9 Michelin Guaranteed Japan Brand Comfort Hotels In Kyoto 2017 - Updated 2024

1. Kyoto Itoya Hotel in Shimogyo-ku (from USD 68)

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Shimogyo-ku is home to the busiest shopping district in Kyoto, as well as the Kyoto Station and Kyoto Tower, the tallest structure in the city. If you are concerned about paying exorbitant accommodation prices for staying in a prime area like this, you will be glad to find Kyoto Itoya Hotel.

Located within a short walk from the main Shijo-dori street, and just a 5-minute taxi ride to Kyoto Station, Kyoto Itoya Hotel is a compact designer hotel for a comfortable stay near the commercial hub. Rent a bicycle from the hotel at an affordable rate of 1,500 JPY (13.50 USD) per day to explore the city leisurely at your own pace. Feel free to browse materials about Kyoto at the library on the second floor or relax in the cosy lounge next to it.

Nakagyo Area

Nakagyo Ward is Kyoto’s central capital ward, where you can find many historical spots and temples, such as Nishiki Market, Nijo Castle and Kyoto Museum. Choosing to stay in this ward will make a convenient base for sightseeing in Kyoto. Here are 4 Michelin guaranteed Japan brand comfort hotels that you can stay in Nakagyo Ward.

2. Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei (from USD 138)

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Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei opened in March 2014, with a chic traditional design of its exterior blending in with the Edo-era feel of its surroundings. Step inside the hotel and you will be pleased to find its modern furnishings with a retro touch. Most rooms are fitted with Western-style furnishings, except the Japanese style deluxe twin room, which features a traditional raised floor space at the back of the room. You can also enjoy a soak in the large public bath on the first floor that is free for guests to use.

3. Villa Aneyakoji (from USD 124)

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Located on Aneyakoji-dori near Nijo Castle, Villa Anayakoji looks like a Japanese inn, or ryokan, from the outside. There are only 7 rooms in this elegant boutique hotel with 2 rooms per floor except the premium room that occupies the entire top floor. Have restful nights on the comfortable Western-style beds in your minimalist-designed room equipped with modern amenities. Major attractions are within walking distance from the hotel too, such as Nishiki Market and Kyoto International Comic Museum, besides Nijo Castle.

4. Hotel Vista Premio Kyoto (from USD 63)

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Hotel Vista Premio Kyoto has been listed in the Michelin Guide Kyoto Osaka 2017 for 3 consecutive years. The hotel stands out amidst the fierce competition with its strategic location, within walking distance of Nishiki Market and the downtown area, as well as its contemporary designs with traditional touches.

All 7 types of guest rooms feature gentle colors alongside shoji (traditional Japanese-style sliding doors) and paper lamp shades, and are furnished with large comfortable Western-style beds for a good night’s rest. Surrounding the hotel are plenty of shops and restaurants to check out. Or you can also enjoy a tasty meal at the on-site restaurants that serve Chinese-style hotpot, Japanese, Italian or international buffet options.

5. Hotel Noku Kyoto (from USD 247)

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Opened in 2015, Hotel Noku Kyoto is a new hotel listed in the latest edition of the Michelin Guide Kyoto Osaka 2017. Located right next to Kyoto Imperial Palace and right in the heart of the historical city, Noku is designed to showcase the cultural spirit of Kyoto life. Spot the large painting of a monkey as you pass the hotel entrance. The direction of a monkey symbolises the hotel’s southwest location relative to the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

All 81 guest rooms feature white walls and plenty of wood to enhance the tranquil feel. In addition, individually selected art pieces are put in the rooms to reflect Kyoto’s charming culture. For a truly private stay at Noku, ask for a room at the back of the building. You can also contact the concierge service for assistance to discover hidden gems in the neighborhood for a truly local experience in Kyoto.

Minami Ward Area

As the south ward of Kyoto, Minami Ward evokes a more working-class feel compared to other areas in the city. Stay in this ward if you wish to experience the working-class ambience and visit notable landmarks such as Toji Temple and Kyoto’s old southern entrance, the Rajōmon. Here are 3 recommended Michelin guaranteed comfort hotels to consider.

6. New Miyako Hotel (from USD 60)

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Located at the tip of Minami-ku just adjacent to Shimogyo-ku where Kyoto Station is, you would be able to enjoy the best of both worlds at New Miyako Hotel. The 4-star hotel is just a short walk from Kyoto Station, the gateway to Japan’s ancient capital, and you would also be able to relish in the working-class atmosphere in Minami-ku. There are 988 guest rooms in New Miyako, with three types of rooms offering accommodations of varying decor.

Rooms in the hotel’s south wing feature high ceilings with large windows for an airy feel, while the design of the premium rooms in the main building are inspired by traditional Kyoto style. Regardless of the decor, all rooms boast superb comfort and functionality with modern sensibility. The glass chapel and banquet hall are certainly eye-catching features in New Miyako’s central garden, which not only serve as a popular wedding venue, but also a lovely place to take some beautiful shots in the hotel.

7. Almont Hotel Kyoto (from USD 39)

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Almont Hotel Kyoto is part of the Hotel Hokke Group, known for their business hotels. In this tourist-friendly hotel where twin and triple rooms account for over half of the rooms, you can look forward to a comfortable stay together with your travel mates. Besides enjoying the modern accommodation in a great location accessible to major tourist attractions, you can also relax in the large public baths in the hotel. Female guests will also be pleased to note that foot massagers and ion steamers are specially fitted in the ladies’ rooms. For long-staying guests, coin-operated launderette are available for use next to the public bath.

8. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto-Hachijoguchi (from USD 49)

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Looking at some place more affordable near Kyoto Station yet still great for a comfortable stay? Then Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto-Hachijoguchi will be the ideal choice for you. Listed as a 1-comfort level hotel in the latest Michelin guide, the hotel is within walking distance from the train station and offers several types of guest rooms of varying sizes, from 18 to 23 square meters (193.75 to 247.57 square feet), to suit your budget and preference.

9. Hotel Mume in Higashiyama Ward

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Situated along the lower slopes of Kyoto’s eastern mountains, Higashiyama Ward is one of the city’s best preserved ancient districts. It is an enchanting district to stay in to experience the old traditional Kyoto, hence a stay at Hotel Mume in Higashiyama-ku may just be perfect for such an experience. Standing along the tranquil Shirakawa River in Gion, the wooden building of Hotel Mume invoke a feeling of the bygone capital city.

The small designer hotel is so named because of its location next to a Japanese apricot tree (mume). Buzz the intercom beside the mume and the hospitable owner will meet and welcome you at the red door. Enter the hotel and be enchanted by its elegant design, decorated with exquisite antique furniture from all over the world. Whichever room you choose to stay in, you would be able to relax and unwind in the traditional concept revolving around the beauties of nature.

Hotel Mume in Higashiyama-ku

Address: 261 Umemotocho, Shinmonzen-dori, Higashiyama Ward

Price: from 24,000 JPY (216 USD) per night

Number of Guests: 2

Access: 1-minute walk from Chion-in-mae Bus stop

Contact: +81 755258787

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Refer to the Michelin Guide to speed up your accommodation search

With the Michelin Guide Kyoto Osaka 2017 on hand, deciding on which hotel to stay in is now a much easier task than before. Narrow down your search based on your budget, what you want to do, and finally zoom in to the area of interest to speed up your accommodation search. Based on the above shortlisted hotels in 4 different wards, I am sure you will find at least one Michelin guaranteed Japan brand comfort hotel for your Kyoto stay. Have a wonderful trip!