Question 1

What is the best area to stay in Kyoto?

Accepted Answer

The best areas to stay in Kyoto are Downtown Kyoto for its central location and convenience, or Gion for a more traditional experience.

Downtown Kyoto is the city's commercial and entertainment hub, centered around Shijo and Kawaramachi streets. This area offers excellent access to public transportation, including subway lines and buses, making it easy to reach all major attractions. You'll find a wide array of shops, restaurants, and department stores, providing plenty of dining and entertainment options right at your doorstep. This area is ideal for first-time visitors and those who appreciate modern conveniences alongside cultural exploration.

Gion is Kyoto's historic geisha district, known for its preserved traditional wooden machiya houses and tea houses. Walking through its narrow streets, especially in the evening, offers a glimpse into old Kyoto. The Shirakawa Canal, lined with willow trees, runs through the northern part of Gion, creating picturesque scenery. This area is particularly appealing to couples looking for a romantic setting and those interested in experiencing Kyoto's cultural heritage firsthand.

Question 2

What are the best hotels in Kyoto that travelers recommend?

Accepted Answer

For travelers seeking highly recommended hotels in Kyoto, consider the Dusit Thani Kyoto, ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, and THE JUNEI HOTEL Kyoto.

The 5-star Dusit Thani Kyoto, with an exceptional 9.6 rating, is frequently praised for its comfortable and beautiful rooms, friendly and amazing staff, and delicious breakfast. Guests also enjoy the great bar and its convenient location. The hotel offers amenities such as valet parking, bathrobes, designer toiletries, premium bedding, a garden view restaurant, and 24-hour room service. It is located near attractions like the Kyoto Railway Museum and Nishiki Market.

Another excellent choice is the 5-star ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts, also rated 9.6. Travelers consistently highlight the friendly and helpful staff. This resort offers luxurious amenities including valet parking, premium bedding, mountain views, rainfall showerheads, bathrobes, and spring water bathtubs. It is situated close to Kenkun Shrine and Zuihoin Garden.

The 5-star Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, with a strong 9.4 rating, is known for its super clean rooms. Guests can enjoy amenities such as premium bedding, a garden view restaurant, bathrobes, 24-hour room service, designer toiletries, suites, and valet parking. This hotel is conveniently located near Yasui Konpiragu and Kodai-ji Temple.

Finally, THE JUNEI HOTEL Kyoto, a 3.5-star establishment with a 9.6 rating, offers a wonderful experience. Guests frequently mention the delicious breakfast and super comfortable rooms. The hotel provides amenities such as champagne service, a private chef, bathrobes, hosted evening meals daily, designer toiletries, premium bedding, and couples dining options. It is situated in a nice neighborhood close to Nishiki Market and Ryoma Shopping Street.

Question 3

What are the best family hotels in Kyoto?

Accepted Answer

For families traveling to Kyoto, outstanding options include Kamo Residences by Reflections, Six Senses Kyoto, The GrandWest Arashiyama, and Kyo No Yado Nishioji.

The 5-star Kamo Residences by Reflections, with a great 10.0 rating, offers a range of family-friendly amenities such as connecting rooms, free cribs, highchairs, and even bathrobes and slippers specifically for children. Families will appreciate the on-site babysitting service, children's club, and an outdoor play area, ensuring a comfortable and engaging stay. It is conveniently located near Kamo River and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.

Another excellent 5-star choice is Six Senses Kyoto, also boasting a great 10.0 rating. This hotel features a pool, free cribs, and a children's club, providing ample entertainment for younger guests. They also offer connecting rooms and toys for children. The staff at Six Senses Kyoto are frequently described as extremely attentive, and guests praise the incredible service. The hotel is situated near Maruyama Park and Nishiki Market.

The GrandWest Arashiyama, a 3.5-star hotel with a 9.6 rating, is a great option for families looking to explore the Arashiyama area. It provides children's books, toys, games, and highchairs. Guests consistently highlight the beautiful and clean rooms, the friendly and fantastic staff, and the walkable location, particularly close to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple.

Kyo No Yado Nishioji, a 3-star hotel with a 9.6 rating, also caters well to families. It offers connecting rooms, supervised childcare, cribs, and highchairs. Its location is convenient for visiting the Kyoto Railway Museum and Umekoji Park. Find more child-friendly accommodations in Kyoto

Question 4

What are the best 5-star hotels in Kyoto?

Accepted Answer

For the best 5-star hotels in Kyoto, consider the Kamo Residences by Reflections, the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, the Dusit Thani Kyoto, the Park Hyatt Kyoto, and the ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts.

The Kamo Residences by Reflections, with a great 10.0 rating, offers an exclusive experience with amenities such as a private chef, champagne service, and a winery on-site with a tasting room. Guests can enjoy river views, complimentary stocked minibars, and premium bedding with Egyptian cotton sheets. It is located near the Hosomi Art Museum and the Mirei Shigemori Residence.

The Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, rated 9.4, provides luxurious accommodations with premium bedding, 24-hour room service, and valet parking. Many rooms feature garden views from the restaurant. It is conveniently close to Kodai-ji Temple and Yasui Konpiragu.

The Dusit Thani Kyoto, with a strong 9.6 rating, is praised by guests for its comfortable and beautiful rooms, friendly staff, and delicious breakfast. The hotel also offers covered valet parking and 24-hour room service. It is situated near the Kyoto Railway Museum and Nishiki Market.

The Park Hyatt Kyoto, rated 9.4, is an excellent choice for those looking to be in a prime shopping district. It offers 24-hour room service, valet parking, and couples dining options. The hotel is just 0.1 miles from Kodai-ji Temple and 0.3 miles from Yasui Konpiragu.

Finally, the ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts, with a 9.6 rating, is a resort-style hotel featuring mountain views and spring water bathtubs. Guests will appreciate the rainfall showerheads and valet parking. The staff receive high praise for being friendly and helpful. It is located near Genkoan and Kenkun Shrine. Find more luxury hotels in Kyoto

Question 5

Are there any all-inclusive hotels in Kyoto?

Accepted Answer

For an all-inclusive hotel in Kyoto, consider the Mercure Kyoto Station.

This 4-star hotel, with an outstanding 9.2 rating, offers an all-inclusive stay. Guests consistently praise the spacious rooms and the friendly, helpful staff. Its convenient location is known for being close to the Kyoto Railway Museum, just 0.6 miles away, and Inabado Temple, which is 0.8 miles away. The hotel also provides free WiFi and amenities such as cribs and sofa beds, making it suitable for families. See more all-inclusive resorts in Kyoto

Question 6

What are the best spa hotels in Kyoto?

Accepted Answer

For the best spa hotels in Kyoto, consider The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, Kamo Residences by Reflections, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, and HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa.

The 5-star Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, with an exceptional 9.6 rating, offers a full-service onsite spa daily. Guests can enjoy a wide array of treatments including body scrubs, massage, hot stone massage, body wraps, aromatherapy, facial treatments, and deep tissue massage. The spa also features a sauna and steam room. It is conveniently located near GEAR - Art Complex 1928 and Pontocho Alley.

Another outstanding option is the 5-star Kamo Residences by Reflections, boasting a great 10.0 rating. This hotel provides an onsite spa with specialized treatments such as Thai massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, Ayurvedic treatments, and detoxification wraps. Advance notice for massages is available. The property is close to Mirei Shigemori Residence.

The 5-star Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, rated 9.4, also features a full-service onsite spa available daily. Guests can indulge in deep tissue massage, Thai massage, body treatments, and body scrubs, along with access to a sauna and steam room. Its location is ideal for visiting Kodai-ji Temple and Yasui Konpiragu.

The 5-star Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, with a 9.4 rating, offers an extensive onsite spa with daily services. Treatments include facial treatments, body scrubs, massage, manicures, and pedicures. The spa also provides a steam room and sauna. It is situated near Yasui Konpiragu and Kodai-ji Temple.

Finally, the 5-star HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa, rated 9.6, provides a full-service onsite spa with a hot tub and accessible spa facilities daily. Guests can enjoy body treatments, sports massage, and other massage services. Our customers often praise the beautiful spa and excellent service. It is located near Nijo Jinya and Kyoto Art Center. See all spa hotels in Kyoto

Question 7

What hotels in Kyoto offer free breakfast?

Accepted Answer

For hotels in Kyoto that offer free breakfast, consider Yunohana Resort Suisen, Hiyori Stay Kyoto Kamogawa, Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA, The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu, and Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto.

The 4-star Yunohana Resort Suisen, rated 9.8, provides free breakfast, including local options. Guests consistently praise the attentive and fantastic staff, the amazing food, and the great rooms, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Another excellent option is the 4-star Hiyori Stay Kyoto Kamogawa, with an impressive 9.8 rating. This hotel offers free daily breakfast and is situated in a historical district, close to attractions like Yasui Konpiragu and Ryozen Kannon War Memorial. Reviewers frequently highlight the helpful and lovely staff, the clean facilities, and the delicious breakfast.

The 4-star Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA, rated 9.4, offers free breakfast for children. It is conveniently located near the Kyoto Railway Museum and Shorinji Temple. Guests often praise its excellent location, spacious and clean rooms, friendly and helpful staff, and nice breakfast.

The 4.5-star The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu, with a 9.6 rating, also provides free breakfast for children. This hotel features premium bedding and bathrobes, and is part of the Leading Hotels Of The World collection. It is conveniently located near Ryozen Kannon War Memorial and Shoren-in Temple. Guests frequently praise the amazing and friendly staff, the excellent amenities, and the beautiful and clean rooms.

Finally, the 5-star Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, rated 9.4, offers free breakfast for children. This luxurious hotel boasts a full-service spa with various treatments, including facials, body scrubs, and massages, along with a steam room and sauna. It is located near Yasui Konpiragu and Shorinji Temple. Find more hotels with free breakfast in Kyoto

Question 8

What are the top pet-friendly hotels in Kyoto?

Accepted Answer

For top pet-friendly hotels in Kyoto, consider the Six Senses Kyoto, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, Ace Hotel Kyoto, and La Viola.

The 5-star Six Senses Kyoto boasts a superb 10.0 review rating and welcomes dogs. It provides food and water bowls for your pet and is conveniently located near Maruyama Park and Nishiki Market. Guests consistently praise the incredible service and extremely attentive staff.

Another excellent option is the 5-star Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, with a 9.4 rating. This hotel accommodates both dogs and cats, offering food and water bowls. It is situated close to Maruyama Park and Nishiki Market, and customers frequently comment on the super clean rooms.

The 4-star Ace Hotel Kyoto, rated 9.8, is another highly-rated choice for travelers with dogs, providing food and water bowls. Its excellent location places it near GEAR - Art Complex 1928 and Nishiki Market. Guests frequently highlight the helpful and amazing staff, spacious and beautiful rooms, great breakfast, and beautiful architecture.

La Viola, with a 9.6 rating, is a pet-friendly option that welcomes both dogs and cats and provides food and water bowls, as well as a litter box. It is conveniently located near the Kyoto Railway Museum and Nishiki Market. See more pet-friendly hotels in Kyoto

Question 9

What are the best budget hotels in Kyoto?

Accepted Answer

Two excellent budget-friendly hotels in Kyoto are Momijiya Bekkan Kawanoiori and Toyoko Inn Kyoto Shijo-omiya.

The 3-star Momijiya Bekkan Kawanoiori, with an impressive 9.4 rating, offers a serene experience with its beautiful location. Guests frequently praise the attentive service, helpful staff, and the great, spotless rooms. It provides free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, and a free Japanese breakfast, along with free self-parking and a free train station drop-off service. This hotel is conveniently located near Saimyoji Temple (0.1 miles) and Jingoji Temple (0.2 miles).

Another great option is the 3-star Toyoko Inn Kyoto Shijo-omiya, rated 8.0. This hotel is known for its convenient amenities including free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, and a free breakfast, which includes a buffet and a to-go option. It is well-situated for exploring, with Nijo Jinya just 0.4 miles away and the Kyoto Railway Museum 1.2 miles away. View all budget hotels in Kyoto

Question 10

What are the most romantic hotels in Kyoto for couples?

Accepted Answer

For a romantic stay in Kyoto, couples should consider the Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto or the Hotel ALZA KYOTO.

The 4-star Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto, with an exceptional 9.8 rating, offers rooms with mountain views and is located within a historical district, placing guests near sites like Yasui Konpiragu and Kodai-ji Temple. Guests consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the clean and amazing rooms, and the great service.

Another excellent choice is the 4-star Hotel ALZA KYOTO, also boasting a 9.8 rating. This hotel is praised for its spacious rooms and comfortable beds. Its superb location places it just steps away from Pontocho Alley, and guests appreciate the nice, walkable neighborhood. See all romantic hotels in Kyoto

Question 11

What are the best hotels in Kyoto near Kyoto Gyoen National Garden?

Accepted Answer

When looking for hotels in Kyoto that are well-suited for families, particularly those near Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, two highly-rated options are the Ace Hotel Kyoto and the Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto.

The 4-star Ace Hotel Kyoto, with an exceptional 9.8 rating, is praised for its spacious and beautiful rooms. Families will appreciate amenities such as free cribs, strollers, rollaway extra beds, and connecting rooms, making it very accommodating for those traveling with children. Its excellent location also receives frequent positive comments from guests.

Another excellent choice is the 4-star Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto, which also boasts a 9.8 rating. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and helpful staff, the great service, and the delicious restaurant. The rooms are described as clean and amazing, and the hotel offers free cribs and free amenities for children, providing a comfortable stay for families.

Question 12

When is the best time to go to Kyoto?

Accepted Answer

The best times to visit Kyoto are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and the city's natural beauty is at its peak.

Spring in Kyoto is celebrated for its cherry blossoms. You'll find many trees blooming in areas like Arashiyama and along the Philosopher's Path, creating picturesque scenes. The weather during this period is generally mild, making it comfortable for walking and exploring temples and gardens. This time of year is especially popular with couples seeking romantic strolls through flower-lined paths.

Autumn offers equally stunning scenery with vibrant fall foliage. Areas such as Tofuku-ji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple are particularly known for their spectacular maple leaves. The cooler, crisp air is ideal for travelers who enjoy hiking or extended sightseeing. Families often find autumn a great time to visit, as the comfortable temperatures allow for outdoor activities without the intense heat of summer.

Question 13

Where can I find the best nightlife in Kyoto?

Accepted Answer

Kyoto offers several distinct areas for nightlife, each with its own character.

Gion, particularly around Hanamikoji Street, is known for its traditional entertainment. You'll find ochaya (tea houses) where geiko and maiko perform, and many small, exclusive bars tucked away in traditional wooden machiya houses. These establishments often cater to a discerning clientele and offer a quiet, refined experience.

Pontocho Alley is a narrow, lantern-lit street running parallel to the Kamo River. It's filled with restaurants, many with outdoor seating overlooking the river during warmer months, and a variety of bars ranging from intimate cocktail lounges to sake bars. It's a lively area that offers both dining and drinking options into the late evening.

Kiyamachi Street, which runs parallel to Pontocho but further inland, is generally more casual and energetic. Here you'll find a higher concentration of izakayas (Japanese pubs), karaoke bars, and dance clubs. It's a popular spot for younger crowds and those looking for a more boisterous night out.

Kawaramachi Street and its surrounding blocks form the main commercial and entertainment district of downtown Kyoto. While primarily a shopping area, it also hosts numerous restaurants, cinemas, and some larger bars and pubs.

Question 14

Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, though it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if canceled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to "My Trips", and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by "Fully refundable property" for hotels in Kyoto.

Question 15

How can I save on a Kyoto hotel booking with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

With Expedia, you earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible Kyoto hotel bookings for every dollar you spend – just join our One Key™ travel rewards program to get started. It’s free to join, and you’ll unlock our lowest Member Prices as soon as you’re signed in. On top of this, you could also save significantly by bundling your hotel and flights together on Expedia.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.

Question 16

How much is the nightly rate at a Kyoto hotel?

Accepted Answer

Prices for hotels in Kyoto often vary, but you can find a great deal from $32 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for the cheapest rate.

Month	Price
January	$107
February	$114
March	$168
April	$107
May	$124
June	$80
July	$92
August	$93
September	$107
October	$157
November	$183
December	$129

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	37.8°F (3.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	46.0°F (7.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
May	63.5°F (17.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
July	77.9°F (25.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
August	80.2°F (26.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
September	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	62.2°F (16.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
November	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
December	42.1°F (5.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

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