$$$$ Ultra-luxury
★ 9.6 Exceptional
Arashiyama
Hoshinoya Kyoto
A standout property in Arashiyama offering an exceptional Kyoto experience.
- Arashiyama
- Value
Japan — 12 Hotels Reviewed
Best Hotels in
Kyoto
Kyoto is the guardian of Japan's cultural soul — a city of 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, and a living tradition of geisha, tea ceremony, and kaiseki cuisine that has endured for over a millennium. The choice between a traditional ryokan and a modern hotel is the first and most defining decision of any Kyoto stay.
Quick Answer
Top Hotels in Kyoto — 2026
Kyoto is the guardian of Japan's cultural soul — a city of 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, and a living tradition of geisha, tea ceremony, and kaiseki cuisine that has endured for over a millennium. The choice between a traditional ryokan and a modern hotel is the first and most defining decision of any Kyoto stay.
- 1 Hoshinoya Kyoto — Arashiyama · $$$$ · ★ 9.6 Exceptional
- 2 The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto — Kamogawa — Higashiyama · $$$$ · ★ 9.5 Exceptional
- 3 Tawaraya Ryokan — Nakagyo — Downtown · $$$$ · ★ 9.4 Superb
- 4 Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion — Gion · $$$ · ★ 9.2 Superb
- 5 Sowaka — Gion — Yasaka · $$$$ · ★ 9.3 Superb
12 hotels reviewed · 36 in-depth guides · Last updated March 2026
Our top 12 picks
Ranked by overall score. Updated February 2026.
$$$$ Ultra-luxury
★ 9.5 Exceptional
Kamogawa — Higashiyama
The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
A standout property in Kamogawa — Higashiyama offering an exceptional Kyoto experience.
- Kamogawa
- Value
$$$$ Ultra-luxury
★ 9.4 Superb
Nakagyo — Downtown
Tawaraya Ryokan
A standout property in Nakagyo — Downtown offering an exceptional Kyoto experience.
- Nakagyo
- Value
$$$ Upscale
★ 9.2 Superb
$$$$ Ultra-luxury
★ 9.3 Superb
Gion — Yasaka
Sowaka
A standout property in Gion — Yasaka offering an exceptional Kyoto experience.
- Gion
- Value
$$$ Upscale
★ 9.1 Superb
Imperial Palace
Nazuna Kyoto Gosho
A standout property in Imperial Palace offering an exceptional Kyoto experience.
- Imperial Palace
- Value
$$$ Upscale
★ 9.0 Superb
Gojo — Kyoto Station
Hotel Kanra Kyoto
A standout property in Gojo — Kyoto Station offering an exceptional Kyoto experience.
- Gojo
- Value
$ Budget-friendly
★ 8.5 Very Good
Kyoto Station
Piece Hostel Kyoto
A standout property in Kyoto Station offering an exceptional Kyoto experience.
- Kyoto Station
- Value
$$$$ Ultra-luxury
★ 9.4 Superb
Arashiyama
Suiran Luxury Collection
A standout property in Arashiyama offering an exceptional Kyoto experience.
- Arashiyama
- Value
$$ Mid-range
★ 8.7 Excellent
Kawaramachi
BnA Alter Museum
A standout property in Kawaramachi offering an exceptional Kyoto experience.
- Kawaramachi
- Value
$$$$ Ultra-luxury
★ 9.2 Superb
Higashiyama — Sanjusangendo
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
A standout property in Higashiyama — Sanjusangendo offering an exceptional Kyoto experience.
- Higashiyama
- Value
$$ Mid-range
★ 8.4 Very Good
Downtown — Kawaramachi
Len Kyoto Kawaramachi
A standout property in Downtown — Kawaramachi offering an exceptional Kyoto experience.
- Downtown
- Value
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