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The Best Cheap Hotels in Kyoto

The pristine gardens at Heian Shrine are among the top sites in all of Kyoto
The pristine gardens at Heian Shrine are among the top sites in all of Kyoto | © Sean Pavone / Alamy Stock Photo

In Japan’s cultural capital, affordable means old-world stays with tatami-mat floors, Anime-themed dorms with capsule-style pods and in-house onsen baths for all.

From epic Unesco-protected temples to towering bamboo forests; geisha-graced tea rooms to an imposing castle – Kyoto is one of Japan’s must-see cities. Don’t have deep pockets? Despite the myriad ways to burn through cash in this ancient capital, there are also plenty of tips to enjoy the city on a budget. Top of the list should be an affordable stay, so here are the best cheap hotels in Kyoto.

Ryokan Azumaya

Budget Hotel, Ryokan

A seating area at Ryokan Azumaya, with yellow walls and seats, two sofas and a coffee table
Courtesy of Ryokan Azumaya / Expedia

With its location just a few blocks north of Kyoto station, getting to Ryokan Azumaya is as cheap as staying at this Kyoto hotel: it’s possible to walk here straight from the Shinkansen bullet train. Inside, you’ll still be rewarded with proper Japanese-style character: tatami mat-lined bedrooms with low tables; traditional sliding doors; an on-site vending machine. Some rooms sleep up to four people, making it a great pick for cash-strapped families looking for an authentic local experience.

Imu Hotel Kyoto

Budget Hotel

An outside view of the modern Imu Hotel Kyoto, with large glass windows and people eating indoors
Courtesy of Imu Hotel Kyoto / Expedia

Just off Kyoto’s main shopping strip – and snack-packed Nishi Market – Imu Hotel has a cool, contemporary vibe that will appeal to business travellers on a budget as much as those here for leisure. Most of the private and bunk bed-style dorm rooms are dressed in crisp whites and greys, with black accents, though you can also opt for a tatami-style space to get a feel for traditional Japanese living. A restaurant serves up three meals a day and, unusually for Japan, offer a strong vegan lineup.

The Millennials Kyoto

Budget Hotel

People sleeping in a small sleeping area with a bed and light at The Millennials Kyoto
Courtesy of The Millennials Kyoto / Expedia

Set between foodies’ favourite Nishi Market and geisha-haunt Gion, The Millenials is just what it sounds like: a hip, modern hotel that appeals to a younger age bracket. This Kyoto cheap hotel has exposed ceilings in coworking spaces meet pod-style sleeping areas, a fresh take on Japan’s popular capsule hotels. There’s 24-hour free coffee on tap, but much more exciting is the daily free happy hour, with frosty draft beers in full-flow.

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi

Budget Hotel

A modern corridor at Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi, with an illuminated wall
Courtesy of Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi / Expedia

Neutral rooms dressed in whites and light woods make Sotetsu Fresa feel like a cheery crash pad. Japanese nods – a Kyoto-style illuminated lantern out front; bamboo screens – give it a sense of place, while the onsite restaurant has an international, crowd-pleasing lilt. The location near Karasuma station isn’t only handy for getting around, but also for making the most of Kyoto’s shopping scene – try nearby Lisn for incense or Daimaru for clothing.

Hotel Elcient

Budget Hotel

A room at Hotel Elcient, with mirrors and lights
Courtesy of Hotel Elcient / Expedia

Directly south of Kyoto station, Hotel Elcient enjoys a prime location – you can be on your way to any of the city sights within minutes via affordable public transport. However, one of the main draws for visitors is its onsen, or Japanese thermal bath – where you can spend an evening enjoying a leisurely soak and scrub, buffing your skin to newborn softness. The onsite restaurant at this cheap hotel in Kyoto fuses Japanese and French cuisines, with seafood rice or stewed beef tenderloin.

Sakura Terrace The Gallery

Budget Hotel

A spacious seating area in the lobby at Sakura Terrace The Gallery, with modern cushioned sofas, tables and plants
Courtesy of Sakura Terrace The Gallery / Expedia

Lobby fire pits aren’t a common sight in the city, but Sakura Terrace does things a little bit differently. This budget hotel in Kyoto is split into two wings: the north, which is chilled out with neutral, natural tones and soothing golden woods; and the south, which is dressed in crisp whites with bold punches of colour. Something else that’s distinct? The nightly free drink and a fresh takeaway menu to enjoy in-room or on the patio.

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by Granvia

Budget Hotel

The contemporary lounge and dining room at Hotel Vischio Kyoto by Granvia.
Courtesy of Hotel Vischio Kyoto by Granvia / Expedia

Breakfast is a proper event at Hotel Vischio: expect a ‘steak buffet kitchen’, as well as gratin with Kyoto-style miso, to join around 100 other Japanese and Western items on their daily menu. The rest of this cheap Kyoto hotel’s amenities are just as generous: slick modern onsen baths; saunas and steam rooms; a chic library-style lounge. A coin laundry on the second floor comes in handy if you’re staying in Kyoto for a while.

Mimaru Kyoto Horikawa Rokkaku

Budget Hotel, Chain Hotel

A contemporary suit with kitchenette and floor-seated dining table at Mimaru Kyoto Horikawa Rokkaku.
Courtesy of Mimaru Kyoto Horikawa Rokkaku / Expedia

Steps from Unesco-protected Nijo castle, a popular visitor spot for its photogenic moat, squeaky ‘nightingale’ floors and landscaped garden, Mimaru Horikawa Rokkaku has apartments perfect for travelling families (especially given two under-12s stay free). Kitchen equipment lets you prep your own breakfasts and dinners, while low-set dining tables mean you can enjoy the feast Japanese-style. The largest spaces can sleep up to eight adults and two children.

Hotel Kuu Kyoto

Budget Hotel

The traditional exterior of the Hotel Kuu Kyoto.
Courtesy of Hotel Kuu Kyoto / Expedia

Walking distance from Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple, one of Kyoto’s most famous sights, Hotel Kuu Kyoto is a great pick for busy types who want to pack in the culture. Rooms dressed in bamboo greens, woods and whites – as well as fluffy French duvets – are a comfortable place to return to after a day of exploring. The indoor and outdoor onsens will go a long way towards soothing tired feet, too.

Floral Green Maple House

Budget Hotel

A twin hotel room with dining table and chairs at Floral Green Maple House.
Courtesy of Floral Green Maple House / Expedia

To the west of Kyoto’s best-known sights, Floral Green Maple House gives you insight into a slightly more local corner of the city. Rooms at this budget hotel in Kyoto are simple and homely, with button-back chairs, classic light fixtures and, in some cases, a kitchenette for brewing morning green teas or prepping an afternoon snack. If you’re a Japanese manga fan, the International Manga Museum is less than 2mi (3.2km) away.

Nagi Kyoto Arashiyama

Budget Hotel

A large hotel room with seating area at Nagi Kyoto Arashiyama.
Courtesy of Nagi Kyoto Arashiyama / Expedia

Arashiyama is famous for its towering bamboo forests, meandering river lined with cherry trees and landscaped gardens. The Nagi Kyoto puts you right in the thick of this quaint district of Kyoto, in a modernised build with traditional-style paper screen windows, balconies and wooden detailing. Comfy beds and furnishings make the spaces feel high-end, while in-room coffee machines (and free wifi) help you save on cash.

Nagi Kyoto Shijo

Budget Hotel

A large modern hotel room at Nagi Kyoto Shijo.
Courtesy of Nagi Kyoto Shijo / Booking.com

Tranquility is the theme at Nagi Kyoto Shijo – you feel it as soon as you step through the doors at this stay near Nishi Market. Pebble-lined paths, flecked with lanterns; mini koi ponds and a lobby with greenery all contribute to a zen-like vibe that pervades into the rooms, which are decked-out in tones of fig or shimmering blue. Deep enamel bathtubs are perfect for soaking after a long day’s exploring, while staff can help sort tours and experiences.

Looking for more budget-friendly accommodation in Kyoto? Check out our guides to the city’s best capsule hotels, hostels, traditional Ryokans and cheap stays for travelling through. If you’re looking to spend a little more, check out our pick of the best luxury hotels in Kyoto – all bookable with Culture Trip.

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