The 15 Best Luxury Hotels in Kyoto: Enjoy a Spectacular Stay in Japan’s Former Capital

The Best Luxury Hotels in Kyoto

The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu

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The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu offers incredible service right in the heart of one of Kyoto’s most popular sightseeing neighborhoods. The main hotel building is a converted elementary school, built in the 1930s and designed using a mix of Japanese and Western aesthetics. Beautifully renovated while accentuating much of the original building’s original architecture, the Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu opened as one of Kyoto’s best luxury hotels in 2020.

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One of Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu’s biggest selling points is its incredible location. Two of Kyoto’s most picturesque shopping streets, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, are both just a few hundred yards away, while many rooms come with wonderful views of Hokan-ji Temple’s Yasaka Pagoda. The hotel’s beautifully decorated rooms range from standard king rooms at 45m² to junior suites at 70m², making this an ideal place for couples or small families.

Meanwhile, the hotel’s French restaurant is part of the exclusive Ducasse Paris group, which operates several Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide. The chic rooftop bar also offers sensational views of Yasaka Pagoda and the ancient rooftops of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district.

Dhawa Yura Kyoto – Banyan Tree Group

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The Dhawa Yura Kyoto Hotel is a supremely stylish and modern luxury hotel situated just east of the Kamo River. The hotel features plenty of exquisite touches, from the stunning bamboo tree-filled central atrium to the upscale design and decor of 1867, the onsite lounge bar, and Grill 54, the hotel’s restaurant.

Guest rooms are equally as well appointed with a range of options available, from double rooms starting at 22m² and deluxe rooms at around 30m². The larger suites are an even more comfortable 54m².

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There are two train stations nearby, with both Sanjo Station and Sanjo Keihan Station right on the hotel’s doorstep, making this an ideal location for exploring Kyoto. The geisha district of Gion is less than a ten-minute walk or just one stop by train from Sanjo Station.

The Dhawa Yura Kyoto is well placed to offer great access for visiting some of the larger religious sites in eastern Kyoto, such as Yasaka Shrine, Heian Shrine, and Nanzen-ji Temple.

Good Nature Hotel Kyoto

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Good Nature Hotel Kyoto is a modern and contemporary hotel perfectly located in the center of Kyoto. The hotel’s aesthetic and ethos places a strong emphasis on sustainability and being environmentally conscious, which helps to create a lovely, laid-back, and relaxed atmosphere.

This is illustrated by the hotel’s central lobby, an indoor courtyard decorated with a wall of green hanging plants, as well as the design of the guest rooms, which are thoughtfully decorated using natural materials.

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Good Nature Hotel Kyoto offers a diverse and extensive range of guest rooms, all of which are beautifully styled. Twin and double rooms are 28m² while the largest suite is an impressive 90m². For an even more stylish stay, pick from one of the flower rooms, which are elaborately decorated with a colorful selection of dry flowers. Most rooms sleep two adults though there are options for three or four people to share in larger rooms.

The Good Nature Hotel Kyoto is also home to several high-end restaurants. Spread across four floors, each specializes in haute cuisine made from the freshest and finest of ingredients. The hotel is excellently located on Kawaramachi Dori, right in the city’s heart, surrounded by restaurants, department stores, and shops. Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station is just a few minutes’ walk away, while Gion is a leisurely five-minute stroll across the Kamo River.

Hotel Alza Kyoto

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Featuring a blend of modern and traditional Japanese architecture and interior design, the Hotel Alza Kyoto is located in the historic Gion area of Kyoto. The Hotel Alza Kyoto’s guest rooms all feature a modern take on traditional Japanese design, complemented by details such as intricately carved wooden ranma that depict various scenes of Japan and the colorful displays of Japanese fabrics.

All of the guest rooms are a good size. A comfort double room that sleeps two is 34m², while the largest executive twin room is a spacious 52m² and can accommodate up to four guests.

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The hotel’s rooms also enjoy views of either the Kamo River, which is lined with cherry blossoms in the spring, or the picturesque rooftops of Gion. As well as being in the center of one of Kyoto’s most vibrant neighborhoods, Sanjo Station is just a few minutes away on foot, making this an excellent option for getting out and seeing the rest of the city.

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Kyoto in the heart of the city’s geisha district, then the Hotel Alza Kyoto might be the ideal place for you.

Mogana

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Boasting inspirational modern architecture and luxurious interior design throughout, Mogana is easily one of Kyoto’s most impressive luxury hotels. On entering the hotel, guests are greeted by a wonderfully atmospheric corridor that uses inventive lighting and carefully selected soundscapes to create an incredible first impression.

If you’re in any way interested in modern architecture and interior design, then Mogana is easily the ideal luxury hotel for your stay in Kyoto.

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Mogana’s guest rooms are just as sleek and stylish as the common areas, all featuring the same outstanding attention to detail. Six different types of rooms are available, ranging in size from 32m² to 55m², all in keeping with the hotel’s tasteful, clean design ethos.

Besides its design credentials, Mogana is also in a great location in Kyoto’s Nakagyo Ward. The hotel is within walking distance of Nijojo-mae Station and the Nijo Palace.

There is also excellent access to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which is around 15 minutes away by public transport. The famous golden pavilion of the Kinkaku-ji Temple is also around a 30-minute bus ride away.

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

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Four Seasons Hotels are synonymous with luxury accommodations, and their Kyoto offering is certainly no exception. Situated on the east side of the Kamo River, the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is located opposite the Kyoto National Museum and overlooks Shakusui-en, a beautiful 800-year-old traditional Japanese garden.

There are exquisite views of the garden’s pond from the terrace of either the hotel’s Brasserie restaurant or the Fuju lounge, where you can sip on premium local sakes. Alternatively, sample traditional Japanese cuisine of the highest quality at Sushi Wakon, the hotel’s very own sushi restaurant.

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As you’d expect, the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto guest rooms are nothing short of exceptional. There is an extensive range of fabulous rooms to pick from, starting with the 49m² deluxe king room all the way up to the palatial two-bedroom residence options that sleep up to six guests, which are an enormous 160m².

All rooms are sumptuously styled with incredibly tasteful and beautifully arranged interiors. The hotel also has an indoor pool and a gym, as well as a spa that offers services, including massages and nail treatments.

Park Hyatt Kyoto

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The Park Hyatt Kyoto is another of Kyoto’s most famous luxury hotels, located right in the heart of the city’s Higashiyama district. A stone’s throw from Sannenzaka and Hokan-ji Temple, two of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks, the Park Hyatt Kyoto has been beautifully designed in the style of a typical Japanese guesthouse.

The Park Hyatt Kyoto incorporates modern takes on traditional aspects of Japanese architectural design to create one of the city’s most upscale and elegant hotels.

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There are seventy guest rooms and a range of suites available at the Park Hyatt Tokyo. King bed guest rooms begin at 45 m² while the deluxe rooms are 68m² in size. Many rooms come with glorious views of the Yasaka Pagoda, as does the fabulous Signature Restaurant and Bar, one of two onsite restaurants.

At Kyoyamato, the hotel’s second restaurant, guests can also sample kaiseki dishes, an incredibly luxurious form of traditional Japanese cuisine originating from Kyoto. If you need to destress, you can also book a massage at the hotel’s spa.

The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by Hulic

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The Gate Hotel is another of Kyoto’s luxury hotels that occupies part of a remodeled and beautifully renovated former school building. The former school building forms just one part of the Gate Hotel Takasegawa by Hulic, which is towered over by the hotel’s modern main building.

The hotel is located close to the Pontocho district of Kyoto, an area that is crammed with a huge range of restaurants and bars, which has a unique atmosphere at night. Gion is also within walking distance, as are both Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station and Gion-Shijo Station.

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With a hotel of this scale, it’s no surprise that there is a good range of different types of rooms available, which makes it ideal for all types of holidaymakers, from solo travelers to larger groups or families. Room sizes aren’t as large as other luxury hotels in Kyoto, with single rooms starting at 24m² and the largest suites being 63m².

However, each room is spacious and beautifully arranged. The Lab rooms located in the school house are adorned with spectacular artworks of sculpture and flora made by Japanese artists.

Fauchon Hotel Kyoto

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The Fauchon Hotel Kyoto is a boutique hotel operated by the historic French gourmet delicatessen brand Fauchen. The hotel features many of the brand’s signature touches, including splashes of bright, bold color and a love of elegance and opulence. The Fauchon Hotel Kyoto aims to create a fusion between Parisian chic and classic Kyoto hospitality.

All rooms are glamorously styled, featuring pieces of statement furniture in the bold pinks that the Fauchon brand is famed for. These are paired with traditional artistic touches, including decorative fabrics made by local kimono designers.

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The Fauchon Hotel Kyoto also features several luxurious dining options that blend French gastronomic flair with Japanese simplicity. Located on the hotel’s top floor, The Grand Cafe specializes in gourmet yet unpretentious French classics made with the finest Japanese ingredients, served with spectacular views of Higashiyama.

Meanwhile, the hotel’s stylish bar practically oozes Parisian charm. There’s also plenty of opportunity to pick up fancy Fauchon pastries and delicacies at the hotel’s patisserie and boutique store. Located between Kawaramachi Dori and the Kamo River, the Fauchon Hotel Kyoto is also perfectly placed for exploring Kyoto.

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Grande

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Just moments from Kyoto Station, the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Grande is an ideal place to stay for those looking to combine luxury with convenience and accessibility.

Though perhaps a little less glamorous than some of Kyoto’s other stellar hotels, the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Grande features a beautifully artful reception space and guest rooms that are decorated with bold and colorful designs of traditional Japanese patterns and floral scenes.

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Being so closely situated to Kyoto Station means that the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Grande’s biggest selling point is the ease with which it is to get to and from as well as around the city. Though a little further away from many of Kyoto’s star attractions, some highlights, such as the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Kyoto Imperial Palace, can be reached easily and directly by train from the nearby Kyoto Station.

If you’re planning a day trip from Kyoto to one of the many nearby destinations such as Nara, Himeji, or Osaka, then the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Grande might be the perfect luxury hotel for you.

Hotel Granvia Kyoto

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Located inside Kyoto Station, the Hotel Granvia Kyoto might be the best option for those looking to stay in Kyoto in style but who may only be spending a short amount of time in the city. Rooms are spacious and extremely comfortable, with the standard queen room that sleeps two people a good 26m² in size. The larger junior suite is 50m² while the Hotel Granvia Kyoto also offers a family room that sleeps up to five guests. Certain rooms come with beautiful views of the Kyoto Tower.

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The Hotel Granvia Kyoto also boasts a 20-meter indoor swimming pool, a sauna, and a fitness center. There are also no fewer than eight upscale restaurants within the hotel, which specialize in a range of Japanese, Asian as well as French cuisines. The Hotel Granvia Kyoto also has a delightfully cozy bar on the second floor and a cafe that overlooks Kyoto Station’s grand staircase, which offers small plates and delectable sweets in the lobby lounge area.

The Thousand Kyoto

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The Thousand Kyoto is another of the city’s luxury hotels that is just a hop and a skip from Kyoto Station. Just a two-minute walk from the station’s central gate, the Thousand Kyoto is another beautifully designed building, combining bold architecture with sleek modern and minimalist touches throughout.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the Thousand Kyoto’s stunning lobby area, where the central staircase is dramatically illuminated by strips of sunlight that pour in from the huge wall of glass windows.

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The hotel’s guest rooms are just as exceptional, featuring a beautiful range of furnishings and impeccably laid-out rooms. Incredibly comfortable and spacious, king rooms measure 37m² and the range of gorgeous suites reach up to 81m².

Premier rooms also feature a balcony with a view of the hotel’s garden, while the hotel’s suites each come with a tranquil outdoor terrace. A popular venue for lavish banquets and weddings, the Thousand Kyoto also has two excellent restaurants on site that offer Japanese and Italian dishes of exquisite fine dining.

Hotel Okura Kyoto

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The Hotel Okura Kyoto is located just a couple of streets over from the River Kamo, close to the city center. The many shops, bars, and restaurants along Kawaramachi Dori are just a few minutes walk away, and the Hotel Okura Kyoto also makes for an excellent base for getting around the city.

The hotel is directly connected to Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station, meaning that several of Kyoto’s most famous sites are within easy reach too, such as Nijo Castle, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and Heian Shrine. The hotel also offers a free shuttle service from Kyoto Station.

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Spread across numerous floors, the Hotel Okura Kyoto’s guest rooms are tastefully decorated and well-proportioned. The smallest double room is 22m² in size, which is great for a solo traveler. Standard double rooms are 37m² while the largest twin rooms are a generous 53m². Many rooms come with fantastic views of Higashiyama, just across the river.

The Hotel Okura Kyoto is also a great place to eat, with five restaurants on-site, offering a range of Asian and European cuisine, as well as a bar and a cafe. The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool and gym, while those looking to relax can also enjoy the spa and wellness center.

Luxury Hotel SOWAKA

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For a truly unforgettable stay in Kyoto, consider checking in at the Luxury Hotel SOWAKA. Opened in 2018, the Luxury Hotel SOWAKA’s main building is set inside what was once a traditional Japanese restaurant located in Kyoto’s historic Gion district.

Faithfully renovated, the stunning main building is accompanied by a later annex that beautifully compliments the original building’s impeccable splendor. Separated by a beautiful Japanese zen garden, there are 23 guest rooms spread across the two buildings, with each room unique in design and layout.

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The guest rooms in the main building are all rich in traditional details that highlight the exceptional craftsmanship of the original restaurant. Beautiful modern furniture sits side by side with tatami mat floors and sliding screen doors, while many rooms also come with their own veranda or a small private courtyard.

Guest rooms in the annex are inspired by the original building and given a modern twist but still keep a wonderfully relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. The hotel’s restaurant, La Bombance Gion, serves exceptional modern Kyoto-style cuisine made from locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.

The Celestine Kyoto Gion

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Opened in 2017, the Celestine Kyoto Gion is another modern luxury hotel that takes its inspiration from the traditional Japanese architectural style that Kyoto is famous for.

Featuring a supremely stylish aesthetic, the beautifully arranged common areas and guest rooms are all rich in clean lines and carefully considered arrangements to create a modern, warm, and extremely welcoming atmosphere. Located in the southern end of Gion, the Celestine Kyoto Gion is just a few minutes walk from Kennin-ji Temple and an eight-minute walk from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station.

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The Celestine Kyoto Gion is best suited for couples, as most rooms are designed for a maximum of two guests. Some rooms can cater to three people, so this would also be a good option for a small family.

The guest rooms are a good size, with the superior queen room 28m² in total, while the largest suite is 63m². The hotel’s on-site restaurant, Yasaka Endo, serves an extensive range of superb traditional Japanese dishes, including shabu shabu, tempura, and sushi.

How We Selected the Best Luxury Hotels in Kyoto

We selected these hotels based on several factors, the most important of which is their high rating. We also determined which of the best luxury hotels in Kyoto had the most positive reviews on travel booking websites. All of the luxury hotels on our list have an average rating of at least 8 out of 10 ratings left by guests on Booking.com, and most of the hotels rate much higher.

We also took into consideration how much value for money each hotel offers. As these are amongst some of the most expensive hotels in Kyoto, we decided to choose the hotels that offer a great package, whether that be a great range of facilities available, the exceptionally high quality of the hotel’s design, or whether staying at the hotel offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Whichever luxury hotel you decide to pick from our list of the best hotels in Kyoto, you’re guaranteed a truly memorable stay.