The 9 Best Hotels in Gion, Kyoto

Set on the eastern side of the Kamo River, Gion is a beautiful part of Kyoto. Stroll along narrow lanes lined with charming 17th-century homes, art galleries and intimate ryokans, pop in to lantern-lit teahouses and feast on traditional kaiseki cuisine in atmospheric restaurants. Once the city’s top geisha entertainment district, Gion has a rich and fascinating history. It's a brilliant neighbourhood for an expert-led walking tour or leisurely cycle, with much of the action clustered around Hanami-koji Street from Shijo Avenue to Kenninji Temple. The best hotels in Gion include elegant heritage properties, full of authentic atmosphere, as well as modern Japanese city spots — perfect for a memorable stay in the city.

For Couples

• Indigo House is a classic 'machiya' townhouse hidden on a little cul-de-sac in bustling Gion. Although the apartment sleeps four, it's best as a cosy couples' hideaway. Expect compact yet ergonomic Japanese interiors, a cosy bedroom and easy access to the area's restaurants, teahouses and boutiques.
• The Shinmonzen promises a elegant stay for romantic couples, with minimalist interiors featuring paper screens, wood-panelled walls, impressive artwork and crisp white linens. Inspired by old-school ryokans, this is a cool, contemporary boutique choice. Explore Gion on the hotel's bicycles.
• Sowaka Hotel is a swish ryokan, offering atmospheric rooms and suites with garden views, inviting seating areas and a terrific restaurant serving seasonal cuisine. A luxurious choice for food and heritage-focused couples, and certainly one of the best hotels in Gion.

For Groups

• Motonago Ryokan is a relaxed 11 room guesthouse, offering traditional Japanese interiors and delicious 13-part reigonal meals. Rooms feature futon beds, woven tatami matting and low seating areas. Many have space for families or groups; ideal for a taste of authentic Gion.
• The Old Modern sleeps up to 14 guests in rooms with polished parquet flooring, goose-down duvets and high ceilings. Gather in the central courtyard garden, alongside the dining room and library for a quiet moment before heading out to explore Gion.
• Amber House Gion promises an authentic Japanese experience in a restored machiya — Japanese townhouse — with two bedrooms. Ideal for two couples travelling together, or for a small family, the house has period interiors, garden and temple views and self-catering facilities.
• The Gion House is another renovated machiya, this time overseen by renowned Kyoto-based architect Geoffrey Moussas. The house is split into two apartments, each with two bedrooms. Book the whole place for a larger group, or take just the top half for up to four guests — the roof terrace is a nice touch. Interestingly, the house was used as an entertainment space by geishas until the 1960s.

For City Style

• Granbell Kyoto is a modern, budget-friendly base in central Gion. The 100+ guest rooms have a contemporary, industrial feel, with lots of white, black and light wooden accents. The lobby-bar is brilliant for drinks, there's great food at the restaurant and the tranquil public bath overlooks a small garden. City style in the heart of old Kyoto.
• Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion has over 150 chic guestrooms set above light and airy shared spaces. Unwind in the lounge, take a long soak in the garden-facing baths, or tuck in to flavoursome Japanese fare at Yasaka Endo — which also boasts a tempura counter. A stylish Gion choice for business or leisure.

STILL NOT SURE?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Kyoto?
• or consider just the most romantic hotels in Kyoto? or the nine best luxury Hotels in Kyoto? or the best ryokans in Kyoto?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

  • Indigo House Kyoto 4 rooms from £427

    
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    Groups  -  The house has 4 rooms (split between 2 apartments) and sleeps up to 8 people making this ideal to rent out in its entirety

    Sights nearby  -  Visit nearby Kenninji Temple, visible from the master bedrooms, and understand how monks traditionally live

    Architectural  -  Built in the 1900s, the house was extensively restored in 2015 by renowned architect Geoffrey Moussas

    Local exploring  -  Ideally located for exploring this historic area of 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. See More

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  • The Shinmonzen Kyoto (Higashiyama-ku) 9 rooms from £888

    
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    Designer  -  Offering the simplicity of a Ryokan with renowned art works and chic European touches — making this anything but traditional

    Local exploring  -  Gion district is famous for its geisha teahouses, atmospheric narrow lanes, hidden temples and traditional wooden architecture

    Foodies  -  Famed French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten runs the show here offering Kyoto cuisine with a distinctly modern French touch

    Artworks  -  The property has some big hitters including Damien Hirst, Louise Bourgeois and Hiroshi Sugimoto

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    Behind its traditional machiya-style façade, lies a contemporary ryokan made for design-lovers. Interiors are styled on a traditional ryokan with chic minimalism, tatami mat flooring, and sharp lines but there are also renowned artworks (think Damien Hirst) and plenty of modern touches. Very chic. See More

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  • Sowaka Hotel Kyoto (Higashiyama-ku) 23 rooms from £467

    
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    Romantic Break  -  The tranquil atmosphere at this contemporary Japanese hotel is perfect for a couples' getaway; book a relaxing in-room massage

    Foodies  -  A great choice for foodies, with onsite restaurant La BOMBANCE overseen by a Michelin-starred chef

    City Style  -  Set in a historic neighbourhood in Kyoto, this hotel has reams of luxury local city charm

    Sights nearby  -  Visit the beautiful, nearby Kodaiji Temple, located a few minutes' walk from this hotel

    

    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. See More

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  • Motonago Ryokan Kyoto (Higashiyama-ku Kodaiji-dori Washio 511) 11 rooms from £163

    
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    Other Activities  -  Take a guided tour through Gion to admire Edo architecture and to discover the history of the neighbourhood

    Great walks  -  Enjoy a stroll through the picturesque Maruyama Park - especially beautiful in the spring

    Groups  -  Larger rooms sleep up to four guests; ideal for groups of friends keen to travel together

    Local exploring  -  A traditional property within walking distance of some of Kyoto's main sights.

    

    A charming traditional ryokan in an ancient part of Kyoto packed full of historical and religious sights. Authentic rooms feature tatami-mat flooring and futon beds; some rooms have space for families or groups. Thirteen-part regional meals offer a true Japanese experience. Laid-back and intimate. See More

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  • The Old Modern Kyoto 4 rooms from £761

    
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    Groups  -  The house sleeps up to 14 and is ideal for groups seeking a private city stay

    Hideaway  -  A design-led hideaway for couples or groups in Kyoto, brimming with history

    Museums  -  Just a few minutes' awalk from the excellent Kyoto National Museum

    Sights nearby  -  The nearby Kiyomizu Temple is a must-see for culture aficionados

    

    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. See More

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  • Amber House Gion Kyoto 2 rooms from £279

    
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    Local exploring  -  Well placed in the heart of the city with many of the attractions within walking distance

    Families  -  With just two rooms this is an ideal property to rent out in its entirety

    Sights nearby  -  Take a walk around the nearby gardens of Kenninji, the oldest Zen temple in Japan

    Great walks  -  Explore the streets of Gion the famed geisha area of 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. See More

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  • The Gion House (upper level) Kyoto (Higashiyama Ward) 2 rooms from £251

    
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    Families  -  A small self-catering property with just two rooms, this is an ideal choice for families seeking a private stay

    Hideaway  -  Also a romantic spot for design-minded couples looking for a private space of their own in the city

    Sights nearby  -  A visit to the iconic Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine is a must on any visit to Kyoto

    Other Activities  -  Participate in a tea ceromony, the roots of which lie in Zen Buddhism

    

    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. See More

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  • Granbell Kyoto Kyoto (Yamatooji-dori) 105 rooms from £123

    
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    Local exploring  -  Right in the heart of Higashiyama Ward, ideal for exploring the old town on foot and observing the shrines and ancient landmarks

    City Style  -  A perfect marraige between slick modern design and traditional Japanease ryokan features to create a wonderfully stylish hybrid

    Cycling  -  Rent a pair of bikes from the hotel and head off to explore this ancient and magnificent city

    Other Activities  -  The cool bar restaurant is a great spot to hang out, have a few drinks and enjoy yourself

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    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. See More

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  • Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion Kyoto (Higashioji-nishiiru, Yasaka-dori, Higashiyama-ku,) 157 rooms from £147

    
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    Local exploring  -  Higashiyama Ward is a great choice for travellers interested in old town exploring, walking and ancient landmarks

    Great walks  -  Kamo River is only a six minute walk, a refreshing start to the day. With birds such as herons and Japanese wagtails

    Sights nearby  -  Many sights nearby, such as The Oldest Zen Temple, Maruyama Park and the Tower of Yasaka, a majestic landmark

    Restaurant  -  Serves Japanese cuisine including tempura and sushi

    

    A stylish hotel set in the heart of Kyoto. Spacious interiors are that perfect combination of minimalist style with a nod to Japanese design. The restaurant serves delectable Japanese cuisine and the property boasts its own public bath in an idyllic garden setting. City perfection. See More

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Written by Saskia Walker

posted Monday, 1st January 2024