Don’t Miss These Fantastic Boutique Hotels in Kyoto for A Unique Trip

Boutique hotels in Kyoto! Finding the perfect place to stay is my top priority whenever I travel solo. Being safe is the most important, but if I can combine safety with design that is within my budget, count me in!

If my budget allows, I always hunt for fantastic boutique hotels or design hotels wherever I’m travelling. Most cities have amazing hotels that have charm and soul compared to a big hotel chain.

While established hotel chains are great and safe, I love the charm of smaller hotels that offer a unique touch. Some boutique hotels boast awesome interiors, fantastic art, or even a peaceful patio garden or rooftop.

And a boutique hotel would fit perfectly in your two-day itinerary to Kyoto!

There’s just something special about boutique hotels compared to the massive ones with over 1000 guests. Don’t know where to stay in Kyoto? Let me take you to some of the high-rated boutique hotels in Kyoto you must consider for a unique stay!

What is the best area for tourists to stay in Kyoto?

Kyoto may not be as large as Tokyo or Osaka, which makes choosing your hotel a bit quicker to research! Many of the city’s highlights are conveniently clustered within the same general areas.

That said, exploring Kyoto will still require a fair amount of walking. The subway system is not as extensive as in larger cities, and some key attractions are located in areas without direct access to subway or bus stations. So, be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes!

Pinpointing specific areas in Kyoto can be a bit tricky since the districts are quite spread out. To make it easier, I’ve grouped recommendations by landmarks. If you’re travelling solo, here are the best areas to stay in Kyoto for convenience and an unforgettable experience.

Kyoto Station

Kyoto Station is the main transportation hub in Kyoto, making it an ideal area to stay if you want easy access to trains and subway lines.

The area around Kyoto Station is also packed with restaurants, shops, and convenience stores, ensuring you have everything you need close by. During my visit, I stayed at a hotel just a 5-minute walk from the station, and it made getting around so much easier thanks to the quick access to public transport.

Southern Higashiyama Kyoto

This area is a bit farther from Kyoto Station but closer to many of Kyoto’s main attractions, making it an excellent choice in my opinion. Staying in Southern Higashiyama puts you right in the heart of the action, and if you enjoy walking, you can explore a lot on foot.

For example, the walk from Gion to Kyoto Station takes about 45 minutes. While it’s not exactly nearby, it’s manageable, especially if you plan to stop and enjoy some sightseeing along the way.

The Celestine Kyoto, not only has the perfect location but is also very beautiful and reflects the modern Japanese style. It is located just 15 minutes by foot from Kiyomizu-dera Temple and a 10-minute walk from Gion-Shijo subway station.

The location has it all! You’ll find yourself in the middle of everything in Kyoto. The hotel is surrounded by many restaurants, bars and shops.

The Celestine will blow your mind! The decor boosts calmness, peace and serenity. If you’re looking for accommodation that helps you relax and unwind after a long day of walking in Kyoto, you’ll find that here.

There’s a public bath, and all the rooms have all the facilities and amenities you can think of, including slippers, bathrobes, and toothbrushes. Do you need to bring anything else?

In the morning, you can enjoy a fabulous breakfast or have dinner in the evening at their Tempura Endo Yasaka restaurant, which serves Japanese cuisine, including tempura and sushi.

The staff at The Celestine are very welcoming and always there to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Ace Hotel Kyoto is an absolute gem in the heart of Kyoto! They offer free bikes (you’ll love them in Kyoto!), a fitness centre, a lovely garden, and a terrace to relax on. The interior design is what I love the most about the Ace Hotel!

It’s a modern Japanese style with funny art and decor. It’s industrial, playful, and romantic at the same time! The rooms are fantastic—all air-conditioned with a cosy seating area. Breakfast is a treat, with à la carte, continental, or American options to choose from. I’m not going to lie, but the onsite coffee bar is great, too!

The location is awesome, with popular spots like the Kyoto International Manga Museum and Gion Shijo Station nearby. You’re only 4 blocks away from Nishiki Market and Shinyogoku Shopping Street.

I highly recommend Ace Hotel Kyoto if you’re looking for a unique boutique hotel with comfort, an awesome location, and top-notch service.

I had to include Oakwood Hotel Oike in this list of the best boutique hotels in Kyoto! This hotel is simple and clean, with a modern Japanese style. It is also very friendly to your budget. What you get for the price is amazing!

It’s close to some amazing attractions, such as Samurai Kembu Kyoto and Gion Shijo Station, and right near the city centre. You’ll walk to Pontocho or Restaurant Alley in about 15 minutes from here.

The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private bathrooms. Each room also has a coffee machine, so you won’t need to run out to get your caffeine fix in the morning. Some rooms even have a kitchen, microwave, and stove.

Every morning, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast with a buffet that includes continental and Asian options.

I highly recommend Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto for its great location, affordable price, comfy rooms, and excellent service.

If you’re looking for a great and affordable place to stay in Kyoto, I highly recommend checking out The Machiya Ebisuya. It’s conveniently located and offers air-conditioned rooms, a lovely garden, free WiFi, and a shared lounge (if you’re up to meeting other travellers).

The hotel also provides luggage storage, which is handy when you arrive early and can’t check in yet. Some rooms even come with a kitchenette and microwave, which is a nice touch if you want to save on meals!

The Machiya Ebisuya is about a 20-minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera and an easy 10-minute walk to Nishiki Market.

If you’re in Kyoto, definitely check out Design Hotel Kyoto Fuyacho. It’s perfectly located in the centre of Kyoto, with quiet street views. You’ll be just a short distance from Gion-Shijo Station for easy access to public transport.

One of the best features is the private entrance for guests, adding a touch of exclusivity. The accommodation includes a shared kitchen for guests, perfect if you want to put together your meals.

The rooms are fantastic—they have a kettle and a walk-in shower. Some rooms even have a fully equipped kitchen! The shared lounge area is great for relaxing and meeting other travellers. With all these amenities and its perfect location, Design Hotel Kyoto Fuyacho is an ideal choice for your stay in Kyoto.

When in Kyoto, I love staying at RC Hotel Kyoto Yasaka. It’s set in a beautifully renovated 50-year-old building with stunning mountain views, 5 minutes from Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The place offers free WiFi and a lovely garden, making it a perfect retreat.

I love the interior design! It’s industrial, but the wooden aspects give it a warm feeling! This hotel is the typical boutique hotel you’re going to love!

This cosy 2-star inn has air-conditioned rooms, each with a private bathroom. The views, including Hokan-ji Temple, are simply breathtaking. Plus, it’s just a 16-minute walk from Samurai Kembu Kyoto, which is super convenient!

The rooms have a desk and a fridge, providing everything you need for a comfortable stay. RC Hotel Kyoto Yasaka combines charm, comfort, and an unbeatable location, making it one of my top picks in Kyoto.

Once you’ve experienced a boutique hotel, you’ll find yourself seeking them out in every destination you visit! Although boutique hotels are higher priced, there are budget-friendly options out there and they are worth the splurge.

It’s okay to treat yourself and splurge on a beautiful home away from home. Your accommodation should be a haven, a place where you feel secure and at peace.

And if you’re still unsure if a solo trip to Japan is a good idea, I encourage you to read my blog! I also have an amazing two-week itinerary to Japan created for you.

I hope these fantastic boutique hotels in Kyoto have inspired you to explore more! Kyoto is simply amazing!