10 Best Hotels in Kyoto: Luxury, Ryokan and Budget Options (2025)

As over a million overseas visitors discover every year, Kyoto offers world-class shopping at Nishiki Market and Kawaramachi Street, and can feast on delicious food that includes five three-star Michelin restaurants and traditional kaiseki meals and with some of Japan’s most diverse and plentiful accommodation options. With so many hotels in Kyoto and guest houses, it can be incredibly tough to choose a place to stay. 

Among its must-see attractions are the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, an experience of a traditional tea ceremony, spotting maiko around the conventional Gion district, and visiting the beautiful Kiyomizu Dera temple. This is why Kyoto continues to rank high among the best-visited places in Japan.

Kyoto is divided into districts, each with its distinct personality. Where you want to stay depends on what you consider your top priority. Is it easy access to public transport, proximity to popular places to visit in Kyoto like the Philosopher’s Path and Nijo Castle, restaurants, shopping in Kyoto, and nightlife of Downtown Kyoto, or are you looking for somewhere peaceful like the Arashiyama area to escape and enjoy the beautiful nature?

Whether you want the beautiful world-class luxury hotels in Kyoto with unbeatable Japanese service, a night in a traditional Ryokan, a good mid-range hotel near the Kyoto Imperial Palace, or a cozy budget guesthouse or hostel in Southern Higashiyama, we have a recommendation for you.

Top 10 Hotels in Kyoto: Features, Pricing, and Amenities

1. The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto