Kyoto hotels from HK$436

Top reasons to visit Kyoto

• Historic Temples and Shrines: Kyoto is renowned for its stunning temples and shrines, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan's rich spiritual heritage.
• Cultural Experiences: Engage in unique activities like samurai experiences and traditional ceremonies that immerse you in local customs.
• Scenic Beauty: Enjoy the picturesque landscapes and urban parks, perfect for tranquil strolls and family outings.
• Vibrant Shopping: Explore bustling shopping areas and public markets for distinctive souvenirs and local delicacies.
• Nearby Excursions: Take day trips to nearby cities like Nara and Uji, enhancing your experience with diverse cultural insights.

Find great hotels in Kyoto

Kyoto offers a delightful selection of accommodations, ranging from charming guesthouses to top-notch hotels, ensuring a memorable stay for every traveller. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly environment, an LGBTQIA welcoming space, or a unique city-themed experience, you'll find an array of options to suit your preferences. Explore the best hotels in Kyoto and indulge in the city's rich culture and history while enjoying modern comforts and amenities.

• RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto: This 4-star hotel is a distinguished option for families and eco-conscious travellers, boasting a commendable guest rating of 8.8 out of 10. RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto is known for its commitment to sustainability, providing eco-certified accommodations that do not compromise on comfort. Families will appreciate the dedicated amenities for children, including cribs and bed guards. The hotel is situated conveniently in Kyoto, making it an ideal base for exploring the city's rich cultural heritage while enjoying a tranquil retreat.
• Sakura Terrace The Gallery: A charming 3-star establishment, Sakura Terrace The Gallery has earned an impressive guest rating of 9.2 out of 10. This hotel offers a delightful blend of comfort and convenience, featuring an inviting on-site restaurant and a coffee shop for leisurely meals. Guests can indulge in a buffet breakfast and enjoy modern entertainment options in their rooms, including flat-screen televisions and cable TV. Located near key attractions and a metro station, it provides easy access to Kyoto's vibrant city centre, making it a suitable choice for those looking to immerse themselves in local culture.
• Cross Hotel Kyoto: With a guest rating of 9.6 out of 10, Cross Hotel Kyoto stands out as a 3.5-star eco-certified accommodation, appealing to environmentally conscious visitors. This hotel combines modern design with comfortable amenities, creating a serene atmosphere for guests. Its prime location in Kyoto allows easy access to the city’s historical landmarks and modern attractions. Cross Hotel Kyoto focuses on sustainability while ensuring guests have a pleasant stay, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy Kyoto responsibly.

Where to stay in Kyoto

Kyoto offers a captivating blend of culture and history, making it a perfect destination for tourists. Explore the serene temples and traditional districts, or indulge in downtown shopping for unique souvenirs. Nearby cities like Nara and Uji provide a tranquil escape, showcasing beautiful landscapes and rich heritage. Whether you seek a quiet retreat or vibrant city life, Kyoto and its surroundings promise an unforgettable experience filled with friendly locals and enchanting atmospheres.

• Central Kyoto: Central Kyoto is the vibrant heart of the city, offering a dynamic blend of modernity and tradition. This neighbourhood serves as a gateway to Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage, with easy access to shopping areas, public markets, and local attractions. Visitors can enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere while indulging in various city-themed experiences. Notable landmarks include historic sites, a popular theme park, and relaxing onsens, making Central Kyoto an ideal location for both leisure and business travellers. Peak seasons are in April and from October to November, providing a lively atmosphere filled with local events and activities.
• Gion: Renowned for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture, Gion is a picturesque neighbourhood that captures the essence of Kyoto’s heritage. Visitors flock to Gion for city-themed experiences, family outings, and business trips. The area boasts charming shopping streets, vibrant public markets, and historic temples that offer a glimpse into the past. With its unique blend of culture and commerce, Gion is particularly bustling in April and from October to November, making it a must-visit for those seeking to immerse themselves in Kyoto’s enchanting atmosphere.
• Shimogyo Ward: Shimogyo Ward is a lively district that harmonises urban life with cultural richness. This neighbourhood is perfect for families and business travellers alike, featuring a range of shopping areas, bustling shopping malls, and vibrant markets. The proximity to notable historic sites and attractions, including a theme park and impressive buildings, makes Shimogyo Ward an exciting place to explore. The peak visitor season occurs from September to November, offering visitors a wealth of activities and experiences that showcase the best of Kyoto.

Things to do in and around Kyoto

Shopping

In Kyoto, visit the Kyoto Station Building for a mix of shops, from fashion to local crafts. For traditional souvenirs, explore Nishiki Market, where you can find local snacks and artisan goods, providing a taste of Kyoto's culture and craftsmanship.

Recreation

Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove offers a tranquil stroll through towering bamboo stalks, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Nearby, the Iwatayama Monkey Park provides a unique opportunity to observe monkeys in their natural habitat while enjoying panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Adventure

The Mt. Otokoyama Cable Car offers a thrilling ascent with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, perfect for families seeking adventure. A trip to the Mt. Hachiman Castle Ruins Lift, located 32km from Kyoto, provides a unique experience with stunning vistas and a glimpse into Japan's rich history.

Nightlife

In Kyoto, explore the vibrant nightlife at Pontocho Alley, where traditional wooden machiya houses line the narrow lane, offering intimate izakayas. For a lively atmosphere, visit Kiyamachi Street, brimming with bars and clubs that cater to various tastes and styles.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kyoto

To make the most of your trip to Kyoto without breaking the bank, consider exploring the city's free attractions such as the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Hanamikoji Street. For transport, utilise the efficient subway and bus systems, as taxis can be pricey. Plan your visit during the cheaper months of January to February or September, and aim to book your accommodation about a month in advance, ideally for a Tuesday stay to secure the best rates. Additionally, look for package deals on Expedia to combine flights, hotels, and activities for further 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: Book your hotel in Kyoto about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
• 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: Certainly. Here’s a paraphrased version in a trusted and attentive tone, using British English:Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. 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 are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking in Kyoto with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Kyoto

Kyoto is an ideal destination for family, city-themed, and business vacations, boasting a rich array of attractions such as temples, shrines, and urban parks. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying outdoor activities and family experiences. Key points of interest include the iconic Kyoto Tower, numerous temples, and the upcoming Kyoto tours, especially enticing for those visiting in September.

• Fushimi Inari Shrine: Renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Shrine offers a serene and spiritual experience. Visitors can wander through the winding paths that lead up the sacred Mount Inari, where each gate is donated by individuals or businesses. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, and features beautiful views over Kyoto.
• Kiyomizu Temple: Perched on a hillside, Kiyomizu Temple boasts stunning wooden stage platforms that overlook cherry and maple trees. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its panoramic views, particularly during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, and is steeped in rich cultural history.
• Nijō Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Nijō Castle combines cultural and romantic vibes with its stunning gardens and ornate interiors. Explore the beautifully designed rooms and the famous nightingale floors that chirp when walked upon, designed to thwart intruders.

Best time to go to Kyoto

The best time to visit Kyoto is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

The nearest major airports for your trip to Kyoto

Flying into Kyoto is convenient with several major airports nearby. Kansai International Airport (KIX) is situated 80km away and offers excellent hotel options like the 4-star Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport, just 161m from the terminal. Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) is 97km away, with nearby accommodations such as the 4-star Kamenoi Hotel Chitamihama, located 10km from the airport. Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) is the closest, at 39km from Kyoto, featuring luxurious hotels like the 5-star Ritz-Carlton, Osaka, only 11km away. All airports provide various transportation services for seamless access to your destination.