The sweet spot for Kyoto accommodation is in the mid-range. Hotels in this category are a step up from standard-issue business hotels in comfort and convenience, but prices are MUCH more reasonable than at luxury hotels.
Solaria Nishitetsu guest room
If you’re willing to spend between Y10,000 (US$94) and Y20,000 (US$188) per night for a single, twin or double room, you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice in Kyoto. There are loads of good-value mid-range hotels in the city.
In this bracket, you’ll find smart and stylish business hotels and some simplified versions of luxury hotels. Most places have a simple on-site restaurant and a few offer small gyms or spas. A recent trend is to include an on-site “onsen,” which is usually a large common bath and bathing area (in addition to, of course, en suites in every room).
This is a list of what we consider the best mid-range hotels in Kyoto, in rough order of preference (best listed first). Click the name of a place for our full review. If you’re interested in how we choose the places on this list, skip down to the end of this article.
Cross Hotel
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
The Cross Hotel offers an unbeatable location in the heart of downtown, comfortable rooms and a hip bar/lounge area. It’s a GREAT choice at a great price!
Cross Hotel – image © Booking.com
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
With a stunning and convenient riverside location in downtown Kyoto, this stylish and intimate hotel is a fantastic choice for your Kyoto stay. The rates are incredible given the perfect location.
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier – image © Booking.com
Mimaru Kyoto
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Travelling with kids? These Japanese-style apartment/suites are just the ticket. They’re within walking distance of downtown and the price is right! Highly recommended.
Mimaru Kyoto – image © Booking.com
Noku Hotel
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Located at the southwest corner of the Kyoto Imperial Palace and directly above Marutamachi subway station, the Noku Hotel Kyoto is a smart and comfortable boutique hotel.
Noku Hotel – image © Booking.com
Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
In the middle of downtown, the Resol on Kawaramachi Sanjo offers comfortable rooms with pleasing Japanese style at incredibly reasonable prices.
Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo – image © Booking.com
Hotel Resol Trinity
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Just a short walk north of downtown, near Kyoto City Hall, the Resol Trinity is a stylish hotel with great prices and a hip lobby eatery/cafe.
Hotel Resol Trinity – image © Booking.com
Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
With a convenient location on Sanjo-dori Street, right downtown, this excellent hotel has great rates, comfortable rooms and unlimited shopping and dining options right outside the door.
Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo – image © Booking.com
Hotel Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
A short walk southwest of downtown, the Resol at Shijo-Muromachi offers modern Japanese style, great rates and an almost infinite variety of eating options nearby.
Hotel Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi – image © Booking.com
Hotel Vista Premio (formerly Best Western Hotel Kyoto)
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
The Hotel Vista Premio is a great hotel right in the heart of the city. It’s a stone’s throw from some great restaurants and two subway stations.
Hotel Vista Premio – image © Booking.com
Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
The Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto is an excellent serviced apartment-style hotel on Gojo-dori, just south of downtown. It’s close to Gojo subway station and within walking distance of downtown.
Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto – image © Booking.com
Hotel Hokke Club Kyoto
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
The Hotel Hokke Club Kyoto is a well-kept business hotel directly north of Kyoto Station. Like other branches of this nationwide chain, it’s good value for the money.
Hotel Hokke Club Kyoto – image © Booking.com
If you’re willing to spend a little bit more, you’ll also find some great value in the luxury hotel category. If you’d like to spend less, you’ll find plenty of great choices in the budget hotel category.
How Do We Choose the Best Hotels in Kyoto?
Kyoto is awash with accommodations, so how do we choose the best ones? Here are our criteria:
- Location: We only choose places that are well located, usually downtown or near Kyoto Station, occasionally in Southern Higashiyama. These are the most convenient locations to be based in Kyoto (for more details, see Where to Stay in Kyoto).
- Personal inspections: We personally inspect EVERY place on this list (and many others which don’t make the cut).
- Feedback: We get a lot of feedback from InsideKyoto users and from guests at our tour company, Chris Rowthorn Tours.
- Value: We compare the prices of these places to others of similar rank in Kyoto. Only those that are a great value make the list.
In short, the places on this list are places that we recommend to our own family and friends when they visit Kyoto.
Kyoto Hotel Guide
- Where To Stay In Kyoto
- The Best Places To Stay In Kyoto
- Best Kyoto Hotels For Sightseeing
- Kyoto Hotels Overview
- Best Luxury Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Mid Range Hotel in Kyoto
- Best Budget Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Kyoto Hotels For Families
- Best Boutique Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Value Hotels in Kyoto
- Kyoto Ryokan
- Kyoto Vacation Rentals
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's my explanation of why it's worth it
- A prepaid Icoca card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
