35 minutes).
