Find hotels in Kyoto

Top reasons to visit Kyoto

• Historic Temples and Shrines: Kyoto is home to some of Japan's most renowned temples and shrines, offering a peaceful escape and cultural insight.
• Vibrant Local Markets: Explore bustling shopping areas filled with unique local goods and delicious street food.
• Stunning City Views: Don’t miss the iconic Kyoto Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
• Relaxing Hot Springs: Experience the rejuvenating effects of local hot springs for a perfect way to unwind.
• Rich Cultural Experiences: Engage in activities like samurai experiences and guided walking tours to immerse yourself in Kyoto's history.

Find great hotels in Kyoto

Discover a diverse array of accommodations in Kyoto, where you can choose from welcoming hotels and cozy guesthouses tailored to your needs. Whether you're seeking family-friendly options, LGBTQIA-friendly spaces, or a unique city-themed experience, Kyoto has something for everyone. Enjoy a memorable stay in this historic city with top hotels that provide exceptional service and easy access to popular attractions.

• RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto: This 4-star hotel is a distinguished choice for travelers seeking a blend of luxury and eco-friendliness. With a guest rating of 8.8 out of 10, RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto is ideal for families and business travelers alike. The hotel offers a variety of child-friendly amenities, including cribs and bed guards, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests with children. It also prides itself on being eco-certified, catering to environmentally conscious visitors. Enjoy spacious accommodations and the convenience of well-equipped facilities that enhance your stay in Kyoto.
• Sakura Terrace The Gallery: With an impressive guest rating of 9.2 out of 10, Sakura Terrace The Gallery is a delightful 3-star hotel perfect for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere. Guests can indulge in dining options such as a buffet breakfast and enjoy a relaxing evening at the bar and lounge. The hotel features multiple entertainment options, including cable and flat-screen televisions. Its prime location near the city center and metro station makes it easy to explore Kyoto's attractions, ensuring a memorable experience.
• Cross Hotel Kyoto: Rated 9.6 out of 10, Cross Hotel Kyoto stands out with its commitment to eco-friendly practices. This 3.5-star property combines modern comfort with a sustainable ethos, making it a great choice for environmentally aware travelers. The hotel offers stylish accommodations and is situated in a convenient location, providing easy access to Kyoto's cultural sites. Guests appreciate the hotel's contemporary design and attentive service, creating an inviting atmosphere for a refreshing stay.

Where to stay in Kyoto

Kyoto offers a captivating blend of culture and history, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Explore serene temples and quiet neighborhoods, perfect for relaxation. Don't miss the vibrant downtown shopping scene, where you can find unique local goods. Nearby cities like Nara and Uji also add to your experience with their own historical charm. Whether you seek bustling markets or tranquil spots, Kyoto and its surroundings provide a delightful atmosphere for every traveler.

• Central Kyoto: Central Kyoto serves as the vibrant heart of the city, where modernity meets tradition. This neighborhood is well-connected, making it easy for travelers to explore the numerous shopping areas, public markets, and local cuisine spots. The peak travel seasons in April and October to November bring a lively atmosphere, inviting families and business travelers alike. Notable attractions include historic sites, theme parks, and relaxing onsens, making it a versatile destination for all types of visitors.
• Gion: Gion is one of Kyoto's most famous districts, renowned for its well-preserved traditional wooden machiya houses and its enchanting atmosphere. Visitors flock here to experience the essence of Kyoto, especially during peak seasons in April and October to November. Gion offers a blend of shopping, public market experiences, and historic landmarks, including temples and picturesque streets. This neighborhood is perfect for those seeking a cultural immersion, with opportunities to witness geisha performances and savor authentic Japanese cuisine.
• Shimogyo Ward: Shimogyo Ward is an intriguing neighborhood that combines urban flair with historical significance. Popular among families and business travelers, it offers a variety of shopping areas and malls, providing ample opportunities to indulge in retail therapy. The area sees increased visitor traffic from September to November, making it an ideal time to explore its historic places and theme parks. Shimogyo Ward seamlessly blends the old and new, ensuring a rich travel experience for every visitor.

Things to do in and around Kyoto

Shopping

In the heart of Kyoto, explore the charming Nishiki Market for local delicacies and handmade crafts. Nearby, the Kyoto Station Building offers a modern shopping experience with various boutiques and eateries. For a more traditional atmosphere, visit the historic Gion district for unique souvenirs and artisanal goods.

Recreation

Kiyomizu-dera Temple offers a tranquil atmosphere with stunning views of the city and surrounding nature. Engage in meditation or simply enjoy the peaceful gardens. Nearby, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove provides a calming stroll through towering bamboo stalks, allowing you to connect with nature in a serene setting.

Adventure

The Mt. Otokoyama Cable Car offers stunning views as you ascend the mountain, perfect for families and adventure seekers alike. Nearby, the Mt. Hachiman Castle Ruins Lift provides access to historical ruins and breathtaking landscapes, making it an exciting outing for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nightlife

In Kyoto, explore the vibrant nightlife at Pontocho Alley, lined with traditional izakayas and cozy bars. For a lively atmosphere, visit Kiyamachi Street, where you’ll find trendy clubs and pubs. Don't miss a unique experience at a local sake bar to savor Japan’s famous rice wine.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kyoto

To save money during your trip to Kyoto, take advantage of free attractions like the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Hanamikoji Street, and Togetsukyo Bridge. For transportation, utilize the city's affordable subway and bus networks. Visit during the cheaper months of January to February or September, and book hotels about a month in advance for the best rates. Tuesdays are typically the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Consider using Expedia to compare room rates, customize your search, and explore package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for added savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Kyoto are January to February and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Kyoto about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Kyoto is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Kyoto is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia offers a handy search tool that lets you customize your travel preferences, including your budget and desired location. You can easily arrange the results to display hotels from the lowest to highest prices, ensuring you find the most affordable options right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Kyoto with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions in Kyoto

Kyoto offers a fantastic vacation experience for families and business travelers alike, featuring a rich blend of cultural and outdoor attractions. Visitors can explore renowned temples, shrines, and urban parks, while also enjoying activities like upcoming Kyoto tours and relaxing at local hot springs. September is an ideal time to visit, and don't miss the iconic Kyoto Tower for stunning city views.

• Kiyomizu Temple: Nestled on the hillside, Kiyomizu Temple is renowned for its stunning wooden stage that juts out over the hillside, offering breathtaking views of cherry and maple trees below. The temple's name means clear water, and visitors can enjoy the soothing sounds of the nearby streams while exploring its historic architecture.
• Fushimi Inari Shrine: Famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates, Fushimi Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. The winding trails through the gates lead up the sacred Mount Inari, providing a unique blend of spirituality and natural beauty.
• Nijō Castle: This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the grandeur of Japanese feudal architecture. With its beautiful gardens and intricate interiors, Nijō Castle offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the shogunate, making it a romantic spot for history enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Kyoto

The best time to visit Kyoto can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Kyoto falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Kyoto falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	37.8°F (3.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	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	Average	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

The nearest major airports for your trip to Kyoto

Traveling to Kyoto, Japan, is convenient with three major airports nearby. Kansai International Airport (KIX) is located 80km away, with excellent hotels such as Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport, just 161m from the terminal. Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) is 97km away, featuring accommodations like Kamenoi Hotel Chitamihama, 10km from the airport. Lastly, Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) is only 39km from Kyoto, offering luxurious options like Swissotel Nankai Osaka, 14km away. Each airport provides various transportation services to these hotels, ensuring an easy journey for travelers.