Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is a city where tradition meets modernity. It’s also a city where you can experience some of the coolest accommodations in Japan! From luxurious ryokan that offer a taste of traditional Japanese hospitality to modern boutique hotels, Kyoto’s hotel scene is as diverse as it is impressive.
Staying in one of these coolest hotels in Kyoto will add an extra layer of charm to your visit, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the city’s enchanting atmosphere and experiencing Kyoto’s unique blend of the traditional and the modern.
Let’s get started!
1. BnA Alter Museum Kyoto
BnA, which stands for Bed and Art, is one of the coolest hotels in Kyoto where guests can stay in one-of-a-kind rooms which are each unique, individual works of art.
The social and art hotel project aims to support contemporary Japanese artists who are trying to make a living with their art. Each hotel room is designed by independent artists and showcases talents like mural paintings, interior design, architecture, and sculpture.
While some rooms are beautiful and serene, others can be quirky or whimsical. You’ll have to see it to believe it!
Check out the latest rates, more photos, and availability here.
2. Hotel Tavinos Kyoto
Hotel Tavinos is a super cool anime hotel in Kyoto that incorporates manga art from Japanese graphic novels onto basically every visible surface at the hotel. Each room has its own unique manga images and the common areas, hallways…even the floors are decorated!
Each Tavinos anime hotel location has a different theme, such as the Tokyo locations Tavinos Asakusa having a festival and street food theme and Tavinos Hamamatsucho having a shopping theme.
Kyoto’s Hotel Tavinos has a Japanese tradition and culture theme. For manga and anime fans, keep this super cool hotel in Kyoto on your radar!
Check out the latest rates and availability here.
3. Soraniwa Terrace Bettei Kamogawa
Soraniwa Terrace Bettei Kamogawa is a modern, ryokan-style hotel in Kyoto perfect for travelers who want to be centrally located, and who are looking for luxury amenities and modern comforts.
All of the rooms at this 5-star hotel in Kyoto have a large rotenburo bath, perfect for relaxing in after a long day. Most of the rotenburo are located near the window or on the terrace so an open-air feel can be enjoyed.
The hotel also has an open-air public onsen fed from natural hot springs, a guest lounge with free drinks and ice cream, a restaurant on-site, and a hot spring footbath. My favorite part about this super cool Kyoto hotel is the beautiful rooftop terrace which overlooks the Kamo River, the historic districts of Kyoto, and the rolling hills that surround the city. Complete with fire places, a welcome drink, and couches, you’ll never want to leave!
Bettei Kamogawa is located near Kyoto Kawaramachi station, which means walking distance from the Kamo River, Gion district, Ponotocho Alley, and Nishiki Market. All must-see spots on a Kyoto itinerary!
Check out more photos and the latest prices here.
4. Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto
If you’re ready to pull out all of the stops when booking a super cool hotel in Kyoto, consider Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto. Based on the Michelin guide’s new ranking for the best hotels in the world, Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto is the only Kyoto hotel which was awarded three Michelin keys. This is arguably one of the highest honors that a hotel can receive!
This luxurious, 5-star hotel in Kyoto is a serene oasis that feels a world away from the bustling city outside of its large garden and courtyard. Key features of this hotel include a large Japanese garden, a 300-year old Japanese mon or gateway, and minimalist ryokan-style rooms that have all of the modern amenities with traditional Japanese aesthetics.
Hotel amenities include five restaurant and bar sections all overlooking the Japanese gardens, public onsen hot spring facilities, spa, and concierge service.
Check out the latest rates and availability here.
5. Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Kyoto is a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) managed by the Marriott group located in western Kyoto, near the Arashiyama bamboo grove.
This high-end hotel in Kyoto is a one Michelin-key hotel that is known for its serene natural backdrop, free-flowing onsen hot springs, and incredible omotenashi, or Japanese whole-hearted hospitality. Some of the rooms here have private onsen in the rooms which are fed by natural Arashiyama hot springs water. Each room, onsen or not, has a terrace or patio that overlooks a beautiful Japanese garden or the rolling hills of Arashiyama.
Facilities available for guests here include a spa, gift shop, a French and Japanese restaurant, a cafe and lounge, and 24-hour reception. In addition to the private onsen in the rooms, guests can reserve a hot spring onsen for private use during certain hours of the day.
The hotel is located is steps away from Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge over the Katsura River.
Check availability and the latest prices for super luxury and cool hotel in Kyoto here.
6. Kyoto Machiya Fukune
Kyoto Machiya Fukune is a cool Kyoto hotel built into a Kyoto machiya, or traditional townhouse. Two to five people can stay at these two-bedroom Kyoto machiya. The best part is, each of them comes with a private onsen!
Kyoto Machiya Fukune has a number of different two-bedroom machiya guesthouse rentals. Each one features amenities such as a private tsubo or onsen-style open-air bath, Japanese garden, and comfortable seating and lounge areas. The property comes with free toiletries and yukata rentals, as well as complimentary green tea upon arrival. For longer stays, this Kyoto machiya has a washing machine as well!
Kyoto Machiya Fukune is located north of Karasume train station, and walking distance from the Nishiki market and Kawaramachi shopping district.
Check out the latest prices and availability here.
7. Henn-na Hotel Kyoto Hachijoguchi
Henn na Hotel Kyoto is part of the weird and unique Henn-na Hotel chain in Japan. The name “Henn-na Hotel” literally translates to “Weird Hotel” in Japanese.
This hotel is known around the world for having robot staff greet guests at the front desk upon arrival. Human-like robots and even large dinosaur robots work at the check-in kiosks, and it doesn’t stop there. Other robots like ones that carry your luggage, and mini robots to take your breakfast order, are available in some of the Henna na hotels. The rooms themselves are robot-free… for now.
The Henn na Hotel in Kyoto has the best receptionists in my opinion: dinosaur robots.
Check out the latest rates and availability here.
If you love Henn na Hotel, be sure to check out my list of Weird Hotels Around Japan!
8. Glansit Kyoto Kawaramachi
No list of coolest hotels in Kyoto is complete without highlighting a capsule hotel. Capsule hotels are compact, budget friendly accommodation options in Japan that are usually centrally located as well.
Glansit Kyoto Kawaramachi is a cool Kyoto capsule hotel that draws inspiration from two things: Glamping and Transit, hence the name “Glansit”. Unlike most capsule hotels which separate floors by gender, this capsule hotel in Kyoto has floors with mixed genders (which is perfect for couples or mixed gender groups wanting to stay on the same floor).
Amenities here include free drinks, free toiletries, a common area, laundry facilities, powder rooms, and a public onsen bath.
The location of this capsule hotel in Kawaramachi is also perfect for exploring other parts of Kyoto, with many shopping opportunities nearby, and being walking distance to Gion and the Kamo River.
Check out the latest rates and availability here.
If you’re interested in capsule hotels, be sure to check out my list of best capsule hotels in Tokyo.
9. Piece Hostel Sanjo
Piece Hostel Sanjo is one of the most sought-after hotel and hostels in the city, making it one of the coolest hotels in Kyoto. This trendy hostel plus hotel concept hotel was designed to be a social space, where travelers can meet other people from all over the world.
Their large communal area on the first floor also has a cafe, bar, and lounge area. On some nights, music performances or cultural activities are held here for guests. The best part about this hotel/hostel is the rooftop, another spacious area where you can relax and socialize after a long day of exploring Kyoto.
Rooms here include 10-bed mixed dorms and female-only dorms, as well as a number of twin and double bed rooms. A shared kitchen and library space is also available for guests.
Check out the latest rates and availability here.
10. Tabi Tabi Stay Moonlight
Tabitabi Stay Moonlight is a budget-friendly Kyoto machiya located in the heart of the city, near Nijo JR Station and Nijo Castle. Staying at this cool hotel in Kyoto gives you the change to experience a traditional Japanese lifestyle. This historic two-bed, two-bath home comes with air conditioning, a small Japanese garden, a kitchenette, and beautiful tatami floors. The Japanese-style interior design features plenty of natural wooden panelling, shoji paper sliding doors, and flower arrangements.
This Kyoto machiya also has a private onsen rotenburo, or hot water bath (not fed by hot springs), which has a semi open-air view to an interior Japanese rock garden.
Up to five people can stay at this two-bedroom Kyoto machiya, making it a great place to stay in Kyoto for families and larger groups.
Check out the latest prices for this quaint and cool Kyoto hotel here.
11. Nazuna Kyoto Gosho
Nazuna Kyoto Gosho is another cool Kyoto hotel built inside a traditional Kyoto machiya. All of the rooms in this townhome has a wagashi, or Japanese sweets and confectionary theme.
The Luxury Room at the Nazuna Kyoto Gosho encompasses the entire ground floor of a traditional Kyoto building, and has a king-size bed, private outdoor onsen tub, dining and seating area, and a private Japanese garden in the middle of the property as well. The breakfast and dinner that can be requested as part of the room rate is irori-style, or where meat and vegetables are grilled fresh over Japanese coal fire before serving.
This Kyoto hotel is located near the Marutamachi station, walking distance from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, and in the other direction, Nijo Castle.
Check availability and the latest prices here.
12. Tune Stay Kyoto
Tune Stay Kyoto is one of the coolest hotels in Kyoto for budget travelers and solo travelers who may prefer a private room over a dorm room. This hotel is creates a social and youthful atmosphere in their common area, where spacious public kitchen facilities as well as a cocktail bar are open to guests. The key themes of the hotel are “BOOK”, “FILM”, and “GIN”. Three of my favorite things!
Although the twin and double rooms here are on the basic side, the number of facilities available here mean you won’t be spending much time there anyways. Facilities include a library, a comfy lounging area, art gallery, short film screenings in the evenings, and a public bath. The cocktail bar here serves up gin-based cocktails as well as other craft alcohol from around Kyoto.
Check the latest rates and availability here.
13. Ace Hotel Kyoto
Ace Hotel Kyoto is a cool and colorful boutique hotel in Kyoto that hosts art residencies, music and DJ events, and they were even the location of the noma Japanese residency in 2023! (noma is a Nordic, 3-Michelin star restaurant often referred to as the best restaurant in the world). Although the noma residency in Kyoto has finished, this stylish hotel is home to three other restaurants as well as a coffee roastery.
The eclectic rooms here take their inspiration from a West meets East concept, which celebrates Kyoto’s traditional handicrafts in the designs. The spacious lounge areas with high ceilings and decorative lighting also creates a great atmosphere for their pop-up events or to just enjoy a coffee and a chat after exploring Kyoto. Did I mention Act Hotel has a Michelin key under their belt too?
All of this combined makes them undoubtedly one of the coolest hotels in Kyoto.
Check out the latest rates and availability here.
14. Good Nature Hotel Kyoto
Good Nature Hotel Kyoto is a sustainable hotel in Kyoto that offers a green oasis in the heart of the city. You won’t find many hotels like this in Kyoto!
Good Nature Hotel Kyoto boasts the largest green wall in Japan, and strives to maximize customer wellness as well as environmental sustainability at their property. Rooms here have been designed with the environment in mind, using natural materials and sustainable practices. No single-use plastics here! Visitors can also book special rooms here like the Meditation room, which includes a meditation chamber, and the Botanical room, which includes luscious green plants.
Facilities on-site that are available to guests include the spacious lounging areas complete with fireplaces, a fitness center, and 24-hour front desk. A whopping 10 restaurants and bars are available on-site (two with Michelin stars, and multiple with vegan food options), plus a concierge service to complete the 5-star celebrity treatment.
Check out the latest rates and availability of this cool Kyoto hotel here.
15. Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo
Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo is a cool Kyoto hotel located in a Meiji-era residential villa and located within walking distance from Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto. This traditional Kyoto ryokan only offers rooms with futon bedding on tatami mats, and has public onsen baths for guests to enjoy. Their on-site Japanese restaurant serves traditional and seasonal dishes, and if requested in advance, can cater to dietary restrictions (check out my list of vegetarian-friendly ryokan in Japan).
The entire ryokan is surrounded by Japanese gardens and nature, making it a great place to stay during cherry blossoms or to see fall foliage. Other amenities available for guests include a lounge area, gift shop, and massage facilities. Some rooms including a larger family suite room, come with private onsen attached.
Check the availability and latest rates here
16. Sowaka Ryokan
Sowaka is a contemporary ryokan in Kyoto that offers world-class service at its 5-star establishment. Although it doesn’t look like a traditional Japanese ryokan, this modern take on Japanese art and culture still deserves a spot on my list of best ryokan in Kyoto.
The rooms here are spacious and luxurious, with everything you need to have a perfect stay: yukata robes, mini fridge, TV, seating area, and views of the natural scenery outdoors. All rooms come with a standalone tub, which also overlooks the surrounding seasonal foliage.
Although there is no onsen available on site, there is a spacious restaurant, lounge area, bar, and beautiful Japanese garden where guests can spend their time.
Check the latest room availability and prices for this incredible Kyoto ryokan here.
Are You Prepared For Your Trip To Japan?
Be sure to check out my Japan home page for Japan travel information, insider tips, reading list, and must-haves for traveling to Japan!
- Book Your Flights – To find the cheapest flights, flexibility is key. I use both Google Flights for their low fare calendar, and Skiplagged, which uses airfare loopholes to get the lowest prices. For a trip to Japan, check flights to both Tokyo airports (Haneda, Narita) and to Osaka (Kansai).
- Getting Around Japan: Prepare your JR Pass and Suica transit card before you depart.
- Book Your Accommodation – Check out Booking.com for the largest selection of accommodation in Japan. Consider having a bit of fun at one of these Weirdest Hotels in Japan too 🙂
- Book Local Excursions – Don’t miss out on world-class experiences, like Teamlab Borderless or Tokyo Disneyland, by booking tickets online now. Check GetYourGuide and Klook for fun experiences all around Japan.
- Stay Connected: Order a pocket WiFi for airport pickup if you’re traveling with family or with a large group. Solo traveling to Japan? Order a SIM card just for you.
- Pack Your Essentials – Check out my posts about Long Term Travel Gear, and Carry-On Luggage Packing Essentials.
- Read more on my Travel Resources page!
