Downtown Kyoto hotels, Kyoto, Japan: Kyoto Hotel Guide

A traditional Japanese pagoda with multiple tiers, surrounded by wooden buildings with tiled roofs.

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Compare popular hotels in Downtown Kyoto

Property	Property class	Guest rating
MIMARU SUITES Kyoto Central	3.5 star property	10.0 Exceptional 95 reviews	View
soyo-ne kyoto sanjo	4.0 star property	10.0 Exceptional 13 reviews	View
HANARE by Tokyu Stay Kyoto Sanjo	4.0 star property	9.8 Exceptional 163 reviews	View
Ace Hotel Kyoto	4.0 star property	9.8 Exceptional 1,000 reviews	View
Kyoto Shinmachi Rokkaku Hotel grandereverie	3.5 star property	9.8 Exceptional 126 reviews	View

Where to stay in Downtown Kyoto

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

A serene pond surrounded by rocks and lush greenery.

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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A traditional Japanese street with wooden buildings, red lanterns, and people walking.

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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A cityscape at dusk with a prominent tower, modern buildings, and a well-lit train station.

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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A traditional Chinese dragon dance with performers in blue patterned costumes on a decorated platform.

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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A traditional Japanese temple surrounded by lush greenery and large rocks.

Higashiyama Ward

Consider a visit to Kodai-ji Temple 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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Top Downtown Kyoto Hotel Reviews

Cross Hotel Kyoto

10/10 Excellent

"Cross Hotel Kyoto is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to experience Kyoto from a central and convenient location. Situated right in the heart of the city, it is surrounded by an incredible selection of restaurants, cafés, bars and shops, with many of Kyoto’s highlights easily accessible on foot. Nishiki Market, Pontocho, Gion and the Kamo River are all within comfortable walking distance. We walked to all these areas in the August heat. For those who don't want to walk, Sanjo Keihan Station is a short 5 minute walk away from the hotel. One of the things we loved most was simply stepping outside the hotel and having so much choice. There are restaurants and traditional Japanese eateries everywhere, from casual places to more refined dining, making the hotel an excellent base for exploring Kyoto’s food scene. The hotel itself has a lovely contemporary feel, combining modern design with subtle Japanese touches. It was lovely to return to somewhere comfortable and relaxed. The rooms are clean and well designed. A special mention must go to staff at this hotel. Incredibly knowledgeable about the area and always helpful in answering queries and questions we had. For us, the location really sets Cross Hotel Kyoto apart. It gives you the best of both worlds: a lively, vibrant neighbourhood on your doorstep, while still providing a calm and comfortable place to retreat to. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a stylish, comfortable hotel in a brilliant Kyoto location."

Tokyu Stay Kyoto Sanjo-Karasuma

8/10 Good

"Everything was great overall, with two exceptions. The tea ceremony invitation did not clearly mention the additional ¥7,500 fee, and the experience was disappointing for the price: instead of a guided ceremony, we watched a video and prepared the tea ourselves in a basic private room. The in-room washer/dryer was convenient but took an extremely long time to complete a cycle. Aside from these issues, we really enjoyed our stay."

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 Museum of Kyoto as part of your Downtown Kyoto travel plans.

What's the best accommodation in Downtown Kyoto?

Based on our traveller data, Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo is one of the top choices for your stay in Downtown Kyoto. This hotel is a short 2-minute walk from Kawaramachi Street, and it offers a restaurant and free WiFi. Other good options for your stay in the area include Hotel Monterey Kyoto and SOLARIA Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier.

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

Expedia has 296 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 Kiyamachi Street. You could also plan a visit to Kyoto International Manga Museum or Museum of Kyoto 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 Shiori-an. Seiwemon Onishi Museum and Kyoto Art Center 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.

Kyoto Hotel Guide. Hotels in Downtown Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

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Our top choices for Downtown Kyoto hotels

1. Tokyu Stay Kyoto Sanjo-Karasuma

2. The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Kyoto

3. The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo

4. Hotel Musse Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi Meitetsu

5. insomnia KYOTO OIKE

6. KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle

7. Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto

8. Hotel Monterey Kyoto

9. Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo

10. Four Points Flex by Sheraton Kyoto Oike

11. Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo

12. Hearton Hotel Kyoto

13. Agora Place Kyoto Nijo

14. Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo Shinmachi

15. LOISIR HOTEL CLASSIC GARDEN KYOTO SANJO

16. Cross Hotel Kyoto

17. SOLARIA Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier

18. Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo

19. Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei

20. hotel MONday Kyoto Karasuma Nijo

Compare popular hotels in Downtown Kyoto

Where to stay in Downtown Kyoto

Central Kyoto

Gion

Shimogyo Ward

Karasuma

Higashiyama Ward

Top Downtown Kyoto Hotel Reviews

Cross Hotel Kyoto

Frequently asked questions