Kyoto Japan Travel Guide
Budget-friendly, often with dormitory beds or individual rooms and shared facilities. Ideal for people traveling alone or those seeking a social atmosphere.
Efficient, clean, and compact rooms. Often near train stations, delivering good value in the mid-range category.
More spacious rooms, more services, often with on-site restaurants. A comfortable stay without a luxury price.
High-end service, roomy accommodations, multiple dining options, often with pools and spas.
A traditional Japanese experience with futon beds on tatami mats. Stays frequently include kaiseki dinners and Japanese breakfasts.
Simpler, family-run Japanese guesthouses, comparable to bed and breakfasts. Generally more budget-friendly than ryokans.
Traditional Kyoto wooden townhouses, changed into guesthouses. An unique cultural stay with historical charm and modern comforts.
Ultra-compact sleeping pods, popular for travelers on a budget or short, inexpensive stays. Mainly found in central Kyoto.
Arashiyama is a distinct area. Knowledge of its proximity and connection to other Kyoto neighborhoods supports choosing a good base for your trip.
Quieter than Kawaramachi however still central. Good subway and Hankyu train access. Many business hotels. Direct Randen tram access to Arashiyama from Shijo-Omiya (Omiya area).
Fewer nightlife options compared to Kawaramachi. More subdued urban atmosphere.
Smart booking supports guaranteeing your preferred accommodation and potentially being frugal.
Often has more local options.
Additionally has many local choices, but websites are mainly in Japanese.
Many ryokans and small inns deliver direct booking through official websites, sometimes with special packages.
Here are some types of accommodation suggestions for various budgets and travel styles, keeping Arashiyama access in mind.
Luxury option directly in Arashiyama.
Mid-range ryokan near Hankyu Arashiyama Station.
Luxury option in the Kyoto Station area.
Mid-range hotel in the Kyoto Station area.
Mid-range, modern, comfortable hotel near shopping streets and subway lines, with easy access to Gion and public transit to Arashiyama.
Budget option in Central Kyoto (Sanjo). Popular hostel with dormitory-style and private rooms, known for its social atmosphere, within walking distance to central attractions.
Mid-range, traditional ryokan experience within the historic Gion district, close to entertainment and holy sites, with bus access to Arashiyama.
Luxury, exclusive boutique lodging in Gion. Features highly personalized service and elegant design, interesting to those seeking refined experiences.
Budget, near Kyoto Station. A smaller, cozy guesthouse with shared facilities, a chance to see local living at a budget price point.
If most of your time will be in Arashiyama and you desire serene evenings, a ryokan or smaller hotel within Arashiyama is a factor to consider.
If you plan to explore all of Kyoto and take day trips, a hotel near Kyoto Station provides the best transport convenience.
Delivers an engaging cultural immersion with traditional design, often including onsen and multi-course meals.
Traditional Kyoto wooden townhouses, many converted into inns for unique cultural stays.
Available through platforms like Booking.com, suitable for families or groups desiring extra room and a kitchen.
