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The Best Hotels In Kyoto For Cherry Blossom Viewing

Kyoto is a city steeped in history and tradition, and there’s nothing quite like experiencing its beauty during Japan’s sakura season. The city truly comes alive from late March to early April, which is the best time to fully experience the beauty of the cherry blossoms at their peak. 

The delicate pink and white blossoms adorning the city’s temples, parks, and streets are a sight to behold, and what better way to take it all in than from the comfort of a cozy hotel room with a view? Look no further as we’re sharing our top picks of the best Kyoto hotels that keep you close to the most popular sakura viewing spots or provide you with breathtaking views right from your room’s window.

From the picturesque Maruyama Park and the atmospheric Philosopher’s Path to the iconic Arashiyama and the sprawling Ruri Valley, here’s where to stay in Kyoto for every budget during the cherry blossom season this 2023.

 

Suiran, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto

via Suiran, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto / Marriott

Nearby Sightseeing Spots: Arashiyama, Hozu River

Nestled along the peaceful Hozu River in the Arashiyama district, Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto provides exceptional amenities while granting easy access to historical sites and Kyoto’s natural beauty. 

Guests can stay in traditional Japanese-style rooms, including six specialty rooms, and be greeted by yukata-clad staff who provide a warm welcome with a hot towel and tea. Traditional buildings, surrounded by Japanese gardens, house the hotel’s lobby and restaurants, while modern low-rise buildings hold the guest rooms.

The cherry blossoms during the spring season add a magical touch to the property. The Saryō Hassui tea room, in particular, offers a front-row seat to witness the changing seasons in Arashiyama and the awe-inspiring cherry blossoms along the Hozu River.

Star Rating: 5-star
Rates: Starting at JPY 101,200
Address: 12 Susukinobaba-cho, Saga-Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Website: marriott.com

 

HOSHINOYA Kyoto

via HOSHINOYA Kyoto

Nearby Sightseeing Spots: Arashiyama, Oi River

Located in Arashiyama, HOSHINOYA Kyoto is an extraordinary hotel overlooking the Oi River. To reach the hotel, you will take a 15-minute boat ride down the river, fully immersing yourself in nature from the start.

With a heritage spanning 400 years, the hotel rooms are a true masterpiece of traditional Kyoto design, featuring restored woodwork and karakami-adorned walls with delicate gold patterns. This luxurious sanctuary is outfitted with plush bedding and soaking tubs, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views of the natural surroundings. 

The Hanazakura Terrace is one of the hotel’s most spectacular highlights, providing guests with an exclusive and intimate viewing of cherry blossoms during the spring season. You can reserve the entire terrace, complete with a tatami mat and a sofa, where you can take in the scenery while listening to the peaceful sound of the Oi River.

Star Rating: 5-star
Rates: Starting at JPY 38,115
Address: 60 Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0004, Japan
Website: hoshinoya.com

 

Hotel Riverside Arashiyama

via Hotel Riverside Arashiyama Kyoto

Nearby Sightseeing Spots: Arashiyama, Togetsukyo Bridge, Nakanoshima Park,

At Hotel Riverside Arashiyama, travelers can indulge in a customized and unique experience tailored to specific interests. 

Pets and their owners are in for a treat in the pet-friendly room, complete with cozy earthen floor space, pet crates and care goodies, and a deodorizer system. Cyclists can enjoy the bicycle rooms, fitted with convenient bike towers and maintenance equipment. Meanwhile, those seeking a theatrical escape can immerse themselves in the hotel’s theater room, featuring a large projector that lets you plug in your PC or smartphone.

The hotel is situated in Arashiyama, offering easy access by foot to picture-perfect sakura-viewing spots such as Nakanoshima Park and Togetsukyo Bridge.

Star Rating: 3-star
Rates: Starting at JPY 16,000
Address: 10 Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0004, Japan
Website: riverside-arashiyama.jp

 

GRAX Premium Camp Resort

via KKday Supplier

Nearby Sightseeing Spots: Rurikei Onsen, Ruri Valley

Located near Rurikei Onsen, GRAX lets you enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh air in woodland Kyoto while participating in outdoor activities. At night, the illuminations of Synastasia Hills provide a spectacular backdrop for a memorable stay.

GRAX offers nine types of tents and domes, including the popular Grax Dome Air that can accommodate up to five people and the romantic Glamping Tent Comfort which has a bonfire on site. Guests have access to a BBQ grill, kitchen and dining facilities, living set, awning tarp, hammock, refrigerator, electric kettle, fan, and electric heater (in winter).

This admission to GRAX includes a two-day pass to Rurikei Onsen, where you can enjoy the soothing warmth of hot baths as well as a variety of spa treatments and therapies. The Ruri Valley, where the resort is located, is a particularly special place to visit in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, typically from early to mid-April, creating a picturesque and unforgettable scene.

Rates: Starting at JPY 9,020
Address: 1-14 Hirotani, Sonobecho Okawachi, Nantan, Kyoto, 622-0065 Japan
Website: grax.jp

 

Hyatt Regency Kyoto

via Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Nearby Sightseeing Spots: Maruyama Park, Nijo Castle

One of the oldest hotels in the city, Hyatt Regency Kyoto offers the perfect blend of luxury, culture, and adventure. It boasts an unparalleled level of service, stunning décor, stylish rooms, and professional staff that sets it apart from other hotels in Kyoto.

Choose from 187 elegant guest rooms and suites, including the Deluxe King with a deep-soaking bath and minibar, or upgrade to a room with a private balcony or a suite with a Japanese tea room. The hotel also boasts Riraku Spa, where Eastern and Western treatments such as Shiatsu, acupuncture, moxibustion, and aromatherapy are offered for a rejuvenating and luxurious experience.

Hyatt Regency Kyoto is only 10-15 minutes by car to the cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park and Nijo Castle. The hotel also offers convenient access on foot to the city’s famous temples such as the Tofukuji and Sanjusangendo.

Star Rating: 5-star
Rates: Starting at JPY 28,800
Address: 644-2 Sanjusangendo-mawari, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan, 605-0941
Website: hyatt.com

 

Yuzuya Ryokan

via Yuzuya Ryokan

Nearby Sightseeing Spots: Maruyama Park, Hanamikoji Street, Yasaka Shrine

Nestled in the heart of the bustling district of Gion, Yuzuya Ryokan offers a peaceful escape from the city. The hotel is housed in a renovated Showa-era building, allowing guests to revel in traditional Japanese architecture using Japanese wooden doors with latticework. 

Guests can choose from eight guest rooms, each with a unique ambiance and a subtle scent of refreshing yuzu citron. Each room is fitted with tatami mats, futon-style beds, and gorgeous ikebana. Among the best experiences in the hotel are the traditional hinoki cedar bath filled with calming yuzu fruit and the Isshinkyo restaurant serving kaiseki meals made with seasonal ingredients.

The hotel is just a stone’s throw away from Maruyama Park, Hanamikoji Street, and famous temples such as the historic Yasaka Shrine. It also offers convenient access to the southern Higashiyama district and downtown Kyoto.

Star Rating: 5-star
Rates: Starting at JPY 30,000
Address: 545 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan
Website: yuzuyaryokan.com

 

Hotel Okura Kyoto

via Hotel Okura Kyoto

Nearby Sightseeing Spots: Kamo River, Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, Okazaki Canal

Established in 1888, Hotel Okura Kyoto is one of the oldest hotels in Kyoto, sitting elegantly right in the heart of the city. Its interiors captivate your eyes with a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese and contemporary European design.

Guests are spoilt for choice with over 300 room options, from opulent suites and spacious family rooms to cozy twin, double, and single rooms — located from the 7th to 16th floors, so you can take in views of Higashiyama’s pink-tinted landscape from the comfort of your room. Different dining options are on the top floor, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the city.

Connected directly to Kyoto Shiyakusho-Mae Station, Hotel Okura Kyoto also has one of the most convenient locations in Kyoto. It puts you within walking distance of popular cherry blossom spots such as Kyoto Gyoen National Garden and Kamo River, which is connected to Okazaki Canal.

Star Rating: 5-star
Rates: Starting at JPY 20,330
Address: Kawaramachi-Oike, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8558, Japan
Website: okura-nikko.com

 

Guest House Ga-Jyun

via Guest House Ga-Jyun

Nearby Sightseeing Spots: Maruyama Park, Okazaki Canal

Guest House Ga-Jyun is a budget-friendly traditional Japanese accommodation option for travelers visiting the beautiful district of Higashiyama. 

Visitors can choose from dorm rooms, a private room, or a loft room, each offering a truly authentic Japanese experience. The dorm is ideal for budget-savvy travelers, with cozy bunk beds, air conditioning, and secure lockers, while those looking for more privacy have a comfortable and secure option with the private and loft rooms. 

One of the best things about staying at Guest House Ga-Jyun is that it puts you right at the center of the most scenic spots. Guests are less than a 10-minute walk away from the gorgeous cherry blossom views at Maruyama Park and Okazaki Canal.

Star Rating: 2-star
Rates: Starting at JPY 3,000
Address: Ebisucho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0033, Japan
Website: gajyun.jp 

 

Guesthouse Hyakumanben Cross

via Guesthouse Hyakumanben Cross Kyoto

Nearby Sightseeing Spots: Okazaki Canal, Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, Kyoto Imperial Palace

Guesthouse Hyakumanben Cross is a highly-rated budget-friendly hotel that focuses on creating an inviting and homey atmosphere for guests. It offers an authentic Japanese experience through ancient customs such as the removal of footwear upon entry, the use of tatami mats in traditional Japanese-style rooms, and its proximity to revered Buddhist temples.

Aside from Japanese rooms with balconies, the guesthouse also has Western-style rooms featuring raised beds and private verandas. Toilets and bathrooms are shared. For those looking to save money, a four-person dorm room with bed curtains, a veranda, and air conditioning is also available. There is also a communal kitchen, a living area, and an extensive library of over 2,000 books for guests to enjoy.

Guesthouse Hyakumanben Cross is located just a 20-minute walk from Okazaki Canal as well as Kyoto Gyoen National Garden which also houses Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Star Rating: 2-star
Rates: Starting at JPY 3,500
Address: 157 Sakyo-ku Tanaka Oicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Website: gh100manben.jp 

 

Guest House Aoi Nakamoto

via Guest House Aoi Nakamoto

Nearby Sightseeing Spots: Philosopher’s Path, Ginkakuji, Shinshogokuraku-ji Temple

Guest House Aoi Nakamoto is an affordable guesthouse situated in a charming residential area of Kyoto, near the Philosopher’s Path. 

The guesthouse boasts simple but comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and shared bathrooms with slippers and toiletries provided. Guests can also enjoy communal spaces such as a minimalist yet radiant kitchen, a dining area, and a living space. 

The surrounding area offers a variety of activities such as hiking in the mountains, monkey watching, and temple excursions. Aoi Nakamoto only takes a short laidback stroll to the Philosopher’s Path, Higashiyama Jisho-ji Temple (Ginkakuji), and Shinshogokuraku-ji Temple, which are all stunning places to visit in spring.

Star Rating: 2-star
Rates: Starting at JPY 4,320
Address: 26 Shishigatani Honenin Nishimachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8427, Japan
Website: guest-house-aoi.com 

 

 

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