7 Budget-Friendly Yet Beautiful Hotels in Kyoto

Do you have a limited budget for night stays in Kyoto? If yes, I have got you covered. Kyoto boasts beautiful budget-friendly hotels that are well-located and feature all the essential amenities you need for a comfortable stay on your solo trip to the city.

The former capital offers many options, whether you want to experience a traditional stay with tatami-mat floors or a business-styled hotel.

You only need to pick the right stay in Kyoto without stressing your wallet. But how? Well, if you’re a budget traveller like me – I have shortlisted seven budget-friendly hotels in Kyoto according to the requirements of a solo traveller. So, read on to find affordable accommodation in Kyoto and save some dollars!

1. Hotel MyStays Kyoto Shijo

Right in the city centre and within walking distance from Kamogawa River, Nishiki Market, and Karasuma train station – Hotel MyStays Kyoto Shijo is one of your best bargains in Kyoto. 

This 3-star hotel is adorned with modern and sleek décor and provides spacious rooms – a rare find in Japan. You have space to move around and a comfortable bed to call it a night. Plus, the staff at MyStays Kyoto Shijo are very humble and always at your service.

By the way, if you are a caffeine addict – you’ll always be high on it as the hotel offers free service of coffee and matcha until 9 pm! 

Rating: 8.3/10

Cost per night: Starts from $53

Highlights: 

• Free Wi-Fi
• Parking
• Excellent Breakfast 

2. The OneFive Kyoto Shijo

The OneFive Kyoto Shijo is a top contender among the best budget hotels in Kyoto. It is one of the most convenient stays for travellers on a budget in Kyoto. 

This hotel caters to all your needs, from its convenient location (in front of Shijo Horikawa bus stop) to the convenience store 7-11 next door. Even coffee is on the house! 

Apart from that, I love their self-check-in process. It’s super-fast and saves you time. Besides, the beds are comfortable, and the bathrooms are well-stocked.

If you are a people person, head to the common room – you’ll surely bump into other fellow travellers. Or, if you are in the mood for some pasta and wine with the locals, head to the nearby wine bar – Ryuchan. 

Rating: 8.7/10

Cost per night: $40

Highlights:

• 24-hour Front Desk
• Vending Machine
• Multi-lingual Staff

3. Hotel Kuu Kyoto

If you want to feel expensive in a hotel without spending a fortune – Hotel Kuu Kyoto near Kyoto station (600 m) and the infamous Kiyomizu-dera Temple is your best bet. 

Although inexpensive, the facilities and staff ensure your stay is grand and satisfactory. Plus, the rooms are painted green and white, which exudes a rich aura. Their fluffy beds are the cherry on top!

Besides, if you get lucky, you might even land a room with a view. And don’t miss the delicious breakfast banquet and a relaxing session in the onsen. 

Moreover, they arrange bicycle rentals or bike tours on request and additional charges. No doubt why this is one of Kyoto’s best budget hotels! 

Rating: 9.2/10

Cost per night: $95

Highlights:

• Rooms with City and Landmark Views
• Public and Open-air Bath
• Terrace Area

4. Sakura Terrace The Gallery

Popular among solo travellers in Kyoto, Sakura Terrace The Gallery is close to the Kyoto station. It is a bit costlier than other hotels on my list but still comes under the top affordable hotels in Kyoto.

The contemporary-edgy design makes it stand out in addition to onsen, spa, and massage chairs. You can also access a shared lounge, bar, and terrace area. 

There’s live music almost every day and free drinks around the hotel—they have nailed the customer service part! Do have dinner in their in-house restaurant; it’s FAB! 

Rating: 8.6/10

Cost per night: $120

Highlights:

• Outdoor Pool
• Restaurant and Bar
• Fitness Centre

5. Hotel Anteroom Kyoto

If you’re looking for comfort, convenience, and a contemporary setting, you must check out Hotel Anteroom Kyoto. Just south of Kyoto, it mixes the modern with the traditional—a perfect blend of art and culture.

At the entrance, you’ll find a gallery exhibiting works of local Kyoto artists. Besides, you will find art everywhere here. The interior is fun, spacious, and eye-catching. The staff is friendly—ask them for local recommendations, and they know the best secret spots in Kyoto.

Other than that, look for the lounge bar—it is the best place to relax and enjoy Anteroom meals, especially the breakfast buffet of Japanese and continental delicacies. 

Rating: 8.7/10

Cost per night: $59

Highlights:

• 24-hour Front Desk
• Bar Lounge
• Self-coin Washers for Free
• Bicycle Rental

6. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma

Just a 3-minute walk from Exit 5 of Shijo Station, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma in Shimogyo Ward is one of the top choices for budget stays in Kyoto.

The neighbourhood makes it an ideal base for exploring attractions like Yasaka Shrine, Nishiki market, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto Tower, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, all within a 3-kilometre radius of the hotel.

The rooms also come with diverse facilities like Wi-Fi, in-room slippers, and a humidifier. At the reception, you can also get freebies like coffee, facial masks, etc. 

Rating: 8.3/10

Cost per night: $52

Highlights:

• Parking
• Vending Machine

7. TUNE STAY KYOTO

Tune into your budget stay at TUNE STAY KYOTO – an epic hotel with options from standard stays to suite stays and provides the best state-of-the-art facilities.

Moreover, if you are a bibliophile or a cinephile– I bet you’ll be obsessed with this hideout. The hotel houses Kyoto’s only bookstore with 2,500+ books – an unusual and one of my best finds in the city. 

Further, the hotel transforms its staircase into a theatre and shows a 15-minute short film at night. 

In addition, the communal kitchen and lounge make you feel that the entire hotel is your room. You can easily access this hotel from the Central Exit of Kyoto Station in 5-minutes. 

Rating: 8.8/10

Cost per night: $60

Highlights:

• Luggage Storage
• Soundproof Rooms

How much is a budget-friendly hotel in Kyoto?

As per all the hotels above, an average budget-friendly hotel in Kyoto will cost around $50 – $100. 

Based on your budget and requirements, if you want the best value for your money, The OneFive Kyoto Shijo is unbeatable. Or, if you want to experience a unique stay, make reservations at TUNE STAY KYOTO straightaway. That said, you can pick any hotel from this list; all of them provide affordable, safe, and satisfactory stays in Kyoto.