Hello! We are headed to Kyoto in April. We are unsure of the best area to stay - sounds like there are pros and cons of several. Any recommendations for areas to stay and specific places?
Thanks!
Posted by
12 posts
We stayed in the Mitsui Garden Hotel around the corner from Kyoto Station. Clean, quiet, convenient to the station and very nice breakfast room. Walking distance to a few sites including the aquarium and railway museum though transit is needed to get to most of the shrines and other sites like the Philosophers' Path. Lots of dining options in the underground mall at the station.
Posted by
Freedonia
16403 posts
I stayed at the hotel inside the main train station. I forget the name.
Great location as there are numerous shopping/restaurant areas right in the station itself and plenty of transport options for in the city.
They hotel also had the most amazing buffet dinner I had ever seen. (This was five years ago.)
Posted by
11606 posts
It is a large city. We stayed in two different places. First we stayed in the hotel connected to the train station, Granvia Kyoto( very common all over Japan). Room was fine but once you left your room you heard the constant noise of trains pulling into and out of the station.
We moved to the Hotel Brighton which was much better. I think we were the only non Japanese guests there. It was the day of their national elections and they had TVs placed all around the lobby to watch the results as they came in. There was a lot of excitement! Staff wore traditional dress.
This hotel was a much better experience. The breakfast( extra fee) offerings were delicious and varied. They had a free shuttle van to take guests to other parts of the city which we used one time.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2094 posts
We liked the Westin Miyako in Kyoto and stayed there on two trips. Convenient to subway, restaurants and a large expanse of historic sights practically across the street from the hotel. Japan was wonderful. Safe travels.
Posted by
Washington, DC USA
510 posts
About 10 years ago, I stayed at the Kyoto Royal Hotel. It is a western style hotel that had been recommended by a Japanese friend who grew up in Kyoto. It was convenient for walking to some sights and for catching a bus to others.
Posted by
NC
403 posts
Highly recommend Mume, a beautiful boutique hotel convenient to walking the old streets, tourist sights, good shops and great restaurants…exceptional in all regards: https://www.hotelmume.com/main.html