Downtown Kyoto Travel Guide

Kyoto

A traditional Japanese pagoda with multiple tiers, surrounded by wooden buildings with tiled roofs.
A traditional Japanese building with tiled roofs and wooden structures.
Photo by Pomakis (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5)
Traditional Japanese buildings with tiled roofs and wooden structures, surrounded by well-maintained grass and trees.
Photo by josef knecht (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0)
A stone-lined canal with trees and a traditional building in the background.
Photo by Reggaeman (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
A traditional Japanese garden with a stone pond, pathways, and various trees, including some with pink blossoms.
Photo by Reggaeman (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

Stay near popular Downtown Kyoto attractions

A bustling indoor market with various shops and stalls.

Nishiki Market

8.8/10 (4,133 reviews)
Come to this market in the heart of the city to experience the authentic sights, smells and sounds of the bartering vendors and their traditional food.
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Things to do

Eikando Temple Kyoto Kimono Rental with Hair Styling Experience

Eikando Temple Kyoto Kimono Rental with Hair Styling Experience

฿1,168
per adult
Eikando Temple Kyoto Kimono Rental with Hair Styling Experience
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience

Kyoto 5-Star Gion Geisha Walk – Small-Group Authentic Experience

฿4,006
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto 5-Star Gion Geisha Walk – Small-Group Authentic Experience
Wear a high-quality kimono, enjoy a tea ceremony experience in a small group, and hear fun travel stories from other travelers.

Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

฿2,547
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine
Kyoto Geisha District & Hidden Gems Morning Tour

Kyoto Geisha District & Hidden Gems Morning Tour

฿1,061
per adult
Kyoto Geisha District & Hidden Gems Morning Tour
Kyoto: Kimono Rental with Hairstyling and Accessories

Kyoto: Kimono Rental with Hairstyling and Accessories

฿701
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto: Kimono Rental with Hairstyling and Accessories
Kyoto Kimono Rental Chamatsu Ladies Plan with Hair Set

Kyoto Kimono Rental Chamatsu Ladies Plan with Hair Set

฿955
per adult
Kyoto Kimono Rental Chamatsu Ladies Plan with Hair Set
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Top hotels in Downtown Kyoto

Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo

Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo

4 out of 5
420 Sakuranocho, Nakagyo-ku Kyoto Kyoto
The price is ฿5,572 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
฿5,572
฿6,130 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
Stay at this hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,137 reviews)
"Good location and helpful staff. Loved the Premium Lounge. Washing machines were really dirty."

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2026

Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
Hotel Musse Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi Meitetsu

Hotel Musse Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi Meitetsu

4 out of 5
301-1, Narayacho Kyoto Kyoto
The price is ฿5,270 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
฿5,270
฿5,797 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
Stay at this hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,161 reviews)
"Great location in Kyoto. They offer amazing toiletries/guest amenities!!!"

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2026

Hotel Musse Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi Meitetsu
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo PREMIER

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo PREMIER

4.5 out of 5
45-1, Hishiya-cho, Higashiiru Kyoto Kyoto
The price is ฿11,884 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
฿11,884
฿13,072 total
30 Oct - 31 Oct
Stay at this luxury hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Nishiki Market and Kawaramachi Street ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (589 reviews)
"Very good stay"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2026

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo PREMIER
SOLARIA Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier

SOLARIA Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier

3.5 out of 5
Nakagyo-ku Kiyamachi-dori Sanjyo Agaru Kyoto Kyoto
The price is ฿8,584 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
฿8,584
฿9,442 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
Stay at this hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,010 reviews)
"Excelente ubicación Cuartos amplios y muy cómodos todo muy bien pensando Me volvería a quedar aquí"

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2026

SOLARIA Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier
Hilton Kyoto

Hilton Kyoto

5 out of 5
416 Shimomaruyacho, Nakagyo-ku Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture
The price is ฿9,981 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
฿9,981
฿12,830 total
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this luxury hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions Nishiki Market and Pontocho Alley are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (618 reviews)
"Really stellar place and friendly to American travelers, especially single women"

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2026

Hilton Kyoto
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo

The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo

4 out of 5
74 Nakajimacho,Kawaramachi Higashi-iru Kyoto Kyoto
The price is ฿4,790 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
฿4,790
฿6,060 total
25 Oct - 26 Oct
Stay at this hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,581 reviews)
"Lovely room But cleaning of room was minimal and bed poorly remade Don’t expect to have to clear up my own breakfast food and plates like in McDonalds!"

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2026

The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
See all 2,628 properties in Downtown Kyoto
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Where to stay in Downtown Kyoto

Find the best Downtown Kyoto areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A cityscape with a prominent tower, dense urban buildings, and a mountainous backdrop.

Central Kyoto

Travellers love Central Kyoto for its popular shops, and you can see more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Imadegawa Station or Kuramaguchi Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Nishijin Textile Center and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.

A traditional Japanese street with cherry blossoms, stone pathway, wooden houses, and orange lanterns.

Gion

Unique features of Gion include the monuments and shopping. Make a stop by Yasaka Shrine or Hanamikoji Street while you're exploring the area.

A cityscape at dusk with a prominent tower, modern buildings, and a well-lit train station.

Shimogyo Ward

Shimogyo Ward is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Kyoto Railway Museum and Shijo Street. See more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Tanbaguchi Station or Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station.

A traditional Chinese dragon dance with performers in blue patterned costumes on a decorated platform.
Photo by Alexander Hagseth
Open Photo by Alexander Hagseth

Karasuma

Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Nishiki Market and Museum of Kyoto, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.

A traditional Japanese pagoda with a red and white color scheme, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear sky.

Higashiyama Ward

Consider a visit to Sannenzaka Museum and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Higashiyama Ward. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Higashiyama Station or Sanjo Keihan Station.

Downtown Kyoto Travel Guide