Best Budget – Accommodation
in Kyoto
How to Find the Best Cheap Accommodation in Kyoto
I’ve just returned from the most amazing trip to Kyoto, and I’m bursting at the seams to share all my budgeting secrets. Trust me, I walked a mile in your shoes – trying to see how far my yen could take me. Years and countless trials and errors later (with some hysterically awkward moments, too), I think I cracked the code of how to find cheap accommodation in Kyoto that doesn’t skimp on the experience.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Cheap accommodation in Kyoto? Yeah right!”. I know that Japan tends to be on the pricier side, but hear me out. I have slept in everything from capsule hotels to traditional ryokans without blowing a hole in my wallet. The best part? Most of these hidden spots are right at the heart of it all.
I have been travelling now for nearly three years. I left my 9-5 job in the UK and have never looked back. The one thing I would always advise anybody considering a nomad lifestyle is to just go for it! It will change you for the better. Music is my passion and I love to attend concerts of any variety but I do have a sweet spot for rock music.
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Key Takeaways
- Explore multiple booking platforms for the best deals
- Consider staying in traditional guesthouses for an authentic experience
- Location matters – stay close to public transport to save on travel costs
- Off-season travel can significantly lower accommodation prices
- Utilize Kyoto’s excellent public transportation to access more affordable areas
- Check for accommodation that offers free amenities like Wi-Fi and breakfast
Accommodation Types in Kyoto
I used to think finding a cheap place to crash in Kyoto was like trying to find a quiet spot in Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing. I was dead wrong. Here’s the lowdown on where you can stay in Kyoto:
- Capsule Hotels: Perfect for solo travelers who don’t mind tight spaces. It’s like sleeping in a cozy spaceship!
- Hostels: Great for meeting other travelers and swapping stories over cheap Japanese beers.
- Guesthouses: Often family-run, these spots give you a taste of local life.
- Budget Ryokans: Traditional Japanese inns that give you an old-school experience.
- Airbnbs: For when you want to pretend you’re a Kyoto local for a few days.
- Temple Lodgings: Yep, you can actually sleep in a Buddhist temple. How cool is that?
- Love Hotels: Hear me out – they’re not just for couples! Some offer cheap rates for solo travelers.
- Manga Cafes: For the true budget warrior. Comfy chairs, endless comics, and cheap overnight rates.
- Couchsurfing: Free accommodation, instant local friends and family.
- University Dorms: Some rent out rooms during holidays. Student life, minus the exams.
Staying in Various Areas Around Kyoto
In Kyoto, it’s not just about finding a cheap bed but picking the right neighborhood as well. Trust me, I learned this the hard way. My first trip? I booked a steal of a deal in what I thought was the “heart of Kyoto.” Turns out, it was so far out I spent half my budget on train fares. Rookie mistake. But hey, live and learn, right? Here are my top picks for areas to stay in Kyoto:
Kawaramachi – Heart of Modern Kyoto
Kawaramachi is Kyoto’s beating heart, where old meets new in the most epic way possible. You’ll be walking along a street lined with gleaming department stores, then BAM! There’s a centuries-old shrine nestled between a Starbucks and some massive electronics shop. That’s Kawaramachi for you.
It’s not always the cheapest choice to stay here, not gonna lie. But believe me when I say that it is well worth every yen because you will be right in the thick of things. Do you want to get your sake on and hit up some izakayas on the streets? Check. A shopping spree? You got it. Late night ramen run? Just a few steps away. Plus, the energy here is infectious. You got students, locals, travelers—all mixing it up.
Gion – Old World Vibes
Oh man, Gion. This place is like stepping into a time machine, I swear. First time I wandered into these narrow streets, I half expected to see samurais strolling around. It’s THAT authentic. We’re talking wooden machiya houses, traditional tea shops, and if you’re lucky (and quiet), you might even spot a geisha hurrying to an appointment. Just be mindful though, that some of Gion’s streets are now closed off from tourists due to some unruly behaviour. Be aware of where you can and can’t go.
I recommend staying in Gion for at least a night or two. It’s got some seriously swanky ryokans that’ll make your wallet weep, but don’t panic! There are some guesthouses tucked away in the backstreets that is sure to fit your budget. Sure, you might be trading in those fancy yukata robes for a bunk bed, but it’s worth it. There’s something magical about stumbling home after a night of sake tasting, only to wake up to the soft chiming of temple bells. Just a heads up: book early as it’s a very touristy area.
Arashiyama – Find Your Zen
The first time I came to Arashiyama, I thought I’d made a wrong turn and ended up in some kind of nature paradise. Nope, just Arashiyama being its ridiculously gorgeous self. The place has bamboo forests so tall they block out the sun, misty mountains that look like they’re straight out of a watercolor painting, and the lazy Katsura River where you can spot old dudes fishing like they’ve got all the time in the world. And maybe they do. I’m jealous.
Crashing here is a bit of a mixed bag, but my tip is to look for family-run guesthouses. They are cheaper than ryokans and the local owners for sure will make you feel like their long-lost family. Plus, staying out here means you beat the day-trip crowds to the bamboo grove.
Kyoto Station Area – Launchpad for Adventure
The Kyoto Station area is like the Swiss Army knife of locations. If it’s convenience you need, then you don’t need to look any further. You’ve got the Shinkansen at your doorstep, buses to every corner of Kyoto, and enough food options in the station itself to keep you full for weeks. It’s like the travel gods got together and said, “Let’s make life easy for these poor, jetlagged souls.”
Now, the accommodations—there are several options here: capsule hotels where you can feel like you’re really sleeping in a spaceship, surprisingly swanky business hotels with views over the city. My top choice? Budget hotels attached directly to the station. And if you’re a night owl like me, this area has late-night ramen joints, 24-hour convenience stores—it’s all here. The station itself is a bit of an attraction, too. Just don’t expect the traditional Kyoto vibe at all. You’ll get modern Japan in its neon-lit, chaotic glory. But for convenience and bang for your buck? Can’t beat it.
Higashiyama – Step Back in Time
Walking into Higashiyama is literally walking into a living, breathing history book. I have spent way too many nights walking around these alleys lined with lanterns. It really never gets old. The wooden machiya houses and tiny teahouses? Be prepared to experience the real deal, my friends.
The best part? You can actually afford to stay here more than just a day or two. There are some budget guesthouses and small ryokans tucked away in these streets. I once stayed in this family-run minshuku that was rather affordable but not lacking in character. Sure, it was pretty basic if you’re looking for more, but the sweet old lady running the place made me feel right at home.
What You Can Expect to Pay Per Night
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect to shell out for a night’s stay in some of Kyoto’s most popular areas, plus some nearby spots you should miss while you’re there:
| Area Name | Places Nearby | Average Cost Per Night ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Kawaramachi | Nishiki Market, Pontocho Alley, Teramachi Shopping Street | $40 – 150 |
| Gion | Yasaka Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Hanami-koji Street | $60 – 200 |
| Arashiyama | Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple | $50 – 180 |
| Kyoto Station Area | Kyoto Tower, Toji Temple, Higashi Honganji Temple | $45 – 160 |
| Higashiyama | Philosopher’s Path, Nanzen-ji Temple, Heian Shrine | $55 – 190 |
Tips for Booking Cheap Accommodation in Kyoto
Utilize Booking Platforms Wisely
Though booking sites are your best friends when finding cheap accommodation in Kyoto (or anywhere else, for that matter!), you’ve got to learn how to be pro at using them. Don’t stick to just one site: shop around Booking.com, Agoda, and Hostelworld for the best price. Usually, the same room may have different prices depending on where you look. Also, always clear your browser cookies or use incognito mode while searching. Booking sites can be sneaky: they hike their prices if they feel you are scoping the same place more than once (and we know you will!).
When you pick a place, do try to get in touch with the accommodation directly. Many smaller guesthouses and family-run spots offer better rates if you book directly and you can avoid being hit with middlemen fees. Besides, you may get certain additional perks for free, like breakfast or late check-out. Who would say no to that?
Try Off-Peak Travel
Want to know a secret? Off-season travel in Kyoto is the best! I have done the cherry blossom thing in April, and yep, it is very beautiful, but man – the crowds and prices was enough to make me weep. Same for the autumn leaf peeping in November. Don’t get me wrong, it’s stunning, but your wallet will feel a whole lot lighter with lots of cheap accommodation in Kyoto available.
Try Kyoto in winter, like January or February. You might need to bundle up a bit, but imagine having those gorgeous temples almost all to yourself! Late May through early July is also great: you still get that spring vibe without the crazy costs. But truly, my personal fave is early September. It’s still warm and way less crowded, so you might hit upon some early fall colors if you’re lucky. Plus, it’s kinda magical to walk around a less-crowded Kyoto, which is quite rare. You can hear yourself think, you know? Your bank account (and your sanity) will thank you.
Consider Alternative Accommodation Types
I’d be willing to bet you’ve never thought about staying at a Buddhist temple. It’s called a shukubo, and it will add a whole other layer to your experience. You get to stay in serene temples, join morning prayers if you’re up for it (no pressure though), and some even offer delicious veggie meals. One time I tried it, and I woke up in the morning to the sound of Monks chanting – talk about a unique alarm clock!
If you’re feeling social, hostels in Kyoto are way cooler than you might think. Or how about a capsule hotel? Don’t knock it til you tried it. And to get a real feel of old-school Japan, try ryokans – traditional Japanese inns. Bottom line? Ditch the standard hotel mindset and you might just stumble upon the coolest stays!
Scouring Reviews for Budget Stays
I’ve spent way too many hours (and cups of matcha) scrolling through accommodation reviews online, but it’s super worth it. Don’t just look at the overall rating; dig your claws into those detailed reviews from fellow budget travelers. They’re the ones who’ll spill the tea on things like which rooms have the best views or if the free breakfast is actually worth rolling out of bed early for.
Pay attention to the recent reviews. That cute little guesthouse might have been a steal last year, but things change in a snap. Look for comments about cleanliness, location, and staff helpfulness – those can make or break a budget stay. Oh, and don’t freak out over a few negative reviews. If someone’s complaining about the lack of a jacuzzi in a $30-a-night place, you can probably take that with a grain of salt.
Balancing Budget and Expectations in Kyoto
We all want that picture-perfect Kyoto experience without emptying our wallets. But honestly, sometimes you gotta choose between that fancy dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant and a comfy place to crash. My advice? Know and prioritize what matters most to you. If you’re the type who’s out exploring from dawn till dusk, maybe splurging on accommodation will not be worth it. I’ve stayed in some pretty bare-bones places that were totally fine because I was barely there except to sleep. That’s when it makes sense to invest in cheap accommodation in Kyoto.
On the flip side, don’t aim to go so cheap that you’ll end up miserable. I once booked the absolute cheapest place I could find and ended up on a paper-thin futon in a room so small I could touch both walls at once. Not exactly the best place to stay for a claustrophobic like me. So balance your budget, but don’t forget to treat yourself a little.
Booking Platforms and Apps
Looking for the best way to lock down your Kyoto stay without losing your mind (or all your yen)? I’ve figured out which platforms and apps are the real MVPs for finding accommodation in this ancient city:
| Platform/App | Best For |
|---|---|
| Booking.com | Variety, user-friendly interface and reliable reviews |
| Agoda | Best for Asia-specific deals, often has the lowest prices for Kyoto accommodations |
| Hostelworld | Specializes in hostels and budget accommodations |
| Airbnb | Great for finding traditional machiya houses and local experiences |
| Rakuten Travel | Best for Japanese-style accommodations, lots of ryokan and minshuku options |
Conclusion
Look, finding a cheap accommodation in Kyoto does not have to be a nightmare. Trust me, I have been there, done that. As you have learned from our walkthrough, the key lies in mixing a little bit of planning, with a dash of flexibility, along with a strong traveler’s spirit. Maybe you’ll land in some quirky capsule hotel or that hidden gem guesthouse—embrace it. You’re in Kyoto!
At the end of the day, it’s little about the bed you sleep in. It’s about that mind-blowing tempura you find in some tiny alley or that view from the temple during sunrise that makes you forget you woke up at an ungodly hour. Book that budget stay and save your yen for the good stuff. Kyoto’s waiting for you, and it’s gonna be epic – no matter if you’re resting your head on a futon or a five-star pillow. Now get out there and make some memories!
How to Find the Best Budget Accommodation in Kyoto, Japan FAQ
Hostels, guesthouses, and capsule hotels offer the most affordable options for travelers. Prices vary, but these often provide the best value for those looking to save on lodging.
Yes, but booking well in advance is crucial. Prices can spike due to high demand, especially during cherry blossom season and autumn. Early reservations can secure more competitive rates.
The areas around Kyoto Station and Kawaramachi are known for having a variety of budget-friendly lodging options. These locations also offer convenience for sightseeing and transportation.
Compare prices across different booking platforms, look for deals or discounts, and consider accommodations just outside the city center for better rates. Also, visiting Kyoto during the off-peak season can lead to significant savings.
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