π¨ Accommodation in Kyoto
Japan
About Kyoto for Solo Travelers
Japan's ancient imperial capital of 1,600 temples and shrines β solo travelers walk the torii gate mountain at dawn, cycle to hidden bamboo forests, and find Kyoto the most meditative and beautiful city in Asia.
Solo Travel TipsΒ· Solo Friendly
Kyoto rewards slow solo exploration β the Fushimi Inari shrine gates are best walked alone at dawn (before the crowds, the path into the mountain becomes genuinely meditative), the Arashiyama bamboo grove at first light is extraordinary, and the Philosopher's Path in spring cherry blossom season is one of Japan's great solo walks. Rent a bicycle to reach the outer temples (Daigoiji, Kurama). The kaiseki lunch counter experience is one of Japan's finest solo dining moments.
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Japanese
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JPY
Solo Level
Great infrastructure, English-friendly, well-established solo traveler culture.
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Best Accommodation in Kyoto for Solo Travelers
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Gion Hatanaka
Accommodation
A traditional ryokan right in front of Yasaka Shrine's south gate, a stone's throw from Maruyama Park and the lanes of Gion. Stays centre on seasonal kaiseki dinners, and the ryokan also hosts a 'Kyoto Cuisine and Maiko Evening', where a small group of diners shares a meal with apprentice geisha who chat and play traditional games β a rare way in for a solo traveller.
π505 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0074, Japan
Hoshinoya Kyoto
Accommodation
A secluded riverside ryokan up the Oi River in Arashiyama, on land once used for the villas of Heian-era nobles. Arrival is by a 15-minute private boat ride from a lounge beside Togetsukyo Bridge, which sets the tone for tatami suites, kaiseki dining and complete quiet. Expensive, but for a solo splurge few places in Japan feel as removed from the crowds.
π11-2 Arashiyama Genrokuzan-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Len Kyoto Kawaramachi
Accommodation
A hostel, cafΓ© and bar under one roof near Kawaramachi, run by Backpackers' Japan, the team behind Tokyo's Nui. The ground-floor cafΓ©-bar is open to locals as well as guests, which makes it an easy place to strike up a conversation in the evening, and the Kamo River is a short walk away. There's a choice of dorm beds and private rooms.
π709-3 Uematsu-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8028, Japan
Piece Hostel Sanjo
Accommodation
A bright, design-led hostel on Tominokoji just south of Sanjo, with dorms, private rooms and a sociable lounge. The location is hard to beat: Nishiki Market, the Teramachi arcades and the Kamo River are all walkable, and Karasuma (Hankyu), Sanjo (Keihan) and Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae (Tozai Line) stations are close by. A reliable, central base for a first solo stay.
π530 Asakura-cho, Tominokoji-dori Sanjo-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8074, Japan
The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
Accommodation
A luxury hotel on the banks of the Kamo River beside Nijo Bridge, opened in 2014, with rooms looking across the water to the Higashiyama mountains. It blends ryokan-inspired design with full hotel service, including a spa with an indoor pool, and Pontocho and Gion are a pleasant riverside walk away. A calm, very comfortable choice if you're treating yourself.
πKamogawa Nijo-Ohashi Hotori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0902, Japan