Stay Near Kyoto! 10 Fantastic Hotels with Excellent Access to the City

Kyoto - A Center for Japanese History and Culture

Known for its timeless traditions, incredible scenery, and numerous famous historical sites such as Kinkakuji Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kyoto is among the most beloved cities in the world.

In part due to the large number of visitors, as well as the strict building codes in place to preserve the city’s character, demand for hotel rooms sometimes exceeds the number actually available. Furthermore, room rates during peak periods such as cherry blossom season can be painfully high!

However, there are many incredible properties available just outside of the main city that are filled with charm and character, and which won’t leave too much of a dent in your wallet. The outskirts of Kyoto itself is a treasure trove of culture waiting to be discovered.

10 Excellent Hotels near Kyoto

3 Star Hotels
1. Sun Royal Hotel Kameoka Ekimae
2. Stay SAKURA Kyoto Fuga
3. Hotel Trend JR Uji Ekimae
4. Discover Kyoto Nagaokakyo
5. Ryokan Yamazaki

4 - 5 Star Hotels
6. The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike, Autograph Collection
7. Kyoto Yamashina Hotel Sanraku
8. Hanayashiki Ukifune-en
9. Hotel Abest Grande Takatsuki
10. Hotel Koo Ootsu Hyakucho

1. Sun Royal Hotel Kameoka Ekimae

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Located just a short train ride from central Kyoto in the peaceful Kameoka City, Sun Royal Hotel Kameoka Ekimae offers incredible services and value for money!

Situated in an area that is both picturesque and convenient, the hotel is a mere two-minute walk from the nearest station. The stunning Arashiyama area (home to Kyoto’s iconic bamboo forest) can be reached within just 10 minutes via the incredibly scenic Sagano Romantic Train.

The hotel is also close to the boarding point for the Hozugawa River Cruise - a beautiful traditional boat cruise between Kameoka and Arashiyama. Kyoto Station is also just a 20-minute train ride away.

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The hotel itself overlooks Kameoka’s serene natural scenery and provides comfortable, spacious rooms. A great buffet breakfast is included, with both Japanese and Western options available. Furthermore, there is a fantastic public bath and spa on site, complete with bedrock bathing area, relaxation space, sauna, and massage services. These fabulous facilities provide guests with the perfect way to refresh themselves after a full day of sightseeing!

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2. Stay SAKURA Kyoto Fuga

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Tucked away in one of the smaller suburbs of the city, Stay SAKURA Kyoto Fuga is truly a hidden gem.

Every single room in this beautifully designed hotel comes with a fully equipped kitchenette; complete with refrigerator, microwave, IH stove, and cooking utensils. Each apartment-like guest room also houses a washing machine, making the hotel a great option for families and longer stays. Some rooms also provide terraces, while others offer views of the hotel’s inner courtyard.

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Though it’s located a little outside of the main hub of the city, the hotel is just a 15-minute walk from the famed Tofukuji Temple, and a 7-minute taxi ride from the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Kyoto Tower is also a mere 11-minute walk away.

Despite the great location and apartment-like facilities, room rates at Stay SAKURA Kyoto Fuga are outstandingly reasonable! It’s the perfect accommodation option for those seeking incredible value for money.

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3. Hotel Trend JR Uji Ekimae

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Providing its guests with all the essentials, Hotel Trend JR Uji Ekimae offers simple, comfortable budget accommodation in a truly fantastic area.

Located between the historical cities of Kyoto and Nara, Uji is famed for its beloved matcha green tea, which is regarded by many as the best in Japan. For tea lovers, Uji is an absolute haven, and matcha tea, dishes, and desserts are literally everywhere.

The charming city is also home to several wonderful historical sites, and the hotel is less than a 10-minute walk away from the breathtaking Byodoin Temple (Phoenix Hall).

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Just a 5-minute walk from JR Uji Station, the property is conveniently located on the JR Nara Line - which also offers quick, direct access to several hugely famous sightseeing spots. Both Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and Tofukuji Temple are less than a 20-minute train ride away, and JR Nara Station is about a 30-minute ride away. The major transport hub Kyoto Station is also less than 20 minutes away by train.

Hotel Trend JR Uji Ekimae is a great option for budget travelers looking to explore Japan’s history and culture.

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4. Discover Kyoto Nagaokakyo

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A truly gorgeous hotel just a short train ride from central Kyoto, Discover Kyoto Nagaokakyo was built with great design and a strong concept in mind.

The hotel takes its values of supporting the local community and environment very seriously - the building is made from wood sourced from Kyoto and was constructed using sustainable building techniques.

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Rooms are beautifully designed, and combine elements of Japanese and Western aesthetics. Comfort is a priority, and the hotel provides guests with hypoallergenic bedding and Simmons mattresses. The on-site cafe/bar offers great food and drinks to both guests and the local community, acting as a space to connect people. Complimentary breakfast is also provided to all hotel guests.

The property is located literally just steps from Nagaoka-Tenjin Station, which is a 15-minute train ride from Kyoto’s downtown Kawaramachi Station, and 25 minutes from Osaka’s bustling Umeda Station.

Another unique feature of Discover Kyoto Nagaokakyo is the incredible cultural experiences it offers - these include workshops in sword smithing, bamboo crafts, ceramics, traditional cooking, and even classical comedic theatre!

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5. Ryokan Yamazaki

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For those looking for something a bit more traditional (yet still affordable), Ryokan Yamazaki definitely fits the historical vibe that Kyoto is famed for.

Located in the peaceful Takao area and surrounded by nature, the ryokan boasts a pristine Japanese garden and public bath, as well as a stunning Japanese restaurant. The traditional rooms are elegant yet comfortable - they’re spacious, air conditioned, and the expansive Rikyu room provides Western-style beds. Some rooms offer en suite bathrooms and impressive views of the garden.

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Traditional dinners are available to guests, including multi-course Kaiseki meals - each delicate dish is prepared to reflect the season. Both Western and Japanese-style breakfasts can also be enjoyed as well as lunch buffets, so all meals can technically be eaten on-site.

Despite being set in nature, the property is just a 20-minute walk from the famous Ninnaji Temple. Kinkakuji Temple is a 10-minute drive away, and it’s a 30-minute drive from Kyoto Station.

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6. The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike, Autograph Collection

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Designed by renowned architect Togo Murano and surrounded by nature, the Prince Kyoto Takaragaike, Autograph Collection is a true oasis in Kyoto.

This unique hotel’s circular building has a Japanese garden at its center and looks out on northern Kyoto’s expansive Higashiyama Mountains. The beautifully designed, spacious rooms offer great views and complement the hotel’s serene setting.

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The property provides a concierge service and boasts three excellent on-site restaurants offering Japanese, Chinese, and French-Japanese fusion cuisine. Drinks and desserts are served in the stylish lobby lounge, and in-room dining is also available.

For those who want to experience some of Kyoto’s culture, a traditional tea ceremony experience is also available in the elegant tea house located on the hotel grounds!

Despite its retreat-like atmosphere, the property is a mere seven-minute walk from Kokusai Kaikan Station, which allows for easy access to the inner city. Kyoto Station is just 20 minutes away by train.

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7. Kyoto Yamashina Hotel Sanraku

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Located in the peaceful Yamashina area and within quick and easy access to famed Kyoto sightseeing spots, Kyoto Yamashina Hotel Sanraku provides its guests with the best of both worlds.

Surrounded by nature and with stunning mountain views, the area offers a great escape from urban chaos despite being so close to the main city. The hotel is connected to the nearest station via a passageway and can be reached within one or two minutes. Kyoto Station is just one stop away, and iconic locations such as Gion and Nijo Castle can be accessed within less than 25 minutes by train.

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Guest rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, and universal and unique concept rooms are available.

The hotel breakfast buffet is absolutely fabulous, and a unique ‘Kaiseki breakfast’ is available - based on Kyoto’s delicate, seasonal, multi-course meal. A spa and sauna area is also provided for female guests, and comes complete with a beautiful public bath.

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8. Hanayashiki Ukifune-en

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A stunning traditional ryokan situated in Uji, Hanayashiki Ukifune-en is a truly fabulous option for those wishing to totally immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture.

The property stands on the banks of the Uji River, providing enchanting river views as well as vistas of historical Tonoshima Island. The gorgeous traditional rooms provide floor-to-ceiling windows, and guests will feel as though they’ve been transported to another time.

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The atmospheric on-site restaurant provides exquisite multi-course Kaiseki meals. Guests can also relax and enjoy stunning scenery from the rooftop bar and beautiful lobby lounge.

Home to arguably Japan’s best matcha green tea, the historical Uji is the perfect place to discover Japan’s tea culture. It also boasts several stunning historical sites, and the hotel itself is just a five-minute walk from Byodoin Temple and its Phoenix Hall. Uji Shrine and Ujigami Shrine are both a mere 10-minute walk away, meaning there’s plenty to discover nearby.

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9. Hotel Abest Grande Takatsuki

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The next hotel on our list is a bit further out than many of the others, as it’s technically in Osaka Prefecture - however it offers very quick and direct access to both central Kyoto and Osaka!

Hotel Abest Grande Takatsuki is located just 3 minutes on foot from JR Takatsuki Station and 15 minutes from Hankyu Takatsuki Station, meaning that it is an excellent base for accessing major stations and sites in both Kyoto and Osaka.

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The property has beautiful public bathing facilities, complete with open-air baths. There is also an on-site spa, wellness center, sauna and gym. Rooms are comfortable and simple and elicit a soothing vibe.

The hotel provides a wonderful breakfast buffet, with everything from Japanese options and healthy salads to donuts and other pastries! The on-site restaurant also has beautifully presented lunches, with offerings such as Kobe beef, Awaji beef, and lots of fresh vegetables.

It’s a fabulous base for those who want to do sightseeing in Kansai’s two most famed cities.

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10. Hotel Koo Ootsu Hyakucho

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The last property on our list is a truly exceptional traditional accommodation. Located in Kyoto’s neighboring city in the east, Otsu, Hotel Koo Ootsu Hyakucho is made up of several stunning renovated machiya townhouses, and the property exudes history and charm.

Rooms feature impeccable design and are an absolute delight to look at. Despite being set in traditional buildings, they have been renovated in such a way as to provide the highest level of comfort to guests.

Photo courtesy of Klook

The townhouses are situated in a character-rich shopping arcade, teeming with local stores and restaurants where fantastic and varied local cuisine can be enjoyed.

The property is less than 10 minutes on foot from JR Otsu Station, and Kyoto Station can be reached within nine minutes by express train. As well as affording excellent access to Kyoto, Otsu itself is home to countless historical sites such as Miidera Temple, as well as to Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake.

Because its location is somewhat lesser known, guests at this unique accommodation can escape the typical throngs of tourists and get in touch with a more authentic side of local Japanese culture.

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Stay Near Kyoto's Historical Hub, and Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds!

Though booking accommodation in Kyoto’s center can prove somewhat tricky or expensive, there’s no shortage of hidden gems located just outside the main hub of the city. These properties provide the perfect base for sightseeing, without the potential added costs or stress of an inner-city stay.

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