Top 10 Downtown Kyoto Hotels of 2026

Panoramic view of buildings containing Ninomaru reception rooms at Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Japan. Stitched from 2 images using Canon PhotoStitch 3.1.

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Where to stay in Downtown Kyoto

Find the best Downtown Kyoto areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Central Kyoto

Ancient temples blend with modern architectural treasures while markets, museums, dining and shopping streets showcase thousands of years of Japanese traditions.

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Gion

Experience a traditional tea ceremony or a night of cultural entertainment within the historic wooden teahouses of this well-preserved Kyoto district.

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Higashi Honganji in Kyoto, Kyoto prefecture, Japan

Shimogyo Ward

Shimogyo Ward is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Kyoto Railway Museum and Shijo Street. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Tanbaguchi Station or Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station.

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Kodaiji Temple showing landscape views, a temple or place of worship and a garden

Higashiyama Ward

Consider a visit to Three-Year Slope and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Higashiyama Ward. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Higashiyama Station or Sanjo Keihan Station.

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The Gion Matsuri Festival is Japans most famous festival. Musicians sit in huge floats that are pushed/dragged around town in Kyoto while the musicians play their flutes. There are two types of floats in The Gion Matsuri Parade, Yama and Hoko. There are 23 Yama and 10 Hoko. The Hoko floats can be up to 25 meters tall and weigh up to 12 tons.
The main procession of the floats are held on the 17th of July, which is when this photo was taken. #Festival

Karasuma

Experience sensory delights at the Kitchen of Kyoto, shop for souvenirs, take an art class and visit a sacred temple in this central neighborhood.

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Top Downtown Kyoto Hotel Reviews

Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto

8/10 Good

"The studio deluxe has plenty of space and a washing machine, which what we needed. Staff were very welcoming and helpful. Loved the eco friendly refillable pitcher that was provided in the room and the complimentary tea and coffee through out the day. My two minor complaints are, they removed the dishes sponge after a single use and gave a brand new one the next day. This seemed very wasteful. And the second is where the plugs are located through out the room. Other than that, everything was excellent."

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei

10/10 Excellent

"We loved staying in this area of Kyoto. It’s a fantastic location very close to many cool boutiques and within easy walking distance of the market. Our room had a comfortable king bed, and we especially enjoyed the public bath experience that’s included with the hotel. The little extras were a nice touch, like the Nespresso machine and fruit-infused water available at the front reception. The staff were very friendly and welcoming throughout our stay. The hotel also has laundry facilities, which we found very convenient during our trip. My only small comment is that I didn’t love the pillow, and there didn’t seem to be other options available. That said, everything else was excellent, and I would still rate this hotel a 10/10."

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo PREMIER

8/10 Good

"Clean room, WiFi was provided and all staff were helpful and very professional. Only small down side in my opinion was the breakfast. Don’t stay at hotels much so not sure this is the norm, but the choice of main breakfast did not change. Buffett choices were great though"

The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo

10/10 Excellent

"The Royal Park Hotel and Kyoto is an excellent accommodation in a very good neighborhood. The rooms are very nicely decorated and modern. The bed is very comfortable and the amenities are refreshed every day. One can also decide on whether one wishes to have the bedsheets changed every 3 days or more frequently. The breakfast has many choices and plentiful. It is worth the price. The neighborhood has plenty of choices of restaurants and is very close to the Nishiki Market, which is worth a visit."

Frequently asked questions

What is Downtown Kyoto like?

Travellers are sure to enjoy a stay in Kyoto's Downtown Kyoto neighbourhood. Make sure that you visit Kyoto International Manga Museum and GEAR - Art Complex 1928 as part of your Downtown Kyoto travel plans.

What's the best accommodation in Downtown Kyoto?

Based on Expedia customer reviews, Miru Kyoto Nishiki is the highest ranked property in Downtown Kyoto. This hotel is steps from Nishiki Market, and offers free WiFi and deep-soaking baths. Other favourite options in the area include THE GENERAL KYOTO Shijyo Shinmachi and Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto.

How many hotels will I be able to find in the Downtown Kyoto area?

Expedia has 349 hotels and other accommodation options in Downtown Kyoto to choose from, making this an ideal home base for exploring the greater Kyoto area.

If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Downtown Kyoto, will I receive a refund?

Yes! The majority of hotel reservations are refundable provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of check in. If you have a non-refundable reservation, you might be able to still cancel and be given a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Put your dates in and click on "Search", then you can use the "fully refundable" filter to view the best deals available in Downtown Kyoto.

What is there to do around this Kyoto neighbourhood?

Some landmarks in Downtown Kyoto that you won't want to miss include Teramachi Street, Nishiki Market and Shijo Kyo Machiya. You could also plan a visit to Kyoto International Manga Museum or GEAR - Art Complex 1928 while you're in the neighbourhood. A few places to visit in the area around Downtown Kyoto include ShinPuhKan Shopping Center, Kaleidoscope Museum of Kyoto and Museum of Kyoto. Shiori-an and Seiwemon Onishi Museum are also worth a visit when you're out sightseeing in Kyoto.

How can I get around Downtown Kyoto and the greater Kyoto area?

For a quick way to explore the city, catch a ride on metro transit at Karasuma Oike Station, Marutamachi Station or Shiyakusho-mae Station.

Hotels in Downtown Kyoto

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Our top choices for Downtown Kyoto hotels

Super Hotel Kyoto Shijyo Kawaramachi

hotel GOCO stay Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi

MATERIAL Fuchomae

Tomoya Residence Hotel Kyoto Nijo Takakura

KIORI Hotel Takakura

The Screen

Hiiragiya

Hotel KADO Gosho - Minami Kyoto

HANARE by Tokyu Stay Kyoto Sanjo

OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo by Hoshino Resorts

Smart Place Inn Kyoto Shijo Omiya East

IZUTSU HOTEL KYOTO KAWARAMACHI SANJO

Ryokan Kyo-no-yado Kagihei

Carta Hotel KyotoBettei

Randor Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle

soyo-ne kyoto sanjo

Hotel Sugicho

Smart Place Inn Kyoto Nijojo-mae Station

Kyoto Shinmachi Rokkaku Hotel grandereverie

The Hiramatsu Kyoto

Where to stay in Downtown Kyoto

Central Kyoto

Gion

Shimogyo Ward

Higashiyama Ward

Karasuma

Top Downtown Kyoto Hotel Reviews

Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto

Frequently asked questions

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