Best Hotels in Gion Kyoto: Luxury and Affordable Options

Hotels in Gion: Room Rates and Accessibility

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While some advise against staying in Kyoto's Gion district due to its crowds and limited subway access, we won't discourage you from staying there.

Home to landmarks such as Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizudera Temple, Gion is the cultural heart of Kyoto and has a wide variety of hotels that can make your visit truly special.

To assist you, we've compiled a list of Gion hotels and their reviews, including both luxury and budget options.

Room Rates in Gion: Book as Early as Possible!

Gion, like the rest of Kyoto, provides a spectrum of hotel choices.

You can find affordable rooms in the 11,000 to 20,000 yen range, mid-range options between 20,000 and 50,000 yen, and luxury accommodations from 50,000 to 130,000 yen.

To ensure you secure your preferred option in Gion, regardless of your budget, early booking is highly recommended.

Accessibility: Free Shuttle Buses from Kyoto Station for Mid-Range to Luxury Hotels

The closest subway access to Gion is via Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Electric Railway) or Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Railway), the latter being located just across the Kamo River along the Shijo Street.

Alternatively, Kyoto City Bus number 206 offers a direct route from Kyoto Station to the Gion bus stop, taking approximately 20 minutes and costing 230 yen.

For those staying in mid-range to luxury hotels, it's worth checking if they provide shuttle bus services from Kyoto Station.

Alternative: Stay near Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station near Gion

Directly across the Kamo River from Gion, the Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station area is another location with a large number of hotels, many offering rooms priced reasonably between 10,000 and 20,000 yen.

Its proximity makes Yasaka Shrine, the heart of Gion, easily accessible via a 10-minute walk along Shijo Street, crossing the Kamo River.

Hotels in Gion, Kyoto

Budget-Friendly 3-Star Hotels
1. APA Hotel Kyoto Gion EXCELLENT: Highly Rated for Location and Coffee Shop
2. Hotel ZIZI Kyoto Gion: Spacious Rooms
3. Hotel Sou Kyoto Gion: Aparthotel for Longer Stays
4. KYOTO GION HOTEL: Quiet Japanese-Style Rooms
5. Kyoto Gion U-BELL Hotel: Excellent Location
6. yoin hotel kyoto gion: Large Rooms and Quiet Area
Mid-Range 4-Star Hotels
7. Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion: Stylish Rooms and Tattoo-Friendly Bath
8. OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts: For Family Stays and Cultural Activities
9. Gion Yoshiima: Authentic Japanese Inn with Garden
10. The Hotel Kiyomizu Gion: Delightful Room Service Breakfast
11. Rinn Gion Hanatouro: Beautiful Japanese-style Rooms
12. Kyoto Granbell Hotel: Excellent Breakfast and Bathing Area
Luxury 5-Star Hotels in Gion
13. Sowaka: For Anniversaries and Special Occasions
14. Hotel Chourakukan Kyoto Gion: For Classic Elegance and History
15. Park Hyatt Kyoto: For Serene Elegance and Relaxation

Budget-Friendly 3-Star Hotels in Gion

1. APA Hotel Kyoto Gion EXCELLENT: Highly Rated for Location and Dining Options

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APA Hotel Kyoto Gion EXCELLENT is located just a minute's walk from Yasaka Shrine and within a short walk of two major train stations: Gion-Shijo Station (4 minutes) and Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi Station (7 minutes).

Rooms are designed for comfort, featuring high-quality mattresses and entertainment with LCD TVs offering BBC News and complimentary on-demand videos.

Amenities include the Bear Hug massage parlor on the ground floor for relaxation, and dining options such as a buffet breakfast at the Morning Farm restaurant (extra charge), drinks at Bar Gion, and a convenient Starbucks Coffee shop also located on the ground floor.

Previous guests praised the hotel's exceptional location near Yasaka Shrine, the quality of the buffet breakfast, the comfortable beds, and the convenience of the on-site Starbucks Coffee.

2. Hotel ZIZI Kyoto Gion: Spacious Rooms

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Tucked away in the back alleys of Gion, Hotel ZIZI Kyoto Gion offers easy access to Hanamikoji Street, renowned for its sophisticated dining establishments and traditional geisha entertainment.

Guests who stayed here loved the hotel's generously sized and stylish rooms, with some offering tatami areas, terraces, balconies, and outdoor furniture.

Keep in mind that Hotel ZIZI Kyoto Gion does not provide breakfast or any other dining services.

We suggest this hotel for families who value independent exploration of Kyoto and for travelers seeking an immersive stay within the vibrant Gion neighborhood.

3. Hotel Sou Kyoto Gion: Aparthotel Great for Longer Stays

For travelers seeking convenience, Hotel Sou Kyoto Gion is a 3-star aparthotel located directly opposite the main entrance of Yasaka Shrine.

The availability of kitchenettes and washing machines in each room makes this an excellent choice for longer stays.

Guests who have stayed here before recommend it for its fantastic location, the well-equipped rooms, and its affordable pricing.

4. KYOTO GION HOTEL: Quiet Japanese-Style Rooms

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KYOTO GION HOTEL boasts a prime location directly on the Hanamikoji Street, famous for its ryotei restaurants offering geisha entertainment. Yasaka Shrine and Gion-Shijo Station are both within an easy 8-minute walk.

The guest rooms incorporate Japanese design elements such as shoji screens and a bathroom separate from the toilet. The lanterns that illuminate the hotel's entrance at night create a gentle ambiance.

Reviews from previous guests highlight the hotel's quiet atmosphere, a notable feature given its central location near Gion's nightlife, attractions, and the bustling Shijo Street.

5. Kyoto Gion U-BELL Hotel: Excellent Location

For those seeking to experience Gion's cultural charm, Kyoto Gion U-BELL Hotel is located on Hanamikoji Street, renowned for its many venues that offer geisha entertainment.

The hotel boasts stylish Japanese-designed rooms and offers a quiet environment.

A continental breakfast is provided daily for guests. The reception staff is happy to offer tourist advice and guidance.

A great advantage highlighted by previous guests is the Lawson convenience store located right across the street, coupled with the hotel's superb location near Gion's main points of interest.

6. yoin hotel kyoto gion: Large Rooms and Quiet Area

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For guests seeking comfort in a convenient location, yoin hotel kyoto gion is an excellent choice. Situated on a quiet back alley near Hanamikoji Street, it's a mere 5-minute walk to Yasaka Shrine.

The hotel's priority is clear in its large rooms, designed with simple functionality. Guest feedback consistently praises the generous room sizes and the quality of the bathrooms, noting their spaciousness, cleanliness, and excellent amenities.

Mid-Range: 4-Star Hotels in Gion

7. Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion: Stylish Rooms and Tattoo-Friendly Bath

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Featured in the Michelin Guide 2024 for its stylish ambiance and tasteful rooms, Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion is situated in southern Gion near the iconic Kenninji Temple (a 5-minute walk).

Nearby is Gion Corner, where visitors can experience traditional performing arts such as geiko and maiko dances, koto music, and bunraku puppet theater.

Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion is also within walking distance of transportation hubs and attractions: 10 minutes from Gion-Shijo Station, and 15 minutes from both Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka Shrine. The hotel offers a pick-up service from the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station.

Guests can enjoy complimentary access to the hotel's public bath for relaxation after sightseeing.

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The on-site restaurant, Tempura Endo Yasaka, serves Japanese cuisine, including tempura and sushi. Additionally, a variety of dining options, cafes, and a supermarket are located within a 5-minute walk.

Previous guests have praised the hotel's beautiful rooms, the tattoo-friendly public bath, and the informative concierge walking tour.

8. OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts: Great for Family Stays with Cultural Activities

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OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts boasts a central location in the Gion district, right across the street from Yasaka Shrine.

The Gion district is known for its vibrant nightlife with many izakayas and bars, so family-friendly accommodations are less common. OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts addresses this by providing spacious rooms featuring a bright, pastel color scheme. In addition to twin and double rooms, they offer triple rooms with kitchenettes, ideal for families and longer stays.

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The hotel also enhances the guest experience with cultural activities such as matcha tea lessons, where participants learn to whisk and enjoy matcha with traditional sweets, and insightful guided tours of Gion's key attractions.

Past guests have raved about the hotel's fantastic location, beautifully designed family rooms, and engaging matcha activity.

9. Gion Yoshiima: Authentic Japanese Inn with Garden

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For a traditional ryokan experience in Kyoto, Gion Yoshiima is an excellent choice. This Japanese inn is situated near Shinmonzen Bridge on the Shirakawa Canal, offering guests an immersive view of Kyoto's tranquil townscapes.

Gion Yoshiima boasts excellent access to all of Kyoto, being just a 5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station and a 10-minute walk to the main attractions of Gion.

Guests can enjoy Japanese-style rooms featuring tatami flooring and futon bedding. The ryokan also offers a spacious bathing area and a beautifully illuminated inner garden, creating a rich Japanese ambiance.

The quality of the Japanese breakfast has been highly praised by previous guests, and a continental breakfast is also available.

10. The Hotel Kiyomizu Gion: Delightful Room Service Breakfast

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Hotel Kiyomizu Gion boasts a convenient location near Kenninji Temple, offering easy access to Gion's popular Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Streets.

The rooms feature a stylish design incorporating Japanese elements such as light-filtering shoji sliding windows.

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Guests can savor a delicious and nutritionally balanced Kyoto-style Japanese breakfast in their room or in the dedicated dining area.

Hotel Kiyomizu Gion also offers a sophisticated bar where guests can unwind in a tranquil atmosphere with a diverse selection of cocktails, wines, beers, and other beverages. Professional bartenders are available to prepare custom cocktails.

Previous guests particularly appreciated the room service, the delightful Japanese breakfast, and the option to enjoy the hot spring bath privately. The bar's happy hour is another highly valued feature.

This hotel is highly recommended for solo travelers and couples.

11. Rinn Gion Hanatouro: Beautiful Japanese-style Rooms

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Rinn Gion Hanatouro has a prime location near Gion Corner, where traditional Kyoto performing arts are showcased. Yasaka Shrine, Kenninji Temple, and the vibrant Shijo Street are all within easy walking distance.

This hotel features beautifully appointed rooms with Japanese design elements such as round windows, tatami flooring, shoji paper screens, and Japanese artwork, making it a favorite for guests seeking an immersive cultural experience.

Please note that breakfast is not offered at this hotel.

Guests consistently praise the hotel's relaxing ambiance and authentic Japanese decor. Select rooms also feature balconies with scenic views of the Gion district.

12. Kyoto Granbell Hotel: Excellent Breakfast and Bathing Area

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The 4-star Kyoto Granbell Hotel is conveniently located near Gion Corner, a cultural venue showcasing Kyoto's traditional performing arts. Gion-Shijo Station and the main attractions of Gion are within easy walking distance.

The hotel and its rooms showcase modern architecture with subtle touches of traditional Japanese design.

Guests have consistently praised the extensive breakfast selection and the elegant bathing facilities.

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Breakfast, offering both Japanese and Western options, is served at the hotel's restaurant and bar, Takedokoro. Another bar on the premises provides a relaxing setting for evening drinks.

The communal bath, Komorebi, overlooks a serene inner Japanese garden. Guests can also enjoy the on-site lounge, furnished with large sofas and wooden tables, and offering complimentary coffee.

Luxury Hotels in Gion

13. Sowaka: For Anniversaries and Special Occasions

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For a memorable and luxurious stay in Kyoto, look no further than Sowaka. This high-end hotel occupies a thoughtfully renovated Kyoto-style house, ideally located near the south entrance to Yasaka Shrine and Kodaiji Temple.

The hotel's elegant rooms provide serene garden and townscape views, enhanced by exceptional service. Sowaka's refined atmosphere makes it especially well-suited for anniversaries and special celebrations.

Guests who have stayed previously have raved about the heated bathroom floors, the availability of private onsen baths, and the option for relaxing in-room massages.

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Sowaka's dining experience is equally refined, with skilled chefs artfully blending Kyoto cuisine and Western dishes. The hotel can accommodate allergies and dietary needs, so please inform them when making your reservation.

14. Hotel Chourakukan Kyoto Gion: For Classic Elegance and History

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Hotel Chourakukan Kyoto Gion, originally built in 1909 as a guesthouse and social hall by tobacco magnate Kichiemon Murai, was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2024.

Its architecture reflects the widespread admiration for classic Western residential elegance during the late Meiji (1868-1912) and Taisho (1912-1926) periods, a time of significant modernization and westernization in Japan.

This Kyoto hotel offers a 5-star, adult-only experience with European-style rooms exuding classic elegance.

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The hotel's family-friendly restaurant, also open to the public, serves French cuisine with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free choices. Breakfast includes hot dishes, juice, and fruit.

Past guests often highlight the hotel's fascinating history, its convenient location near Gion's temples and gardens, and its impeccable service.

15. Park Hyatt Kyoto: For Serene Elegance and Relaxation

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Park Hyatt Kyoto enjoys a tranquil location at the base of the path to Kiyomizudera Temple, near the lively Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Streets. This 5-star hotel offers a serene ambiance with beautifully designed rooms and a Japanese garden.

Amenities include a public bath, spa facilities, sauna, and a fitness room, as well as massage services, room service, and a child-friendly buffet.

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Guests can choose from continental, buffet, or à la carte breakfast options at the hotel restaurant. For lunch and dinner, the modern restaurant serves European cuisine. A stylish bar is also located on the premises.

Enjoy Your Stay in Gion

Whether you select a budget-friendly option or a luxury stay, remember that Gion is the vibrant cultural center of Kyoto. When exploring its streets, please be considerate of the people who live there.

Allow yourself to be captivated by the atmosphere and the rich history held within iconic landmarks like Kiyomizudera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, and Kodaiji Temple, all of which have been integral to Kyoto's cultural identity for generations.

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