Best Hotels in Kyoto for Families & Groups

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Where to stay in Kyoto and the best hotels in Kyoto for families: where are they? We’ve found them. In fact, these Kyoto hotels are great for just about anyone, but especially good for those visiting Kyoto with children. As a long-time Japan resident, I appreciate a good Japanese hotel, so I’ve searched for the best family hotels in Kyoto off and on for years. Look here for where t stay in Kyoto with kids or on your own.

Best Hotels in Kyoto for Families (& Everyone Else!)

Coming to Kyoto with kids or and looking for the best family hotels in Kyoto? Or are you simply looking for the best hotels in Kyoto that can accommodate more than two people per room? It takes some research to find the best family hotels in Japan, but don’t worry. We have you covered. Below we’ve listed up some of the best hotels in Kyoto for families and groups.

Kyoto is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. However, but many of the best Kyoto hotels offer rooms for only two people. Where are the best hotels in Kyoto for those traveling with kids or as a group?

That’s exactly what we research when we go to Kyoto, and we go regularly (Keiko’s family live in Osaka, so we’re a short train ride away). We’ve sought out the best hotels in Kyoto, in Tokyo and Osaka, looking for places that can accommodate our family. Therefore, I thought I’d share my list of best Kyoto hotels with you. I hope it can help you find the best hotel in Kyoto for your friends and family.

Best Kyoto Hotels for Families & Groups

Okay, so now let’s get into it. If you’re visiting Kyoto with kids, here are a few of the best Kyoto hotels that we would recommend. This isn’t a complete list of all the best hotels in Kyoto — there are just too many.

That said, if you know of other great Kyoto hotels that should be added here, please get in touch. We want to make the go-to list of top hotels in Kyoto for families and groups.

Read All About Exploring Kyoto with Kids

Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto

Only a 10-15 minute walk from the Gion district, and 5 minutes to the closest train station, the Grand Ms is one of the best hotels in Kyoto thanks to location and versatility. You can even walk to the Nishiki market.

Unlike some of the best Kyoto hotels here you can choose between Western-style rooms with beds and Japanese-style rooms with futons. Some rooms even come with both. No breakfast is provided, but there are plenty of restaurants in the area.

There is a coin-operated laundromat on site, which makes it easier to pack light. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a fridge, and an electric kettle. Free WIFI is available, as well.

Pool: No
Wifi: Yes
Location: Walking distance to Gion, the Kamo River, and two subway/train stations
Room Details: Some rooms sleep up to six, with combos of beds and futons. One kid under six stays free using existing beds.

Check Availability: Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto at Booking.com

Compare Prices: Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto at HotelsCombined

Read Reviews: Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto at TripAdvisor

Kamogawakan

Less than 5 minutes to Sanjo station, Kamogawakan is one of the best hotels in Kyoto for an authentic Japanese experience. Located seconds from the river, the area has a vast variety of restaurants and shops as well as traditional souvenir stores.

This is a traditional Japanese style ryokan where you sleep on tatamis with a futon mattress. And like many of the best Kyoto hotels, it has a public bath area (no hot springs FYI), that’s separated by gender. If you to experience a real Japan Ryokan in Kyoto, this might be for you.

Never tried a Japanese bath? It’s awesome.

You get to choose either to have only breakfast or to have both dinner and breakfast. Free WIFI is available in public areas. English might be limited.

Pool: No
Wifi: Yes
Location: Seconds from the river and public transportation (two train/subway stations)
Room Details: Japanese-style futon rooms that sleep 3-4. Kids under four stay free using existing beds. Additional kids/adults costJPY 10500/night for extra bedding.Max # of extra beds per room: 1. No capacity for baby cots.

Check Availability: Kamogawakan at Booking.com

Compare Prices: Kamogawakan at HotelsCombined

Read Reviews: Kamogawakan at TripAdvisor

RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto

Less than a 10-min walk from Kyoto station, the RIGHA Royal makes our list of best hotels in Kyoto for families thanks to immaculate rooms and excellent food. The hotel was renovated and reopened in Sep 2016, with eight dining options. It looks and feels like a new hotel.

If you have a lot of luggage or simply don’t feel like walking, you can hop on their free shuttle bus that runs every 15 minutes between Kyoto station and the hotel.

Out of all the best family hotels in Kyoto listed here, this is one of the only Kyoto hotels with a pool. If you come to Kyoto in the summer, this is a huge plus, as the heat & humidity of Kyoto summers make it feel like you’re walking through soup.

Pool: Yes (additional charges may apply)
Wifi: Yes
Location: A short walk from the Kyoto Aquarium, several temples/shrines, and Kyoto Station
Room Details: Western rooms (beds, not tatami/futon) that can sleep up to six. One kid under six stays free using existing beds. No room for extra beds.

Check Availability: RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto at Booking.com

Compare Prices: RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto at HotelsCombined

Read Reviews: RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto at TripAdvisor

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae

Only a 4-min walk from the central exit of Kyoto station, the Daiwa Roynet is one of the newest accommodation on our list of best Kyoto hotels for families. Their family rooms are rather spacious by Japanese standards. What’s more, the on-site coin laundry helps if you wish to travel light.

You will have no worries to find food since there are many restaurants and cafes to choose from around the hotel. One of the benefits of staying close to a major train station. It also puts you right next to Yodobashi camera, a gadget lover’s heaven.

Pool: No
Wifi: Yes
Location: Connected to Kyoto Station via underground. A short walk to Yodobashi Camera and several temples & shrines.
Room Details: Rooms available that sleep up to six. One kid under twelve stays free in existing bedding. No room for extra beds.

Check Availability: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae at Booking.com

Compare Prices: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae at HotelsCombined

Read Reviews: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae at TripAdvisor

Kyoto Brighton Hotel

Located close to Kyoto Imperial Palace in a quiet residential area, The Kyoto Brighton is one of the 5-star options in our list of the best hotels in Kyoto for families.

For those looking for luxury hotels in Kyoto, the Kyoto Brighton Hotel is worth a look. The rooms are rather spacious by Japanese standards. Slippers and some children’s amenities like pajamas and toothbrush are available upon request.

Being slightly away from of the center of town, the Kyoto Brighton Hotel provides a regular shuttle bus to Karasuma Oike station, where you can get on either the Karasuma line or the Tozai line of the metro. From here, all of greater Kyoto is easily accessible.

Pool: No
Wifi: Yes
Location: A little removed from downtown but very close to Imperial Palace. Free shuttles to the subway.
Room Details: Some Western rooms sleep up to 4. One kid under six stays free in existing beds. Additional kids/adults cost JPY 5940/night for extra bedding.Max extra beds per room:1.

Check Availability: Kyoto Brighton Hotel at Booking.com

Compare Prices: Kyoto Brighton Hotel at HotelsCombined

Read Reviews: Kyoto Brighton Hotel at TripAdvisor

The Westin Miyako Hotel Kyoto

The Westin Miyako is another 5-star option in our list of best family hotels in Kyoto for families. Unlike most luxury hotels in Kyoto, the Westin has not one but two pools — a great relief from the heat of Kyoto summers.

Located on the east side of the river, the Westin is only a 3-minute walk to the Metro Keage station. From here it’s easy to get to the city center and beyond, but there are also free shuttles daily. The Yasaka shrine and Maruyama Park (excellent for hanami season) are both about a 15-minute walk.

Also unlike most of the best hotels in Kyoto, the Westin Miyako Hotel Kyoto has a quadruple room, which is rare in Japan.

Another good thing to point out is that ALL children under 18 years old can stay for free when using existing bedding — another rare find. That said, keep in mind that if your teen is as big or tall as an adult, most rooms in Kyoto hotels can be a tight squeeze, especially if you have a lot of luggage.

Pool: Yes (Two pools. Additional charges may apply)
Wifi: Yes
Location: Multiple parks, temples & shrines are within 15 minute’s walk, including Maruyama Park and the Philosopher’s Walk. Free shuttles to downtown.
Room Details: Rooms with 2, 3 and 4 single beds available, and more. Kids under 18 stay free in existing beds.

Check Availability: The Westin Miyako Hotel Kyoto at Booking.com

Compare Prices: The Westin Miyako Hotel Kyoto at HotelsCombined

Read Reviews: The Westin Miyako Hotel Kyoto at TripAdvisor

Hotel Kanra Kyoto

Hotel Kanra makes our list of best family hotels in Kyoto thanks to its mix of western & eastern styles to accommodate kids or groups. Only one minute from the Metro Karasuma Gojo station, and less than 15 minutes from Kyoto station, Hotel Kanra Kyoto gives you access to the city and beyond.

Family rooms are quite spacious, too. Unlike many of the best Kyoto hotels, rooms in Hotel Kanra are a nice combination of Western and Japanese styles. You have two beds, with a Japanese-style living area with tatamis where you can spread out futon mattresses to sleep. You can opt out of their meal options if you like, of course — especially since the area has so many places to eat. However, if you want to be truly pampered, experience their Japanese meal cycle. Bicycle rental available too.

Pool: No
Wifi: Yes
Location: 12 minutes from Kyoto Station, 10 minutes from the river and various temples/shrines on foot.
Room Details: Some rooms combine Western & Japanese (i.e. beds & futons) to accommodate up to 5 people. One kid under twelve stays free using existing bedding. No room for extra beds.

Check Availability: Hotel Kanra Kyoto at Booking.com

Compare Prices: Hotel Kanra Kyoto at HotelsCombined

Read Reviews: Hotel Kanra Kyoto at TripAdvisor

Gion Maifukan

Out of all the best hotels in Kyoto for families, this one gives you the best access to Gion and Kiyomizu-Dera, one of Kyoto’s most famous temples. A few blocks further to Yasaka Shrine.

Gion Maifukan offers both Western-style and Japanese-style rooms. You can choose to eat their breakfast, but if you opted out, you will have no problem finding cafes and restaurants nearby.

I should note that the hotel is spread across two buildings. Those are not far from each other, but not next door to each other, either. Check the address for your check-in to get the correct building. Bicycle rental is available for a small fee.

Pool: No
Wifi: Yes
Location: 15-minute’s walk to Kiyomizu-Dera, less than 10 to Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine. 10 minutes on foot to Gion Shijo station and the river.
Room Details: Western/Japanese-style rooms that sleep 3 to 6 people. One kid under six stays free using existing bedding, but additional kids under six cost JPY 3240/night for extra beds.Max # of extra beds per room: 1.

Check Availability: Gion Maifukan at Booking.com

Compare Prices: Gion Maifukan at HotelsCombined

Read Reviews: Gion Maifukan at TripAdvisor

HOTEL MYSTAYS Kyoto Shijo

For those in budget mode who want to be centrally located, Hotel MYSTAYS may be one of the best family hotels in Kyoto. The rooms are small and show signs of wear, but the staff is great and the location is in the middle of everything. Being on Shijo Dori (one of Kyoto’s main streets) also makes it easy to locate.

Hotel MYSTAYS is less than a 10-minute walk from Shijo Karasuma station or Shijo-Omiya station, both of which can take you out to Arashiyama.

Pool: No
Wifi: Yes
Location: Less than 10 minutes to Karasuma Station, and a 15-minute walk from the Nishiki Market
Room Details: Singles, Doubles & Triples. One kid under twelve stays free using existing bedding. No room for more beds/cots.

Check Availability: HOTEL MYSTAYS Kyoto Shijo at Booking.com

Compare Prices: HOTEL MYSTAYS Kyoto Shijo at HotelsCombined

Read Reviews: HOTEL MYSTAYS Kyoto Shijo at TripAdvisor

Kadensho

Kadensho is in Arashiyama which is about 30-45 min away from Kyoto station. If you plan to check out Arashiyama area (and you totally should), this ryokan is worth a look.

There are five special private onsen (hot springs) you can try out, as well as large public baths (here’s how to bathe in Japan). You get to choose what kind of yukata (traditional Japanese robe) you want to wear after your bath, too. There’s also a small table with drinks and snacks for you to enjoy after a hot bath. Japanese dinner with all you can eat Tempura and buffet-style Japanese breakfast is included.

Pool: No, but private & public baths.
Wifi: Yes
Location: Short walk from Arashiyama Station
Room Details: Tatami rooms that sleep 4-5

Check Availability: Kadensho at HotelsCombined

Read Reviews: Kadensho at TripAdvisor

Arashiyama Benkei

This is a Japanese ryokan-style accommodation, so expect futons on tatami mats. In addition, this is out of the Kyoto central area and in Arashiyama, a beautiful area west of the ancient capital.

Arashiyama Benkei makes our list of best hotels in Kyoto for families thanks to two small new houses that they’ve built on the property. These are ideal for families traveling in Japan who want to experience an onsen privately with their kids. The houses come equipped with a kitchen and washing machine, which can save both time and money.

The location is a great, too. You’re walking distance to the Arashiyama’s famous bamboo forest, and a shopping street with convenience stores is just around the corner.

Pool: No
Wifi: Yes
Location: Close to the river, the bamboo forest, and the train station
Room Details: Family rooms can sleep up to five. All rooms are futons/tatamis aside from the Family Junior Suite which as 2 queens and 2 futons. One kid under five costs JPY 2160/night in existing bedding.Kids between five and twelve are charged 70 % of the room rate using existing bedding. No space for extra beds.

Check Availability: Arashiyama Benkei at Booking.com

Compare Prices: Arashiyama Benkei at HotelsCombined

Read Reviews: Arashiyama Benkei at TripAdvisor

Other Best Kyoto Accommodation: Best Kyoto Hotels for Families

Just like most major destinations around the world, Kyoto offers many other accommodation options. Below are several apartments, youth hostels, and machiya (old Japanese housings) for your reference.

Gion Ryokan Q-beh

If you want to stay in the middle of Gion, but not keen to spend a fortune, here is one of the best Kyoto Hotel options for the budget-minded.

This is a hostel with a taste of ryokan (Japanese-style inn) thrown in. They have several private rooms, a dorm for females only, and a dorm for everyone. However, you have to be 18 years old to stay in the dorm. If your child(ren) is(are) under 18, then you will need to book a private room.

Some private rooms have their own bathroom and shower room, but you’ll basically need to use a shared bathroom/shower. No meal is provided.

Check Availability: Gion Ryokan Q-beh

Villa Court Karasuma Nanajo – Guesthouse In Kyoto

Don’t be misguided by the name. This is less of a “guest house” and more like a studio, but one of the best places to stay in Kyoto for budget-minded groups and families.

No meal is provided, but both bedroom and bathroom are larger than many hotels. You will have a small kitchen and washing machine. It’s about 10-15 min walk from Kyoto station.

Check Availability: Villa Court Karasuma Nanajo – Guesthouse In Kyoto

Guesthouse Setsugekka

Even the best hotels in Kyoto don’t feel the same as staying in an authentic Japanese home. If you are ready to stay at an old Japanese townhouse, this might be your option.

Located close to Yasaka shrine, Setsugekka offers a very traditional Japanese house setting, including futons, tatami mats, and a Japanese bath. A full kitchen as well.

No staff is available to answer questions, so this option might be for more confident travelers who know how to manage themselves in a Japanese home. That said, the location can’t be beaten. From here you’re minutes from Gion, from Maruyama Park and the River. Nishiki Market is about a 20-minute walk west.

Check Availability: Guesthouse Setsugekka

Kiyomizu Sannenzaka – Guesthouse in Kyoto

If you are planning to go to Kiyomizu Dera temple (which I’d highly recommend), this guesthouse/studio apartment might be a good place to stay in Kyoto.

You get a washing machine, a small kitchen, warm seating toilet, and a PC for your use. Simple, but a good space with affordable prices.

Check Availability: Kiyomizu Sannenzaka – Guesthouse in Kyoto

Tips for Staying in Kyoto Hotels (And Any Hotels in Japan)

As you probably already know, we love exploring Japan with kids. For example, it’s safe, the food is fantastic and the history is fascinating — especially in the ancient capital.

However, there are a few things about Kyoto Hotels (or any Japanese hotels) that you should be prepared for. These are just general rules worth considering when booking hotels in Kyoto, hotels in Osaka, hotels in Tokyo or any hotels in Japan. Here are a few tips.

Japanese Hotel Rooms, Tatami Mats, and Futons

Many Japanese hotels offer some traditional, Japanese-style rooms where you sleep on futon mattress spread over a tatami mat floor. In fact, many of the best Kyoto hotels listed above offer these traditional rooms. If you’ve never slept this way, you may love it (like I did) right away. On the other hand, it may take some getting used to.

For example, sleeping on tatami mats is often a firmer sleep than big soft mattresses. In addition, the futons are often placed quite close together, with parents and children sleeping in the same room. After a decade in Tokyo, our family loves this style of sleeping. Having said that, not everyone does.

If you prefer softer bedding, some upscale ryokan (traditional Japanese-style accommodation) may have fluffier futons. However, most of the best traditional hotels in Kyoto have old-school futons because they’re catering more to Japanese guests.

With this in mind, think about how well you’ll sleep this way. Get rooms with western beds if you need them. It’s best to consider your sleeping habits before you commit to too many nights on a futon. I do hope you try it, but don’t want you to lose sleep when you visit Kyoto.

In Japan, Tattoos are Taboo (still)

Many of the best Kyoto hotels and ryokan have onsen (hot springs) or a public bathing area. Be aware that you may not be able to enter the public baths if you have any tattoos.

Most of the best hotels in Kyoto have private bathrooms in your room, of course. Ryokan, too. Therefore, it’s possible to shower or enjoy a traditional hot spring without problems. However, soaking in an onsen is one of life’s true delights. Just keep in mind that if you have tattoos visible, you may be kindly asked not to enter the tubs.

Why do they do this? Why would the best hotels in Kyoto turn away business? It’s because of the history of tattoos in Japan. Tattoos were (and still are) associated with the Japanese mafia. Unfortunately, many people still hold onto that prejudice. Yet this is changing, albeit slowly.

Bathing in Japan is Different

If you choose Western-style accommodation in Japan, then the tub and shower won’t be that different than what you’re accustomed to. That said, many of the best hotels in Kyoto have traditional baths, which are often public and have their own set of rules. I *love* bathing in Japan, but it’s worth reading up on how it’s done before you go.

I’ve written an entire post on bathing in Japan here

Size is Relative

The Japanese standard of “spacious” might be different from what you’re accustomed to, so don’t be surprised if the room is smaller than you might see in the West. This may be a list of the best Kyoto hotels for families and groups, but it’s still in Japan, and the sizes are probably going to be much smaller than what you’re accustomed to.

Food at Traditional Japanese Hotels

With many Japanese hotels and Japanese ryokans, meals are often included. Naturally, many of the best Kyoto hotels do the same. However, lots of traditional Kyoto hotels will serve a Japanese breakfast. Sure, there may be pastries and cereal for the foreign guests, but the emphasis may lean towards fish, pickles, rice and miso soup.

Many of the best Kyoto hotels today also serve eggs things like omelets and toast, but the majority of places will serve typical Japanese breakfast items. Personally, I love Japanese breakfast foods (aside from natto…blech…) but many people aren’t accustomed to eating grilled fish and pickled daikon first thing in the morning.

Lack of English Speakers

Oh, and one more tip. Although Kyoto is such an international destination, some (maybe many) of the hotel staff here often have a shockingly low level of English speaking ability. In fact, even at the best hotels in Kyoto, only a small number of employees may be confident English speakers.

Be patient with them. Most likely, they feel embarrassed not to be able to communicate with you.

Shoes Off at the Entrance

If you’re staying at a traditional Japanese inn, expect to take your shoes off soon after you walk in the door. Most of the best Kyoto hotels listed here have a western-style lobby, and it’s shoes-on there.

Yet at most Kyoto ryokan and other traditional Japanese accommodation, you’ll probably see a place to take your shoes off and place them in small lockers at the entrance. You may put them in yourself, or someone may do it for you.

Still looking? Try Booking.com to find your Best Hotels in Kyoto!

Stayed in Any of Best Family Hotels in Kyoto?

Where did you stay? How was your experience? Do you know any of the best family hotels in Kyoto that aren’t on this list? Do you have a Kyoto family hotel to recommend? Tell us in the comments, or contact me directly.

Comments

Ryan Biddulph says:
April 23, 2018 at 4:49 am
Each place looks so neat, clean and orderly Jason. I only spent 2 hours in Japan. Quick layover at the airport in Osaka. Amazing how freaking clean the place was, from bathrooms to heck….everywhere. My wife lived in Hiroshima for a year so I know all about the culture and cleanliness from her stories. I look forward to a visit. Excellent review of some fine fam hotels.
Ryan

Where to Stay in Kyoto – Best Hotels in Kyoto for Families & Groups