Top Rated Accommodations in Kyoto

This beautiful hotel is located on Shirakawa River in Gion, Kyoto. Nestled in the four-story building, Hotel Mume is a unique boutique accommodation. All seven rooms are decorated in authentic "ka-cho-fu-getsu" (bird, butterfly, wind, moon) style. Each room adorns unique themes, such as, Wind room are bright; Butterfly room have black walls and Chinese relics; Moon room are have golden shades on the walls. Each room feature "karakami" paper from 400-year-old "Karacho Shop" and traditional Chinese furnishing.

Hiiragi-ya Annexe offers similar luxury and standards to the main Hiiragi-ya Hotel, but at more affordable prices: JPY15,000-JPY25,000 depending on the size of the room for a single room with two meals. It is possible to stay without meals, but the food on offer is fantastic anyway. Discover a fascinating insight into traditional Kyoto way-of-living.

When in Japan, plan a stay at the venerable Tawaraya Ryokan. Having the distinction of being Kyoto's oldest inn, Tawaraya upholds the traditions of true Japanese living with minute references to modernity. Soak in tradition and the tranquility at this refined and elegant 300 year old inn. The 18 rooms are authentically decorated with antique chests, lanterns, ikebana arrangements and the like. Slide open the glass doors of your ground floor room and feel like you are looking out onto a beautiful Japanese painting, replete with stone lanterns and lush bamboo gardens. Come back from a busy day out and relax in the garden with tea or ravish a Kaiseki dinner. The guest list at Tawaraya is pretty impressive, so be prepared to bump into ‘A' class celebrities.

Hoshinoya is the epitome of a luxurious and relaxing getaway. Tucked away between hills in a serene riverside location, few other places in the city offer you the same kind of tranquility as this hotel. Board the hotel's boat at the other side of the river and take in the picturesque sight of lush green trees and hills as you make your way across to get to the hotel. The rooms here are a blend of traditional and modern Japanese culture, with low level furniture and traditional paper windows that add simplicity to its sophistication. While here don't miss the boat cruise in the Arashiyama Valley and take in the beautiful sight of cherry blossoms blooming on either side of the river bank.

Opened in February 2014, this luxury 5-star hotel boasts high-standard services and guestrooms that are among the most spacious in Kyoto. Guests may enjoy complimentary use of the indoor swimming pool and the fitness centre during their stay. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto is situated right along the Kamogawa River, offering iconic Kyoto views. Kyoto Shiyakushomae Subway Station is just a 3-minute walk away, while JR Kyoto Station can be reached within a 10-minute subway ride. Nijo-jo Castle, one of the World Heritage Sites, is a 3-minute subway ride from the hotel. Featuring traditional Kyoto aesthetics and sophisticated elegance, each room is fitted with a large flat-screen TV, a Blu-ray player and a Nespresso coffee maker. The en suite bathroom comes with a rain shower, a bath tub and a mini LED TV. While staying at the hotel, guests can feel rejuvenated with massage treatments at the spa or enjoy workouts at the 24-hour gym. A 24-hour front desk and concierge services are offered. The business centre is also available 24 hours. La Locanda restaurant serves colourful Italian dishes featuring select ingredients from all over the world. Delicately prepared Japanese kaiseki multi-course meals and sushi can be savoured at Mizuki restaurant. Pierre Hermé Paris offers delicious French sweets including macaroons.

This is a friendly, well-organized and fairly disciplined youth hostel in the west of the city. Be warned that light's out is 10.30pm and there is also a 10pm curfew! There is room for 168 guests and facilities include bike rental for 600 yen and laundry provision. Breakfast and dinner are available at 500 yen and 850 yen respectively and the nightly charge is a very cheap 2800 yen.