Best Small Hotels In Kyoto
- Kyoto
- 29 Aug, 2025
Kyoto is packed with small hotels that offer close personal service, boutique style and tons of personality. The human scale of these hotels is a perfect match for Kyoto, which is a traditional city without skyscrapers. Here are our picks from a very strong field.
Genji Kyoto: Oodles of style in a cool neighborhood
(View on
Agoda.com)
The Genji is our favorite hotel of any size in Kyoto. In addition to
superb Japanese style, the staff is super helpful and can help with
restaurant reservations and savvy travel advice.
Higashiyama Shikikaboku: A tiny treasure in a perfect location
(View on
Agoda.com)
Located on Sanjo Street, close to the sights and downtown, Shikikaboku
has only eight lovely rooms and a wonderfully helpful staff. Book early
if you want to stay here.
Nagi Kyoto Shijo: A boutique beauty steps from the heart of downtown
(View on
Agoda.com)
Combining great Japanese style, a convenient location and very
reasonable rates, the Nagi punches way above its weight. Give it a look.
RC Hotel Kyoto Yasaka: Hip hangout in the heights
(View on
Agoda.com)
We love this stylish concrete roost hidden right in the heart of
Southern Higashiyama. It’s so hip there’s even a permanent coffee truck
parked outside.
Villa Sanjo Muromachi: Location, style and value
(View on
Agoda.com)
The Villa Sanjo Muromachi gets it all right: traditional style, great
location close to downtown and surprisingly low rates. Grab a room here
if you can.
Tsugu Kyoto Sanjo: A quiet sanctuary in the heart of the action
(View on
Agoda.com)
You can’t really get more downtown than Sanjo Street. But as soon as you
step into the Tsugu, you are enveloped with calm. Start with a coffee at
the great café in the lobby and then head upstairs to relax in the
excellent rooms.
The Junei Hotel Kyoto Imperial Palace West: Quiet oasis with warm personal service
(View on
Agoda.com)
If you love Kyoto but hate crowds, then give the Junei a close look.
It’s within 15 minutes’ walk of two subway stations and the Imperial
Palace Park (Gosho), but it feels like a world away from the bustle of
the city. The service here is the perfect complement to the spacious and
stylish boutique-style rooms.
If You Like Small Hotels, Why Not Try a Machiya?
If you like the privacy of a vacation rental and you’re a fan of traditional Japanese style, then you should consider a machiya. A machiya is a traditional Kyoto townhouse that’s been converted to a vacation rental. For more information, see our Kyoto Machiya page.
If You Like Small Hotels, You’ll Love a Ryokan
If you like the personal charm of small accommodations, you’ll love a ryokan. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. The best ones are fine traditional Japanese buildings surrounded by beautiful Japanese buildings. And, needless to say, the service at a good ryokan is attentive, personal and efficient. For more information, see our Kyoto Ryokan page.
More Information
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For a quick overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide.
- Check if a visa is required for Japan
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com.
- Buy Japan Rail Tickets and Shinkansen Tickets Online.
- For tips on where to stay, see Where To Stay In Kyoto.
- See my Packing List For Japan.
- Purchase an eSim or SIM card for Japan.
- Compare flight prices on Skyscanner.
- Consider a Japan Rail Pass - see if it’s worth for you.
- Consider a travel insurance.