Kyoto is a name that has inspired images of an ancient Japanese city with temples and shrines, wooden houses, peaceful tearooms, and scarlet gates. Travelers can now add something equally eye-catching to their already long list of reasons for visiting: the growing constellation of some Japan’s best hotels. There are many high-quality, old and new, hotels in the city.
Some people may choose to stay in a ryokan where they can experience the true spirit of hospitality, omotenashi, through the outdoor bath soaks, whisks of matcha and sliding paper screens. Some may prefer a more contemporary hotel. wellness sanctuaryThis list has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for traditional crafts, contemporary arts, a deep culture dive, a food odyssey, a design sanctuary, or simply calming beauty to rest your head and recover from temple-hopping fatigue. This list has something for everyone, whether you are looking for traditional crafts or contemporary arts, for a culture immersion, for a food adventure, for a design oasis, for a restful place to recover from temple hopping fatigue, or for a beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing retreat. Here are 16 of the top hotels in Kyoto.
Check out our list for more accommodation options best Airbnbs in Kyoto.
How to choose the best hotels for Kyoto
All hotel reviews on this page have been written by a Condé Nast Traveler Journalist who has been to the property and knows about the destination. Our editors choose hotels based on their price ranges that provide an authentic insider’s experience of the destination. They also consider design, location and service credentials, as well as sustainability credentials.
