The 49 best hostels in Kyoto

Really affordable. The rooms are nice and clean, and the staff is very friendly. We liked the open common room where people could mingle and hang out. The coin laundry was also really great to have in the hostel — it's comparable to other coin laundries in the area. It was summer in Japan so we had to wash our things. The beds are a bit stiff — if that's your thing, no worries, but it wasn't mine. I didn't have a great night's sleep. Overall, I had a good stay. I've been to multiple K's House properties before, and they've always been affordable and friendly.

This is a hostel, so with that in mind, it was substantially better about the rooms than any hostel I have stayed in Japan. The security was second to none. It is within walking distance on the train station. It is close to one subway line. There are three buses that go to the station as well. There is a tremendous common area. The laundry is expensive. That might be a Japanese thing rather than a hostel thing

We received a warm welcome upon arrival and were pleasantly surprised to be able to store our luggage in a secure room free of charge — a very convenient service. The staff speak English well, which made communication easy, although at times their attitude could have been more friendly and welcoming. The hostel is split between two buildings. Our room was small but clean and equipped with everything we needed for a comfortable stay. One point to note: during the day, staff entered our room to empty the trash without informing us beforehand. While this may be part of their cleaning routine, it would be better if guests were notified — so we recommend keeping your valuables secure. A nice touch is the free tea and coffee available in the lobby, which adds to the comfort of the stay. If you're looking for an affordable place close to Kyoto Station and the city center, this hostel is a great option. With a bit more warmth from the staff, it could easily be a 5-star experience

Lovely staff, comfy beds, shower products available and nice common room! Downsides were, only 3 laundry machines for 6 floors of people, a bit dirty compared to other hostels we’ve been to on our trip, no curtains on beds and very small rooms, so much so that you couldn’t open your locker at the same time as someone else. Charges for towel rental and my bed was directly under the aircon, so was pretty chilly! All in all, good for a basic stay for a few nights with lots of help on where to go in the area.

All in all I would definitely recommend this place! I stayed here for four nights with my friends (all girls) in a mixed dormitory with four other people that were always super kind! The room was a bit small which made it a bit stuffy at times although the ac fixed that pretty quickly. You have enough space for your belongings with a spacious cupboard under the beds. The beds themselves are very comfortable! The common area was especially nice, as well as the kitchen! The hostel is located in a quiet street close to the main train station and other subway lines. A brisk 15/20 minute walk to the center along a small stream. Would go here again, even solo

Great staff. Best communal space of any hostel I’ve stayed at. Very much living room like. Easy to meet people if you choose to but also enough space if you want to just be left alone. Clean and cheap.

I found my stay to be quite pleasant, as the six-bedroom dormitory was clean, although guests are responsible for their own bed linens. The room provided luggage lockers, which could accommodate both a large and a medium-sized suitcase. Additionally, there were multiple showers available, and a communal lounge offered a convenient space to interact with other travelers.

Nice vibe and very quiet at night. Perhaps bathrooms and showers could be cleaned more often than once a day. The locker under the bed is too small to contain anything larger than wallet and passport. The pods curtain is noisy when it closes. The daily free beer could last more than 1 hour. Breakfast could have more offerings. More washing machines and dryers needed (currently only 1 per floor. Lovely helpful staff.

Fantastic location — you step off the busy street into total quiet the moment you take the elevator up. At first it felt a bit unsocial, but during their free beer hour in the common area I met lots of people and made friends. The bed setup is unique, like having a tiny room to myself, and the crowd was a nice mix of travelers. Bathrooms were spotless, staff was great, and they were very flexible with bag storage and late check‑out (for a small fee). Amenities felt first‑class, with washing machines available. The massive common area had everything — quiet corners, dining tables, high tables, and couches. Loved my stay and highly recommend.

This is definitely the nicest hostel beds that I’ve ever seen, it literally feels like your own little room and personal space. It’s not cramped like a pod, it’s a double bed that’s extremely spacious and even reclines for sitting up. I loved staying here just because of the comfy bed. Everything else about this place is great too. The bathrooms were perfectly clean, all amenities were great to use. On the reception floor they have a kitchen and co working spaces too. Hostel is located right in the main road, you walk out the lift and straight into the street, easy to walk to cafes and convenience stores close by. All up a fantastic stay, staff are lovely and helpful. You can leave your bags if you need to leave later and still chill in the common area. Beds are luxurious and I slept great.

Hostel right on a super lively city street — and I loved that. The rooms and restrooms were very clean. The bed was big and really comfortable. I can only praise it, actually, because it was the nicest place I could find for a comfortable 3-day stay in Kyoto — not the most affordable I found, I must say, but one of the most (and considering cost-benefit, this would definitely be my choice without thinking twice). And I have to say that having the reclining bed double as an alarm clock is amazing. I had never seen that before. It's practical, silent, and very efficient!

It’s to be expected for the room to be tiny since it’s a capsule hotel. So do expect some noise during supposedly quiet/sleeping hours. Location is fantastic though. Walkable to popular tourist areas like Kiyomizu-dera and it’s along the main shopping street with Uniqlo, Muji, Onitsuka Tiger, etc. Hotel allows for free luggage storage both before and after check in/check out. Note that hotel does provide night gown at a fee. Free beer is from 5.30pm-6.30pm. Lounge area is nice and allows for talks between strangers. Or if you would like to, there’s quiet working areas.

Loved everything about our stay in Kyoto. Great atmosphere. Perfect location. The free beer hour was so fun meeting other travelers. Show them you walked 10,000 steps that day and get a BOOT BEER!

My favourite chill spot on planet earth. Man... I miss this place. I first went here in 2023 before my tour of international tour of Kyushu. I wasn't sure what to of expected as I never really went in a hostel before. It was the best hotel/hostel experience of my entire life. I have travelled extensively all over the world, and nothing has matched this ever. The building is in the heart of a busy area of Kyoto, you go up a elevator and you arrive at the reception, it's the coolest place ever. The staff in both times I've booked 23/25 are incredibly welcoming. They're so kind, polite, and very fashionable! They always helped me when I had questions about Kyoto or questions related to my stay. The pods were extremely comfortable, the lighting was beautiful, the natural light in the hostel was amazing. I have many happy memories of looking through those windows observing downtown Kyoto. The coffee? Delicious, at 17:30 you have happy hour where you can get free beer. For an hour In that time you sit down on the sofas and get to know other guests, and you always go to dinner with friends you make! It's just the vibe! I seriously love this place. And I'm always sad I have to leave. Thank you for my stay my friends in 2023 and 2025. See you again in 2029!!!

A really great Hostel, it is clean. I booked a room of 6, Female only. Was a bit small but it worked really well. Very nice Staff. They have a nice Bar, with Brunch and other things to eat. Location is also good. Just bring earplugs… a classic that all Hostelers know. 😄

LEN Kyoto Kawaramachi was an amazing stay- 10/10 for value! The location is unbeatable, right in the heart of Kyoto with easy access to shops, cafes, and public transit. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed, and the atmosphere throughout the building felt warm and welcoming. Staff were friendly and helpful, and the café/bar area downstairs was a great spot to relax or meet other travelers. For the price, it’s an incredible deal: stylish, convenient, and cozy. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Kyoto!

Extremely clean and pleasant hostel with bunk rooms and though it is only a short walk from the central areas of Kyoto, it is quiet. Importantly, for Kyoto in the late summer, the ceiling air conditioner worked extremely well, even with eight people sleeping in a compact space. The ground floor cafe has plenty of table space to work, plan the next day, or just relax. The second floor also has an additional social space with tables and a small perfectly adequate canteen and laundry. The check in desk woman seemed American/Canadian but had excellent English and Japanese and was very helpful.

Awesome Western style breakfast place! Coffee was excellent and appreciated after a week or so without espresso! Highly recommend this place with you want a good hearty non Japanese breakfast during your trip! Staff were lovely and the place was really cosy and friendly inside!

Nice bar and delicious coffee. But the hostel is very disappointing, especially given the price we paid. We’ve got a room that doesn’t match the pictures and description at all including its size, not to mention that the toilets were not available on our floor for men. Another surprise were obvious stains on old bed sheets that no one even tried to hide. We’ve tried to cancel the reservation but the administration didn’t find a way to refund. So after the first night, we moved to another cheaper (!) hotel but the experience was completely the opposite. The profile on Booking is misleading. Don’t recommend

Really bad experience, the self called barman, was the worst, the cocktails were made with box mixers, the portions for sharing were minuscule and expensive for such a place, we. Ought a bottle of French white wine , they took it to the table already open and it was half full, and to top it up the wine was off, it tasted like vinagre, we went and talk to the " barman" and after trying it (we could even saw in his face he didn't enjoyed I) he said if we wanted a new wine we had to pay for it... So we left him and the bottle and took our business to another place, we recommend you not to try it, go somewhere else, you and your money worth better...

The only great thing about this hostel is the location but besides that the staff were rude , some girl was really impolite. One day we wanted breakfast there and the guy spent literally 1 hour to prepare two cups of coffee !! Once it got ready he took them to another table and he didn’t even notice , we actually told him about it. Many people were waiting for a long time they ended up by canceling their order and leaving. The rating on booking and google maps is misleading! I don’t recommend this place at all !! Not worth the money honestly and it was actually pricy for what they’re offering.

I stayed at The Ryokan Hostel Gion in Kyoto and had a great experience. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, and the entire place — including the showers and bathrooms — was spotless. The atmosphere felt cozy and friendly, making it easy to relax after a day of exploring the city. The bedroom space is quite small, but it’s comfortable and convenient for short stays. Overall, it’s a great choice for travelers looking for a clean, well-located, and warm place to stay in Kyoto.

Ah, one of the best hostels in Gion because you will meet so many foreigners here & make friends at the dining table. The best part was the kitchen & shower area. Super clean. They have almost all equipment to cook good food & enjoy at the dining table.

Perfect location in Kyoto for me. Quiet and calm but close to everything. The hostel was extremely clean, beds comfortable, and overall a great stay!

Lovely hostel with clean and comfortable amenities, fresh towels provided daily and located in a very central area near bus stops, subway station and Gion. Our only hiccup was the dryer on the 4th floor not being able to dry our clothes too well. Not a big deal, the laundromat across the street is extremely well kept and useful. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to visit this corner of Kyoto!

quiet and cold service on check in. clean bed and bathrooms. One towel each. Black out curtains 👍There’s limited interaction in the hall, nobody is interested in socialising, not even the reception 🤣 they blast the super loud vacuum cleaner for 15-20min continuously around 9am 😭😭, I think purpose is to wake up those who need to check out. The whole place was like a construction site — soooooo loud!! My ears hurt 😭😭😭😭 Cheap 100yen coffee but half a cup came out. 😱Free storage pre and post stay. 💕paid USD69 and a British guy I spoke with paid GBP40, he said it’s expensive for a hostel. Not sure what others have paid? 👻please share?!!

There is no any amenity for the guests. Also, no small towel, no Yukata, Free Coffee or Tea. By the price I paid, no TV set, as in a Capsule Hotel. I checked in by 23:00 and they asked me to pay extra 1,200 Yen. Furthermore, the attendant took time to find my reservation, and he did not know the facilities, as no detailed info was provided to me.

This was a reasonably priced accommodation. Quiet, friendly and respectful. I loved the location, and would strongly recommend this location especially if you are a solo traveller

I stayed here for one night and I regret not staying longer. The style of the place makes you feel the real Japanese experience, the bed is so comfortable. Location is great. The staff working there is amazing and kind. And I had the best coffee , even offering oat milk which has been very hard to find since I landed in Japan. I would definitely recommend it and stay here if I will ever come back to Kyoto .

I had a truly impressive experience staying at this guest house in Japan. First of all, the staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming. I remember Sakura, in particular, who gave us excellent recommendations and even invited us to join a temple visit on New Year’s Eve, which turned out to be a unique and wonderful experience. The room itself was lovely, comfortable, and very reasonably priced. The heater worked perfectly during winter, keeping me warm throughout the cold nights. Additionally, the guest house features a cafe and bar, which made it super convenient to order drinks. Everything about this place was perfect, from the cozy decoration to the overall atmosphere. If I ever return to Kyoto, I would definitely stay here again!

We stayed here in November 2024. As a couple we booked into a private room. The building has an old rustic feel. The downstairs is a Cafe with a chilled atmosphere. Staff were very welcoming and professional. All the rooms were Ryokan style on the first floor of the property. There are a mixture of private rooms and dorms. There was also a small kitchen with a washing machine and dryer. Based on the style of the rooms the walls and doors are pretty much paper thin. As our room was near the kitchen this meant it was a bit loud. This would be the only downside of the accommodation but was something we quickly got used to. The downstairs cafe also serves beer and plum wine. The lager- Heartland, was delicious. The atmosphere in the cafe/bar was very chilled and a great place to relax and have a drink before heading out into Kyoto.

Everyone was super kind. The location is good. The lobby is like a boutique cafe with good japanese music. Rooms are looking like Japanese traditional houses called ryokan style and big enough if you are 2. Toilets and showers are shared . I would choose here again if I plan another trip in Kyoto. Also they gave their umbrella to me because I checked out on a rainy day, and I didn't have one. Wonderful people.

We stayed for 3 night. The staff is very kind and welcoming. Full and clear presentation when we arrived. The common room is warm and cosy. Thank you !

I stayed here almost 11 years ago and I plan on returning this year. I stayed in Japan for 6 weeks and this was my favourite place to stay. The vibe was just what I needed and the staff/service was 5 star. I loved it here!

The place looks great when you first walk in, but things quickly take a turn as you move toward the back. They use a small propane heater to warm a large area, but it only runs for a couple of hours a day. The temperature hovers around 5, and I can actually see my breath in the shower room and hallway. The electric heater in my room struggles to keep up, and it shuts off every 20 minutes, I am freezing the whole night. The beds are awful—once you lie down, they compress to almost nothing. I wish I’d brought my Therm-a-Rest camping pad; it would’ve been 10 times more comfortable. Sleeping on your side is impossible without waking up in pain. Staff themselves are very friendly they would get a 5 star

The rooms were super clean, comfy and quiet. They are pretty micro thought and there's not a ton of counter top space. I really loved all the facilities like the spotless massive kitchen, the rooftop lounge area, a powder room!, cheap washers and dryers, private showers, and the shared cafe space where we saw some live jazz music for free one evening. I would HIGHLY recommend this hostel as its super close to so many things to do and it has a really nice aesthetic. I recommend walking to the Kyoto Gardens and Imperial Palace one day, biking up to the botanical gardens, having a 711 funded picnic next to the river.

Awesome place. We had a private suite and bathroom, spacious I think for Japan. It was clean and worked well for us. The shared space was really cool especially the rooftop bar to chill after a long night. Loved the laundry there, you're able to lock it when you wash your clothes. Check in and out were super easy. Great price would definitely stay again, super central.

We had a lovely 4 day stay in Kyoto here. The rooms are super clean and spacious (for Japanese standards), brilliant location close to the subway and key attractions, lovely breakfast and very helpful staff. Toshi was exceptionally helpful when we arrived giving us a quick overview of the place and location, answering our questions and giving us some great advice about a few purchases we wanted to make. Toshi was really helpful to organize our taxi on leaving and making sure we get to the station on time by checking with the taxi driver. Thank you Toshi again for your help, we welcome you to Ireland for a rugby game 😌

Very cute hostel! I’ve stayed at a few in Europe and this one blows those out of the water. For only being rated 2 star, the rooms are actually very spacious by Japanese standards, comfy beds, and very nice shower. The staff was kind and spoke very good English. They had tons of games and activities going on up on the rooftop bar and in the basement common space. Also within walking distance of amazing shrines and temples and the older streets of Kyoto. About a 30 minute walk from Kyoto Station. Would stay again!

Excellent place to stay in Kyoto. Very stylish for a hostel. Much more like a boutique hotel.lovely roof top terrace which was a great place to relax at the end of the day. Breakfast was good. Staff were super helpful especially Toshi who explained different train passes that could be used around the area. Would highly recommend and would love to return. 😃

This place is called a hostel, but punches well above that. We had a family room with a private bathroom on the opposite side of the road to the main hostel. The amenitities at both buildings are awesome. Super clean and always available. The roof top bar was also worth checking out. Good drinks and vibes. Our room was spacious and the beds where huge for bunk beds. We all would of had the equivalent of a double each - there where 4 of us (2A, 2C). they allow you to use the showersafter checkout if you are leaving late, and even supply fresh clean towels for you. The location is also great. walking distance to a lot of shopping and cultural sites. Transport isn't far away either. The staff at the front desk where great. Some even have thier own tourist infomation and guide that they are more then happy to share with you - Thanks Toshi. Fully recommend this "hostel"

Everything you expect from a hotel — perfect check-in and check-out, terrace, cuisine, rooms, and bathroom. The only weak point is the laundry: the machines don’t wash clothes very well, and the dryer needs to be restarted several times (4 to 5 times) while you stay nearby to get your clothes dry. But everything else is so good that I’m still giving it 5 stars.

First of all, the employees were really kind, talkative, and willing to give some tips & places to enjoy Kyoto and avoid its crowds. The strongest point is the location, as you are located 5-7 minutes walk away from Kyoto station, and that is really convenient. On the other hand, I pretty disliked the room. The bed is the worst I’ve had in several hostels. Also, the dormitory is a bit small and people are only separated by hanging curtains, so we can really hear / feel everything. So all in all the sleep quality was pretty poor. Still a decent experience for the price!

Nice hostel with spacious dorm rooms (around ¥3,600/night). The futon is comfortable, and the toilets and showers are kept clean. There's a kitchen and a small common area. Wifi works well and it's only a 5-min walk from Kyoto Station.

This hotel is a gamble and depends on who your suite mates are. There are no walls in between only curtains exist. I am not sure why this hotel has such a high rating. The space is narrow, and shower didn't work properly either.

Good service, the room is clean and comfortable. I slept well in four nights. The female host and the male host wearing the glasses were incredibly cute and helpful

Chose to stay there for location, by the station for 2 days. The staff were great there, they put you at ease. The facilities were clean, and the sleeping dorms were private with the curtains put in. Good to stay for a few days.

Wohh what a hostel, its just beautiful and the best thing is the people operating it (staff). Thank you so much KJ, tatsu, emiko& kanako for making our stay wonderful. I love you guys. Btw this hostel is well located, super clean, has cooking facilities and you can get everything within 500 metres so i had wonderful experience. Thank you

We really enjoyed our stay at this hostel! We had a private room for two and it was perfect, there was even a bathtub! I enjoyed the Japanese traditional style with tatami and futon! The staff was always super friendly and helpful! It’s just a bit far away from the main spots of Kyoto but with the bus you can easily reach everything!

Not only was this hostel walking distance to Kyoto Station (less than 5 minute walk!), but the location of the hostel makes it the PERFECT location for any travelers planning to explore the wonders of Kyoto. The room was comfortable, and the vibes around the hostel were chill! Within 3 days of staying here, I was able to do ALL of my planned activities thanks to the hostel's vicinity to Kyoto Station! HIghly recommend Piece Hostel Kyoto!

The staff are truly amazing — kind, polite, and always ready to help, it really feels warm and welcoming. The location is excellent, just a short walk from Kyoto Station, which makes it very convenient for exploring the city. Rooms are comfortable, everything is clean and well organized. I had a wonderful experience and would gladly come back again.

Great Hostel! Clean and nice. Toilets and Bathrooms were 95% of the time super clean when we were there. Convenient breakfast option and options to store your food in the fridge. Good located next to the Train.

Last minute booking at this hostel. Quick access from Kyoto train station. I have never stayed in a room this spacious in Japan. Amenities like kitchen, laundry, lounges, coffee (I loved the latte so I had it often), gaming, smoking area, balcony, umbrella i had used comfortabaly. Staffs are friendly and helping. Overall building was very quite except that video game event. Day 1: Went to Yasaka Shrine, Nishiki Market at Evening. Day 2: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Day 3: Kyoto Railway Museum, SAMURAI & NINJA MUSEUM i had plan to visit "teamLab Biovortex Kyoto" but that was not opened on that day. In outside of Fushimi Inari Shrine there are some street food like minced meat fried crispy items(i didn't remember name of the food), i tried sushi here (i dont remeber restraunt name). . Take a cycle or ebike for explore kyoto entirely public transporation is not often.

My experience has been nothing but a great and peaceful journey here in Kyoto. I spent most of my time staying indoors in the hostel. The environment is quite peaceful and the staffs are really helpful and hardworking. The property has everything you could ask for but especially the cleanliness is top notch. It doesn’t feel like an average hostel but it’s something you could find peace at after a long day of hustle. They were really a piece of my journey.

best hostel ever, specially the 4 beds room is bigger than other type of rooms, that included tv and sofa. definitely the best choice in kyoto to stay

Tremendous hostel. It‘‘s regularly cleaned, spacious and has a nice common room. However, it’s relatively expensive and you should expect that for this price(~4000¥). I would have been happily given a 5 star rating but there are 2 points that are to mention: 1. hidden cost: 200¥ as a tax fee (I don’t care if its a special city tax, if it’s just 5¥ or 500¥, put it on the page before someone books the stay and make this clear. This makes you loose trust and look bad) 2. the internet. We are in Japan - a country where we have 10G connection and your wifi isn’t working properly. Why did I put 4 stars? Price-Performance ratio. I would like to come back and refresh my review. Let me know once you’ve done so and you’ll get 5 stars from me.

Decent overall but some glaring mistakes that can’t go ignored. There is a mild stench emanating from some of the private rooms (be warned). Our original accommodation consisted of 3 bunks in the shared room, and the attendant on check in was nice about amending it to some privates they had available. She assured us that the price would be amended accordingly (we would get some money back); then later on a different attendant (whom I assume is the manager of some sort) said there would be no price adjustment and they would keep all of the money as if there were still 3 bunks being occupied in the room (now they are paid-empty beds). Once my friend came back to collect his bags after finally deciding to find a new hotel elsewhere, this same manager came running to tell me (and him) that he could no longer be in the hostel (even though he paid to be there, and didn’t get his money back), she insisted that even though he was a paying hostel-goer, he couldn’t even be on the premises. He quickly grabbed his bags and left. This was not ideal, and could have been handled more professionally with some greater transparency but thought I would share this experience for future travellers: if you wish to amend your reservations, or move rooms, price adjustments, you may have a hard time doing so here. Washrooms were clean, public spaces were a bit small but usually empty, laundry available which was useful.

The stay was nice. Showers were clean and there was free coffee. The traditional beds were oke for a couple of days, but not for a week. I was looking forward to a place with curtains and a good bed. Location is perfect!

Loved it here! I booked a women’s 8 bed dorm, and had the upper bunk. The bunk itself was super spacious, with a little drawer where you could lock any valuables. The kitchen and common room spaces are really nice, and well stocked, and the location is perfect. Bathrooms were super clean too. I would stay here again for sure, only thing to note is that it definitely isn’t a super social hostel, but I think that’s probably common across Japan

We stayed for 6 nights and loved it. Very helpful, friendly staff, great location and well equipped kitchen with free coffee you can make in individual drip. Amazing hot water for showers. Attracts a young, quiet, friendly group of international travelers.

My favorite hostel in Japan, it made me live the real Japanese experience with this old home so beautiful. Everything was awesome, it’s so clean, so safe, so beautiful, so well located and for a very good price The staff were so helpful I recommend it and I will definitely come back

It’s a hostel. Rooms smell bad (we witnessed two people checking out early because of that) and the staff claims it’s tatami mat smell, but we have not experienced it in others ryokans and it’s the reason our clothes and backpacks smell badly after our stay there. The garden view from the window is for some reason obstructed by bamboo crates. As a whole they are focused on maximum profit at the expense of your comfort- the fact that you need to pay 100 yen for an extra towel, they don’t clean your room or change towels during your stay and the shower is push-button operated (presumably to irritate you into saving water by having to push it every 5 seconds) tells you all you need to know about this place.

I have no complaints about the facilities or the service. The staff were very kind and understanding. The location is perfect, so if you just need a place to rest for a few days like I did, it’s a good option. The main issue was that several guests didn’t respect the rules. I couldn’t sleep one night because because of the noise.

only two pros: good location and high-quality breakfast cons are as follows: 1. Extremely poor sound insulation. can clearly hear noises from the street and peoples talking, which makes me can’t sleep at all 2. Poor-quality bed. The bed railings are so high that it is inconvenient to get on the bed. Besides, it also makes noises when others are turning over. 3. annoying staffs. They are nice but like to talk loudly in the living room, and make lots of noises. Moreover, the breakfast was served too early, basically you would be woken up at 7 a.m.

Best hostel ever. This place made my stay in Kyoto so special, I literally felt like I was staying at a loved one’s house. The owner cooks an amazing and thoughtful breakfast every morning, the staff is very kind, and the dorm was comfortable. The location is perfect— close to many Kyoto landmarks but not too touristy or crowded. Also Jiro was a lovely host :)

such an amazing stay at this hostel! the kindness of the staff is unlike anywhere from the warm greetings and goodbyes to the breakfast served daily - it all makes me feel so at ease and at home! more about the breakfast- the fruit selection is AMAZING! I felt so well fuelled for the day! the location is absolutely stunning- the temples that are just nearby, the cute ceramics stores around the corner, such a short but scenic walk to all the best bits of Kyoto! I am genuinely going to miss this place so much but I know I’ll be back whenever I come to japan next! Highly recommend to anyone! It’s also the most sociable hostel I’ve stayed at in japan so that was a bonus as a solo traveller!

I loved this hostel. The beds have curtains, it's decently close to the subway, and best of all the (free!) breakfast is amazing. Lots of variety and the miso soup is delicious. If I could take this place with me to my other destinations I would! The things to keep in mind are: you don't have access to the full kitchen, just microwave/toaster/fridge, so don't plan on doing actual cooking. Also, it's a bit far from a JR station (must take subway first) which is less convenient for day trips. I walked to a bunch of places though, and the subway will take you most places anyway.

Best hostel in Kyoto. Breakfast is amazing and included in the price. Staff is nice.

Great experience here at my first hostel! Lovely staff, great free breakfast, and respectful guests. Homey vibe, along with fantastic dog. Location is a bit out of the way from central Kyoto, but only a short bus ride to get to it. This is a great place to stay to meet people all around the world.

Truly wonderful 🙏🏼🥰🙏🏼 Jiro (a beautiful white Shiba Inu), and his staff make this place a true gem in a true gem of a city 🇬🇧❤️🇯🇵 If you find a better included hostel brekkie in the world, let me know. Grilled salmon, homemade miso, beautiful mushroom rice, 🍓 🍒 🍈 🍍 and 🍰 to start your days adventures. Unsurpassed ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A decent hostel that serves more hotel-vibes than most. Overall it was a decent stay and I’ll comment on the following: Staff: not very friendly or welcoming, but not rude either. Very neutral which feels weird for a hostel but overall not a bad experience. Rooms: very clean with a nice patio space outside. Beds are not comfortable and the sheets aren’t great to encase the comforter that they provide. But overall not bad. Location: pretty far from the city, however convenient that there is a direct bus line with a bus stop right outside. Overall vibes: closer to what you would get in a hotel rather than a hostel. If you’re a solo-traveller looking to make friends and meet people, I would say this isn’t your place. However it is nice, the grounds are quite beautiful and it would be a lovely place to sit on the patio out in the summer. Overall I would recommend staying here if you were in Kyoto.

The hostel is great, comfortable and clean, but far from everything. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, the bathrooms are very good and there is an onsen. You can pay for breakfast if you want to, I didn’t because I asked if there was anything vegan and they said no. There is free tea in the kitchen at night and a few vending machines.

UPDATE: The hotel staff arranged the call, and the teacher apologized. But I still don't want to delete my experience. Thanks to the staff for taking immediate action and helping us out. A bunch of high schoolers from Eimei who were from the basketball club on a club sport activity at night around 11:30 pm 26th March 2025 passed some racist comments to us. They went and said kuso gaikokujin just because of our skin color. If immediate action isn't taken from the hostel staff, we will be really disappointed with the service. Never will I come back to a place where we aren't welcome. You can check the CCTV footage for proof. If you treat your guest differently based on their nationality, I'm very disappointed. My name is Pakshal Oswal, and our room number is 112 HigashiYama.

I definitely recommend you to go, it is a hostel with a very stylish architecture and we stayed with 4 people and the rooms were very clean and nice.

Overall a good hostel. The architecture of the hostel is nice and everything was meticulously clean. The onsen/hot water pool was great, nice to relax and also clean. What bothered me massively was the fact that you don't get a duvet-casing but just a second linen sheet to place between you and the duvet. Obviously, this will slip away while sleeping and it's neither hygienic nor pleasant. I really think they should offer casings for the duvets, because this really contradicts the otherwise high hygiene standard of this hostel. The WiFi in the first floor is almost unusable. You're instructed to use the Kyoto City WiFi there, which requires you to re-connect every 10 minutes and also has marginal encryption and safety certificate. The hostel WiFi needs to be available also in the first floor. Sound insulation is also rather poor - fortunately the rooms in the south wing of the first floor have sufficient distance from the common areas, so it's rather quiet there. There are plenty of rules regarding what to do and not do, including a night curfew after 23:30. A bit strange but probably necessary for such a large hostel. The location is at the very northwest end of Kyoto and quite far away from all the main attractions. However, it's a peacful area close to a little bamboo forest and a supermarket.

Really cool place if you have a big group. Very clean and well run. Only things to be aware of is the extra fee for towels and linens but they weren’t very expensive. As well as upon arrival each person is required to fill out a form with your address, passport number, and a few other things that I just found to be a little odd for every single person to fill out. Overall I would recommend this place and would come stay again if I had the opportunity.

One of the nicer hostels I’ve experienced. It’s a bit far from the city center, but it is tucked away in nature, and the location is walking distance to some of the Kyoto’s best temples and the Arashiyama district. Would highly recommend spending a couple nights here for a unique view of the city.

Great hostel with prime location in Kyoto. Great facilities and free breakfast and drip coffee. The rooms are clean and spacious. They offer very low price items at the reception if you need anything (sleeping mask, body towel). Big kitchen where you can have your meals or cook if you wish. Free tea and coffee. Towels provided. Very clean. Friendly staff ✨

Worst hostel experience I’ve had in Japan R Star Hostel was by far the worst place I stayed at during my trip. The overall experience was horrible. The staff were cold and unfriendly. I left my room key near the shower area, and one of the staff took it, then demanded I pay ¥1,500 to get it back. When I explained that I saw a staff member take it, they threatened to call the police if I didn’t pay. Things got even worse when I checked out, one of the staff actually followed me on the street for 30 minutes and touched me inappropriately. I was seriously harassed, and it felt unsafe. On top of that, the bathrooms and showers were often dirty and smelled bad. If you’re planning to enjoy your stay in Kyoto, I highly recommend staying far away from R Star Hostel.

We stayed three nights (24-27 September) at this hostel. Unfortunately we didn't have a better experience: 1) First, the room was in the back with a window facing a wall with no natural light, which is obviously not visible in the booking photos. We asked the manager to change the room, but it wasn't possible. We understood, but we didn't like his behavior, even though he didn't speak English. We thought it was rude. He even went so far as to say (with the help of a translator) that we could move to another hotel. We really didn't like his attitude. 2) The included breakfast was very poor, with only bread, butter, and jam. Instant coffee or tea. We only ate it on the first day. 3) Check-out time was 10:00 AM, unacceptable. But we think they gave us a small margin, not anything like that. At 9:59 AM, they were already knocking on the door. We asked for 10 minutes to finish packing our bags, and after 5 minutes, the manager was asking us to leave and threatening to charge us fees. Unbelievable. My mother even thought there was an emergency. It was very unpleasant and, most importantly, unnecessary. A room this size takes 1 to 2 hours to clean, even if they had a new reservation, which would give them more than enough time to prepare it for future guests. In the end, we we felt the hostel had potential but was simply being poorly managed. The things we liked: 1) was that all guests had to remove their shoes at the entrance and wear flip-flops provided by the hostel. 2) The bathroom is clean and spacious, with a free toothbrush and toothpaste. 3) the price, around 42€/night -21€ per person is a very economical value.

Like many people said, it's very clean but very loud for some reason. Beds are comfy but if somebody turns on their light in bed, you will have light too. Common room is also clean, but a pain to stay in bc the employees are either refilling iced water or vacuum cleaning the entire time. For the price meh

Mini shop located across the street, very convenient. Internal laundry room on the 1st floor Very quiet, extremely clean. Required to take off shoes at entry and wear slippers provided.

Somewhat ok. It’s definitely best hostel I’ve been to, not that I’ve been in many. Hostels are very bad accommodation in general. I’ve made mistake when I booked, I thought it was a hotel. + it’s clean, location is ok, there is a laundry - as any hostel they don’t provide any sort of amenities - what they call a breakfast is just a bread and it’s only until 9 if you late like 5 minutes no bread for you - if you plan to stay more than 1 day don’t hope to get your sheets changed or even a towel. Bottom line is that you can stay at a good capsule hotel or ok normal hotel for this price, or even cheaper

Thoroughly enjoyed my stay here, so clean and we'll kept, great friendly service. Accommodates for locals, solo travellers and families. It is well run by staff. Would book again

🌟 5-star experience! The staff was incredibly friendly, helpful, and welcoming — truly a pleasure. The room was great, with a very comfortable bed and a spotless bathroom. Fresh towels were provided every day, which was such a nice touch. Free coffee in the morning was a lovely bonus — and surprisingly good! The hotel is perfectly located on a calm, beautiful street, just steps away from Kyoto's must-see neighborhoods, but without the crowds. Everything was perfect — I highly recommend this place. Such kind people, such a great stay. 😃

At first I was attracted by the design style of this capsule hotel. I really like the minimalist and clean vibe. After checking in I found the whole place to be very youthful, and the staff spoke fluent English. I’m a bit introverted so I didn’t talk much, but everyone was really nice. >< The room, bathrooms, and dressing areas were all very clean, which really lifts your mood. The location is great too, right next to Yasaka Shrine and within walking distance to the bus stop. During my four-night stay it was quiet most of the time, except for one night when it was a bit noisy. The soundproofing isn’t perfect, but if you’re a good sleeper or bring earplugs it’s not a big issue. Overall, the value for money at this price is really excellent!👍👍👍

I’ve been to this hostel for 4 night a and it was the best hotel during my trip! the rooms were very clean, they give you new towel every day and also a toothbrush, earplugs and a comb. the powder room was spacious and well kept with large mirrors. they have a bar in the ground floor with coffee and tea for free and a terrace on the last floor where you can enjoy dinner and a sunset. location is perfect! staff is friendly I can’t say one bad thing about this hostel

Thank you so much for your services. I haven’t met such kind, helpful, and friendly staff in a long time. Everything was perfectly clean — the showers and all the bathroom facilities were in perfect condition. The chill zone was also great, and all the services were very high-quality, some even beyond my expectations. Once again — thank you. And when I come back to Kyoto in the future, I will definitely stay with you again. Otsukaresama 🙏🏻

Tsukimi Hotel was a nice hostel overall. First it's in a good location. It's on the east side of Kyoto close to a lot of attractions. It was an easy bus ride away from Kyoto Station. The rooms had cubby-style bunk beds that were very cozy to sleep in, with a nice privacy curtain that blocked out a lot of light. There were also lockers for safe storage of possessions, as well as a luggage storage area on the same floor as your bed. The rooftop was extremely nice. You have a fantastic view of the nearby shrines and pagodas, and the sunset view is phenomenal. The staff were very friendly. They always greeted me when I came in and when I left. It was a small detail but I really appreciated it. They advertise that they have a "cafe" but it's really just the employee working who will serve you a pastry or drink. They have a "bar" but I thought it was overpriced and not very good. If you want a drink, walk down the street to Lawson and get a beer for 1/3 the cost of what the hostel charges, then drink it on the rooftop while you watch the sunset. There is laundry but it's located on the roof. Not ideal if the weather isn't good. You also have to buy laundry detergent from the staff on the first floor. This isn't the hostel's fault, but this part of Kyoto gets really sleepy at night so there isn't much to do when the sun sets. I ended up going to bed early every night when I was staying here which was fine, but I don't think I would have enjoyed it for more than a few nights. Overall it's a good spot if you want to see the cultural sites of Kyoto. But if you stay more than 3 nights you will probably be bored unless you are trying to disconnect.

I don’t usually post reviews but this time I had to. Tsukimi Hotel is definitely the top on my list after staying here for 8 nights in September. Besides the prime location in Gion, this hotel offers coffee and tea for their guests all day. You are also free to use their lounge for the whole day even though they are operating a cafe. Furthermore, the toilets are clean, and you have an area to pack your luggage before you go into the sleeping area. This way, you wont disturb other guests while packing your luggage. Bonus points for their rooftop view - overseeing Kiyomizu temple, Hokanji temple and Kyoto Tower 😍 What really makes the difference is the hospitality I’ve received from the staff! Basically, they speak to you like you are their friend and it makes it so hard for me to leave this place after 8 nights.Yuri, Kohsuke, I miss u guys 😭 I will definitely be back!

There can be no overstating the intense locker room odor that permeates the sleeping area. The showers were filthy and slimy with these magnetic bars from which the shampoo, conditioner, and body soap were hanging from. This provided no stability and they were constantly sliding off the bar or bringing the bar crashing on the shower floor throughout the experience. “Room” safes were not working which is not good when all you have is a dysfunctional curtain to pull down. No paper towels to dry your hands after using the toilets and much means you are shaking them dry since you’ve already chucked your used towels into the wash bin. The entire time, I was never sure that any surface was clean or had ever been washed. There was never an attempt by staff to dissuade me otherwise.

This was hands down the best place I stayed on my travels. It's in a stunning location, the staff are so warm and friendly, and the facilities are spotless! I would highly recommend this place to solo travellers and families who are looking to stay somewhere peaceful. It's such a special place, I will definitely be coming back❤️

Loved my stay here. Dorm rooms are cold (amazing!) and bunks are private. VERY clean hostel and quite aesthetic as well. Staff is highly personable and most speak very good english. Staff recommendation sheets for local businesses were very cute and so helpful (you can tell everything at this hostel was made with so much thought and care!). Only drawback was mechanical locks on the dorm doors were quite loud and wake you up. Cafe downstairs opens early (many japanese cafes dont, so this was a big plus!) so you can get a coffee before heading out! I hope in the future they might be open to running it as a bar on some nights, as its fun to meet locals in japan at a hostel bar! Loved my stay here and wishing the Niniroom team the best!

After travelling through more than 34 European countries and staying in numerous hostels, this one stands out as by far the best. The aesthetics are impressive, the facilities are spotless, and the atmosphere is peaceful and quiet, ideal for a good night’s rest. The staff are very friendly and helpful. An outstanding place overall.

Great location with plenty to see and do nearby! I stayed in a private room—the one with the blue comforter shown in the photos—and it was the perfect size for just me. The shared kitchen downstairs has been super convenient for cooking, and I’ve been using it often. I really appreciate getting the social vibe of a hostel through the common spaces while still having my own quiet space to relax. The staff are incredibly friendly and accommodating, and everyone I’ve met speaks excellent English (not that it’s expected, but it’s definitely appreciated!).

This is a hidden gem. The rooms are very comfortable, and being able to have a solo room for this price is a superb value luxury. The cafe on the ground floor is very popular with local Japanese people, great atmosphere and tasty food & drinks.

It's complicated to review this one objectively. If i have to be completely honest the rooms are really not worth the price. I have been to many, many hotels/ryokan/guest houses etc at this point in japan so i have expectations depending on the price i pay. I can hear everything everyone say. Oh, an American dude in the room opposed to mine and he's always on the phone? Yeah prepare the ear thing cause you're gonna use them. The bed isn't really that great either, not bad too. Despite all this i went twice there and twice for more than 7 days. To me it has the best location in Kyoto. Not too far from kawaramachi, not too far from demachiyanagi, yeah it is perfect. Metro lines, busses: Perfect too. Staff is very kind, always a pleasure to talk to one or two people there, have a glimpse of their life and stories.

Overall, I had a good stay at this hotel. Would I stay here again? Maybe, it depends on the timing of my next trip to Japan. Would I recommend it to fellow travelers? Yes. For context, I stayed in a private room with a shared bathroom. What I liked: 🍎The interior design is tasteful and cozy. 🍎The bathroom was the best out of the three hostels I stayed at during my Japan trip — clean, well-equipped, and very comfortable. I truly loved it. 🍎There’s a café downstairs, which is great for those who want to chat or hang out late without disturbing others. 🍎The room itself was decent. 🍎Reception staff were friendly and helpful. What could be improved: 🍋The room isn’t soundproof at all — I could hear footsteps, doors opening, and general hallway noise. As a light sleeper, this was tough, though I was lucky that other guests were quiet and respectful during my stay. 🍋The bed and pillow were very firm. I actually felt dizzy for the first two nights. Eventually, I used the sofa pillow and my neck pillow instead, which helped. 🍋Towels and other amenities are not included by default — they’re optional (but fairly affordable). 🍋There’s no natural light or indicator of the time of day in the room, so it was hard to tell if the sun was up. Final rating: 3.7/5

I guess it is impossible to leave an average, not to mention bad, review in this Guesthouse. We booked a private room - traditional style with views to a cute little Japanese garden and shared bathroom. Everything was like on the pictures and as described. The highlight of the stay are the owners - honestly, these people are like angels: friendly, sweet, smiley, patient, just LOVELY. Mama was quick to answer all our questions (before and during our trip) and took care of a reservation in an amazing fish restaurant that we loved. Papa prepared a beautiful souvenirs from our stay with them. It isn’t a luxury place so if you look for it - it isn’t for you. It is place for beautiful souls looking to share beautiful moments with the hosts and the other guests. It felt like being at home :)

Staying at Compass Guesthouse was the highlight of my first solo trip — a truly unforgettable experience that I’ll treasure forever. I stayed for 5 nights and was lucky to be surrounded by warm, open-minded travelers from all over the world: China, Korea, Japan, Turkey, and more. What made the stay even more special were the amazing hosts, Papa and Mama. Their warmth, kindness, and hospitality made me feel like family. I’m deeply grateful for their care — from the small thoughtful gestures to the heartfelt conversations. The guesthouse itself is cozy, clean, and full of charm. Breakfast was simple and comforting, and the two adorable cats added an extra touch of homeliness. Kyoto has always been beautiful, but staying here gave it a soul. Highly, highly recommended to anyone coming to Kyoto.

I stayed here during my trip in Kyoto, I would definitely come back again! This place is really recommended!! Mama-san and Nonoka-chan took really good care of me. It's also located in quiet neighbourhood that I feel like I'm living with Japanese family. Everyone is so kind and welcoming!

A very warm accommodation where one can both get a taste of Japanese lifestyle and culture while also feeling like home thanks to Mama and Papa’s hospitality;) Recommend to all those traveling to Kyoto! Posting along with a photo of the breakfast prepared by our dear hosts - perfect start of the day! (And of course the nice time shared with all other wonderful guests.)

In November 2024, we (four people) were in Kyoto for two nights and opted for the KYOTO COMPASS guesthouse as it made a very good and friendly impression online. This impression was fully confirmed on site; although we were a little early (as there were no more lockers available at 11am at Kyoto station), we were allowed to check in and deposit our luggage. We were immediately taken by the charm of the old house and the host couple. At breakfast, we chatted diligently with the guesthouse mom and other guests and kept an eye out for the cats, who were also enjoying their stay during the day. On our second evening, Guesthouse Mama organized a table for us in a nearby Yakiniku restaurant; delicious! Thank you very much for this great stay and the wonderful memories.

I had a truly wonderful stay! The hospitality of the hosts was exceptional — warm, kind, and always willing to help. They made me feel welcome from the moment I arrived. The entire experience was unforgettable, full of care and attention to detail. I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone looking for a special and memorable stay. Thank you so much for everything!

If you‘re a social person this will be paradise for you. The absolutely kindest hosts you will ever meet for sure!! Extremely warm and welcoming with 2 cute cats. You meet other travellers and have amazing conversations aswell as making friends. Best stay in Kyoto for sure. Highly recommend!!!

The staff here kindly helped us find my son's lost card. Good english service. The museum worth a visit. Has a canteen with good view of rails and trains. Top level has a good view of whole city. We luckily saw the lixury tour train 山翡翠

I’d probably give it 4½ stars if I could. The Kyoto Railway Museum has an excellent collection of beautifully maintained locomotives and carriages, and it’s clearly designed with families in mind. Kids will love exploring the exhibits, and there’s plenty of space to walk around and take photos. You can even walk underneath some of the trains and see how the mechanics work, which is quite impressive. However, I would have appreciated more background or technical information. While it’s easy to translate Japanese signs these days, there isn’t much depth beyond the visual displays. Overall, it’s more a museum to experience than to study – a great place to admire trains rather than to learn about them in detail. Still, it’s very well presented, enjoyable for all ages, and two hours are just about the right amount of time to see everything.

An amazing experience for the whole family! Lots to see and interact with, world class exhibits thatll help you appreciate how incredible the railway system is in Japan. The train diorama show is a must, its free for museum goers.

Great museum! Much larger than the Tokyo Metro Museum. The Shinkansen history is massive with exhibits of the different bullet train models through the years. Only a few of the cars allow entry, but there is still a lot of interactivity. In addition to the railcars, there were exhibits on dining, shipping, and train operators. There were lots of tours with young children. If you've ever rode the Shinkansen this is a must see attraction to see how it's become such a rapid transit wonder. My only disappointment was the map of world railway openings did not have Bermuda's 1931 railway opening.

This is worth going to. Having been to a few train museums this was one of the most comprehensive. You don’t have to understand all of the Japanese trains as the museums isn’t solely about the trains. They have exhibits about how you maintain railroads, how train crossings work and more. Very informative and interactive. They also have a great roof top area where you can see the high speed and regular trains.

Absolutely a must visit if you're into trains even the slightest. The trains on display are impressive, with the opportunity to even enter some of them. I was surprised to be able to enter an old steam locomotive and view its interior up close. There are also several interactive exhibits that explains railway concepts in easy to understand ways. The only downside for foreign visitors would be that most of the explanations are in Japanese, so I had to walk around and Google lens pretty much every readable content. That aside, the displays are impressive on their own as well and will be plenty interesting. One highlight that you definitely would not want to miss is a session at the old train shed where a steam locomotive is brought out and operated. This happened around 4pm in the evening, and I stumbled upon it completely by accident.

10/10 this place is a must visit if you are traveling with kids. All ages will enjoy and have the best time at this museum. They have a show with miniature trains very well made in the 3rd floor. You have to make sure you check the times and be there 10-15 min before to be able to get a sit because they won’t let you stand around. Also there is a restaurant on the 3rd floor. We couldn’t try the food because they close at 3 pm 😭 I suggest they stay open at least until 4 pm since they close the whole museum at 5pm and they should mention it in the entrance, because there is a small cafe on the first floor but a lot of the meal sets were sold out and if you want full meal the restaurant should be a good place for it. We’ll have to check it out next time.

When I arrived at Kyoto Station, I was amazed by how huge and modern it felt, almost like a small city on its own. It was really easy to find my way around thanks to the clear English signs, and I loved that I could quickly switch between the Shinkansen, JR lines, subway, and buses for my day trips. I grabbed a quick meal in the underground Porta mall, which had plenty of affordable options, and later explored the upper floors where I found the rooftop garden and Skyway with amazing views over Kyoto, plus the illuminated stairs that looked magical at night. I also used the coin lockers to store my bag, which made sightseeing much more comfortable. The station was definitely crowded, especially near the bus terminal, but I felt it was part of the experience, and overall I enjoyed spending time there—it turned out to be not just a station, but a destination in itself.

Kyoto has a massive sprawling station that connects people to the subway, JR West Lines, Kintetsu, Kyoto City buses, and Shinkansen. It greatly contrasts the rest of the city with its rather modern architecture and grand design, with high ceilings, and a rather cool “skybridge” at the top floor, which serves as a bonus observation deck. The station is usually very busy with the Shinkansen level being especially crowded, and it is usually wise to budget 5-10 minutes to navigate to your platform as crowds may be challenging to navigate through.

Was here in July recently on a break visiting Osaka Expo. This is the 3rd time in Kyoto over that last 15-20 years, and this is always a must-make stop. Nice atmosphere and can go up to the top level for a view of Kyoto. Also plenty of food options in this station.

I’m a US travel today taking the train from Kyoto station to Nara. I checked the schedule of the train B01 leaving at 9:27. The train station is big so we were not able to find the right platform. I went to platform 8-9 then we were told that was not the right platform so we needed to get out and go downstairs. I asked the service officer to manually waive the train charge because we were at the wrong platform and didn’t board the tram at all. Then I asked the service officer how to get to the B01 line platform to Nara, he immediately lost the patience and rudely told me “I don’t know!, I don’t know!”. The attitude was extremely bad…this is the first time we met such rude officer who WORKS in the train station but would not tell travelers the direction! You work here you don’t know?! I was shocked by his attitude! My wife took his photo when he came out to repair the reader. I then asked a different officer from the same office at the window and he explained to me well how to get to the B01 platform, luckily I was having one minute before the train left. I would like to report this officer’s unprofessionalism and attitude! He rained professionalism being an officer working at the station, and also ruined travelers entire day!

This is a humungous station that has several different train lines including the world renowned Shinkansen aka bullet train of Japan. The station has more than eight floors, several platforms, exits, ticketing booths and multiple customer service booths. Alongside being a station, it is also adjacent to a shopping center. There are some landmark spots too, especially the eight floors of steps. The station is very clean. Directions are posted everywhere but it’s little bit confusing. It’s so huge that when we returned to the station from Fushimi Irani, we couldn’t locate the store where we left our luggage. We walked around for 20 minutes to find the path to other side of the station. Buying Shinkansen tickets was difficult too. Since we were boarding evening train, regular ticket wasn’t enough, the clerk sent us back the booth to buy express tickets. Tickets are expensive for express lines, about $175 per passenger to go from Kyoto to Tokyo. Once we were inside the Shinkansen platform it was super nice. The platform and their destinations were clearly marked. All the timestamps were posted on display screens. The platforms themselves had wonderful small waiting rooms. People waited in there for 1-2 minutes before the arrival of their train, as we could see the train arriving from the waiting room. There were several vending machines to purchase drinks and snacks.

I was pleasantly surprised by how grand and luxurious Kyoto Central Train Station is. I’m not sure why more places around the world don’t do the same—it truly leaves a lasting impression on travellers and makes a big difference to your overall experience of the city. The sheer variety of food options is incredible, and they’re all good—there’s just no other way to put it. It’s also a fascinating place to simply stand or sit and people-watch, as you see so many different walks of life passing through this impressive transport hub—coming together and then parting ways to their own cities, towns, prefectures, and adventures. I stayed in Kyoto for five days and used the station as a base for day trips to places like Osaka, Nara Deer Park, and Nagoya. The transport system in Japan is just so well designed and thought out—I can’t wait to visit again!

I love this station. It has everything and it is so busy from day to night. I can find all sorts of food and buy my souvenirs there. It is accessible to the porta dining area as well as the isetan food court. The mall behind the station has quite a few shops such as Donki and Gu.

A relatively inexpensive, basic, yet very comfortable, and well-located hostel for a short trip to Kyoto. Open 24/7, you can arrive late at night, as they leave your capsule key at the reception desk. You can complete your check-in in the morning. An additional 200 yen city tax applies. You can leave your luggage there all day to explore the surrounding temples.

During check-in, I was treated with unbelievable rudeness by the Indian front desk staff and even the manager showed the same terrible attitude. This is the worst customer service I have ever experienced. The booking was misleading. There was no clear information about taxes and it was never stated that there is no lift in the building. I was put in Floor 4/B with a 23kg luggage. This is completely unacceptable. Had I known this in advance, I would have skipped this hotel entirely. The way I was treated was disgusting. The staff acted as if I couldn’t pay and should just cancel non-refundable. This is not how guests are supposed to be treated. Front desk staff are meant to be polite, professional, and helpful, using clear and courteous language. Instead, I was met with rudeness from hell. Additionally, the capsule is not soundproof. It is all wooden and very noisy. The sound reflects and echoes, causing loud noise that can be disturbing with other guests. Also, the entire place smells bad. Do not book here. I don’t care about the tax. I care about basic human respect. This person does not belong in hospitality. Honestly, this is the absolute worst service and accommodation experience of my entire Japan trip.

Good points: Location is good, you have to take the bus number 206 from Kyoto station for 230yen for 15-20min. Staff is very nice and helpful. They have breakfast there but we didn't test it. All showers are at the 2nd floor, the kitchen too. They have two washing machine and 2 dryers, it cost around 500-600yen to wash and dry clothes. It was also nice to be able to leave our bags after check out. Beds are larger and softer than in most hostel in Japan. Bad points: We booked 2 beds in a dormitory of 12 beds, we discovered there is another dormitory of 12 beds just next door (on the 4B/4A floor). Not a problem if they used their own door to go in and out their dormitory but for some reasons the door was not usable. So the two dormitories were always with the in between door open and we had 24 people entering in our dormitory instead of 12. If the problem was only this it would be forgiveable... also we didn't have any key to go inside our dormitory meaning that not only the people inside our dormitory could enter but also everyone staying in this hostel !!! (maybe even a stranger because there is no security anywhere you can just walk through the door and go pretty much everywhere you want, even if you're not staying in this hostel) !!! Also, we had some people going through our stuff, of course it's not the fault of the staff but I think this lack of safety, security with doors always open is really creating the problem. Also, it could be nice to have more privacy. The curtain is only covering the top half of the bed entry on the bottom bed and the upstairs bed has no roof. you can see everyone's lights and it's not really easy to go to sleep. So if somebody is standing they can see everyone else in their bed and I don't think everybody would be comfortable with this. It's a shame they didn't invest in security by just putting doors that can actually close and lock, and bed with more privacy. I would not recommend this hostel if you're travelling alone, really not safe and not worth the price.

I'm still here. Perks are that there is quite a peaceful dorm share with a light blocking curtain. Makes a huge difference. It's a way bigger box room than other hostels that I have stayed at. I could actually unpack my suitcase!! Yah. Others sharing dorm have so far, respecting the quiet. Really lovely. Downside, several guests do not respect the rules of washing up or leaving communal spaces clean. It has it's impact. No free coffee. But you can cook and use fridges, laundry. Great coffee shop downstairs and good staff attending.

I stayed for 4 nights, I enjoyed my stay because the dorm beds are spacious, semi private and comfortable, location is also great. Not sure why they don’t put soap at the toilet sinks considering the washer is at a different floor and 5pm check-in is crazy considering they don’t even put the bedding on for you, but all in all I would stay again when I will be in Kyoto

location of this place is good because public transit is so efficient and you can easily get to the main area in 15 minutes but it is so noisy due to being right on the corner of a really busy street. no ac in the common areas but ac in the bedrooms. the bedrooms are ok, does get a little hot, wifi does not reach the bedrooms though. bathrooms are good, kinda small. some guests are just disgusting and don’t know how to clean up after themselves. had to pay extra for the hostel tax and had to pay extra for a towel (800 yen total). it is nice that they have a washer and dryer. unfortunately, i got my things stolen. i asked them to check the cameras on who took them and they didn’t even bother checking! personally, i wouldn’t stay here again unless it was a last minute resort.

I really liked the guesthouse. The beds are clean, there are many showers available 24h and a kitchen. Pretty standard guesthouse in Japan I would say. The only thing is that it is a bit far from the center. It is about a 30-40 min walk from Kyoto station and another 20-30 min walk from the shopping district Karawamachi/Teramachi. Buses are pretty efficient and quick and it is right next to the Kyomizu temple district though.I would probably stay there again.

It's a great location; central area. The twin room is very small with two bunk beds, but ideal if you just need a place to sleep and don't want to be in dorms. Shared areas are clean and quiet guests are expected. There are only two washer/dryers and dozens of people here, with there only being certain hours you can use them, so plan to wait. Dry your things on the roof if you're certain there won't be a surprise rain shower, which there will be any day in late June/early July. They have great recommendations and the receptionists are all very helpful. After a few days it was home, and I would stay here again.

This is more of a hostel than a guest house. Rooms are extremely simple, small and smelly. The most disgusting thing is that they only give you 2 clean sheets to sleep with, the blanket cover is probably never washed. You have to make your own bed and buy towels. Wifi disappears in the evening so don’t stay here if you need to work, you won’t be able to open a website. Kitchen is too crowded for cooking in the evening and mornings. Location is good, bathrooms are clean.

My husband and I enjoyed our stay. It was clean and comfortable. The walls are paper thin, so if you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs. There’s free soap for showering, hair dryers, and towel rentals are only 100 yen. Good vibe, decent price, great location!

Great area, we walked along the river and it was very very nice. spacious kitchen and common area! Rooms are dark and dated. The wall paper is atrocious. So it isn't a perfect place. But if you are not picky like me, you should be able to enjoy it reasonably well.

We stayed at Khaosan for a week. It is very good bang for your buck. The beds are comfortable with an individual curtain. The room AC kept the room cool even on the 5th floor. Each bed also comes with a locker within the room. The bathrooms and showers are clean. You can hang your laundry to dry on the rooftop. The shared kitchen/lounge is a great place to cook/eat/relax. Although breakfast is not included, you can grab food at the two fairly cheap supermarkets on the same street, Fresco and Gyoumu. After checking out, we were able to store our bags at the hostel until 9pm so we did not need to pay for a locker at the station. The hostel is well situated, right next to the market and bus stops. I would definitely stay at Khaosan again.

Khaosan is very Central, and by walking distance to many interesting places, including Nishiki market. The staff is very nice and all speak English. The rooms are clean (and smell fabulous), the beds comfortable and there are bathrooms and showers on every floor I believe. You get an assigned locker to your bed number so you can lock in your valuables. In the lobby there is information about noteworthy places to visit and restaurants to dine at. To sum it up, a very good hostel.

For a Hostel it is incredibly fancy and clean. The common room is massive and well equipped and the staff are great. My only issue would be how stuffy the bed4ooma abs bathrooms can feel. But that is a small complaint. Also the size of it kinda devoids the opportunity for a personal atmosphere with the other guests. But once again a small issue.

Once in a lifetime experience staying in Traditional Japanese house with affordable price? Go for it. But I would recommend do not book more than 1 night especially if you are light sleeper like me. You could literally hears everyone walking (since its 100 years old house) Normally Japanese are very clean. But this hostel kind of moderate. You can smell the wooden - humid scent once you arrived. The house sandals and shoe racks are VERY DUSTY. I Book for 3 nights but left after 2 nights because I need a good sleep without any interruption for my next trip. Paid amenities. Shared bathroom. I skipped shower because the shared bathroom is not as clean as I expected :( Anyhow. Good experience to enjoy authentic Japanese stays. Also. Good location. Many bus stations around! Service 1 star because there is no service at all 😅

Lovely old traditional houses are part of this accommodation. Not for those expecting privileges of modern living and or the modern capsule hotel type space. Very pleasant, especially when other guests honour the space. A sensitive house that amplifies every intent. One must be willing to tread very gently, walk extra quiet in order to not disturb others or the space as every step can be heard. And talk very softly if at all. A great waking meditation practice living space. I ended up feeling very comfortable when other house/roomies respected the space or was alone. There is assorted teas, coffee, a fridge, the reception building has a kitchen with stove, utensils and morning rice porridge, locally grown. Very cute bath shower room & toilets. Very simple. Tantami mats with sliding doors. Shoes off. Slippers to be worn in open areas, and no slippers or shoes on the tatami Mats or rooms. Seems like occasionally some guests couldn't be bothered or don't understand Japanese etiquette. I personally ended up loving it. The area has it's little gems which one must seek out. A park across the street, temples, hidden corners. An all you can eat buffet with loads of delicious salads just within a minutes walk. Bikes for rent.

Great old traditional building. It could have became a really good experience if you are lucky enough have all the other guests follow the rules and talk really softly. Unfortunately I had to be waken up by the creaky sound made by a whole group of upstair guests as they walked around and talked loud.

Cool place! There are several old Japanese houses - all belong to the hotel. There are cute lounge places, one has a library (with even some books in English). I like the old interior and dim lighting. Also a little garden outside. I think it’s great way to experience Japanese culture!

The house itself is very beautiful at the surface, but it is not clean at all, it is the least clean hostel I have been to in Japan. I stayed in a mix dorm, people are eating in the bed and because it stinks too much that’s how I notice. People check in at 2 am and just making a lot of noises… it feels like they are putting down a home….and i also hear them using the toilet….The is my first worst experience in Japan hostel, least clean, least organised. I will not recommend if you are a sound sensitive and clean person.

I attended the property to check-in via a letter with a key attached in a box. The building I was staying in was around the corner and the map was confusing. I finally found my room, up a ladder/flight of stairs. The bunk only had 1 powerpoint in it for the lamp, nowhere to charge my phone. 1 chair in the dorm room. Very noisy floors and very limited privacy. The toilets were downstairs out the back, in a courtyard, the female toilet door didn't lock, the uni-sex toilet did. There was only 1 shower/bathroom for the entire building, with multiple dorm rooms. The kitchen was ancient and didn't look inviting. Upon arrival, I decided I couldn't stay and left a note at the reception area. They cancelled my booking (stating I didn't attend) through the reservation site I used, which is a lie. The front door is locked via a code, but unless people coming in turned the handle a certain way, the door didn't automatically lock, and I found this lack of security disturbing.

Budget friendly stay! However budgeted to the point where our twin room had no windows, and the shower needed a good soap scum removal effort. Otherwise loved the decor and the fact it was a 100+ year old building that still had historical character. Other guests were very polite and kept to themselves - but definitely noisey!

This is a great hostel!! They have cheap drinks (compared to other bars around) The capsules are super comfy and spacious. The place is clean. They have a ¥500 breakfast and events where you make Japanese food and eat with the other guests. English speaking staff, kitchen and lounge area. Everything about this place is great!

Mosaic Hostel is an awesome place to stay for both solo travelers and groups. The staff are amazing! Everyone I met was very cool and helpful. Shower facilities are clean and the sleeping pods provide enough privacy to relax when you need. The communal area is great for socializing and meeting your fellow travelers. Happy hour every evening and free dinner on Tuesdays 🔥.

This hostel was fantastic, location was 10 mins walk from the Kyoto main station and was easy to get to. We stayed In standard double with shared bathroom facilities and found that the room was clean and well provisioned. The only negatives were that the hostel was not near many eating locations and we were not accustomed to the Japanese style of accmodation and struggled with the thinness of the mattresses. Overall had a great 3 nights and would recommend

Clean capsule hostel with friendly staff, late night food, social events, a good lounge, nice facilities. Mixed and female only dorms are available. It’s located fifteen minutes from the station so it’s not a bad walk. Kyoto is really far so you’ll probably want to take a bike or public transportation to get to all the sights.

Stayed in 3 different hostels in our trip in Japan and Mosaic Hostel Kyoto was by far the best experience, and also the least expensive. The hostel is layed out so that the sleeping area is conducive to be a quiet area at all times and the lockers are very large. They can easily store a carry-on sized bag and more. The first floor lounge area is a great area to hang out, eat, and meet people in the hostel. It is only a 7 minute walk to the Kyoto station, and 4 min walk from a mall building with many restaurant. If you are looking for a hostel in Kyoto this is a must!

By far the best Hostel I've stayed. It's new, clean, comfortable, and they have all kinds of Sake. But the best thing is... there's amazing people working there. You are one of my best memories! I don't know what more to say... just that if you are in Kyoto, search no more, Mosaic Hostel is the place! PD: If you read this and you decide to stay there, give them a hug for me (David, the guy who stayed for 1 month). It deserves a Hoscar :)

The French was amazing, great stories very friendly and had some cool things to teach us! The environment was fun and the staff all friendly! The bar was a decent price as well, best hostel to stay at in kyoto if you need quick access to the train station!

Loved this place! Everything was clean, the bed was VERY comfortable, the staff was friendly and available and there were several convenience stores in walking distance. At $19 per night, it was also very affordable. The only negatives were that the shower room is in the basement (not that big of a deal though) and there's not much else to do in the area. Kyoto station is a short walk away though so it's easy to get on public transportation and go anywhere you want. I would definitely stay here again!

We stayed in a private room but shared bathroom. The room was very small and there was no place to put anything other than the bed. There is a small sink. The floor was really cold so you have to wear slippers. The bathrooms were always clean which was really nice. The showers were comfortable and most of the time there was one available. We didn't do laundry but you can use the machines for a couple hundred yen. It's very close to Kyoto station and across from a big mall. Can recommend going there, it has a big food court and nice shops.

I recently left my luggage at the front desk storage area before check-in and later discovered that one of my personal items was missing. I'm not blaming the staff — they were friendly and genuinely tried to help throughout. However, the security camera footage didn’t help at all. According to the police, it was too blurry to make out anything, which made it basically useless for understanding what happened. Unfortunately, because of this, I don’t think I can even give the hostel a basic passing score — if luggage security can’t be ensured, that’s a fundamental issue. I also noticed that previous reviews have mentioned similar problems, so this doesn’t seem to be a one-off case. I hope the hostel considers upgrading its security system, and I’d recommend future guests keep a close eye on their belongings. P.S. Just to be clear — please don’t assume that I lost or misplaced the item myself. I’ve got solid proof that it went missing at the hostel between 6:47 AM and 2:50 PM on June 18. If there were functioning cameras that could confirm whether I’m telling the truth, I’d honestly welcome it. No one wants to find out what happened to my missing item more than I do.

I really enjoyed this hostel, the staff were friendly and helpful, the rooms and bathrooms were cleanly and tidy. They care here. The common room on the first floor is very nice and we found ourselves hanging out here and met a lot of very cool people! I would definitely stay here again. It is also close to Kyoto station and there is a lot to do in the area, if you need anything theres a mall across the street and the bus stop is 500 feet from the door. Very secure and uses key cards to reach your floor and only your floor.

Very clean and nice hostel! The rooms were great, and there were plenty of showers, so no issues getting ready in the mornings or evenings. There's also a nice common area on the ground floor to relax or hang out. The only small downside is that the nearest metro is about a 10–15 minute walk. Overall, a great stay!

~¥4600 or ₱1800/night (Agoda) I got the solo room so it was comfy. There were toilet stalls per floor, but all shower stalls are at the basement, separate for M and F. Upon checkout, take your beddings with you and place them in the bin at the receptions- including towel, pillow case, duvet case, etc. Slippers for ¥100 There were shampoo, conditioner, body wash in all shower stalls. Hair dryer, toiletries also available in common vanity areas. I wasn’t able to lounge much at the common room / dining hall. You can heat food or boil water, wash utensils you use. Staff speak English no problem. You can leave your bags before or after check-in/out, label and tag them yourself. Place was pretty well maintained, bed was clean. Very quiet in the sleeping floors, it’s like universal knowledge to not take calls or make noise in capsule hotels in Japan.

Amazing location nearby Kyoto Station, it accessible to go anywhere by train or bus. Large area, so as a moslem I can easily find place to pray, even some of the tourists including myself repacking on the aisle (outside the dorm room) and it's okay, though please be mindful of others as well since it is an aisle Buy 100JPY for a sandal and are available for other amenities to buy, they give free towel per stay per person There are lot of shower rooms, powder rooms, and toilets, but idk why the toilet kinda body odor-smelly but its okay for me. As for the shower room is just enough for most asian guys (lean or a bit bulk), its a kinda hostel Japan hostel shower room: a box shower room, but from what i experienced from staying 4D5N here is hard to find the cold water, its always whether luke, warm or hot shower though it summer: ( But anyway, the staff were very kind, even I have checked out, they let me stay and others as well in 1F to drink, eat, ude toilet and charge while waiting for my transportation Unfortunately it seems that this hostel stopped it's operation, right when I also checked out 2nd August 2025 and leave Kyoto : ( its a double sad for me, but thank you so much Wise Owls Kyoto, you will be remembered

The best value for your money. Close to the metro station and city buses. Walking distance from Gion and Kyoto station.

Excellent location and easy 15 mins walk to Kyoto station, great amenities, a nice breakfast and friendly and helpful staff. Had a wonderful experience staying at this cute hostel. The bed was great and the room was quiet. Loved the shower facilities. Definitely recommended!

Great comfy and clean place. Free wifi provided. The showers and bathrooms along with the toilet were all nice and clean. Laundry is available for a decent price and you can buy detergent here as well. The reception staff were friendly and helpful.

A really nice place to stay. The rooms were well designed and comfortable. The shower and washroom areas were very clean and well kept. The hostel staff were incredibly nice, friendly and a joy to talk to. Well worth the price.

My favourite hostel so far. Close to Gojo (subway) station and a few good finds (Kyoto beer lab, Walden woods, Lorimer). The staff were really helpful. Especially with my questions about getting around on buses. They have heaps of information for tourists on the walls and some foodie recommendations. The beds were also spacious and comfortable! 😊😊

I'm so happy to stay in here because i meet so many people from another country. The staff is very helpfull and warm welcome. I like the dinning room desain very minimalist and comfy. Bed room and toilet is very clean and comfy with best price.

One of my favorite Hostel in Kyoto. Very nice place to stay. The Hostel is clean, new and good organized. Well speaking English Staff. Not so far from Kyoto Station about 10-15min to walk.

I had a great time there two years ago. Staff was very patient and friendly. They gave me everything I needed : maps, explanations to travel around the city, nice and quiets places to see, good restaurants, ... You can even rent a bike. It is very well located, 5min walk to a subway station and a bus stop is just accross the street. The rooms are big and you have a small locker where you can put your belongings. There is a big common room with a fully equiped kitchen, sofas, television, ... It was so great , I am coming back next year :)

Nice place nearby a metro station. Stylish lobby area, very clean rooms and bathrooms. Bunk bed was pretty cozy. A 7-11 is around the corner which is nice for drinks, snacks, and using their ATM if you have an American card. Restaurants, shops, and a museum. Simple but just what we needed, would definitely stay here again.

Very comfortable staying in this hostel. The care takers are super kind and friendly. Location is not too far from Kyoto station. Just need to aware that Kyoto region charged tourist tax 200yen (i think) per night.

Such a good experience! The sweestest, helpful staff. The place looks clean and I experienced the staff cleaning the place, both days I stayed there. Bathrooms looks clean! The beds has a very nice size, with space enough for a good amount of stuff. Plus there's a shelf in both the bottom as well as on the top bunk. I experienced great Wi-Fi for all floors! And there's a kitchen + fridge, so plenty of possibilites to cook/eat on a budget. Overall were me and my friend very satisfied with our stay! Will definitley go back/use their hostels again for sure! Nothing to complain about.

One of the great hostels I stayed in. The staff is very humble. They are very smiling. The location is very good. Very near to Kyoto Station. Just a 10 minutes walk. Even nearer to Fushimi Inari Tourist destination. Other destinations are also easily approachable since this hostel is near to train station.

Great experience everytime. I stayed here around 5 times. Most stays in 2009 and so far one in 2018. I love the staff, in 2008 a guy at the reception gave me aoi matsuri tickets. I really love coming back here. The rooms are clean, the bathrooms have everything, the kitchen facilities are great. Location is very good. After staying here I also tried the J-hoppers in Hiroshima and Takayama and they were also great. It is an amazing place. There is no elevator so be warned.

I stayed here for only one night, my dorm room was big, every bed has curtains so there was some private space for everyone, plus the beds were very comfy. There was only one shower and one toilet on my floor, I'm afraid that may not be enough sometimes. My room's window faced the road so it was a bit noisy during the night because of traffic. Overall however a pleasant stay.

Very cosy, clean, quiet and a friendly owner. Volunteers working around the clock to keep it tidy and clean. Rooms feel nice and clean. One tiny problem is that I wish the 6 dorm was only 4. But overall so worth it for the price!

Small not too clean kitchen, hard to use, no place to sit and eat, limited seating in kitchen area ; no place to work, like a real table w outlets nearby except first floor by windows, counter cluttered w appliances, papers, misc; kitchen on third level after going through 2nd floor and outside fire escape stairs; noise in hallways after midnight w people going from roof to down to first floor, then smoking out front where noise and smoke goes through windows upstairs. Surprisingly, I thought being next to the train tracks was going to be too noisy, but it was okay, as there were no train horns, nor stopping; they rushed past quickly. Thin walls between rooms, enough to hear conversations, snoring! Must make your own bed w sheets provided, strip and drop into laundry bag at front when leaving. Concerns about if someone DOESN’T use sheet and sleeps on bed anyway. Lots of after midnight check-ins.

Review after a Public Service Announcement: if you snore don't stay in a hostel!!! You are being selfish!!! I'll never stay in a hostel again as long as live. Tired of selfish people ruining the sleep of everyone else. This hostel was not the best. Bit far from the worst. The rooms were decent. AC nice and cold, not cheaping out on that. Place seems clean. Staff was very friendly. Only smell was, yet again, selfish person who can't wash their feet or bag their socks.

Amazing stay, great service from the staff, and good price value. Even if it is a bit far from the historical center, it is still just a 20 min ride by bus. Also has a station 3 mins away so you can be in central Kyoto station real fast. I will definitely repeat, having the chance.

The host, Essam, was very welcoming. The best part about living in such accomodations is to be able to meet and converse with people of different countries. Apart from exploring Kyoto, I got to experience accounts of anecdotes from various cultures with me. I wish them the very best. The only negative I could think is of is that the dorm room was a bit small. Also, avoid carrying heavy luggage as there is no lift.

Very kind people, pretty much what you would expect from a hostel. Very small and tight spaces. Not the best location. But the price was right. They do treat you like family witch is a plus. Great place to stay if you are on a budget.

I stayed here for a few nights and the only good thing about this hostel are the The location and the host (super friendly). Other than that I would avoid this place, the rooms are stupidly small. There is no space for everyone's bags/luggage and people are literally tripping over stuff because the rooms are TINY! The rooms are also no sound proof, so you can hear everything, including the sound of the train. Also, when people have to leave early, you can hear them because the room is SO TINY! They mention amenities like 24 hour security and someone being at the front desk 24 hours on hostel world; that's a total lie. There is no one there over night. They also charge you if you want to leave your bag there after you check out. It's a hostel; of course people are going to leave their stuff there after they check out for a little bit. I will not be going back and I recommend you avoid this place. It's not worth your money.

Best, coolest hostel I have ever stayed. Staff was friendly, young & hip (shout-out Riko), and so were the other guests. Great style, music, books. As centrally located as you can get. Amazing view of the city, river... Recommending to all of my friends.

Very interesting concept and great for curious travellers between the ages 18-30ish. I wouldn't recommend any older as the vibe is quite young. Staff were friendly and incredibly helpful. The room itself is quite cramped and dark.There is no security for your luggages so you kinda just hope you don't stay with anyone dodgy in the capsule hotel. In terms of sleeping, it was super noisy and the noise travelled through my capsule. I could hear when people were going to the bathroom or putting books away and they played room music till midnight. Fortunately they provide ear plugs which worked a treat. All in all, it is definitely an experience which I would only try once.

Wow, this place is just something amazing. We were on our honeymoon and decided to try book and bed in Kyoto just because why wouldn't you want to sleep in a library Lol. It was an amazing experience. We got two beds right next to each other and the place was filled with other book lovers. Everyone was so courteous and respectful which as we found during our trip is the trademark of the Japanese people. Another trademark is the exceptionally clean bathrooms and showers. Book and bed is no exception. The place has a modern design. It's not a place for the party ppl but if you love your books and the concept of sleeping in a library / book store fascinates you then definitely give this place a try. We slept quite comfortably but we're not picky about noise abs after our long days of walking around we would just pass out. The location of this place is also fantastic. So close to all the action in Kyoto. The staff are really helpful and nice. Chika was awesome. The night we were there it was sold out, don't wait book it asap, you won't regret it

Awesome selection of local craft beer and some fantastic books, ranging from manga to notes on Mandela. Super friendly staff who speak English extremely well, ask for food recommendations and they will hook you up. For a hostel the amenities are great and the location is exceptional. Right next to the river and popular sakura spots just near gion corner. Awesome experience even if you plan to stay for one night

Fantastic hostel particularly because I love books. The staff were probably the best hostel staff I have met yet. They were accommodating, kind, and always willing to have a conversation. The only thing I would say was that the hostel was a little tricky to find without instructions. It's on the 9th floor of a building close to Gion Shijo station. The hostel is in a great location very close to many tourist destinations and restaurants/shops. However the closest JR station is a little bit of a walk. This didn't bother me but it might bother some.

Absolutely fun place to stay. Finding the location was a little tricky but everything else was great. Staff are chic and friendly. The hostel has a great concept and awesome views. Just bring your own towel and toiletries.

Never felt more home than this. The amenities here are great, the toilets are clean, there is free wifi, tons of books and there is this whole couch area where you can consume your meals and drinks. Location wise it is near Ponto Cho and Gion which are streets filled with food and entertainment, also there is the Gion-Shijo station which is just a 5 min walk away. That aside I have been staying here for 5 days and woke up to different staffs who are all really nice people. They are approachable and hospitable. Had a good chat with some of them. Do note that this is a hostel and not a hotel, with that in mind I think the service and amenities are considered beyond expectations for a hostel. Thank you for making the stay a great one for me, notably Ryo, Masa, Saki, Miki, Sakina and a whole load more. Cheers!

We were absolutely thrilled with this accommodation. This beautiful house is traditional, yet we had everything we needed here. The owner was super friendly, helpful, and the breakfast was totally delicious. We definitely want to come back.

This place is fantastic! One of the most memorable places I've ever stayed in. I feel sad to have had to leave. Three of us stayed in the Deluxe Room and slept so well on traditional futons. Breakfast each morning was peaceful and nourishing. Our host and other staff were kind and helpful throughout. If you want to stay in a Ryokan - this is the place!

Stayed in a 2-preson dorm room, it is basic but full of style. it is clean and cozy, the building itself is beautiful. However the wall of the dorm room is too thin and I hear noise from the neighbors. Shower room is great and they offer bathe too. Breakfast is the traditional one, it is expensive so just try once is enough. Everything is good but I will experience other guesthouse next time as Kyoto is so huge to visit.

Location was great. The bathrooms were not clean and smelled bad. It was a hassle to have to put on four different types of shoes to get to your room. However, the garden was nice and very relaxing.

Such an amazing place to stay! They’ve done a great job transforming this traditional townhouse into a small hotel, maintaining its charm but also rendering it cozy and convenient. Book the deluxe room if you can. The staff is very lovely and helpful and we loved the neighborhood, not too busy with tourists but with lots of things to explore. 🎏🧡

I had a fantastic time staying here. Making an online reservation was easy, they spook good English, rooms were comfortable, and the breakfast was delicious. My group stayed here to get away from Tokyo for a night and experience traditional Japanese culture. Guesthouse Kingyoya went above and beyond to deliver that experience. If I vacation back to Japan in a few years, I will be traveling back to Kyoto to stay another night!

Super clean and quiet place where I experienced authentic Japanese style living. The breakfast is also great you should try out. The staff is very resourceful with various recommendations of places you can visit in Kyoto. You can also use their bike to cycle around. I definitely recommend anyone to try it out.

Loved our stay here! It's a humble guest house, where you have full access to the kitchen and are welcome to sit and stare out at the garden watching the koi (which I happily did). It's right in the middle of historic Gion, and a great value for that location. Loved the simplicity of it all. Would stay again!!!

We had an amazing time at Gion Koh! We visited in early November 2025. We were suspicious at the beginning given the shared bathroom facilities, and we had such a positive surprise! Everything was clean, was very smooth to use the bathroom and toilet at any time, there was hot water available all day/night, and in general the house was so warm giving all over Japanese vibes! The location is fantastic, right in the hearth of traditional Kyoto. Hiro, the owner, was helpful any time we needed help and speaks English. The room size was really fine; even having two luggages with us there was still some space. Tea was also available at our room. Towels were provided every day with bedroom getting tidy. You can use the kitchen to cook and there is a lovely middle garden with lots of available books to read indoor. The living room is also nice to have a tea and relax. Too cozy! In general, we loved it!! Run and book it!

Absolutely wonderful. We stayed in one of the private rooms with our own bathroom. It was large and clean, the window out into the garden was fantastic. The shared kitchen was sparkling and well-stocked with utensils and anything else you might need, including guidebooks in various languages. Hiro’s English is excellent and he is a warm and welcoming host. The walls are thin, so if you’re a light sleeper I would suggest earplugs to avoid being woken up by night owls/early risers. I highly recommend walking around the area your first night in - the streets are stunning wonderfully lit up at night, and the crowds will have dwindled down to people with large cameras taking beautiful shots. Ultimately my favourite place I’ve stayed ever, not just in Japan.

Fantastic experience! This is such a beautiful place to stay near everything and with a real feel of Japanese culture. Our room was beautiful and the beds extra comfy, we had an amazing time. The host Hiro is super attentive and helpful, we loved our stay and would 100% stay there again.

Nothing but good things I could say about this place! Phenomenal location right in the heart of the Gion district. (though a bit tricky to get to from the station with bags). The staff was really great. Very accommodating and kind. Rooms were clean and quiet. I had a garden view room. I would recommend asking the staff to get the ac/heater working for you though (there are instructions but still had difficulty). I will absolutely come back here.

Does not deserve 4,9. The hostel is dusty , many places not clean, feeling of being neglected and little cleaning activity, despite relatively high prices. First time I have this in Japan.

Great place to stay in Kyoto. Amazing location, super nice host, beautiful house.

What a cute little hostel! With the cutest room. Such good location - basically in the train station. Bathrooms were super clean and had curling irons, face steamers, and hair dryers you could use. Bit confusing figuring out how to check in. My only real complaint is that they made you pay per piece of luggage you wanted to store, even just for a couple of hours till the room was ready. Other than that, a perfect little place!

ADORABLE room set up! Everything was top notch and the bathrooms and showers were great! The cafe downstairs is cute, and good to use as a dining room in the evening once it’s been closed to the public. Side note - there’s a vending machine outside where you can get HOT TEA! Crazy stuff. I know it’s available on most vending machines but just thought you guys should know 💪☕️

Excellent hotel to stay alone or with friends. Very secure for any nervous woman, and very cute set up! Everything was clean and the beds were comfy. Shared bathroom area also very clean, and had body and face soaps, shampoo and conditioner. Shared fridge and microwave as well by the elevator. Great location next to Sanjo station, with streets of shops and restaurants right across the bridge. You do hear/feel the trains rumble below, but it's not super loud. We stayed on the 2nd floor, so maybe ask to stay on the 3rd floor if that might bother you. Absolutely plan to stay here again when in Kyoto!

Nice location in the city which is handy to the train station and bus stops. The decor is very cute and they offer nice amenities in the powder room. Disliked: The cafe wasn't open for the duration of our stay! It was disappointing as being able to have coffee and breakfast at our accommodation was part of the reason we chose to stay here. The 4 person room that we were in also had curtainless windows which allowed the bright street lights outside to shine in. When we asked the staff about a solution the following day they had to think long and hard before eventually offering us some bath towels and tape to fix it ourselves. Beware that you can hear the trains passing through the station underneath. Lastly, our room (211) shared a wall with the powder room so we could hear people blow drying their hair until 23:00 which was way past the quiet hours.

Great location near Sanjo Keihan station. Clean rooms and helpful staff. Recommend!

I fall in love at first sight to the photo of the room with window perfectly facing the kamogawa river. Even though we didn't end up in that room (we got the one in the back) but our overall experience was very satisfying. First of all, let me inform you that the room was that small. Three girls with three huge luggage will need to be a lot of compromises, but it's not impossible at all. Despite how small the room, the soundproofing works wonderful. however, the powder area, bathroom, and toilets are wonderful! Great lighting, spacious, great amenities (bravo to the conditioner and hair iron that made my hair look smooth every day) The location is perfect, less than 5 min walking distance to the kamogawa river, starbucks, and 100yen shop (It is located on the underground station. Look for a Book-off store across the street, go down 2 levels, and you'll find Watts, a 100yen shop. You'll get everything you need here) At night, you can stroll around Gion. If you are looking for lively night entertainment, this place might be not for you, but if you are like me who looking for the beauty of Kyoto within the moon light and shadows you'll like it here. We even managed to see a real live geisha went home at one night. Such a magical beauty. Definitely will come back for the next trip. PS : the booking fee is not include the "kyoto tax" so please calculate this on your budget.

The location was fantastic, with a lift directly from Sanjo station up to the hostel. I especially loved the crocs. The only downsider I'd say is that majority of things I would expect to be complementary are not free, like leaving your bags if you check out early. When you pay it just gets left in the front tied up to other bags with a cord. I would recommend it for a group of friends.

The best hostel in Tokyo, the staff is kind, and always willing to help. The rooms are confy, they have very a beautiful rooftop and the location is perfect, you are in the Gion district and you have a lot of restaurants and pubs nearby. It is a really good place for English speakers, who know nothing of japanese. Compared to my time in other hostels, in this one it was easy to meet people

Awesome location, convenient for walking around gion as well as to the subway. The space was really really clean and comfortable, bathrooms were well stocked and spotless. I stayed in the female dorm and the bathroom was shared between 5, but the shower and toilet have their own separate lockable doors. There are also extra showers on each floor and a washroom in the lobby. I’m not sure if the mixed rooms are the same but the female room also a space for changing/applying makeup. I stayed here for ~5 days in June and found it pretty quiet (although most beds were filled in my room for most nights). Slept comfortably through the night, no earplugs needed (although they provide some for free). Breakfast is light, toast and coffee and such. Fine with me since there’s so much food to try in Japan. They also leave some complementary small snacks in the common area which is a nice touch. You don’t need to wash your own dishes, but afaik you also can’t use the kitchen so may be pro/con depending on person. Atmosphere was a bit quiet. For solo travelers, may be more difficult to make friends than in other hostels. Staff was nice but often don’t speak much english. Hostel has a big wall with lots of tourist info. Overall amazing stay for the price.

Almost perfect spot in Kyoto, easy accessible to bus, subway and train. 5min walking to Gion street and many local favorites. Very friendly staffs and owner, Stanley, who can speak Japanese, Chinese and English and willing to show local infos. Clean and comfortable facilities. They provide single bed instead bunk bed in dormitory room, which is plus. Enjoyed Rooftop too.

Beautiful, well-priced hostel in the heart of Gion. So many little extra touches, everything is of high quality and you having a positive experience is the top priority. The roof is a bonus. The top tips are worth following. Can’t recommend it highly enough.

I’m not usually the type to write a review but this friend little hostel was exceptional. The owner goes out of his way for everyone that walks through the doors to make sure you feel welcome and have an amazing experience in Kyoto.

Though I didn’t stay at Friends Kyo hostel, but I got an excellent hospitality of the Friends Kyo staffs, Lee and Anung. When I just arrived and looking for the Airbnb I’ve booked, Lee went out to see his guest off and approached my husband who looked loss. After we recognized the place, which was near Friends Kyo, he offered to carry our luggage up, which surely we reject. Our accommodation was new and there was no map or other information and the WiFi was really weak, so I went to Friends Kyo asked if I can use their WiFi for important banking transaction that had to be done. Anung also given me the map. They were fully booked that week. The atmosphere at Friends Kyo is really cozy, though simple. Huge table at ground floor with tea and coffee corner. Friendly staff speaks clear English. Will surely stay at Friends Kyo if I happened to be at Kyoto again and will recommend them to my friends. Thanks you Lee & Anung!

Great hostel, very clean, good location and the best hosts you can ask for! Ask them for recommendations because they are brilliantly informed about all the events going on in Kyoto.

Beautiful place to see if you are in Kyoto! It was busy but not the worst. They also have lots of ramps and an elevator if you are a wheelchair user or are bringing your child in a stroller. Lots and lots of shops and food stalls! Great place to get souvenirs and also enjoy yourself and see a beautiful shrine! If you enjoy hiking it’s a great place to go as well, or you can turn around after the first leg of the Torii gates.

This might be Kyoto's most famous temple. I went in the evening on a Thursday night at the end of October, and it was still full of people. The temple is beautiful and its many gates are iconic. Since it is open 24 hours, I would recommend arriving as early as possible, if you intend to hike up (I have done it once and it is a very neat experience). If you go at night, you will have some cool photos and a different vibe, but maybe not the best hiking experience (though it is still possible a good experience). This is a best of the best cultural experience in my opinion, and I would highly recommend it (though everyone seems to be aware of that!).

I left the hotel to take an early morning train just to avoid the crowd. Alas, despite the morning shower, the crowd is still present during such early hour. The overcast sky is a stark contrast against the orange hued architecture here. Everyone had their umbrellas out which means navigating the narrow vermillion hued corridors was a challenge but nevertheless, I persisted. Taking a photo without anyone present is almost impossible but our commnunity is very cooperative and once we see someone taking a photo, we all stopped behind them and let them finish. I really love this vibe. Thanks to the weather, we left this place earlier than we wanted to but I do intend to return under better weather conditions.

Visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha at night was an unforgettable experience. We decided to go after dark, and it was absolutely breathtaking. The paths were quiet, the air cool, and the Senbon Torii illuminated in a soft, ethereal glow. With no crowds around, the atmosphere felt serene and almost sacred, allowing me to wander in silence and truly absorb the beauty of the shrine. It’s a completely different experience from visiting during the day. Peaceful, reflective, and deeply moving. If you have the chance, I highly recommend a night visit to appreciate the spiritual stillness of this incredible place.

Got here at 5:30pm right as the sun went down and seemed like majority of tourists had just left. The pathways with gates had lots of lights so getting around In the dark was no problem. Beautiful shrine and lots of cool statues. A few cats around which made the experience even better. You can likely spend 2 hours if you would like to hike to the top and back. We went maybe 1/3 of the way up and was satisfied. There's also a QR code for a free audio tour if you like.

We returned to Kyoto (3rd time) just to visit this magical place again. Absolutely breathtaking, serene walk with the option to go the full circuit (highly recommend! Approx 2 hours) or turn back at any number of junctures. One of the main draw cards for myself are the shrine cats at Kaji-tei teahouse on the way down from the mountain top (take the first route back down if you want to skip to the cats!). The owner is a cat lover and takes wonderful care of the cats - there is a shop where you can buy photos of the cats, gifts and other trinkets that support their costs. I always bring some cat treats for them to enjoy. Whilst some areas of Fushimi Inari can get quite crowded, we've found regardless of the time of day Kaji-tei area is pleasantly uncrowded. We've been at 7am, 8am, and 2pm. For the earlier times the shop hasn't been open, but the cats are around and it avoids the crowds at the entrance. Highly recommend the whole experience. Don't be deterred by the crowds - if you are going very early (6am) and the crowd will think out very quickly as you climb.

​Historical Significance: Established in 711 AD, it's a very old and important shrine. ​Iconic Torii Gates: The path lined with thousands of vibrant red torii gates is its most famous feature, creating a breathtaking and unique atmosphere. ​Family-Friendly: It's a great place for families, with children often enjoying the climb and the expansive grounds. ​Accessibility: The shrine offers free parking, and it is wheelchair accessible with accessible parking, entrances, and restrooms. ​Open 24 hours: You can visit Fushimi Inari Taisha at any time, making it a flexible destination for your Kyoto itinerary.

Kiyomizu-dera: Where History, Culture, and Nature Converge ​Welcome to one of Japan's most celebrated and beloved temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site—Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water Temple). ​Breathing History, Living Culture: Founded in 780, the temple is a vibrant testament to over 1,250 years of rich history. The highlight is the "Kiyomizu Stage"—the famous main veranda, built entirely of wood without a single nail, standing 13 meters (43 feet) above the hillside. This iconic structure was historically used for dedication dances and inspired the famous Japanese expression for "taking the plunge" (to jump off the Kiyomizu Stage). ​Breathtaking Nature: The temple is nestled on the slopes of Mount Otowa, offering stunning panoramic views of Kyoto. The "Pure Water" (Kiyomizu) that gives the temple its name flows from the sacred Otowa Waterfall, where visitors believe that drinking from its streams brings blessings, success, and longevity. Come and witness the ever-changing beauty of nature, as the cherry and maple trees burst into brilliant color during spring and autumn. ​Experience a moment of purity, serenity, and wonder, where spirit, architecture, and landscape become one.

This is one of Kyoto's most famous temples, and the crowds match its fame. I would recommend arriving early (ideally, before 7:30 am). The temple is a beautiful and it is located in a gorgeous area. It is also walking distance to many other temples and historical streets, so it is possible to start your day at this temple and then go on to see other interesting places. This is a wonderful temple, and if you can arrive earlier, it truly becomes a magical experience.

Kiyomizu-dera is truly a must-visit in Kyoto. The temple is not only beautiful, but it also offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding nature. Walking through the historic wooden halls and seeing the iconic veranda built without nails is an experience in itself. The atmosphere feels peaceful yet vibrant, especially with the sound of flowing water from the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors can drink for good fortune. The paths leading up to the temple are lined with charming shops and local treats, which make the journey as enjoyable as the destination. Whether you go during cherry blossom season, the lush greenery of summer, or the autumn foliage, the scenery is absolutely stunning. This is one of those places where you can truly feel the blend of culture, history, and natural beauty all at once. A highlight of Kyoto that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Japan.

This is a great tourist attraction: The scenery is breath taking. All great are the sights, smell of incense from the shrine, the energy of the many people around. Tip: Get here early (7am) to not be in the crowd. The area is serene, the structure is magnificent, the views towards the city is grand. A high recommended.

Kiyomizu dera is one of themmost popular Buddhist temples in Kyoto. The temple is dedicated to Kannon. The temple is really beautiful and massive. You get a beautiful view from the temple. There is also the souvenir shop street leading to the temple which is lined with souvenir shops, snack stalls including the famous mochi making shop seen on Instagram. It is very popular so it gets quite crowded during mid day.

Great views in the early morning sun (6:45 am). But no spiritual feeling, with people just taking photos. A lot of the mountain paths are closed off. Best part of the walk was at the end, through the silent cemetery, without the crowds. For both temples and views, there are ”better” temples than this, especially if you think serenity is more important than selfies. (Visited late October, almost no red leaves yet. 500 yen entrance, paid mid-through the walk through the temple area. You need to visit early morning to beat the worst part of the crowds.)

Arrive early and you will have place to yourself. Spend the money to take a cab. We were there at 0600 on a Friday in early November. Maybe 100 people on the entire grounds. Easy to take any photo you want and help others get group shots. I would go to Kyoto and just see this in am and be happy. All the approach streets empty so the walk to see architecture is worth it. No shops open but similar shops can be found most everywhere so no loss in trade off for no people. By 0645 the streets were starting to fill and make harder to stop for pictures. The views of temple, valley, and city spectacular. Hilly route but you can avoids stairs.

I very much enjoyed this world heritage site. Lots of history and a look into the Japanese past. Definitely take the guided tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and experienced. There are numerous gardens and easy walking trails. It took us about 3 hours, including the 1 hour guided tour to see everything. There is also a small café for drinks and snacks.

This is about a 15 min ride from Kyoto Station. Walking through the castle feels like walking back in time of the Shogun. The interior is phenomenal and well maintained. The craftsmanship of the paintings is out of this world. The grounds are beautiful with an exquisite garden. The tour can be viwed at your own pace or you can purchase the audio tour with the ticket. Keep in mind photos/videos are not allowed inside the castle.

I enjoyed a lot my visit to the castle, a World Heritage Site and an important part of the shogun history. I arrived a little after it opened so it wasn’t too crowded. I got the combined ticket to go inside and it’s worth it (1300 yen I believe). Most of the panels are not original but you still get a glimpse into the past and it’s beautiful. The nightingale floor sounds need to be listened in person, it really sounds like there are birds inside! You’ll also see a lot of Japanese children in school tours which is lovely, and their teachers looked really invested in explaining them the history behind the castle. Unfortunately, no photos are allowed inside but they sell postcards with nice pictures. Also, you have to take your shoes off to go inside the castle. The gardens are also pleasant. The perimeter outside the castle seems to be a favourite spot for runners 👍

Pretty cool place to tour, not too big so its not overwhelming but there is a lot to see with the moat ( I went to a bunch of castles in Japan and this was the only one that had an actual moat) and lush green landscape with a big pond. We paid extra to be able to tour the inside of the main hall, and the only complaint that I have about that, is that you have to take your shoes off and walk in a line with dozens of other tourists who are also walking in their socks, (which is just a personal problem for me, I understand it is Japanese tradition but I just hate taking my shoes off.) I forget exactly how much it cost for the entrance fee, but it wasn't more than 8-9 bucks when you do the yen conversion. They have tour guide options if you want somebody to walk you through it and explain everything, which we did not do we just went at our own pace and enjoyed it very much, highly recommend.

My mom and I explored the castle while visiting Kyoto. We really enjoyed walking through the Ninomaru-goten Palace and viewing the beautifully painted wall screens. It was also fascinating to learn about the nightingale floors and hear them in action! The gardens and entrance gates were also intricate and beautiful.

Absolutely beautiful castle deserving of it's UNESCO World Heritage status. You can't take pictures inside the main castle, but other than that the photo opportunities here are endless on a nice clear day, like when I went. Lots of history here for people who enjoy learning about the early Edo period.

Beautiful, serene, and historic. Excellent first stop for us for the day. Going inside the castle is extra but worth it I feel (you must remove your shoes). The gardens were beautiful even on a dreary day. They don’t over do it with trying to sell you stuff. You can spend a lot of time or a short time here. Beautiful!

Based on reviews here, I decided to go early to avoid the crowds. My friend and I left the hotel around 6:30 and we enjoyed a pretty empty visit in the bamboo grove. Definitely recommend this to others interested in a more peaceful stroll. Many of the shops and restaurants are closed in the morning but I still prefer it to being packed in.

Nice, tucked away area of Kyoto in the hills. Nice scenery, seed a lot cooler than downtown. Easy to get to by bus. Some overpriced food and souvenir options, but not much else except scenery and temples. Quite crowded with locals and tourists, but nothing crazy.

It’s a pretty place. You first walk through a row of nice shops and food stalls — very happening and lively. Then you reach the bamboo path, which looks lovely. We went in the evenings — embraced the crowds— I’m not obsessed with getting the place to myself. I actually really liked the shops outside. They were just cute. Very Kyoto. And definitely tourist prices but fun.

One of my favorite places in Japan. The scenery in all seasons are just amazing. Was here several times in Spring during full Sakura bloom and now in fall for the colors. Amazing. Can’t possibly explore the whole area in a day.

There’s NO bamboo forest in this location! Bamboos is on another side of the river. However, the walking path goes along the river and leads to an old temple. Temple is original and there are no tourists. You can also have a break on the riverside rocks.

Amazing zone it’s look like other part of journey. The height of the bamboo so tall. Beautiful formation and relaxing place that could never be found anywhere

The famous bamboo forest of Arashiyama is worth visiting. Allocate at least two hours for this excursion and time it early in the morning to avoid the crowds, too.

It was a fun experience and a great place to visit so as there aren’t so many people. The monkeys are fun to watch and listen to them play around. Funny characters for sure! The hike up can be hard for some people but nice that they have benches to rest and take it easy. You’re also able to feed them while you’re in a cage (not really it’s just a building where they’re outside free and roaming around but come to the window area so you can feed them). Cute!

First of all- let’s start with this: amazing. It’s a great view with monkeys living their lives. The price is not bad but it is cash only. Secondly, it’s a hike. It’s not too bad but it can be for some people and children, they do have seats along the path, however it is a bit of a walk. Yes, there is a lot of tourist but as long as you follow the rules and enjoy monkeys with a view- you’ll have a great time!

This was a fun experience. The walk/hike to the monkeys can be challenging for some people and I do not think it's wheelchair accessible due to the steep stairs. The short hike is worth it when you get to the top and see the monkeys roaming around freely. Another added bonus is the view from the top.

Amazing!! A public bus will take you across the bridge before the park, which gives you an opportunity to view the beautiful gorge. However, the trail is a 20 MIN incline on a VERY slippery path, so ensure to bring adequate footwear! The monkeys are so cute! And Arashiyama is full of food to try too.

Was so excited to visit a monkey park while on my trip to Japan, so I was lucky to find this one on my one day in Kyoto! The hike up to the top was 20 minutes with rest stops along the way, not too far but took one break to catch my breath. Went on a Monday so there were not huge crowds. Absolutely worth it for what was waiting at the top, so many cute monkeys all running around freely and an insane view of Arashiyama!! I enjoyed it so much and spent over an hour there. The view alone was worth it!

amazing experience!!! takes a bit of a walk up before getting to the monkeys but some of them are hidden in the trees above you, just eating little leaves🤣 they are honestly hilarious and adorable all at the same time! definitely kid friendly too and great for families.

Cool place to observe monkeys in a relatively safe atmosphere. Trust me, I have experience going to such parks in Thailand and Bali, and these monkeys seem to be well-fed and well-behaved enough not to attack visitors. Also, I don’t understand the complaints about the mountain hike - it’s actually quite easy if you’re not old and don’t have any mobility issues. It would be just a nice, slightly uphill walk through a beautiful forest.

November 2024: Blessedly peaceful and only few visitors on the weekday. The historic architecture can be appreciated by those who understand the intricate details, and the garden makes for a beautiful shot of the pagoda. Absolutely wonderful to see nature’s friends enjoying the surroundings too

I came here for the autumn night viewing last November and it was nothing short of spectacular. The entire place is strategically lit up in a way that accentuates the structures and surrounding landscape. The pagoda in particular looks amazing and there is a lake in the garden area that reflects the pagoda off its surface. When I went, some of the buildings were open so you could look at the statues inside. Admission was ~1000 Yen, if I recall correctly. I hadn't planned on coming here originally but am very glad I made the spontaneous decision to do so.

Me and my parents visited this place in the evening and the view was stunning! Although only a little red leaves when we were there, the layers of colour (green/ yellow/ brown/ red) mixed together in harmony. The temples and Buddha statues were breath taking as well! Highly recommended. If not because if the time constrain, I'd love to visit there in daytime too.

Absolutely spectacular! It was crowded and warm in September, as to be expected, so bring water, dress cool and arrive early! It’s stunning! The gardens and the grounds are serene and the pagoda is remarkable! Be respectful, as this is a holy place and people are there to pray at the temples.

The 2 huge main halls smell like ancient wood, very calming & zen… The garden is quite small, pond water is kinda dirty, but got a big grey bird & nice photo views of the pagoda. Good to visit for once.

To-ji Temple surprised us with how tranquil and serene this place was. It was also neat to visit this temple’s pagoda, the tallest wooden structure in all of Japan. We lucked out because the pagoda happened to be open, a rare occurrence usually only reserved for special occasions. The temple gardens were lush and calming, especially by the pond. Inside the temple itself stood massive sculptures that make us feel so small, though no pictures were allowed inside. Time wise we spent about an hour and a half to two hours here comfortably. We’d love to come back here someday. Make sure not to miss this wonderful place!

I love the Zen feel of this place, and i was even more excited to be able to go inside the temple and swe all the statues. I wish you could take photos inside.... it was a pretty amazing thing to see. If you want to see a beautiful garden and some amazing historical buildings, this is a great place to stop. There is a small cover charge. And you might want to read up on the rules and what's respectful to the temple before you go.

A peaceful and impressive temple just a short walk from Kyoto Station. The wooden structures are enormous and beautifully detailed, with a calm atmosphere inside the grounds. Entry was free and there was no wait to enter, even on a weekday. Lovely place to take a quiet break from the busy city, and easy to visit if you’re staying nearby. Definitely worth a stop.

Stopped here by accident during my walk through Kyoto and I believe more travel guide books and sites should include this temple. It’s beautiful, huge and very well kept (you can walk, shoes off, through most of the temple and photos are allowed if no service or ceremony is going on). It’s just by the Kyoto Tower, so I would advise you to visit both. Highly recommended!

Pristine and cultural temple that is very big and worth seeing. Be sure to be respectful of the culture there because we had to take off our shoes when walking in the wood at the steps to the building. The whole area is very nice and open and pretty but be careful about walking to places that you may not be allowed to go. And I’m pretty sure photos are allowed within most of the temple walls. I was very pleased with this experience and I recommend.

I decided to walk to this temple early in the morning.The entrance is free.The temple is pretty impressive and It felt very peaceful inside.You can walk around and look at the beautiful artifacts which all have a brief explanation next to it and watch the people do their morning prayers.Great way to start the day.

We have been to about a dozen temples so far in our time here and this one is very cool! The displays of the old rope used and the fact it was much quieter than other temples made this a really cool place!

A beautiful and incredibly impressive place. You will need to take your shoes of to enter the buildings. There are places to stop and sit and also toilets and vending machines. There are fish in the pond around the temple and if you go across the road you and walk about 5min you will find a beautiful garden to visit

A beautiful temple which is best visited during a service or during the rain for a nice change of aesthetic and if you have already visited many temples. As with most major attractions I recommend aiming for off peak. Rainy days are great, early morning, of simply off-peak from things like golden week etc. For such a large temple, because it is active, there isn't much 'to-do' but do have a seat during a service or just sit quietly in the temple and have a moment to soak it all in.

At 700 yen I was expecting something amazing. Though nice there were a few negatives. In parts it looked a bit neglected, there were no benches to sit and admire the scenery which in summer would have been nice. I've been to nicer gardens in Tokyo that were free as such I left feeling a bit ripped off.

i randomly visit this garden because of curious. the admission is 700 yen. i came here in spring, not really special i think.. i got so many mosquito bites here, so frustating. i heard at sakura or autumn season this park has very wonderfull view.

What an unexpected gem! We only went to this garden because we wanted to while away some time before we could check into our hotel. This turned out to be a great idea. There was an art exhibition going on and one of the artists offered to show us the tea room previously used by the monks and explain a little bit about the tea ceremony. We had such a great time there.

On a very hot day, the gardens provided a great place to walk around, see some history, and enjoy peaceful views. The guide brochure had English as gave a self-guided tour. The Gateway art exhibit happening, and it was a highlight to see local art (and even meet one of the artists!). There were some air conditioned buildings as well which was lovely. Overall, a great way to spend about 90 minutes.

Really beautiful gardens. A nice escape from the busy crowds. I went at 10am and I only saw 2 people the whole time. I suggest wearing some insect repellant.

A very nice hidden garden in Kyoto near our hotel. It's 700 yens to visit. It's little but it's nice and peaceful

The park was very cute! Just feel the admission price is a bit steep for what you get. Otherwise definitely recommend for a quick stroll

The staff at this hotel are among the best I have seen. You expect a high level of service at a resort like the Four Seasons but the team at Four Seasons Kyoto seem to be genuinely friendly while providing amazing service. We got engaged on our trip to Japan and we arrived to beautiful room decorated with engagement balloons and decorations! The concierge team was amazing and had activities scheduled for every day of our stay, their recommendations were excellent as was the planning. The rooms are nicely decorated, very spacious and comfortable. We had a garden room and it is definitely worth it. The 800 year old garden is an ideal view to look out on while staying in Kyoto. The hotel feels more like a resort than a city hotel because of its secluded feel and gorgeous garden contained in the property walls. This was ideal for us as we preferred this relaxing location to a typical downtown city feel. Its like an oasis to come escape the city feel after exploring, and a quick cab ride has you anywhere you want to be in the city.

Came for the EMBA afternoon tea, easy English rsvp online, to see the garden, which is beautiful & well maintained. I had a glass of rose champagne while looking at the fishes in the garden under the sunlight, so chill & zen! The whole set is nice, especially the Gorgeous Creamy sweet & sour rose cake in the picture, the most delicious & beautiful dessert I’ve tried so far in the 5 stars hotels I’ve been to around the world, the warm scones are great, too! The rest are ok, pretty looking yet kinda funky fusion taste in my view… Apologies chef, French & traditional Japanese dessert elements are kinda hard to mix & balance. The tea brand they use here is a UK brand called JING. Guest can try variety of tea flavors included in the total set price. I tried the earl grey & one of the staff recommended floral tea shown in picture, they are ok. Global Tea Brands like TWG & many other 5 stars hotel exclusive tea brand called TeaLeave, make better earl grey & charming flavors… The outdoor tables are for hotel guests or for outside guests for a small fee, better check with the hotel staffs first, I booked a small table for steak dinner, usually starts at 5:30pm. Overall, standard four seasons style, smells good, quality food, nice services, some staffs are fluent in both English & Chinese too. I decided not to stay with four seasons coz many pampered rich guests left stupid bad reviews here… some of the reviews are just mean & too demanding, coz they think they are so rich & better, very tough on the hotel staffs. I don’t wanna see or live around these kinda humans, such a liability.

This is a beautiful property. But We had a Large room looking at a parking lot! So you might need to be very specific about the view. Also the room location. Very Long treck along winding corridors to get to rooms! And very isolated hotel location!!! Very isolated! Far away from the action. We love being able to walk to restaurants, shopping etc.. this hotel is far away from restaurants,shopping and attractions! Need a taxi to go anywhere! Round trip to the restaurant/shopping is around 30 dollars. On our previous stay in Kyoto we stayed at the Ritz Carlton. Located on the river, also a 5 star hotel but walking distance to tons of restaurants and shopping. That was an excellent location. It was a much better stay for us.

From the time of booking the hotel staff was detailed oriented of our needs and the communication was great. Upon arrival, the hotel staff made us feel at home. The attention to detail from everyone is superb. The hotel and restaurants are in excellent condition. The food is amazing. Nana is amazing, extremely friendly with our toddler. I would like to thank Fanny and Nana for the great experience. We will be back next year. Arigato gozaimasu

My wife, our 15-month-old son Luke, and I had the pleasure of staying at the Four Seasons Kyoto last week, and it was truly one of the best hospitality experiences we’ve ever had. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel like family — warm, attentive, and genuinely caring in every interaction. Traveling with a little one can be challenging, but the team went above and beyond to make our stay effortless and comfortable. From thoughtful touches in our room to the kind smiles and personal attention throughout the property, every detail reflected true Japanese hospitality at its finest. The setting is breathtaking — peaceful gardens, elegant interiors, and a sense of calm that makes you forget you’re in the middle of a city. The food, service, and overall atmosphere were exceptional, but it’s the people who made this stay unforgettable. We’ve been fortunate to experience many luxury hotels around the world, but the Four Seasons Kyoto stands out for its warmth, sincerity, and attention to detail. We can’t wait to return. — Zach, Alecia & little Luke

Difficult review to leave and understand how a four seasons gets a one star. I believe a 1 star should only be used if a company steals from you so that is where they earned it. Four Seasons is usually beyond amazing, but Four seasons Kyoto has ruined it for their brand. Don’t get me wrong the rooms are nice the location is ok. But the service is worse than a motel 6 in Detroit Michigan. Where to start, dinner first night after a day of travel went to their restaurant to an empty diner waited an hour for a hamburger, gave up told them never mind, we had an appetizer while waiting that took for lever too and they charged for that, which whatever, not here for a free ride but this place charges for everything!!! On checkout we left a bottle of Louis Vutton perfume engraved with my wife’s initials. Right by the front door, next to the coffee maker we called as soon as we got to the bullet train and realized that we didn’t grab it. To our surprise they stated we found the glasses but no perfume! Shocked we said check again please. They had no concern or question they just said no luck. Then asked us since Sunday about shipping information and charges for the glasses. I let them know I don’t care what it costs and the mailing addresses Here we are Friday in Japan and they are still confirming. This place is a joke, if you are good with a beautiful hotel but an incompetent and a staff that does not care this is your place. If not try motel 6. They care more!

The property itself is great, but training seriously bad to coordinate service. After booking our restaurant and the Concierge calling a taxi to get us there, we were delivered in a deluge rain storm to the wrong restaurant on a side road and dumped to wander in the rain to try to hail a taxi in the dark. On return to the hotel after missing our actual non-cancellable / 100% fee charged for no-shows the manager got us seated in the restaurant and offered to cover our meal cost. Of course, she forgot to tell the restaurant - so I got billed for dinner. Two other couples in our group were sent by taxi's ordered by the hotel to the wrong restaurants. Truly dumb mistakes easily avoidable - but no systems seem to exist - only apologies after mistakes. On return to our quite lovely room and a night's rest, my wife and I headed to breakfast, got seated, ordered eggs, orange juice and coffee and got up to grab fruit and yogurt from the buffet. Of course by the time we got back to our booth seating, the restaurant had seated another couple in our chairs........... What does one do - tell the new guests who did nothing wrong to get out of our seats? After getting re-seated, the staff lost our order and we got no breakfast, as we had a 30 minutes window to eat and meet a driver to tour Kyoto. No eggs. No orange juice. No competence in running a hotel.

Absolutely loving my stay here at the hotel. Warm & friendly staff and beautiful room. Location is also great for a first timer to Kyoto. Tonight watched a special Shakuhachi & Taiko performance by local artists & was welcomed to participate. Please invite more artists to your hotel so tourists from all over the world can appreciate the talent & beauty in Japanese art :)

Great hotel right in the middle of Kyoto. The rooms were clean and well maintained, the staff was friendly and helpful. Two complementary bottles of water are provided daily. Located right next to Nishiki Market there is plenty of good eats and bars around as well as many shopping opportunities. The next subway station is about a 5 minute walk away. Really recommend this place for a stay in Kyoto.

Good value for the price and location — close to the market, restaurants, and shopping area. However, the staff spoke very limited English, which made communication harder than expected. Even simple questions about breakfast were confusing. The room was quite dark and small, with no real space to store clothes. Would be great if they added more drawers and lighting.

Beautiful hotel, rooms are very nice and well appointed. The hotel has short cultural performances most evenings: karate, kabuki, and geiko dance are examples. Central location only a short ride by taxi from the Shinkansen station. The Italian restaurant il-chiante on the basement level of the hotel is excellent as well.

Great location, great attention and service. I cannot talk about breakfast since there's no explicit gluten free section, and for celiacs that's a must. Today there was a Shakyhachi & Taiko performance which was incredible, I greatly appreciate to have this kind of events set up inside the hotel.

Good location and nice lobby and rest area but lack of daily room cleaning put me off this hotel. Travelling with a child with nappies etc meant this was not ideal. Masked as an eco policy but they have plastic bags and amenities so it’s just a cost saving policy. A shame as the hotel is in the best location.

The lobby is beautiful, and the staff are very welcoming. The rooms are comfortable. Any needed Personal items are available in the lobby, Matcha tea pots in the rooms. The location is fabulous close to the market and charming historical sites in Kyoto. The hotel put on a charming, cultural event that was free. It has been a very enjoyable experience.

My stay at The Okura Kyoto was a wonderful experience that perfectly matched the city’s charm. The hotel has a classic and slightly antique character, which blends beautifully with Kyoto’s historic and traditional atmosphere. Our room was comfortable and spacious, with a lovely view of the river crossing the city — a peaceful and scenic backdrop throughout our stay. While the building itself reflects its age, it does so with elegance, offering a timeless sense of style and refinement. The staff were warm, courteous, and always attentive, making sure every detail was taken care of and that we felt welcomed at all times. Their kindness and professionalism truly enhanced the experience. Overall, The Okura Kyoto is an excellent choice for anyone visiting the city who values comfort, genuine hospitality, and a hotel that harmonizes with the cultural spirit of Kyoto.

Old school 5 star hotel with very attentive staff and good amenities. Location is great as the shopping areas and hotspots are very close. Rooms are very spacious as well. Breakfast was also good, you have two options for international breakfast and Japanese breakfast. The Japanese breakfast is not the best I've had, but still a solid option.

The staff were very attentive and offered to take our luggage up to our room while we checked in with our tour group. The room itself was very spacious with an absolutely gorgeous view over to the East. The room included a paper that described the different buildings and mountains that we could see. The beds were a bit stiff, but that didn’t stop us from being well-rested and enjoying our time in Kyoto. We had breakfast in the Japanese restaurant on the 6th floor and were very impressed by the meal. The location of the hotel is very convenient to many places to see and eat at, and we look forward to returning in the future.

Solid 5 stars! Highly recommended. And we are very picky travelers having done 30 years of business travel staying at 5-star hotels. We are family of 2 adults and 2 teenage children. We stayed in one of the larger "Family Rooms" which fortunately had fantastic view of river. We absolutely loved this hotel on everything from the flawless service showed by staff, to the rooms, and the view and the food, and the location. Very few hotels are worthy of this adjective, but we think Hotel Okura Kyoto meets the standard to be described as luxurious ! Tip: book early. This is a very popular hotel and we found reservations fill up months in advance of stay dates. Warning: if you find Hotel Okura fully booked, we do NOT recommend its homely, ugly "sister" hotel: Nikko Princess Kyoto which we found does NOT live up to high standard set by Hotel Okura

The rooms in Hotel Okura Kyoto are excellent and very spacious. The breakfast had a wide collection of vegetables, fruits, eggs, drinks, and a good variety of Japanese food. I really appreciated how they displayed all the ingredients, which helped me check easily if something was Halal. The basement connects directly to the metro station, which also has a collection of shops—very convenient! Every floor and room had a special touch with origami Japanese paper craft 😬, which made the stay unique and charming. I also used the fitness room; it was a good size, fully equipped with the required machines, and at an acceptable rate. The only things I wish it is better is the internet speeds! The WiFi was all the day slow!

Got a room here on credit card points and they were absolutely fabulous. Rooms were very clean and the location can’t be beat. The bar was very classy as well.

I usually don’t write negative reviews, but our experience with the concierge at Hotel Okura Kyoto on 5/8 was disappointing enough to warrant it. This isn’t about the hotel itself, but about how we were treated. After arriving in Kyoto from Tokyo late in the evening, we (two women) stepped out from the train station directly in front of Hotel Okura into heavy rain with no umbrellas and two heavy pieces of luggage. Our hotel (The Chapter Hotel Kyoto) was just three blocks away, but given the weather and our exhaustion, we asked the concierge at Hotel Okura (where there was a line of idle taxis) if we could take one. Instead of helping, it was clear the concierge repeatedly insisted we walk, despite the obvious difficulty and rain. He dismissed our request, citing how “close” our hotel was and how ‘complicated’ it would be for a taxi to navigate there. It felt as if the taxi line was only reserved by request of their hotel guests as I eventually asked if I should call a taxi myself, and he immediately said yes. The most baffling part? When the taxi I called arrived, another concierge came over to help with our luggage. This encounter was very disappointing! This was our only negative experience in three weeks in Japan. We felt dismissed, disrespected, and shocked by the lack of empathy and basic courtesy from the concierge.

We had a wonderful stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto. Lorenzo was truly outstanding. His warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail were unmatched, even compared to other five-star hotels we stayed at across Japan. Jerry also led a fantastic art tour of the hotel, which was one of the highlights of our visit. Overall, the service was great, though at times a little inconsistent, with some staff being warmer and more proactive than others. It was a great stay overall, and Lorenzo’s exceptional hospitality made it especially memorable.

An absolutely exceptional stay that perfectly embodies the beauty and hospitality of Kyoto. From the moment I entered, I was surrounded by a sense of calm and refined elegance. The room offered a stunning view of the Kamogawa River and Higashiyama mountains — truly breathtaking. Every detail was flawless, and the staff’s warm, thoughtful service reflected the true Ritz-Carlton spirit. Breakfast was exquisite, featuring beautifully prepared dishes with local ingredients. The balance between luxury and serenity made the experience unforgettable. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a truly special and peaceful stay in Kyoto — a masterpiece of comfort and grace.

Absolutely Exceptional — The Best Stay in Kyoto We stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto in June 2025, and it was pure perfection. From the moment we arrived, the service was flawless — warm, attentive, and genuinely caring. The location along the Kamo River is stunning, peaceful yet close to everything you want to explore in Kyoto. Our Garden Suite was beautifully designed with refined Japanese details and a walk-out terrace — serene, elegant, and incredibly relaxing. The walkability was perfect; we loved strolling to nearby restaurants and cafés along the river every evening. The Japanese breakfast was exquisite, and every dining experience was truly five-star. The staff anticipated every need with grace and professionalism — world-class hospitality at its finest. One of the best Ritz-Carltons I’ve ever stayed in — a flawless blend of luxury, culture, and tranquility. Highly recommend.

As with any Ritz Carlton, this hotel does not disappoint. The rooms are lovely, the staff fantastic, and the location can’t be beat. My wife had a few days where she wasn’t feeling her best and everyone kept asking how she was doing. My one piece of advice is be prepared for a very long breakfast. Regardless of what you order, expect delivery of every item is PAINSTAKINGLY slow. Took over 30 minutes to get coffee! Food takes way longer. And if you’re not from this region of the world, the eggs are funky looking but they taste good.

I loved the calm Kamo River setting and the excellent spa - great pool and a mixed-gender steam/sauna to relax. Bath products were top-notch, and the porter escort to Kyoto Station was fantastic and made departure effortless. On the downside, a luggage-shipping miscommunication at check-in (we were told next-day to the airport was fine, but it required more lead time) created unnecessary stress—management did apologize and covered porter + car, which we appreciated. Also, for the price, our room’s bidet seat/water heat felt weaker than expected. And although we were celebrating both of our birthdays, there wasn’t any acknowledgment (via in-room amenity), which surprised us at this level. Overall, a beautiful property, especially if you value spa time. Tip: confirm airport-delivery timelines at check-in, and if a toasty washlet matters, ask the team to verify settings for your room.

The Kyoto Ritz Carlton is a delightful property right along the Kamogawa (Kamo River), loved by Marriott Platinum elite and above members for the rather generous provision of amenities, which include daily breakfast at the restaurant, and typically reasonable point redemption rates. Rooms were well appointed, and had a very pleasant design and colour palette. I was an especially big fan of the large bathtub, and cedar flooring in the showers- the scent of the cedar wood in the showers made it exceptionally soothing to walk into the shower area. The selection of complimentary activities including bike tours and hiking excursions is also a nice bonus. I consider this luxury done well. The hotel also provides

We were really looking forward to our stay at the Ritz Carlton Kyoto, but the experience was very disappointing. Having arrived after a wonderful stay at the new Waldorf Astoria Osaka, this hotel did not compare favorably. First and foremost, the service was distant and basically MIA for our two nights there. Unlike all other experiences at our hotels in Japan, the Ritz almost seemed intentional in their lack of attention and coldness from the staff. Even as Bonvoy Platinum Elite members, there was little to no acknowledgment of status, and honestly, no one seemed to care. The rooms and facilities are okay but could use updating at a minimum. Our worst experiences were at breakfast where the staff barely took time to seat you. The wait staff, on both mornings, only showed up to take our order and never checked back to refill coffee or inquire about the meal. On the second day, I also never returned my breakfast and eggs and could not get anyone to stop by our table to ask about the order! This was NOT up to the Ritz Carlton standards, and the team here is in obvious need of training or at least introduced to typical Japanese hospitality customs that prevail at much more affordable properties. Please avoid the Ritz in Kyoto. Bonvoy members should stay at the Mitsui instead.