The 10 best Japanese guest houses in Kyoto, Japan

May 11, 2023 Merry Kessler

Kyoto is Japan's most traditional city. The lush and verdant cityscape encompasses sprawling rock gardens, vast palaces, and tall temples. The streets are alive with businessmen hurrying past Geiko and Makio in their full kimono, both on their way to work along cherry-tree lined walks. A historic hub that celebrates Japanese culture, from kabuki to textile weaving, Kyoto can also be surprisingly modern. It is one of Japan's largest, busiest, and most visited cities, with packed shopping mega-centers and high-rise offices. Suffused with shrines, outdoor markets, and nature walks, the small but bountiful location is also home to some of Japan's most contemporary architectural marvels, hippest cafes and eateries, and modish local brands and shops. It makes Kyoto a playful and sublime city, studded with as many bars and hole-in-the-wall fried food shops along the Kamogawa river as it is suffused with ancient ryokan and delicate wagashi shops. Kyoto is in the cross-hairs of Japan's most artful past and its energetic present.
Restaurants in Kyoto

1. Guesthouse KYOTO COMPASS

115 Nishinanajo Ichibecho, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto 600-8894 Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
97%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 273 reviews

Guesthouse KYOTO COMPASS

We took an old Kyoto house, with it's 100 years of history, and turned it into this guesthouse. It is about 15 minutes from Kyoto station by bus. It's very conveniently located to many sightseeing spots. And we are surrounded by local atmosphere, a shopping street and public bath houses. You can enjoy Kyoto from a variety of different angels.

Best place for accommodation in kyoto

Reviewed By prem812

A great place to stay for all travelers in Kyoto. Papa and mama, owners of the place, are very kind and caring. I love them a lot. I would like to visit again kyoto by staying at this place. Vanakkam- arigato

2. Khaosan Kyoto Guesthouse

Nakanocho, Teramachi-Dori, Bukkoji Agaru 568, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto 600-8032 Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
38%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 469 reviews

Khaosan Kyoto Guesthouse

Khaosan Kyoto G.H. offers you best value for your stay in Kyoto! Ideally located in Shijo-Kawaramachi area, in the centre of Kyoto city, 3mins walk from Hankyu line Kawaramachi station.We do not offer luxury five star accommodations; however, our concept is "Great Value, Comfortable, Clean and Friendly for All Guests."We believe that your stay with us would definitely be a pleasant one!!*5 Big Features of Khaosan Kyoto Guesthouse- Opened on 5th, Nov, 2010- 3 minute walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Sta- Convenient access to major touristic sights- 6 Beds Mix / Female Dorm highly recommended- Japanese Tatami living room and Excellent facilities

Amazing place to stay in Kyoto !

Reviewed By DushyantVazarkar

I have lived Khaosan Kyoto Guesthouse for 7 days. I really liked the place, Ambience and the people specially Sidonie and Kohei. They are warm welcoming and ready to help you out for anything. It's near by to Nishiki Market, Nijo castle, Kinkaji temple etc. The Major attractions of Kyoto. Also There is an Indian restaurant called "RAICHA SPICE CAFE". Great food in near Khaosan Kyoto Guesthouse. I loved the place and I miss it. I would definitely recommend this place to everyone. Cheers, Dushyant

3. Gion Ryokan Q-beh

505-3 Washiocho, Higashiyama-ku,, Kyoto 605-0072 Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 186 reviews

Gion Ryokan Q-beh

Authentic Ryokan in Gion Kyoto Q-beh is located in the southern Higashiyama which is the most important sightseeing district in Kyoto. It contains everything from dazzling temples to the city's main geisha district. Please touch the traditional feel of the ancient Kyoto.

Fantastic location and experience

Reviewed By Kellie M

Kyoto to something special and staying in the heart of Gion is a wonderful experience. 2 minute walk to Yasaka Shrine, 2 minutes the other way and you are at Kansai-Ji Temple. The streets are quaint old Kyoto and the main shopping of Gion and Kyoto is a 5 minute walk. Staff are lovely, rooms are traditional, very warm and very comfortable

4. TSUGU Kyoto Sanjo by THE SHARE HOTELS

75 Masuyacho, Sanjodori, Yanagi-No-Bamba Nishiiru, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto 604-8111 Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
68%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 25 reviews

TSUGU Kyoto Sanjo by THE SHARE HOTELS

2019 5/31 Grandopen!

Very comfortable

Reviewed By masatakaykobe

I recommend this hotel. It is very comfortable and clean, and the staff is very friendly. Conveniently located, close to Krasuma Oike and around the area. I used it for a daily trip to Kyoto from Kobe, but I want to come back here again.

5. Piece Hostel Sanjo

530 Asakuracho, Tominokoji Sanjo Sagaru, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto 604-8074 Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 641 reviews

Piece Hostel Sanjo

As opposed to luxury hostels, we provide minimum space for a comfortable sleep. However, PIECE is built for Active Travelers to meet people from around the world and experience Kyoto beyond surface at an affordable price. If this is your traveling style, let us be a PIECE of your journey.

Stylish and Clean

Reviewed By kyataj

Had a good experience at Piece Hostel Sanjo, the location is great, just a few min walk to the foodie center, easy to access by Train and Bus. Staffs were nice and helpful. Hostel itself is stylish and really clean. The bed is so comfy. Full facilities, I like Dyson Hair Dryer!

6. Len Kyoto Kawaramachi

709-3 Kawaramachidori Matsubara Sagaru Uematsucho, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto 600-8028 Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
69%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 117 reviews

Len Kyoto Kawaramachi

Hostel/backpacker Accommodation

Perfect stay

Reviewed By patoakes

Len was the perfect place to stay during my trip to Kyoto. The friendly staff helped me with my JR pass and advice on what to do in the city; dorms were spotless with comfy beds and great bathrooms. Location is really convenient for trains and getting around the city. The café/bar had excellent food and drinks and made it easy to make friends with other travellers and locals. I’d definitely recommend staying at Len when you visit Kyoto.

7. HARUYA Umekoji

1-12 Wakicho, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto 600-8834 Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
58%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 50 reviews

HARUYA Umekoji

4 different tastes of 100 years Machiya architecture, “HARUYA Umekoji” is. 8 minutes by bus (15 minutes walk) from Kyoto station. Walking distance to two world heritage sites (Toji, Nishihonganji). One way bus stop to Kiyomizu Temple, Gion, Kinkakuji etc. Long-established Kyoto style such as Japanese garden, lattice, round window, edge side are respectfully inherited.

Loved our stay

Reviewed By Anonymous0627

Staff were nice and helpful. Close to many attractions. Clean toilets and showers. Common areas, such as kitchen and living room, were well equipped. Loved the building's old and traditional vibe. Rooms were adequately heated, clean, and comfy.

8. WeBase Kyoto

436-1 Iwatoyamacho, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto 600-8445 Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 46 reviews

WeBase Kyoto

WeBase KYOTO is a hosetel opened October 27th 2018. This hostel is located in Shijo,2station from Kyoto station,close to Kyoto tower,Nijo castle,Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kiyomizu temple. We have Private room with bath room,Double room with shared bath room,Bunk bed room with shared bath room,Shared Dormitory,Female only Dormitory.Free wifi,24-hour front desk,multilingual staf(11languages) Room rate includes breakfast.Luggage storage,Laundry facilities,kitchen available.Comfortable lounge is best place to relax. We are looking forward for your stay! Team WeBase KYOTO

Loved it!

Reviewed By chloeveron

My partner and I stayed at this hostel for 5 nights. If only hostels around the world were as clean as in Japan! We stayed in a double room, which even though seemed small at first, was actually very cosy. Plenty of shower rooms, shower gel/conditionner/shampoo all provided as well as face wash/moisturiser and gel in our bedroom. The free breakfast was simple but a nice touch, especially when you are wanting to save a little bit of money. Had a great experience and would definitely stay there again!

9. Ebisu Ryokan

16-2 Higashikujo Nakatonoda-Cho, Minami-Ku, Kyoto 601-8048 Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
30%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
12%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 50 reviews

Ebisu Ryokan

Opened in March of 2015, Ebisu Ryokan is a modern style ryokan, located just a short walk from the Hachijo-guchi exit of JR Kyoto station. The multi-national team of management company GNC (Global Netwrok Corp.) hail from Australia; America; Taiwan; Indonesia; and Korea, Ebisu Ryokan provides multi-lingual customer service that rivals world standards. Located within walking distance of JR Kyoto station and Aeon Mall, there is easy access to everything you could possibly need during your stay. Ebisu Ryokan is just a short train ride from the world heritage listed Fushimi Inari. However, it also located just 10 to 15 minutes from several lesser known attractions such as Nishi Hongan-ji; Tofuku-ji; Sanjusan-gendo; Toji Temple; JR Railway Museum;and Kyoto National Museum. The perfect location for those who wish to avoid the typical tourist itintary.

Great Ryokan!

Reviewed By envirotte

Great ryokan located near Kyoto Station. This place is really clean. Staff are friendly, but some staff can't speak english. Receptionist only available at certain time. The door will be locked at 8pm. Check out policy really simple, just write your name and drop your key. Recommended!

10. Santiago Guesthouse Kyoto

6-503 Gojohashi Higashi, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto 605-0846 Kyoto Prefecture
Excellent
34%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
7%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 167 reviews

Santiago Guesthouse Kyoto

10 days in Santiago Guest house

Reviewed By mixeur29

The place is veryclean and nicely arranged. Showers bathroom, all that is running well:) The staff is young, they are very nice and fresh, helping, friendly - what more can you ask for :)- Nicely located, populated be interesting people and sooo cheap, this is definitely a right place to go if you are travelling around Kyoto for some times.

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