Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, is a city steeped in tradition and spirituality. Its ancient temples, shrines, and gardens draw millions of visitors every year, seeking a glimpse of Japan's rich cultural heritage. But beyond its historic treasures, Kyoto is also home to a thriving boutique hotel scene that blends contemporary design with traditional Japanese aesthetics. From minimalist ryokans to modern art-filled hotels, these properties offer a serene and intimate retreat from the city's bustling streets. Whether you're seeking a peaceful escape or a cultural adventure, Kyoto's boutique hotels offer a unique and unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Japan's past and present.
Kyoto (Minami ku Higashikujo Yanaginoshitacho 67-1 )
A stylish contemporary boutique pitched at great value and offering something a little different to the traditional Kyoto hotels. Sleek rooms are minimalist with a Scandinavia-meets-Kyoto aesthetic. The popular Danish restaurant is worth booking for alone. A hip city base.
Kyoto
A boutique hotel/art gallery hybrid in the centre of Kyoto. Each of its concept rooms is designed by one of fifteen emerging Japanese artists. Striking colours blend with comfortable furnishings to create a unique atmosphere, plus there's a 10 storey gallery showcasing Japanese contemporary art.
Kyoto (Yamatooji-dori)
A beautiful marriage between tradition and contemporary flare, in the heart of Kyoto's old city. The rooms are a perfect embodiment of this with their tatami floors, minimalist style and plush modern comforts. The lobby/bar is a cool spot for a drink and the restaurant offers excellent food.
Kyoto
A chic traditional property set in gorgeous Japanese gardens. Large floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly frame the views. Classically styled rooms feature tatami mat flooring, futon beds and the best have indulgent luxury bathrooms. A tranquil property, well located for exploring the historical city.
Kyoto (Shimogyo-ku)
This cosy, family-run hotel is nestled in the centre of Kyoto. Stylish guestrooms feature crisp white linens set off against wooden floors with homely soft furnishings. Start the day in the bright and airy breakfast room with a hearty à la carte or American breakfast before sightseeing.
Kyoto (Kyoto-shi)
A chic contemporary offering in the heart of historic Kyoto. Minimalist rooms feature pale wooden furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows and crisp white linen. Downstairs, you'll find a shared kitchen and a fully-fledged café-bar. A lively space, well-suited to hip, design-conscious travellers.
Kyoto (Nakagyo-ku)
A hip boutique hotel with the feel of an art gallery with its large private collection of contemporary works. Rooms are simply styled with cool grey hues and pale wooden floors. The largest nine are fitted with bathtubs. Western fare is served in the restaurant while the bar is the place to be seen.
Kyoto
An eight room design hotel in the centre of Kyoto. Choose between four western style studios (each with a different theme) or four Japanese style suites. All are beautifully conceived and the best offer a well equipped kitchen. There's a charming salon for tea and rooftop garden for city views.
Kyoto
A contemporary boutique hotel in the centre of Kyoto. Twelve individually designed bedrooms feature modern furniture and chic decor from Japanese brands. There's a welcoming bar/lounge with terrace offering complimentary snacks and drinks 24/7! A smart city base.
Kyoto
Gorgeously sleek & modern, The Screen offers contemporary design in a luxe setting with 13 rooms each with a different theme and style. Natural light streams throughout and amenities range from an exclusive day spa to a spacious communal lounge, French restaurant and champagne garden rooftop bar.
Kyoto (Minami-ku )
This chic hotel, located in the Minami Ward of Kyoto, offers guests the chance to select 22 Japanese products from their boutique to enrich their stay. The stylish and contemporary accommodation is perfect for families or a group stay, with multiple beds and self-catering facilities.
Kyoto
A modern Japanese gem where Kyoto's essence comes alive in every detail. Spacious rooms reflect the tranquil beauty of Kyoto karakami décor, reminiscent of the city's four seasons. Indulge in traditional Japanese cuisine for breakfast, honoured with an award for excellence. A relaxing city stay.
Kyoto (Nakagyo-ku)
This hotel is located in the heart of Kyoto, close to the Imperial Palace. Opened over seventy years ago, the hotel is something of a local institution; recently renovated, it now offers bright, Japanese-style guestrooms and extensive spa facilities, in addition to an excellent tempura restaurant.
Kyoto (Rokaku Sagaru Nakagyo-ku)
Located in the heart of Kyoto, Kanamean Nishitomiya offers traditional Japanese accommodation-think tatami woven-straw flooring and futon bedding. Relax in the garden with a drink and enjoy splendid half-board kaiseki cuisine! A wonderfully charming and incredibly peaceful city spot.
Kyoto (Kamigyo-ku )
This heritage ryokan is located in Kyoto, Japan. Built over 160 years ago, the hotel has undergone a recent renovation and offers Japanese-style and Western guestrooms with contemporary artwork and traditional indoor clothing. Enjoy drinks in the cosy hotel lounge after sightseeing.
Kyoto (Nishikyo-ku Kyoto-shi)
A stunning riverside property set in thick forest that dramatically changes colour along with the seasons. Traditional rooms include paper screens, picture windows and Japanese mats; the larger rooms have wooden baths. Dine on inventive regional dishes in a superb setting. The perfect rural escape.
Kyoto (Higashiyama Ward)
A traditional wooden 'machiya' set in the geisha quarters of Gion. having undergone a full renovation by renowned Kyoto-based architect Geoffrey Moussas the small property is a chic, yet authentic, holiday home. Featuring just two rooms it's an ideal base for families or groups.
Kyoto (Higashiyama Ward)
A 100-year old wooden machiya house set in the historic geisha area. Featuring just two bedrooms; one with traditional tatami mat floors and a futon bed and the other western-styled. With a fully equipped kitchen and living room, this is the ideal spot for families or friends to hire exclusively.
Kyoto (Minami-ku)
This boutique hotel is nestled behind an almost indiscernible doorway in the Minami Ward of Kyoto. Interiors feature modern architecture inspired by traditional Japanese design, from the lobby bamboo lightbox to the suites' sakura ceilings. Start the day with a gourmet breakfast before sightseeing.
Kyoto
Comprising of just seven suites, this boutique property offers a luxurious and intimate stay in the heart of the city. The spacious modern rooms' design is inspired by traditional Japanese style. Regional dishes are served in the customary way (in-room) and each suite has a large spa bath.
Kyoto (Kitakarasuma-cho )
This contemporary hotel is located in the Minami Ward of Kyoto. Smart guestrooms blend Japanese custom with modern style, featuring traditional futon beds on raised wooden platforms and tatami seating areas with low armchairs. The spacious suites make this hotel perfect for a family stay.
Kyoto (Minamiku )
This opulent boutique hotel is located in the heart of Kyoto. Indulgent guestrooms have marble walls and crisp, white linens, set off by brass accents and selected design pieces. All suites come with a complimentary iPad for guest use, one of many thoughtful touches that make this hotel stand out.
Kyoto
A charming renovated machiya house set on a quiet street in Old Gion. The house has two rooms which have both been beautifully restored keeping the building's traditional style yet with all the contemporary luxuries. Featuring a fully equipped kitchen this is an ideal house to rent in its entirety.
Kyoto (Shijyosagaru )
This boutique city bolt-hole is located in the vibrant Shijo Karasuma district of Kyoto. In the elegant lobby, Venetian-style mosaics recall the rich colours of Edo-period Japanese painting. Guestrooms similarly blend heritage inspirations with contemporary comforts for a stylish stay.
Kyoto (Shimogyo-ku)
This traditional townhouse in Kyoto has been converted into a contemporary boutique hotel, offering guestrooms which blend Oriental and Western styles. Futon beds and sliding paper screens nod to local custom, while the hotel's bistro restaurant highlights European influences.
Kyoto (Shimogyo-ku )
This stylish hotel is located in the heart of Kyoto. Interiors feature a contemporary take on the city's traditional construction technique, with areas zoned by raised wooden platforms with tatami flooring and terrace cypress tubs. Unwind at the Kanra Spa after a day out sightseeing.
Kyoto (Sakyo-ku Kyoto-shi)
A traditional ryokan nestled in beautifully manicured gardens. Comprising of just five Japanese styled rooms. Experience Kyoto-style kaiseki dinners (made up of many courses), wander to nearby temples or simply unwind in the gardens with a good book. A blissful escape from the bustling city.
Kyoto (Sagatenryūji Susukinobabachō)
A beautifully designed traditional guesthouse comprising of just 10 rooms. Light and airy rooms feature tatami mats, garden views and the best have hot spring baths. Regional cuisine is served up in the restaurant. Ideally located for a tranquil stay yet with easy access to the city.
Kyoto
A charming 'machiya' style townhouse offering contemporary luxuries in a traditional setting. Two of the rooms feature traditional tatami matting, while the others are more Western in their design. Offering a fully-equipped modern kitchen, this is an ideal choice for families or groups.
Kyoto (Saga-Tenryuji)
The luxurious Suiran Hotel is situated along the banks of the Katsura River in the outskirts of Kyoto. The property offers chic designer accommodation and boasts its own lush garden: perfect for relaxing with a drink. Exquisite cuisine served at the restaurant! An indulgent stay in a stunning spot.
Kyoto (Nakagyo ku)
This chic ryokan is nestled close to the Imperial Palace in Kyoto. The hotel is themed around 'Wagashi', traditional Japanese confectionary. The stylish guestrooms feature sliding screens and a blend of wood, wicker and tatami accents. Unwind in the secret Japanese garden after sightseeing.
Kyoto (Higashiyama-ku)
This stylish hotel is located in Kyoto's charming Gion neighbourhood. Guestrooms blend classic Japanese design with a contemporary inflexion, with sliding doors opening onto the hotel's verdant inner courtyard. Dine at the award-winning restaurant to complete the experience.
Kyoto
A spacious house offering modern luxuries in a historic setting. Well-proportioned rooms feature parquet flooring, goose-down duvets and Nespresso machines but the look is still traditional and clean. The central garden and library are ideal spots to unwind after a day's sightseeing. Very chic.
Kyoto (Sakyo-ku)
This heritage hotel is located in Kyoto. After a complete renovation, the property now offers warm, inviting guestrooms with slate and wood accents plus views onto the beautiful Japanese garden from a cosy terrace. Dine at the acclaimed restaurant, run by a Michelin-starred chef.
Kyoto (Kita-ku)
This luxury Kyoto hotel is nestled within a mythical forest with natural hot springs. Suites offer guests proximity to the natural environment, located in pavilions with floor-to-ceiling windows, wooden screens and tatami mats. Book a private dinner in the forest for a romantic evening.