Unveiling tranquil charm: exploring the best boutique hotels in Kyoto
Find the perfect home base for discovering this colourful Japanese city.
We’ve already shared our favourite boutique hotels in Tokyo and Okinawa. Now, prepare to embark on a journey where heritage meets modernity and warm hospitality and attention to detail transform your stay into an unforgettable exploration of Kyoto’s unique spirit. From converted traditional machiya townhouses to contemporary havens infused with Japanese aesthetics, the very best boutique hotels in Kyoto offer hidden treasures that make them an integral part of the city’s allure.
And why not take a listen to our Japanese playlist curated by a local.
The best boutique hotels in Kyoto, Japan
1. Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto
Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, The Mitsui Kyoto is a masterpiece of architectural grandeur and opulence created by renowned architects including Akira Kuryu and Andre Fu.
The meticulously designed rooms offer tranquility and breathtaking views, while the culinary offerings showcase Kyoto’s finest flavours. Whether you indulge in a kaiseki meal at the Michelin-starred restaurant or savour traditional tea ceremonies, each dining experience is a testament to the hotel’s commitment to excellence.
Its prime location ensures guests have easy access to cultural treasures and the famous Gion district. The hotel’s spa offers a private onsen spa with rejuvenating treatments inspired by ancient Japanese wellness practices.
Find more about Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto or Book through Booking.com
2. Fufu Kyoto
Fufu Kyoto is a luxury ryokan that offers an intimate retreat, enveloping guests in a world of tranquility and refined elegance. The hotel was designed by Yukio Hashimoto, a renowned Japanese architect known for his expertise in blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design elements.
Rooms are filled with comfort and style, with minimalist décor, sliding doors adorned with delicate artwork, and panoramic views of the lush surroundings. Each room also features a private hot spring bath, a rarity in Kyoto, with a tub crafted from aromatic hinoki cypress.
Learn more about Fufu Kyoto or Book through Booking.com
3. Saka Hotel Kyoto
If it’s an affordable yet tranquil stay you’re after in Kyoto, then Saka Hotel is a great option. Located in the buzzing Higashiyama District, you’ll be close to the action yet smartly secluded for when you need to relax.
Home to just 38 rooms, guests here can enjoy a modern Japanese aesthetic with nods to yesteryear. Soak in the onsite baths to rejuvenate after a day of exploring and dine on local dishes at Dining Kiyomizu Saryo.
Find out more about Saka Hotel Kyoto or Book through Booking.com
4. Hotel Kanra Kyoto
The sleek and minimalist urban design of Hotel Kanra Kyoto blends harmoniously with its surroundings and provides guests with a sense of place. A thoughtful approach to design is evident in the hotel’s blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics, sustainable practices, and modern comforts.
In-house traditional restaurant Teppanyaki HANAROKU offers locally sourced ingredients mainly from Kyoto including a curated selection of sake from small local breweries.
The hotel hosts a range of cultural events throughout the year, including the Kyoto Crafts Exhibition and is home to a kintsugi studio – the Japanese traditional art of repairing broken pottery.
Learn more about Hotel Kanra Kyoto or Book through Booking.com
5. The Screen
Each of 13 guest rooms at The Screen have been designed by different Japanese and international creators. Design enthusiasts will enjoy the balanced minimalistic yet cosy ambiance at this downtown Kyoto hotel surrounded by the city’s cultural treasures and vibrant markets.
For quiet moments, a unique feature awaits on the top floor — a private chapel offering breathtaking views of the lush greenery surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Find out more about The Screen or Book through Booking.com
6. Yuzuya Ryokan
This adults-only ryokan is a perfect romantic getaway filled with the fragrance of yuzu. All eight rooms evoke a sense of timeless beauty with antique Japanese pieces and en-suite cypress baths even drawn to include floating yuzu fruit.
A stay here includes kaiseki-style set breakfast and dinner includes specialities such as yuzu shabu-shabu (hot pot) and delicious seasonal seafood. Perfectly located just steps away from Yasaka Shrine Pagoda and Tofuku-ji Temple, this is a wonderful option for those looking for an authentic ryokan experience.
Find out more about Yuzuya Ryokan or Book through Booking.com
7. The Celestine Kyoto Gion
A perfect blend of modern luxury and traditional charm in the heart of Kyoto’s enchanting Gion district, The Celestine perfectly captures the essence of Higashiyama’s natural beauty, showcasing the ever-changing seasons.
The hotel features more than 150 rooms, each designed with complete relaxation in mind and featuring a contemporary aesthetic. The spacious public baths feature a sleek design and the serene surroundings create an oasis of calm with distinctly Japanese ambience.
Find out more about The Celestine Kyoto Gion or Book through Booking.com
8. Sowaka
Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma Sowaka is comprised of several interconnected buildings, reminiscent of a traditional neighbourhood, and each building showcases the elegance and craftsmanship of Kyoto’s architectural tradition. Wooden latticework, sliding doors, and subtle earthy tones pay homage to the traditional machiya style with a delicate nostalgic touch.
Masterpiece outdoor spaces include landscaped gardens, with carefully placed rocks, water features, and lush vegetation. Don’t miss a visit to the in-house award winning La BOMBANCE Gion restaurant renowned for its French-Japanese cuisine.
Learn more about Sowaka or Book through Booking.com
9. Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei
Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei stands on the very site where Ryuan Hatsusegawa, a renowned producer of exquisite Japanese lacquerware since 1792, once operated. It comes as no surprise then that the hotel pays homage to that heritage with a vast collection of lacquerware on display and rooms and suites offering both western and Japanese sleeping options.
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture with an array of carefully curated traditional experiences here, including Ikebana (flower arranging), Kimono Taiken (a Kimono experience), and Shodo (the art of Calligraphy).
Learn more about Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei or Book through Booking.com
10. Sumiya Kiho-an
Just 20 minutes from downtown Kyoto by train, Sumiya Kiho-an is an onsen resort blending traditional and modern elements. Japanese carpentry and joinery can be found across the property alongside tatami mat rooms and futons.
Dining here is kaiseki style with guests able to request the likes of Sushi, Sukiyaki, Shabu-Shabu, and Tempura. Be sure to soak in the natural mineral-rich hot waters that flow beneath the ryokan for stress relief, improved circulation, and overall well-being.
Learn more about Sumiya Kiho-an or Book through Booking.com
11. Hoshinoya Kyoto
As you step aboard the boat destined for HOSHINOYA Kyoto, a sense of anticipation fills the air. This luxury riverside ryokan was once a residence of the 17th century tycoon Suminokura Ryoi.
Now a contemporary secluded resort, the property was designed by the esteemed architect Rie Azuma to meet the needs of today’s travellers while keeping traditional Japanese aesthetics.
The ryokan’s guest pavilions combine modern comforts with refined elegance. Restored woodwork gleams, karakami wallpaper showcases changing gold patterns, and shoji paper doors create captivating light and shadow play.
Learn more about Hoshinoya Kyoto
12. The Shinmonzen
Tucked away in Kyoto’s historic district ‘Shinmonzen Dori’ – known as The Street of the Artists, Fine Arts and Antique shops, The Shinmonzen is a treat for all the senses. The building showcases the result of 10 years of careful restoration by one of the world’s most celebrated contemporary architects – Tadao Ando with cosmopolitan interiors by Remi Tessier and other artists. A serene atmosphere is evoked through the use of wooden lattice screens, tatami floors, and elegant sliding doors.
One of the highlights of The Shinmonzen is the authentic dining experience. Savour a traditional kaiseki meal with traditional Japanese dishes prepared from seasonal and locally sourced ingredients from ramen to sushi and an extensive selection of sake.
Find more about The Shinmonzen
But wait, there’s more…
- These are the best boutique hotels in Hvar, Croatia
- A makeup artist shares her top picks for travel sunscreen
- And read our latest short travel fiction: Pulpo is my favourite word
