The city of Kyoto was once the capital of Japan until 1868, but today is known for being one of the most traditional cities in the country. Although numerous places in the city and prefecture were destroyed many times from war, fires, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, many historic sites were rebuilt to stand once again near the buildings that survived. There are castles, museums, palaces, markets, eateries, temples, shrines, and many more places to see in Kyoto and behold. With so many things to do in Kyoto, it’s hard to choose where to go and what to spend your time on!
In this article we’ll take a look at the most convenient wards of Kyoto accommodation-wise, what they have to offer to visitors, and where are the best places to stay in each ward. No matter what your interests are – shopping, eating, learning, relaxing, etc. – you’ll be sure to find something to your liking in the Kansai area of Japan!
Where To Stay In Kyoto – Higashiyama Ward
Located in the lower slopes of Kyoto’s eastern mountains is a lovely area that is like walking through the past. As Kyoto’s best preserved historic districts, the narrow streets, wooden buildings, and traditional shops all aid in creating a perfect replica for how the area looked centuries ago. Though there have been many renovations over the years, the traditional designs have been preserved and replicated to keep the image as it was in the past.
The biggest attractions and areas to view here are: Kiyomizudera Temple, the preserved historic streets, Shorenin Shrine, Yasaka Pagoda, Maruyama Park, Yasaka Shrine, and Kodaiji Temple.
If any of these things sounds like something that would interest you, be sure to check out some of the best places to stay listed here!
Higashiyama Ward Guest House: Imano Kyoto Kiyomizu Hostel
A peaceful guesthouse off the main street, Imano Kyoto Kiyomizu Hostel provides free WiFi, continental and American breakfast, English-speaking staff, good ambiance, affordable prices, and a free foot massage machine!
Not only is the hostel filled with everything you could ever want, it’s also incredibly close to many of the attractions Higashiyama has to offer. If you’re looking for an economical option with tons of great amenities, Imano Kyoto Kiyomizu Hostel is just right!
Higashiyama Ward Capsule Hotel: Sauna&Capsule Hotel Rumor Plaza
For an interesting experience that you can only find in Japan, the Sauna&Capsule Hotel Rumor Plaza provides spacious capsules for gentlemen to get a good night’s rest in. The sauna and bathing areas are communal and kept clean and in pristine condition.
The staff are as helpful as can be, and the Japanese meals served on site are delicious and filling. Pajamas, toothbrushes, razors, and other toiletries are provided free of charge, and the hotel is located walking distance from many great attractions!
Higashiyama Ward Hotel: The Hotel Kiyomizu Gion
This pleasant and petite hotel is strategically placed near important historic sights, and offers room service and luggage storage for all guests. The staff are helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable about the area, and every room is fitted with a desk, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and amenities.
Many who stay are pleased to note that the hotel is right next to Gion’s Geisha District, as it’s a clean and wonderful area to be in. Overall, this location is excellent for sightseeing and resting your feet after a long day!
Higashiyama Ward Ryokan: Yuzuya Ryokan
For those interested in a traditional Japanese experience, Yuzuya Ryokan is an excellent choice. Guest rooms have antique furnishings and are decorated with seasonal wildflower arrangements that accent the tatami flooring and futon bedding. There are refreshing public baths available for all guests to use, and English-speaking staff are more than willing to give advice on where to go and what to see in the city.
You’ll never go hungry at the Yuzuya Ryokan – the traditional Japanese lunch and dinners served at the Isshinkyo Restaurant will fill any stomach!
Where To Stay In Kyoto – Shimogiyo Ward
Although it might be one of the smallest wards Kyoto has to offer, Shimogiyo is very central and packed with busy, lively activity throughout the day. It features two of the most iconic landmarks that represent Kyoto, Kyoto Station and Kyoto Tower, and has the busiest shopping district (Shijo Kawaramachi) in the city. There are plenty of historic and culture areas to visit as well, though many are more interesting in the great deals and finds to be had!
Other than the numerous shopping areas in the station and throughout the ward, Shimogiyo also offers Nishi Honganji, Higashi Honganji, and Kyoto Railway Museum to visit.
The Shimogiyo Ward isn’t for everyone, but if it sounds like the kind of place you want to visit during your trip, make sure you select a great place to stay in order to relax to the fullest while traveling through!
Shimogiyo Ward Guest House: Hostel Kyoto KIZUNA
Only a 4-minute walk from Gojo Station and Karasuma Gojo Bus Stop and a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station, this hostel allows guests to get anywhere in the area without hassle. Free WiFi is available throughout the area, an on-site bar keeps the party going, and the rooms are set up with bunk beds and privacy curtains.
A shared kitchen allows you to try your hand at making your own Japanese meals, though there’s also the option to purchase continental breakfasts!
By the way, if you want to find more hostels in Kyoto, check out this blog post: Hostel Kyoto.
Shimogiyo Ward Capsule Hotel: Centurion Cabin & Spa Kyoto
Recently opened in 2016, the Centurion Cabin & Spa Kyoto features simple capsule rooms and public baths and saunas open at all hours of the day. The rooms have air conditioning and heating, and coin-operated washers and dryers can be found on site.
The capsule hotel is clean, quiet, and close to restaurants and shops within walking distance. The establishment is always clean, and staff are more than welcoming to their guests!
Shimogiyo Ward Hotel: Kyoto Takakura Hotel Grandereverie
One of the best selling hotels in all of Kyoto, The spectacular Takakura Hotel Grandreverie features flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, personal fridges, kettles, baths, toiletries, and private bathrooms with bidets. The rooms are spacious and can easily handle small families with lots of luggage, and the location is perfect for shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
Check-in is simplified with English-speaking staff, and guests are over the moon about how spacious and large their rooms and the lobby of the hotel are.
Shimogiyo Ward Ryokan: Matsubaya Ryokan
Only 5 minutes away from Gojo Subway Station, the Matsubaya Ryokan has been servicing travellers since 1884. It’s anything but outdated, as it has been renovated throughout the years. The most recent renovation ensures that every room has a refrigerator, hairdryer, electric kettle, Japanese-style futon bedding, tatami flooring, and Japaneses-style robes. Both Japanese and Western-style breakfasts can be ordered, and both are equally delicious and filling!
Where To Stay In Kyoto – Nakagiyo Ward
Smack dab in the center of Kyoto, Nakagiyo offers both serene and scenic views as well as busy hustle and bustle neighborhoods with historic sites. Locals enjoy the plethora of shopping and entertainment availability, and travelers come from around the world to take part in the three biggest and most beautiful festivals; the Hollyhock Festival, the Gion Matsuri, and the Jidai Matsuri.
The best places of interest to visit in Nakagiyo Ward are: Nijo Jinya, Honnoji Temple, Mibu Temple, Shinsen-en Garden, Kamogawa Odori, the Museum of Kyoto, and Nijo Castle. Arashiyama area is also not too far with its bamboo forest, Kinkakuji temple and so on.
Nakagiyo Ward is truly one special place to visit! If you want to make your stay as comfortable and stress-free as possible, browse through our selection of best places to stay here!
Nakagiyo Ward Guest House: Kyoto Morris Hostel
The Kyoto Morris Hostel may seem simple, but it’s considered to be one of the best hostels in Kyoto to stay at. It’s comfortable, stylish, and makes for a great base of operations for traveling around the Nakagiyo Ward. The Jingumarutamachi Station is only 7 minutes away by walking.
The front desk is always open, and there are even bicycle rentals available without paying any extra! A shared kitchen and lounge mean that you get to meet plenty of interesting characters, and the price allows you to have more in your pocket for food and souvenirs!
Nakagiyo Ward Capsule Hotel: The Millennials Kyoto
Focusing on cleanliness, simplicity, and guest satisfaction, the Millennials Kyoto provides capsule units to guests as well as bicycle rentals and complimentary WiFi. The units are minimalist yet comfortable, and the decorations make you feel relaxed and at ease. The capsule hotel is surrounded by fine restaurants and shopping areas, and an onsite bar and play zone will keep both adults and children happy during their stay!
If you are into Capsule Hotels, you can find more options here: Kyoto Capsule Hotel.
Nakagiyo Ward Hotel: Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi
Rooms at the Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi come with wardrobes, flat-screen TVs, private bathroom, fridges, and toiletries at no additional cost. A reading lounge is provided to catch up with a good book during your stay, and the nearby stores and restaurants are some of the best in the area. An onsite Italian restaurant provides delicious food that will make you think you’ve traveled to two countries for the price of one!
Nakagiyo Ward Ryokan: Mitsuki Kyoto
With a beautiful featured garden, the Mitsuki Kyoto sits close to many major attractions in the Nakagiyo Ward. Asian breakfasts are provided every morning, WiFi is available throughout the establishment, and select rooms are fitted with a patio.
Personal touches found inside the ryokan show how much the owner cares about their guests, and those that stay say that they appreciate the truly Japanese experience they have while at the Mitsuki Kyoto.
Where To Stay In Kyoto – Kamigyo Ward
Dating back to being one of Kyoto’s original two wards, Kamigyo is a residential area that has been urbanized and molded to fit local needs. Still, Kamigyo is also home to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which is one of Kyoto’s most priceless landmarks. Along with beautiful shrines and temples, you can also learn the historic art of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony at either of Japan’s two most prized tea ceremony schools.
The best places of interest to visit in Kamigyo are: Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Nishijin Textile Center, WAK JAPAN, Kyoto Prefectural Office, Seimei Shrine, and Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Kamigyo Ward might be home to some of the most priceless landmarks, but it’s incredibly urbanized and has some of the best locations to spend the night; just like these selections here!
Kamigyo Ward Guest House: Suzuki Guesthouse
Many people come into the Suzuki Guesthouse with low expectations, but are soon pleasantly surprised when they find that they’re staying at a clean, comfortable, friendly establishment. Management makes sure that every guest is well cared for, and that the facilities are kept sparkling and immaculate.
A lot of Kyoto’s major attractions are within walking distance, and with a great deal on bunk bed and mixed dormitories, you can use the money you save on accommodations to visit even more attractions!
Kamigyo Ward Hotel: The Junei Hotel
Complete with a hot tub, The Junei Hotel provides seating areas with tatami floor, flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, toiletries, fridges, and WiFi in all rooms of the hotel. Japanese-style breakfasts are served every morning onsite, and the 24-hour front desk is always open to answer questions and give advice on where to go and what to see. Overall this newly built hotel is perfect for those who want an excellent place to stay in the Kamigyo Ward!
Kamigyo Ward Ryokan: Mugen
Even though this ryokan has such a simple name, Mugen Ryokan is anything but; en-suite showers, free toiletries, free WiFi, hairdryers, shared lounges, an onsite bar, bike hire, and delicious food are all provided to each and every guest that stay at this traditional Japanese location.
Guests have only nice things to say about the place, and often remark that they felt like they came as strangers and left as friends. All in all, Mugen truly is one of the best ryokan in Kyoto!
Japan is filled to the brim with activities and attractions that keep travelers coming back time and time again. One of the best places to get a real taste of authentic Japan is Kyoto, and within Kyoto are many areas that will keep travelers entertained and excited about their trip.
If you’re really interested in kaiseki dining, entertainment, traditional architecture, cultural spectacles, and spiritual healing, then don’t be afraid to check out what Kyoto has to offer in these blog posts: Kyoto Travel Blog.