Kyoto Vacation Guide: Top Attractions for First-Time Visitors
Nijo Castle
Highlights:
・Ninomaru Palace: Traditional architecture and intricate artwork
・Nightingale floors: Floors that chirp like birds as you walk
・Castle gardens: A quiet stroll through Kyoto’s natural charm
Recommended Hotel
Urban Hotel Kyoto-Nijo Premium
Located near Nijo Castle, which is convenient for sightseeing in Kyoto City, this business hotel has an attractive space that combines the atmosphere of the ancient capital with modern design. The spacious public bath and guest rooms promise a comfortable stay and will help you relax after your travels. There is also a sauna and cold bath. The breakfast buffet, which makes use of local Kyoto ingredients, will enrich your start to the day.
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Other recommended hotels
Minn Nijojo
Located right next to Nijo Castle, this hotel allows you to experience the atmosphere of Kyoto and traditional Japanese style up close. The guest rooms, renovated from traditional Japanese houses, are a relaxing space where the warmth of wood blends with modern comfort. There are many famous Kyoto restaurants and historical buildings in the surrounding area, allowing you to enjoy a stay that is unique to Kyoto.
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FIRSTCABIN Kyoto Nijojo
This hotel features compact yet functional cabins reminiscent of first class on an airplane. The stylish and clean space offers comfort that overturns the conventional notion of a business hotel. There is also a semi-open-air bath with hot spring properties to soothe your fatigue. Conveniently located within walking distance of Nijo Castle, it is reasonably priced and an ideal base for sightseeing in Kyoto. Recommended for those looking for a smart stay experience that makes the most of the limited space.
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Heian Shrine
Highlights:
・Vermilion torii gates: Iconic spot for fans of Shinto architecture
・Heian Shrine Gardens: Cherry blossoms in spring and seasonal beauty year-round
・Peaceful setting: Ideal for photos, quiet walks, or cultural discovery
Recommended Hotel
Rinn Niomon
It is located about a 5-minute walk from Higashiyama Station on the subway. Located near Heian Shrine and Nijo Castle, this hotel is a quaint Japanese-modern space renovated from a Kyoto townhouse. Many of the guest rooms have tatami mats, and all rooms are equipped with Simmons beds. The hotel also has facilities such as a manga rental room and coin laundry. The layout is similar to that of a Japanese home, and the toilet and bathroom are separate, making it easy to use.
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Other recommended hotels
M’s Hotel Sanjo Wakoku
Located in Sanjo, the heart of Kyoto City, the hotel boasts an excellent location for sightseeing and shopping. The interior has been renovated to a modern style while still retaining the elegance of a traditional townhouse, creating a calming Japanese atmosphere that will gently soothe your tired body and soul. The hotel also offers carefully selected amenities and attentive service to support a comfortable stay in Kyoto. This is a hotel where you can spend your time in a way that suits you, as if blending into everyday Kyoto life.
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Hotel Heian No Mori Kyoto
Although it is located in Kyoto city, this resort hotel boasts a quiet environment surrounded by vast greenery. You can spend a relaxing time in a location rich in nature. Kyoto temples and tourist attractions such as Heian Shrine, Nanzenji Temple, and Eikando Temple are within walking distance of the hotel. The extensive facilities on offer include an open-air bath with a view of the four seasons and a restaurant where you can enjoy Kyoto cuisine.
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Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Highlights:
・Plum blossoms: Best seen in early spring
・Tenjin Market: Great for street food and traditional souvenirs
・Spiritual importance: A peaceful place to pray and reflect
Recommended Hotel
KeFU stay & lounge
KeFU stay & lounge is a lodging facility with a cafe located in the historic Nishijin district of Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. Based on the concept of "Turn everyday Kyoto into a special day," the facility offers a stay experience that allows you to experience everyday life in Kyoto. The stylish space is a renovated townhouse, and the charm of the place is that it retains the elegance of a Kyoto townhouse within its modern design. On the first floor, there is a cafe and lounge that is open to the public as well as guests, where you can enjoy snacks and sweets made with local ingredients, as well as specialty coffee. It can also be used as a place to plan your trip and interact with other travelers.
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Other recommended hotels
Kyounoyado Hana Nishijin
This Kyoto townhouse was inherited from our ancestors and is nearly 100 years old. It is located in an area surrounded by historical sites such as Kinkakuji Temple, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kamishichiken, Hirano Shrine, and Senbon Shakado. It is a renovated inn that feels like a quaint hideaway. Once you step inside, you will find a relaxing space where the warmth of wood and the traditional beauty of Kyoto blend together. You can relax while looking out at the small garden, or spend special time in a room with a different atmosphere, making it an experience that makes you feel like you are living in Kyoto. The warm hospitality of landlady and the homemade Kyoto cuisine will make your stay a memorable one.
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Ryokan Tori
This Kyoto Ryokan (Japanese inn) is like a hideaway, renovated from a Kyoto townhouse that is over 100 years old, and only accommodates a few groups per day. Enjoy a luxurious and peaceful stay in a space that combines a tasteful appearance with modern comfort. The Kyoto cuisine, carefully prepared using seasonal local ingredients, is a delight for both the eyes and the tongue. The warm hospitality of landlady and the detailed design will help you create unforgettable Kyoto memories.
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Sagano Romantic Train
Highlights:
・Hozu River views: Stunning river and mountain scenery
・Seasonal landscapes: Autumn colors and spring greenery
・Nostalgic train ride: A peaceful journey through nature
Recommended Hotel
Kadensho, Arashiyama Onsen, Kyoto - Kyoritsu Resort
Located close to Kyoto's popular Togetsukyo Bridge, Ryokan (Japanese inn) offers a colorful order buffet where you can enjoy a little bit of whatever you like. Enjoy a special stay in Kyoto, with high-quality relaxation, fine food, and hot springs in a modern Japanese space.
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Other recommended hotels
Homm Stay Nagi Arashiyama Kyoto By Banyan Group
Created by the world-renowned Banyan Group, this hotel is like a hideaway surrounded by the nature of Arashiyama. All rooms are suites, and the private space and sophisticated design will allow you to escape from your daily routine for a luxurious stay. You will be soothed both body and mind with creative cuisine made with local ingredients and spa treatments unique to Banyan Tree. The special stay experience allows you to have the beautiful scenery of Arashiyama all to yourself.
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Togetsutei Hotel
Located on the banks of the clear waters of Arashiyama's Katsura River, this long-established Ryokan (Japanese inn) boasts over 100 years of history. With a perfect location overlooking the Togetsukyo Bridge, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons from your room or the open-air bath. While preserving the traditions of Kyoto cuisine, the intricate kaiseki（a traditional Japanese multiple course meal ）incorporates the sensibilities of the times, never failing to fascinate visitors. Enjoy a special stay in Kyoto, weaving together history, nature, and high-quality hospitality.
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Kyoto Aquarium
Highlights:
・Dolphin and sea lion shows: Fun and entertaining for all
・Interactive exhibits: Learn through hands-on displays
・Family-friendly: Great for kids and adults alike
Recommended Hotel
Hotel Emion Kyoto
This hotel is conveniently located just one stop (3 minutes) from Kyoto Station and a 2-minute walk from Umekoji Kyoto-nishi Station on the JR Sagano Line. The first and second floors are themed around Kyoto's food and occupations, with restaurants, traditional crafts, and opportunities to learn about and experience traditional culture and industries. The large public bath and dry sauna are open from early in the morning until late at night, allowing you to relax and unwind after a long day of travel.
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Other recommended hotels
RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto
It is a 7-minute walk from Kyoto Station and is close to the station. The stately building features Japanese-modern rooms with a touch of Kyoto atmosphere. There are a variety of Japanese, Western and Chinese restaurants, including the only revolving French restaurant in Japan, as well as a bar and lounge. You can enjoy the royal lifestyle with a pool and fitness gym.
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The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Umekoji
Located next to the Kyoto Aquarium and the Railway Museum, the hotel is the perfect location for family trips and railway enthusiasts. The hotel is decorated with artwork based on Kyo-Yuzen, creating a sophisticated space that is modern yet exudes a Kyoto atmosphere. The spacious guest rooms will soothe your tired body and soul after a long day of travel, and the hotel restaurant serves creative cuisine made with local ingredients, providing a memorable dining experience.
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