Looking for the best boutique hotels in Kyoto, Japan? This is the only guide you’ll need highlighting the best options in town!
Kyoto is a city where tradition meets modernity and offers many great experiences for travelers.
In this post, we’ll go through the best boutique hotels Kyoto has to offer, each promising an unforgettable stay.
Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a lover of luxury, or just seeking a cozy retreat, these handpicked boutique hotels in Kyoto offer unique charm and impeccable service.
15 BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN KYOTO, JAPAN
Let’s jump right into this comprehensive list of amazing boutique hotels Kyoto has to offer. By the end of this guide, I guarantee you’ll have found a property to suit your needs and preferences!
1. THE CELESTINE KYOTO GION
✔️ Rating: 8.9/10 | Reviews: 900+ | Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Celestine is one of the most popular boutique hotels in Kyoto with incredible features and a great location close to Gion-Shijo Station.
It’s great for walking to famous places like Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and they also have a free ride from Kyoto Station to the hotel, which is very convenient.
The hotel has a public bath and a nice place to relax after a day out exploring Kyoto. In terms of the rooms, they have everything you need like a place to hang clothes, a hairdryer, and toiletries.
On top of that, the beds are as comfortable as it gets, and there’s a seating area where you can rest in the evening.
Last but not least, while there are several restaurants nearby, the on-site eatery Tempura Endo Yasaka serves delicious sushi and tempura, which is excellent for a night in.
All in all, this is one of the best boutique hotels Kyoto has to offer, and you’ll want to book in advance to secure your room.
2. HYATT REGENCY KYOTO
✔️ Rating: 8.6/10 | Reviews: 400+ | Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hyatt Regency Kyoto is a fancy hotel, not too far from Kyoto Station, and with stunning, spacious rooms for a premium stay.
It offers big rooms, 3 on-site restaurants, a wellness and fitness center, and you can even rent bikes to roam around Kyoto.
The rooms are bright and have a flat-screen TV, DVD player, minibar, robes, and slippers. Plus, the private bathrooms are bright, spotless, and with enough room for a few days or more.
Other than that, you can enjoy spa treatments like massages and aromatherapy during the day, or have a session at the gym to stay fit.
For food, there’s a cafe, a Japanese restaurant, and an Italian place for lunch and dinner, which is a nice break from Japanese food. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a bar and a pastry shop!
While prices here are a little more expensive than other Kyoto boutique hotels, it’s worth every penny and you’ll love staying here.
3. ACE HOTEL KYOTO
✔️ Rating: 9.2/10 | Reviews: 1,000+ | Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ace Hotel is a premium boutique hotel in Kyoto with free bikes, a gym, a garden, and a terrace, and it’s an excellent option for couples and families.
They offer free Wi-Fi, 2 on-site restaurants, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel also has an ATM and a money exchange service for convenience.
The rooms are modern and original with air conditioning, a cozy place to sit, a big TV, a safe, and a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries, and a hairdryer.
The hotel is close to places like the Kyoto International Manga Museum and the Cultural Museum of Kyoto, so you’re never far from interesting spots.
Overall, if you’re looking for a convenient, modern, and top-rated boutique hotel in Kyoto, Ace Hotel is a great start, and I couldn’t recommend it enough!
4. THE RITZ-CARLTON – BEST KYOTO BOUTIQUE HOTELS
✔️ Rating: 9/10 | Reviews: 40+ | Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto is a 5-star luxury boutique hotel Kyoto with top-notch services and massive rooms where you can spend some quality time.
The rooms are stylish, combining Kyoto’s traditional look with modern comfort. They have big TVs, DVD players, and even Nespresso coffee makers. The bathrooms are fancy with rain showers, bathtubs, and mini TVs.
It’s famous for its great location along the Kamogawa River, giving you beautiful views, and they’re probably the best views you can get from a boutique hotel in Kyoto.
Now, the best part of the hotel is the amenities, and it’s easy to see why you’ll have a great time. You’ll find an indoor pool, a 24-hour gym, a spa center, and you will enjoy free Wi-Fi everywhere.
For food, there’s La Locanda with Italian dishes and Mizuki for Japanese kaiseki meals and sushi. Plus, you can enjoy French sweets like macaroons from Pierre Hermé Paris.
All in all, while other luxury hotels in Kyoto Japan are great too, it’s hard to beat The Ritz-Carlton!
5. SUIRAN KYOTO
✔️ Rating: 8.6/10 | Reviews: 100+ | Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Suiran Hotel, which is part of The Luxury Collection, is another incredible property to add to your Kyoto boutique hotels wishlist. It’s perfect for a peaceful stay, right by the Katsura River, and with a lovely Japanese garden.
Only 15 minutes from JR Saga Arashiyama Station and 3 minutes from Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO site, Suiran Hotel is in a great location for exploring around.
The rooms are comfortable with TVs, kettles, fridges, and sofas. All rooms have beautiful, private bathrooms with baths, showers, and free toiletries, plus slippers and bathrobes.
You can relax at the spa, buy gifts at the shop, or book a private open-air bath. The hotel offers room service, a 24-hour front desk, and concierge services.
The restaurant, Kyo Suiran, serves a mix of Japanese kaiseki and French cuisine. Cafe Hassui, on the other hand, is great for tea and coffee.
And while it’s a bit further from downtown Kyoto, it’s near several restaurants and cafes, so you’re never out of options!
It’s one of the best luxury hotels in Kyoto where you’re guaranteed a great time, so make sure to book now.
6. VILLA SANJO MUROMACHI KYOTO
✔️ Rating: 9.3/10 | Reviews: 100+ | Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Next on this list of boutique hotels in Kyoto is Villa Sanjomuromachi, a calm hotel nestled within walking distance from most tourist attractions in town.
The rooms are cozy with carpet, flat-screen TVs, air conditioning/heating, and coffee machines. Each room has its own bathroom with a bath, robes, slippers, a hairdryer, and free toiletries.
And if you’ve been in Japan for a few days, you’ll be happy to hear that they have a laundry service, as well as great concierge services.
You can have a Western-style breakfast in your room or the lounge on the ground floor. It’s in a great spot in downtown Kyoto, just 10 minutes from Nishiki Market and Nijo Castle on foot.
This hotel is a good choice for travelers who want a quiet place to stay that’s still close to lots of things to see and do, and I personally love everything about it!
7. SOWAKA BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN KYOTO
✔️ Rating: 9.3/10 | Reviews: 300+ | Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sowaka is a lovely hotel near Kyoto’s Gion district, a little outside of Kyoto’s city center but close enough to many tourist spots.
It’s a beautiful, peaceful, and authentic property with a superb Japanese garden that you can relax in.
The air-conditioned rooms are comfortable and equipped with a kettle, minibar, fridge, and wardrobe. Private bathrooms come with a hairdryer, bathrobe, and nightwear, so you have all you need for a fabulous time.
The staff at the 24-hour front desk are always ready to help with local information, which is a massive bonus while staying in Kyoto.
What to say, Sowaka blends traditional elegance with modernity and is perfect for those seeking a memorable stay in Kyoto.
8. KYOTO GRANBELL HOTEL
✔️ Rating: 8.7/10 | Reviews: 2,000+ | Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just a 2-minute walk from Chion-In Temple, Kyoto Granbell Hotel is the right mix of modern and traditional Japanese design.
Here, you’ll have everything you need for the perfect trip, from free WiFi to a 24-hour front desk and beautiful, homey rooms.
They all have air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a sofa, and a refrigerator, with private bathrooms fitted with a bath, a hairdryer, and free toiletries and slippers.
The hotel’s public bath, Komorebi, overlooks a Japanese garden, which adds to the premium experience.
Talking about shared spaces, the lounge area is a cozy spot with large sofas, wooden tables, and complimentary coffee.
For dining, Takedokoro serves Japanese and Western-style breakfasts, while Bar Konjiki is great for relaxing with a drink, which is certainly a nice feature here.
Nearby attractions in Kyoto include the Yasaka Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Heian Jingu Shrine.
While this is one incredible boutique hotel Kyoto offers, they have reasonable prices compared with 5-star hotels, and you’ll want to secure your room ahead of time!
9. CROSS HOTEL KYOTO
✔️ Rating: 9.1/10 | Reviews: 3,000+ | Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another well-located boutique hotel in Kyoto is Cross Hotel, with a warm, wooden decor reflecting the authentic Kyoto-style architecture.
First of all, let me start by saying this is a great option for groups and families as their Japanese Suite can accommodate up to 5 people and one child, which is fantastic.
All rooms include a private bathroom with a bath and free toiletries. Some rooms also offer scenic mountain views, and of course, you’ll have a flat-screen TV, a fridge, a kettle, and more.
In terms of food, an American breakfast is available daily and the on-site Kiharu Brasserie is open all day long for added convenience. If you want some Japanese treats, you’re within walking distance of countless eateries.
To summarize, it’s a beautiful, affordable, and authentic boutique hotel Kyoto offers and you won’t get enough of it!
10. NAZUNA KYOTO NIJO-JO
✔️ Rating: 9.4/10 | Reviews: 100+ | Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
While they haven’t gathered as many reviews as other luxury hotels in Kyoto, they are nonetheless worth considering, no matter how long you stay in Kyoto.
The property is minutes away from Nijojomae and Marutamachi Stations, so you can explore around very easily.
All the rooms are equipped with private open-air baths, and there’s a traditional seating area, as well as a comfortable bed and coffee-making machine.
The hotel features free Wi-Fi and an on-site restaurant. Alternatively, you can also head out and enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants or cafes nearby.
In a nutshell, this is a less popular yet equally exclusive boutique hotel Kyoto in the heart of the city and I’m confident you’ll have a great time here.
11. HOTEL GRACERY KYOTO SANJO
✔️ Rating: 8.6/10 | Reviews: 1,000+ | Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hotel Gracery, a short walk from Sanjo Train Station, provides elegant rooms with free WiFi and modern features.
The rooms have sophisticated yet original Japanese decor, and they include toiletries, slippers, and a hairdryer which is a very nice touch.
Hotel Gracery has some of the most unique decorations and designs out of all boutique hotels in Kyoto, and only this is worth checking them out for.
Other facilities include luggage storage, a public PC available, a laundry machine, and an on-site restaurant.
It’s worth noting that they also offer rooms with shared bathrooms, so make sure to book the correct room type, unless that’s what you’re after!
12. MITSUI GARDEN HOTEL KYOTO SHINMACHI BETTEI
✔️ Rating: 8.7/10 | Reviews: 1,000+ | Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This list of boutique hotels in Kyoto wouldn’t be complete without Mitsui Garden Hotel, a unique accommodation that nicely combines modern luxury with traditional Kyoto charm.
The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms featuring comfortable Serta beds, perfect for relaxation after a day of sightseeing.
Each room is also equipped with a flat-screen TV and an electric kettle with green tea bags, allowing you to enjoy a touch of traditional Japanese tea culture.
The en-suite bathrooms are well-appointed with hairdryers, and you can unwind in the public bath after that.
For dining, the hotel’s restaurant serves a Japanese breakfast made with local Kyoto vegetables, as well as croissants and other Western delicacies.
The best part? It’s conveniently located within a 10-minute walk from both Shijo and Karasuma Stations, making it easy to explore Kyoto!
13. HOTEL KANRA KYOTO
✔️ Rating: 9.2/10 | Reviews: 300+ | Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hotel Kanra Kyoto, a 12-minute walk from the station, is another Kyoto boutique hotel that deserves to be checked out for multiple reasons.
Other than their superb mix of traditional Japanese and modern Western styles, their non-smoking rooms have everything you could want and more.
From wooden bathtubs to complimentary toiletries to a seating area with a flat-screen TV, you’re really in for a treat.
That’s not it – There’s an on-site Japanese steakhouse, which serves delicious meals to enjoy at any time of the day, and Kyoto Tower is just minutes away.
With its spotless rooms, modern facilities, and great location, it’s hard to find negative points about Hotel Kanra, and I highly recommend you check it out now!
14. MOXY KYOTO
✔️ Rating: 8.8/10 | Reviews: 100+ | Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Moxy Kyoto stands out with its modern setting, ideal if you want a lively experience in Kyoto. Located close to the city center and major attractions like Nijo Castle.
The hotel features well-appointed rooms with essentials like a safety deposit box, fridge, and a private bathroom.
All their rooms are nicely designed, with a modern touch and efficient space so you have enough storage to stay as long as you need.
There’s a fitness center to stay active while traveling, a laundry service, and a succulent breakfast in the morning, which is a nice way to start the day.
There’s also an airport shuttle available, which makes the check-in process even smoother.
In short, it’s a cool, unique hotel to stay in while in Kyoto, and I couldn’t recommend it enough!
15. HOTEL M’S PLUS SHIJO OMIYA
✔️ Rating: 8.4/10 | Reviews: 3,000+ | Class: ⭐⭐⭐
Last but not least on this list of the best boutique hotels in Kyoto is Hotel M’s Plus Shijo Omiya, which is conveniently located near major tourist spots.
The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms equipped with modern amenities including a flat-screen TV and electric kettle.
Of course, you’ll have private bathrooms with bathtubs and complimentary toiletries. Some rooms even have additional seating areas for extra comfort.
Located close to cultural attractions like Nijo Castle and Kyoto International Manga Museum, it’s a great base for sightseeing, whether you stay one day in Kyoto or one week.
All in all, it’s an excellent accommodation option, and it’s easy to see why they’re among the best boutique hotels Kyoto has to offer!
BOUTIQUE HOTELS KYOTO MAP
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THINGS TO DO IN KYOTO
Now that you’ve got the full scope of the best Kyoto boutique hotels, be sure to check out this travel guide so you don’t miss the most awesome things to do in town!
Full Blog Post: 25 BEST Things To Do In Kyoto
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SUMMARY – KYOTO BOUTIQUE HOTELS
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