Top 15 Cool and Unique Hotels in Kyoto (which I loved!)

One of the most unique and magical places on the planet, Kyoto also has hotels as special as the city itself. From futuristic high rises to quirky boutiques, these are the awesome places I loved staying on my many visit to this incredible city…

1. Henn na Hotel Hachijoguchi

I was a big fan of this fun and quirky place! Here, two robot dinosaurs checked me in at the reception (and have landed the hotel in the Guinness World Records!) mixing high-tech novelty with a playful vibe!

There was also three helpful concierge robots ready to assist me, which I’ve never encountered in any other hotel! Although my guest room was a little on the small side, it was modern, functional and fairly priced with some great features like an electric in-room foot massager and tech such as climate control and automated lighting and curtains.

Other amenities included bicycle rentals, free WiFi, vending machines, a buffet breakfast served each morning and a sociable lounge area! 

I really liked the location as well – it was nearby the iconic Kyoto Tower, Kyoto Station, popular museums and heritage sites. Tokyo, Osaka and Seoul have their own versions too! 

• To book, check prices or availability for Henn na Hotel Hachijoguchi

My personal highlights…

• As well as the robots, I loved the fun and high-tech self-check-in system, which was surprisingly easy to navigate!

Address: 1-1 Hachijo-higashi, Higashi-kujo, Minami-ku, Kyoto, 601-8044

2. BnA Alter Museum

I thought this place was an Instagrammer’s dream! It’s housed in a unique 10-storey vertical art gallery with 31 guest rooms, each with quirky artwork stretching from floor-to-ceiling.

I loved the fun, individually designed rooms, each featuring unique themes like manga, nature, and dinosaurs, and met many fellow Japanophiles and locals here! My favorite hangout was the trendy bar which also doubled as a sociable hub for the local art and music scene and hosted awesome weekly events. 

There was also an onsite zen-like café serving drinks, snacks and ultra-fast Wi-Fi, handy bicycle rentals and an on-site museum shop, which displayed curated artworks, limited edition books, and finely selected oddities! 

• To book, check prices or availability for BnA Alter Museum

My personal highlights…

• I loved the gorgeous lighting in the guest rooms which aimed – and succeeded – to make the ambience just right! 

Address: 1-4-31, Maruyamacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8004

3. Moxy Kyoto Nijō 

To me, this was exactly what urban cool should look and feel like! Nestled in Kyoto’s modern western side, just a short stroll from Nijō Castle, this funky gem bursts with youthful energy and colorful design.

I loved the blend of Japanese influence and contemporary flair which was evident everywhere from the striking art pieces to the homemade culinary delights! My guest room had a modern, restful vibe, and the ‘Plug and Meet’ areas feature ergonomic seating, awesome writing walls, an air purifier and a 56-inch TV with cable channels.

There was also an American style buffet breakfast, hand-crafted cocktails served in the funky ground-floor bar, a modern fitness center, and a rooftop yoga space which was very zen-like!

With Nijo metro station just 100 meters away, it was also really easy to explore. I would just say that the location is busy so it won’t suit travelers looking for a more tranquil area.

• To book, check prices or availability for Moxy Kyoto Nijō

My highlights…

• I love that the lobby doubled as a social hub where I got chatting to fellow travelers really easily!

Address: Nijo-cho 263, Nakagyo Ward

4. Ace Hotel

I thought this was an awesome stay for hipsters! Located near Nishiki Market, Nijō Castle, and the Museum of Kyoto, this quirky upscale gem occupies the historic 1926 Shin-Puh-Kan building and I loved the unique blend of old and new here!

The lobby was a buzzing, music-filled hub with long wooden tables, cozy sofas, and George Nakashima rugs. My guest room mixed Japanese craftsmanship with American cool with retro design details, pretty paper lanterns and mod cons like air conditioning, soundproofing, flat-screen TV, high-speed internet access and even pillow options! The large windows and high ceilings, created a bright, airy space!

There was also a concierge service, bicycle rentals, a laundry service and three fantastic restaurants – the award-winning Michelin-star Mr. Maurice’s Italian, the trendy Piopiko Bar & Lounge, and an all-day dining spot with serene garden views (my personal favorite!). I would just say this is a luxury spot so expect the prices to match.

• To book, check prices or availability for Ace Hotel

My highlights…

• I loved its quirky details like having a retro record player in the room complete with vinyls to play! There were even more records at reception that I could borrow! 

Address: 12, Akitsuki-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8155

5. Mogana

I loved how this upscale boutique hotel combined traditional Japanese elegance with a sleek and dark modern design! The design was gorgeous and minimalist with sleek lines and natural colors, complemented with lush greenery! 

My guest room came with an ultra-modern design, hardwood floors, soundproofing, extra long beds, air con, free WiFi and a lot of space. I especially enjoyed the in-room meals, the onsen-style bath and handy coffee machines! 

Other stand out features included the chic cocktail bar, the tranquil meditation room (which also doubled as a modern art gallery!), the modern on-site gourmet Japanese cuisine restaurant, a buffet breakfast which used locally sourced ingredients, the beautiful atrium courtyard which had a gorgeous zen-like feel and the sumptuous massage services! I would just say though this place gets booked up quickly so you’ll need to book well in advance! 

• To book, check prices or availability for MOGANA Nakagyo

My favorite highlights..

• Having a luxurious oil in room-massage by a very smiley therapist with a blend of oils based on Western and Eastern medicine! 

Address: 450 Kakimotocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8173, Japan

6. Hotel Tavinos

This cute and whimsical 3-star spot totally won me over! It was where manga-inspired charm met convenience in a great central location! It was located just 100 meters from the Kamo River and near Higashiyama’s key spots like Kawaramachi, Gion, and Kiyomizu Temple so it was great for exploring!

I was charmed by the fun and playful vibe here and the colorful manga motifs which adorned both the walls and floors. My compact guest room mixed a traditional Japanese style with quirky sumo wrestling illustration and another guest room featured cartoon-like drawings from Choju Jinbutsu Giga! 

Breakfast was simple though with just pastries, bread, and coffee served in the lounge area each morning and other amenities included the bicycle rentals, laundry services, free Wi-Fi and helpful multilingual staff! 

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Tavinos

My favorite highlights…

• I loved that they gave free coffee (including iced coffee) and croissants through both through the night and day – it made us feel very welcome!

Address: 681-3, Higashi Shiokoji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto

7. Granbell Hotel

This elegant hidden gem wowed me! It’s located east of the Kamo River near the famous quaint streets of Higashiyama which are lined with great shops, restaurants, and ancient temples. Inside, the unique design blended sleek modernity with authentic Japanese styling.

My soundproofed guest room had ambient lighting which created a zen-like atmosphere and came with large comfy beds, tatami mats, calming neutral tones, a soaking tub, kimono-patterned art headboards and mod cons like free WiFi, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Storage space was limited though. 

I enjoyed unwinding in the chic lounge bar with hand-crafted cocktails, dining in the restaurant which was small but it served thoughtfully prepared Asian meals and a Japanese and Western-style buffet breakfast, and I especially loved the sleek basement which housed an ornate indoor garden and traditional style bathhouse.

• To book, check prices or availability for Granbell Hotel

My highlights… 

• I loved the attention to detail in the aesthetics – for example, we were told by the barman that the onsite bar had 100-year-old gold-leafed sake racks!

Address: 83 Shijo-dori Yamato Oji Nishiiru, Nishinocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0000

8. Hotel Imagine

This trendy four-star spot is hidden gem centrally located but on a quiet back street! Located near Kyoto Hachijoguchi Station, the exterior is like a black box but inside there’s a wonderful mix of light, wood and curated art.

My guest room was spacious and uniquely and thoughtfully designed and combine a traditional Japanese style with modern creativity, with light wood accents, soothing tones, and large futon beds which created a zen-like space! Amenities included a modern flat-screen TV, a fridge, free toiletries, air con, Tatami mats, and air purifiers!

Other stand-out features included a fabulous rooftop space which had awesome city views, free coffee, a shared kitchen and a sociable lounge! However, there were no breakfast options or on-site restaurant.

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Imagine

My personal highlights..

• I loved that the hotel produced its very own stamps! It was great to take a few home as mementos!
• The quirky lobby design, I thought it was great fun that it was themed on the Beatles – very kitsch!

Address: 12-4 Yanaginobecho, Nakagyo Ward, 604-8362

9. node hotel 

I thought this small but chic 4-star boutique was a gem! It’s a centrally located tucked away in the backstreets of the Nakagyo Ward not too far from Nijo Castle.

I really liked the industrial-chic design which featured dark, grey walls adorned with abstract oil paintings and gorgeous photography. My guest room was allergy-free and came with a dramatic look with plush velvet furniture, hard-wood floors, oversized beds and amenities like air con, free WiFi and a fridge.

The first floor was a social hub, and served breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with coffee and creative hand-crafted cocktails. In the restaurant I dined on imaginative Western and Asian dishes which used seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients. There is no onsite parking though (for those with rental cars).

• To book, check prices or availability for node hotel

My highlights…

• Sampling the aromatic Kinobi Gin in the onsite bar which was made in the city and came with a zesty citrus ‘Sudachi’ tonic splash.
• I loved that the attentive, young staff were dressed in avant-garde style black uniforms which matched the stylish décor and vibe! 

Address: 12-4 Yanaginobecho, Nakagyo Ward, 604-8362

10. REF Hachijoguchi

I thought this light and bright 4-star was a charming mid-range option! It’s located just minutes from the Kyoto Hachijoguchi railway station and a mile from Kyoto National Museum. I really liked its industrial-chic décor and its modern take on Kyoto’s hospitality, blending art, traditional crafts, and excellent service! 

Outside the façade felt welcoming and inside, natural wood accents beautifully contrasted the pale walls and my room although compact had a light chic design, soundproofing, air purifiers a flat-screen TV, air con and a hot tub! I thought the added rental features from the Blu-ray players to facial massagers were a nice touch! 

Each morning, I enjoyed a buffet breakfast of self-fill Japanese wraps, and in the evening, the trendy lounge bar served zesty cocktails in a sociable atmosphere.

• To book, check prices or availability for REF Hachijoguchi by Vessel Hotels

My highlights…

• The ultra-high tech guest room toilets which came with heated seats and a bidet function – all very Japanese!
• I loved that despite its simplicity, the hotel still felt very cozy with friendly and welcoming staff!

Address: 17-1 Higashishiokoji Nishihirakucho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003

11. Good Nature Hotel

When I entered this upscale spot I was in awe! I really admired how it combined a thoughtful but wow-inducing design with sustainability, from its striking facade to eco-conscious interiors and plentiful greenery! 

My room was chic and spacious with sleek dark woods, large plush beds, a seating area, a fridge, an air purifier and a flat-screen TV. I really liked how the whole place featured high-quality renewable materials, while the central atrium boasted a gorgeous living green wall which helps absorb carbon dioxide!

I could also choose from no less than seven dining options, from casual snacks to Michelin-star gourmet experiences and a breakfast buffet was served each morning. Note that reservations are recommended for the most popular dining options though.

• To book, check prices or availability for Good Nature Hotel

My favorite highlights…

• I loved their commitment to eco-friendliness extended to little details – for example not serving plastic water bottles and using refillable water bottles for guests and also providing information about local flora and fauna! 
• The small thoughtful details like providing me with comfy new bedroom slippers every night!

Address: Japan, 〒600-8022 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Inaricho, 2丁目318番6

12. Hotel Anteroom

I thought this was an awesome place to escape the ordinary! Centrally located just a 10-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station, this vibrant hub of creativity welcomed me with a blend of comfort and artistic flair! 

There were beautiful art-adorned walls, an onsite art gallery (which showcased art from local artists) and a serene courtyard garden. My superior double guest room had a cozy vibe with wooden floors, a large comfy bed, a colorful arty mural and trendy but functional furnishings. There was also air con, flat-screen TV, free WiFi, a fridge and air purifier and a bathroom complete with a soaking bath and bidet.

I enjoyed a delicious buffet breakfast (both Asian style and English options), there was a zen-like courtyard garden and a chic onsite bar! 

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Anteroom

My highlights…

• I loved the cute Japanese tea set in my guest room sitting area which also came with a range of teas both Asian and English! 
• The bar was well stocked and boasted a collection of over 150 different whiskies! 

Address: 7 Aketacho, Higashi-Kujo, Minami-Ku, Kyoto, 601-8044

13. Candeo Hotels Karasuma Rokkaku

This is a tucked away 4-star gem! It’s housed in a renovated traditional wooden townhouse (known as a machiya) and located just off Karasuma Street in the Nakagyo-ku district. 

Inside it’s tranquil haven of both traditional and modern design with dark wooden beams, sleek dark furniture and tatami mats which reflect the city’s rich heritage. My guest room had calming neutral tones, wooden furniture, air-con, flat-screen TV, free WiFi, a bidet and an Asian bento box breakfast was served daily but there were no other dining options though.

My favorite spots were the lounge bar which overlooked the serene back garden, the cozy library where I spent some quiet moments, as well as the relaxing rooftop spa, sauna and traditional onsen bathhouse. 

• To book, check prices or availability for Candeo Hotels Karasuma Rokkaku

My favorite highlights… 

• The location was amazing! It was located in Nakagyo Ward the heart of the city and within walking distance Gion the city’s famous geisha district as well as traditional temples, Nishiki market, gorgeous parks and Kyoto station!  

Address: 149 Honeyacho, Rokkaku-dori Karasuma Nishiiru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, 604-8164

14. The Thousand

I thought this was a beautiful and Instagram-worthy luxurious hotel! Centrally located in the scenic Sakyo Ward, next to Kyoto Station, it blends unique modern architecture with a breathtaking design! 

Inside, the decor is sleek, sophisticated and wow-inducing design features a mix of Western and Japanese décor and my spacious guest room was chicly decorated with great city views and an excellent range of mod cons including free high-end toiletries, air con, bathrobes and tech like an iPad and flat-screen TV with cable channels.

There was an upscale onsite restaurant serving up traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine, a trendy-looking café for snacks and drinks and a traditional Japanese breakfast featuring seasonal ingredients is served each morning. My other favorite highlights included a modern fitness center, a spa and wellness centre which includes a relaxing onsen bath, and dry sauna. Although it’s good to note, it’s a very popular spot so availability is sometimes limited here!

• To book, check prices or availability for The Thousand

My personal highlights…

• Aside from the wow-inducing design, I loved that thoughtful and welcoming details like the complimentary self-serve tea and coffee served in the upper floor lounge where I also got chatting to other guests!

Address: Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8395

15. ROOT2

I enjoyed a warm Japanese welcome at this lush 4-star boutique! It’s located near Hachijoguchi railway station and Toji Temple and inside, the eclectic interiors featured glitzy brass, faux marble, plush velvet, neon lights and a whimsical vibe! Even though I really liked it, the playful design might not to be to everyone’s tastes though.

My guest room was contemporary with a stylish seating areas, a kitchenette, air con and a flat-screen TV.

Each morning, I could choose from Asian or American breakfast options. In the evenings, I either enjoyed freshly made sushi at the on-site izakaya or explored nearby local dining options.

• To book, check prices or availability for The ROOT2 Hotel

My highlights… 

• I loved the Skyhop tourist bus stop was located just a few hundred meters away at Kyoto Tower, it whisked me around the rest of the city!

Address: 368-2 Kageyama-cho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8461