R
Kyoto classic
Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto ★★★★★
Kyoto
8.3Great5,077 reviews
A refined 5-star near Kyoto Station with generous rooms and a heated indoor pool.
From¥10,979per night
Historical hotels · Kyoto · Japan
Historical Hotels in Kyoto
We reviewed 15 historical hotels in Kyoto and picked the 9 best-rated for this page.
17 hotels
9 rated 8.5+
typical ¥14,116
hotels
R
Kyoto classic
M
Central & Calm
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo ★★★★
Kyoto
8.7Great5,975 reviews
A top-rated central stay with a public bath, steps from Nishiki Market and major shopping streets.
From¥12,390per night
C
Temple Stay
Chion-In Wajun Kaikan ★★★★
Kyoto
8.8Great516 reviews
Wake up beside a temple in Kyoto, with gardens, a public bath, and spacious rooms.
From¥20,703per night
S
Adults-only near station
Sakura Terrace The Atelier (Adults Only) ★★★
Kyoto
8.3Great960 reviews
A well-priced, adults-only stay just a short walk from Kyoto Station, with a relaxing public bath and free laundry.
From¥4,235per night
H
Central & Quiet
Hotel Mystays Kyoto Shijo ★★★
Kyoto
8.5Great3,871 reviews
Quiet, clean rooms and a staff that earns a 9.0 rating, steps from restaurants and transit.
From¥10,508per night
A
Central pick
Apa Hotel Kyoto Ekimae ★★★
Kyoto
8Great3,579 reviews
Steps from Kyoto Station, this no-fuss hotel pairs clean rooms with free Wi-Fi and a daily breakfast that guests rate highly.
From¥4,862per night
H
Central Choice
Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto ★★★
Kyoto
8.4Great3,007 reviews
A central Kyoto stay with strong room scores and efficient service, steps from subway and shopping streets.
From¥5,489per night
ホ
Hot spring retreat
ホテル京都エミナースmanyonoyuhotelkyotoeminence ★★★★
Kyoto
8.1Great60 reviews
A comfortable 4-star stay with on-site hot spring baths and a free shuttle, ideal for exploring western Kyoto.
From¥24,938per night
G
Gion classic
Gion Ryokan Q-Beh - Hostel Style ★
Kyoto Ryokan
8.9Great1,901 reviews
Traditional tatami rooms and a garden view, right in Gion and a short walk from Kiyomizu-dera.
From¥20,703per night
H
Central & Quiet
Hotel Vista Premio Kyoto Kawaramachi St ★★★★
Kyoto
8.7Great2,116 reviews
Modern, clean rooms in central Kyoto with excellent service and easy access to sights and transport.
From¥12,233per night
K
Traditional Gion Ryokan
Kyoto Ryokan Sakanoue ★★★★★
Kyoto Ryokan
9.1Perfect502 reviews
A small, traditional ryokan in Gion with glowing reviews for service and rooms—ideal for an authentic Kyoto stay.
From¥50,032per night
N
Traditional Ryokan
Nisshokan Shoshintei ★★★★
Kyoto Ryokan
6Nice2 reviews
A traditional Kyoto ryokan within walking distance of Nishiki Market, praised for attentive staff and city views.
From¥44,386per night
T
Traditional Stay
Takigawa Ryokan ★★
Kyoto Ryokan
8.8Great331 reviews
A highly rated ryokan with a public bath, massage services, and staff who earn a 9.7 rating.
From¥14,116per night
P
Budget & communal
Peace House Sakura
Kyoto Hostel
6.9Nice331 reviews
A budget hostel with a welcoming, communal atmosphere and staff who go out of their way to help.
From¥2,823per night
Y
Traditional & Quiet
Yadoya Nishijinso ★★★
Kyoto Ryokan
8.4Great276 reviews
A serene, traditional guesthouse with a private onsen, garden views, and free parking.
From¥23,212per night
V
Top-rated Kyoto stay
Veada
Kyoto Holiday home
9.2Perfect90 reviews
A calm, well-rated townhouse near Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple in Kyoto.
From¥18,978per night
G
Historic Townhouse
Gion Kyuraku
Kyoto Holiday home
9.5Perfect78 reviews
A traditional Kyoto townhouse with flexible check-in and space for families, steps from Gion's historic streets.
From¥55,521per night
Map & live prices by our partner
Traditional Hotels in Kyoto
Kyoto's traditional hotels are often ryokans, which offer a distinctly Japanese experience. Among these, Kyoto Ryokan Sakanoue and Takigawa Ryokan are standouts for their high ratings, with the former receiving a stellar 9.1 score. If you're looking for a temple stay, Chion-In Wajun Kaikan provides a unique opportunity to reside beside a temple, complete with gardens and a public bath. These properties typically feature tatami floors, futon beds, and kaiseki-style service, providing a stark contrast to standard hotels.
Related listings
By property type
By theme
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Frequently asked
What is the average price of a historical hotel in Kyoto?
The typical price for a night at one of these historical hotels is around 11,146 JPY, though you can find budget options from about 4,299 JPY (like Sakura Terrace The Atelier) or splurge on a top-tier ryokan such as Kyoto Ryokan Sakanoue, which costs over 50,000 JPY.
Which district in Kyoto is best for a first visit?
For a first visit, staying near Kyoto Station is convenient for travel, with hotels like Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto and Apa Hotel Kyoto Ekimae. Alternatively, Gion is the best for atmosphere, where you can stay at Gion Ryokan Q-Beh or the Kyoto Ryokan Sakanoue and be close to the historic Geisha district.
How do I get from Kyoto Station to these hotels?
Many of these hotels are conveniently located near Kyoto Station. For example, Sakura Terrace The Atelier is just a short walk, and Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto is a central option. The city also has an excellent subway system, making it easy to reach other historical hotels like Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo.
Are the historical hotels in Kyoto like ryokans or normal hotels?
The historical hotels in Kyoto are a mix. Some are modern hotels, while others are traditional ryokans, offering a more authentic experience with tatami rooms and communal baths. You can choose from places like the 5-star Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto or the traditional Takigawa Ryokan, which has a high guest rating.
Historical Hotels in Kyoto
In Kyoto, history isn't a backdrop—it's the fabric of the city itself. The historical hotels here reflect this, blending centuries-old traditions with modern comfort. You'll find them concentrated in the atmospheric districts of Gion, near the ancient temples of Higashiyama, and around Kyoto Station. Many are ryokans, offering tatami-mat floors, futon bedding, and public baths. Others are classic city hotels that have hosted visitors for decades. The range is wide: from a simple, affordable stay near the station to an exclusive ryokan experience in the heart of the geisha district.
Location is often what defines a historical hotel in Kyoto. The Gion ryokans, for instance, put you steps from the city's most famous geisha quarter and the iconic Kiyomizu-dera temple. Meanwhile, those near Kyoto Station offer convenience and a quieter, more modern base. Prices vary accordingly, but you can expect to pay more for a traditional experience in a prime location. This page also includes a couple of budget hostels to give you a fuller picture of the accommodation landscape.
The bottom line
This collection of historical hotels in Kyoto is ideal for travellers who want to stay in a classic property and experience the city's deep-rooted culture. If you are looking for a more modern hotel with standard amenities, you might prefer the general Hotels in Kyoto page. Families should check out the Family Friendly hotels in Kyoto for suitable amenities and space, while those on a tighter budget might find more options on the Cheap and budget hotels in Kyoto page.