Find hotels in Kyoto from £26

Top reasons to visit Kyoto

• Rich Cultural Heritage: Kyoto is renowned for its ancient temples and shrines, offering a deep dive into Japan's history and traditions.
• Vibrant City Life: Experience a blend of modernity and tradition in downtown Kyoto, bustling with shops and lively markets.
• Unique Culinary Experiences: Senses Kyoto provides an artistic and culinary journey, showcasing the city's local delights.
• Diverse Accommodations: From charming guesthouses to luxury hotels, Kyoto caters to all preferences and budgets.
• Accessible Nature Escapes: Proximity to serene regions allows for breathtaking views and outdoor activities.

Find great hotels in Kyoto

Kyoto offers a diverse selection of accommodations, from charming guesthouses to modern hotels, catering to various preferences and budgets. Whether you seek LGBTQIA-friendly options, family-friendly amenities, or unique city-themed experiences, you'll find something to enhance your stay. Notable choices include the renowned Hotel Okura Kyoto among other excellent establishments. Discover the best hotels in Kyoto to ensure a memorable visit to this culturally rich city.

• RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto: This 4-star hotel is an oasis of comfort and sophistication, ideal for families and business travellers alike. RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto embraces a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQIA guests, supported by its affiliation with LGBTQI travel guides. With multiple meeting rooms and an accessible business centre, it caters to professional needs seamlessly. Families will appreciate the thoughtful amenities for children, including bed guards, ensuring a safe and enjoyable stay. The hotel’s stylish decor and attentive service create a refined environment perfect for relaxation after a day of exploring Kyoto’s historical treasures.
• Sakura Terrace The Gallery: A charming 3-star hotel, Sakura Terrace The Gallery offers a unique blend of contemporary design and warm hospitality. This establishment is particularly welcoming to LGBTQIA travellers, reinforced by its connection with LGBTQI travel guides. The hotel features a stylish guest lounge, perfect for mingling with fellow guests or unwinding after a busy day. With its convenient location, visitors can easily venture out to discover Kyoto’s vibrant culture, while enjoying the comfortable and inviting atmosphere that Sakura Terrace provides.
• Cross Hotel Kyoto: Elevating your stay in Kyoto, Cross Hotel Kyoto is a stylish 3.5-star accommodation that blends modern aesthetics with a warm ambiance. This hotel is LGBTQIA friendly, and its affiliation with LGBTQI travel guides ensures a welcoming experience for all. Guests will enjoy the thoughtfully designed rooms, which offer a relaxing retreat after a day of sightseeing. The hotel’s prime location ensures easy access to Kyoto’s famous attractions, making it a perfect base for exploring the city while experiencing exceptional comfort and service.

Where to stay in Kyoto

Kyoto offers a captivating blend of culture and history, making it an ideal destination for various types of vacations. Explore the vibrant downtown area, where modernity meets tradition, and discover evening hotspots filled with friendly locals. The city's convenient location allows for easy access to nearby regions, providing opportunities for serene escapes and breathtaking views. Whether you're seeking family-friendly experiences or a relaxing getaway, Kyoto and its surroundings promise unforgettable memories.

• Central Kyoto: Central Kyoto serves as the bustling heart of the city, offering a blend of modernity and tradition. It is conveniently located around key transport hubs, making it easily accessible. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant shopping scene, including public markets where local delicacies can be savoured. Central Kyoto is home to historic landmarks, theme parks, and relaxing onsen, making it an ideal destination for families, business travellers, and city explorers alike. Peak tourist seasons typically occur from March to May, drawing in those eager to experience its cultural offerings.
• Gion: Gion is Kyoto's famed geisha district, characterised by its charming wooden machiya houses and traditional tea shops. Situated near the bustling streets of Central Kyoto, Gion offers a unique glimpse into Japan's cultural heritage. Visitors flock here for its historic temples and places of worship, as well as the lively shopping areas and markets. The atmosphere is particularly enchanting in the evenings when visitors may catch a glimpse of geishas. Gion remains a popular destination year-round, with peak tourist influx occurring from March to May.
• Shimogyo Ward: Nestled in the southern part of Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward is a vibrant neighbourhood that beautifully blends the old with the new. Known for its accessibility to shopping areas and public markets, it is a hub for families and business travellers seeking both leisure and cultural experiences. The ward boasts historic places, theme parks, and significant places of worship that provide a rich tapestry of exploration. Tourist numbers peak in the autumn months from September to November, making it an ideal time to discover the area's unique offerings.

Things to do in and around Kyoto

Kyoto offers a plethora of activities suitable for families, business travellers, and city explorers alike. Highlights include vibrant shopping areas, bustling public markets, and unique experiences like ninja adventures. With an abundance of stunning sights to see, Kyoto promises an unforgettable blend of culture and excitement for every visitor.

Shopping

In Kyoto, enjoy shopping along Kawaramachi Street and Sanjo Street, both bustling with shops offering gifts and souvenirs. For a unique experience, explore Pontocho Alley, filled with charming boutiques. If you're up for a drive, visit nearby shopping malls for even more options.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium, where you can engage in various sports activities. For relaxation, unwind at Funaoka Thermal Bath, where soothing treatments await. Finally, enjoy a cultural evening at Kyoto Concert Hall, immersing yourself in captivating music performances.

Adventure

The Mt. Otokoyama Cable Car offers breathtaking views as you ascend, perfect for families seeking adventure amidst the stunning landscape. For hikers, the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Pilgrimage Circuit presents a captivating trail adorned with iconic torii gates, while Biwako Valley Ski Resort, located 9.3km away, is ideal for skiing enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting atmosphere of Gion Corner with its cultural performances, perfect for a romantic evening. For family fun, visit the Kyoto Municipal Science Center for Youth, where the planetarium offers captivating shows. Don't miss Omiyakotsu Park for thrilling arcade adventures that everyone can enjoy.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kyoto

To save money during your visit to Kyoto, consider travelling between January to February or September, when prices are lower. Take advantage of free attractions like the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Hanamikoji Street. For public transport, the subway and buses are more economical than taxis. Book your hotel a month in advance for better rates, and check Expedia for last-minute deals, particularly on Tuesdays, the cheapest day to stay. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings by opting for a package deal.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Kyoto are January to February and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and November, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Kyoto is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Kyoto is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Kyoto is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. To discover the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Kyoto with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Kyoto

Kyoto is an ideal destination for family, city, and business-themed vacations, boasting a wealth of attractions such as temples, shrines, and urban parks. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the vibrant city life. Don't miss the sensory delights of Senses Kyoto, which offer a unique glimpse into the city's artistic and culinary offerings, making your trip both memorable and enriching.

• Fushimi Inari Shrine: Renowned for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates, Fushimi Inari Shrine offers a unique spiritual experience as you walk through its scenic trails. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice, and its serene atmosphere is enhanced by the natural beauty surrounding it.
• Kyoto Imperial Palace: This historic palace, once the residence of the Emperor of Japan, showcases beautiful traditional architecture and expansive gardens. Visitors can immerse themselves in Japan's imperial history while exploring the intricate details of the palace's design and the tranquil surroundings.
• Kyoto Tower: Standing tall in the city, Kyoto Tower offers panoramic views of the city and beyond. Experience modern Kyoto with a visit to the observation deck, where you can appreciate the contrast between the historical sites and the bustling cityscape.

Best time to go to Kyoto

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

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	37.8°F (3.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
February	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	46.0°F (7.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
May	63.5°F (17.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
July	77.9°F (25.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
August	80.2°F (26.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	62.2°F (16.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
December	42.1°F (5.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Kyoto

Visiting Kyoto can be conveniently achieved by flying into one of several nearby airports. Kansai International Airport (KIX), located 31.1km away, offers hotel options such as the 4-star Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport, just 62m from the terminal. Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) is 37.3km from Kyoto, with nearby accommodations like the 4-star Wakamatsu Chita Hot Spring Resort, 5.6km from the airport. Closer still is Osaka Itami Airport (ITM), situated 14.9km away, offering luxurious stays at the 5-star Swissotel Nankai Osaka, 5.6km from the airport. Each hotel provides various transport services for easy airport access.