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Kawaramachi and Shijo hotels, Kyoto: 5 picked from 773
Approximate, at the rate on 2026-10-02. You pay in yen.
- Kawaramachi and Shijo hotels in Kyoto: five, from about ¥6,500 per person
- Forza opens onto the Shijo underpass; Nikko Princess is three minutes from Shijo station
- Royal Park Canvas is by Nijo station; Kyoto Brighton sits beside the Imperial Palace
The five
| Best for | Where to book | Score | Weeknight (per person) | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Five minutes from Shijo and Gojo stations, and the lowest weekday rate — if you can’t decide | Kyoto Itoya Hotel Check price |
82/100 | ¥6,000–15,000 | ¥10,000–16,000 |
| Two minutes from Nijo station, with a large bath | The Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo Check price |
78/100 | ¥8,000–31,000 | ¥10,000–52,000 |
| Direct from the Shijo underpass, 4.58 across 497 reviews | Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi Check price |
76/100 | ¥9,000–28,000 | ¥12,000–34,000 |
| Beside the Imperial Palace, 4.78 across 4,103 reviews | Kyoto Brighton Hotel Check price |
75/100 | ¥30,000–45,000 | ¥47,000–55,000 |
| Three minutes from Shijo station, 4.58 across 1,882 reviews | Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto Check price |
71/100 | ¥15,000–53,000 | ¥29,000–138,000 |
Prices are the cheapest per person found on Rakuten Travel for Wednesdays and Saturdays between 2026-11-11 – 2027-01-02, for 2 adults in one room (checked 2026-11-02). They move daily — the link shows live prices.
The booking links go to Agoda, which shows today’s price and lets you pay in your own currency. Its price can differ from the Rakuten Travel figures above.
Five minutes from Shijo and Gojo stations, and the lowest weekday rate
Reviews: Rakuten Travel 4.52/5 (711) · Agoda 8.9/10 (1,249) · 1,960 in total
- Every plan is priced with the accommodation tax included
- Amenities are taken from a corner by the second-floor desk, not left in the room
Why it made the five
- Five minutes on foot from Shijo exit 6 and from Gojo exit 2.
- Breakfast scores 4.81 on Rakuten.
- 4.52 on Rakuten across 711 reviews.
- 64 rooms.
Getting there: About five minutes on foot south from exit 6 of Shijo subway station, or north from exit 2 of Gojo station.
Language and payment: Rakuten says a few staff manage everyday English, with some Chinese and Korean. Cards listed: VISA, JCB, American Express, Master. Last check-in 25:00 (1 a.m.).
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Right for: Keeping the nightly cost down while still getting a well-reviewed breakfast.
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Not for: A large bath, or a daily room clean on a long stay.
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Worth knowing: On multi-night stays the room is not cleaned or the sheets changed; only rubbish and towels are done daily. A clean on other days costs extra.
Score breakdown — 82/100
| Criterion | Stars | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | ★★★☆☆ | The categories Rakuten does show (room and others) average 4.51 |
| Value for money | ★★★★★ | ¥6,000–15,000 per person on a weeknight (Rakuten, breakfast) — 54% of the median of everything we compared |
| Easy to stay | ★★★★★ | Check-out 11:00; about five minutes from Shijo exit 6 and Gojo exit 2; some staff manage everyday English; last check-in 25:00. |
| Trust | ★★★☆☆ | 4.52 across 711 reviews (Rakuten Travel 711) |
| Only here | ★★★☆☆ | Breakfast scores 4.81 on Rakuten, in a 64-room hotel with English at an everyday level and a little Chinese and Korean. |
Two minutes from Nijo station, with a large bath
The Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo
Reviews: Rakuten Travel 4.44/5 (293) · Agoda 9.1/10 (5,632) · 5,925 in total
- Breakfast is served in the Canvas Lounge from 6:30 to 10:00
- Pay on site with cash, cards, WeChat Pay, ALIPAY or LINE Pay
- Coin laundry (paid); no car park
Why it made the five
- About two minutes on foot from Nijo station (JR and subway).
- A large bath and a fitness gym.
- 4.44 on Rakuten across 293 reviews.
- 180 rooms.
Getting there: About two minutes on foot from Nijo station (JR Sagano line and Kyoto subway).
Language and payment: Rakuten says a few staff understand a little English. Cards listed: VISA, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, Master, Rakuten Card.
- Right for: Visiting Nijo Castle and wanting a large bath at the end of the day.
- Not for: Staying within walking distance of Kawaramachi and Gion; they are a subway ride away.
Score breakdown — 78/100
| Criterion | Stars | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | ★★☆☆☆ | The categories Rakuten does show (room and others) average 4.37 |
| Value for money | ★★★★★ | ¥8,000–31,000 per person on a weeknight (Rakuten, breakfast) — 63% of the median of everything we compared |
| Easy to stay | ★★★★★ | Check-out 11:00; about two minutes from Nijo station; a large bath and a gym; 180 rooms. |
| Trust | ★★★☆☆ | 4.44 across 293 reviews (Rakuten Travel 293) |
| Only here | ★★★☆☆ | Two minutes from Nijo station with a large bath and a gym, a base for the Nijo Castle side. |
Direct from the Shijo underpass, 4.58 across 497 reviews
Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
Reviews: Rakuten Travel 4.58/5 (497) · Agoda 9.3/10 (6,979) · 7,476 in total
- Breakfast is a buffet
- Check-in from 14:00
- No car park of its own; use one nearby
Why it made the five
- Connects directly to exit 11 of the Shijo-dori underpass.
- Four minutes on foot from Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi.
- 4.58 on Rakuten across 497 reviews.
- 192 rooms.
Getting there: Directly connected to exit 11 of the Shijo-dori underpass; seven minutes on foot from Shijo subway station and four from Hankyu Kawaramachi.
Language and payment: Rakuten says a few staff understand a little English. Cards listed: VISA, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, Master. Bookers must be 18 or over.
- Right for: Shopping and eating around Kawaramachi and Shijo, and getting back without going outside in the rain.
- Not for: Wanting a large bath or a lobby to linger in.
Score breakdown — 76/100
| Criterion | Stars | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | ★★★☆☆ | The categories Rakuten does show (room and others) average 4.62 |
| Value for money | ★★★★★ | ¥9,000–28,000 per person on a weeknight (Rakuten, breakfast) — 72% of the median of everything we compared |
| Easy to stay | ★★★★☆ | Check-out 11:00; connected directly to exit 11 of the Shijo-dori underpass, four minutes from Hankyu Kawaramachi; a few staff understand a little English. |
| Trust | ★★★☆☆ | 4.58 across 497 reviews (Rakuten Travel 497) |
| Only here | ★★★☆☆ | Joins the Shijo-dori underpass and sits four minutes from Hankyu Kawaramachi, with 4.58 across 497 reviews at one of the lower rates here. |
Beside the Imperial Palace, 4.78 across 4,103 reviews
Reviews: Rakuten Travel 4.78/5 (4,103) · Agoda 8.9/10 (5,298) · 9,401 in total
- Matcha is served in the room, and newspapers come morning and evening
- Rental bicycles at ¥1,700 per bicycle, back by 19:00
- Parking is ¥2,000 a night
Why it made the five
- West of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, in a quiet residential area.
- Shuttle bus about seven minutes from Karasuma-Oike exit 2.
- 4.78 on Rakuten across 4,103 reviews.
- 182 rooms.
Getting there: Eight minutes on foot from Imadegawa subway station, or about seven minutes by shuttle bus from near exit 2 of Karasuma-Oike.
Language and payment: Rakuten says some staff speak near-native English. Cards listed: VISA, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, Master. Local payment also by PayPay, LINE Pay and IC cards.
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Right for: A quiet stay by the Imperial Palace, away from the Kawaramachi crowds.
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Not for: Walking to Kawaramachi and Shijo; you need the subway or the shuttle.
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Worth knowing: Well away from the Kawaramachi and Shijo centre: eight minutes from Imadegawa station, or by shuttle bus from Karasuma-Oike.
Score breakdown — 75/100
| Criterion | Stars | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | ★★★★☆ | Room, bath and dinner average 4.72 on Rakuten Travel |
| Value for money | ★☆☆☆☆ | ¥30,000–45,000 per person on a weeknight (Rakuten, breakfast) — 249% of the median of everything we compared |
| Easy to stay | ★★★★★ | Check-out 12:00; shuttle bus about seven minutes from Karasuma-Oike exit 2, or eight minutes on foot from Imadegawa; staff speak near-native English; 182 rooms. |
| Trust | ★★★★★ | 4.78 across 4,103 reviews (Rakuten Travel 4,103) |
| Only here | ★★★★☆ | 4.78 across 4,103 reviews is the highest of the 60 that qualified, west of the Imperial Palace, with fluent English from some staff. |
Three minutes from Shijo station, 4.58 across 1,882 reviews
Reviews: Rakuten Travel 4.58/5 (1,882) · Agoda 8.9/10 (3,015) · 4,897 in total
- Floor 15 was renovated in October 2023 and floor 16 in March 2025
- Room service and a bar lounge on site
- A morning newspaper comes with the room
Why it made the five
- About three minutes on foot from exit 5 of Shijo station.
- Five minutes from Hankyu Karasuma.
- 4.58 on Rakuten across 1,882 reviews.
- 216 rooms.
Getting there: About three minutes on foot from exit 5 of Karasuma-line Shijo station; about five from Hankyu Karasuma.
Language and payment: English support is not published, so ask when you book. Cards listed: VISA, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, Master, Discover. Kyoto’s accommodation tax is paid at the hotel.
- Right for: A big, well-reviewed hotel right on the Shijo subway line.
- Not for: A large bath; none is listed.
Score breakdown — 71/100
| Criterion | Stars | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | ★★★★☆ | Room, bath and dinner average 4.72 on Rakuten Travel |
| Value for money | ★★☆☆☆ | ¥15,000–53,000 per person on a weeknight (Rakuten, breakfast) — 122% of the median of everything we compared |
| Easy to stay | ★★★★★ | Check-out 11:00; about three minutes from Shijo exit 5 and five from Hankyu Karasuma; last check-in 24:00; 216 rooms. |
| Trust | ★★★☆☆ | 4.58 across 1,882 reviews (Rakuten Travel 1,882) |
| Only here | ★★★☆☆ | About three minutes from Shijo station, with 4.58 across 1,882 reviews; floor 15 renovated in October 2023 and floor 16 in March 2025. |
Know before you book
- Kawaramachi and Shijo are the shopping and eating centre of Kyoto. Nishiki Market and Gion are both within walking distance, so a hotel here saves most bus rides.
- Two subway lines cross at Karasuma-Oike: the Karasuma line runs north to south and the Tozai line east to west. A hotel near that station reaches both.
- Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi and Keihan Gion-Shijo are the stations for Osaka and for the Gion side. Hotels near them are the easiest for trips to Osaka.
- Nijo station is close to Nijo Castle and on the JR Sagano line, but Kawaramachi and Gion are a subway ride away.
- The Imperial Palace grounds are west and north of the centre. Hotels there are far quieter at night, but you will use the subway or a shuttle bus for Kawaramachi.
- Prices here are per person with breakfast, for two sharing. Several listings note that Kyoto’s accommodation tax is paid at the hotel on top of the rate.
How we chose: theme, conditions, scoring
How we chose
- Candidates: every property in Kawaramachi listed on Rakuten Travel — 773
- Passed the review filter (counts and averages on Rakuten Travel, the one site that lists every property in the area): 104
- Met every condition below: 60
- Kept: five, each the best at something different
Where the facts come from
- Facts: Rakuten Travel property information (in some articles, each hotel’s own site too)
- Prices: Rakuten Travel live availability, Wednesdays and Saturdays over eight weeks
- Reviews: the count and average on Rakuten Travel, as given in each hotel’s Trust row. Agoda’s reviews are shown under each hotel name for reference only and do not count towards the score
Conditions (all of them, not most of them)
- In Rakuten Travel’s Kyoto district B — Kawaramachi, Shijo-Karasuma, Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace
- At least 100 reviews on Rakuten Travel, averaging 4.0 or better
- The cheapest rate falls between ¥8,000 and ¥30,000 per person per night
- Within walking distance of a station (the access line says so)
Scoring
Five criteria, one to five stars each, weighted to one hundred points. Every star says where the number came from.
- Quality20 pts
- The average of the scores Rakuten Travel publishes for the room, the bath and the food.
- Value for money25 pts
- The cheapest breakfast-inclusive rate against the median of the hotels we compared.
- Easy to stay30 pts
- Minutes from the station, a bath house, and check-out time.
- Trust20 pts
- Review counts and averages published by Rakuten Travel.
- Only here5 pts
- What this hotel has that the other 59 do not.
What we dropped
| Property | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Monterey Kyoto | Runner-up (69/100) | Scored 69 against 71 for the fifth pick. The hot spring and 5,433 reviews are strong, but quality earned only 2 stars from Rakuten’s room, bath and dinner scores. |
| Shijo Kawaramachi Onsen Soraniwa Terrace Kyoto | Runner-up (68/100) | Scored 68 against 71 for the fifth pick. The strongest hot-spring location, but weekday rates run from about ¥18,000 per person and it earned only 1 star for value. |
| Hotel Okura Kyoto | Could not be checked | 4.70 across 2,306 reviews, and linked directly to Kyoto-Shiyakusho-mae station. The access line does not say ‘walking distance’, so the automatic check could not confirm it meets the station condition. |
| Shijo Kawaramachi Onsen Soraniwa Terrace Kyoto Bessho | Outside the theme | 4.62 across 147 reviews, but the cheapest rate is above the ¥30,000 ceiling. |
| Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo | Outside the theme | 4.33 across 4,309 reviews, but its cheapest rate is below the ¥8,000 floor of the mid-price range. |
| 669 hotels | Below the floor | Fewer than 100 reviews, or an average below 4.0. |
Questions visitors ask
Which of these is closest to Kawaramachi and Nishiki Market?
Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi: it connects directly to exit 11 of the Shijo-dori underpass and is four minutes from Hankyu Kawaramachi. Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto is about three minutes from Shijo station. Kyoto Itoya Hotel is about five minutes from Shijo and from Gojo.
Which of the five has a large bath?
Only The Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo, which lists a large bath and a gym. Hotel Monterey Kyoto and Shijo Kawaramachi Onsen Soraniwa Terrace Kyoto have hot springs, but both scored just below the five. Communal baths are nude, so ask about tattoos first.
Where should I stay for Nijo Castle?
The Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo is about two minutes from Nijo station, which serves the JR Sagano line and the subway. It is a subway ride from Kawaramachi and Gion.
How much do these cost?
The table shows the cheapest price per person with breakfast, for two sharing, from Rakuten Travel’s availability search for Wednesdays and Saturdays between 11 November 2026 and 2 January 2027. Weekday lows run from about ¥6,500 at Kyoto Itoya Hotel to about ¥29,500 at Kyoto Brighton Hotel. Saturdays are higher across the board.
Which one would you book?
Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi: it joins the Shijo underpass, has 4.58 across 497 reviews, and its weekday low is about ¥8,600 per person. If the budget is tighter, Kyoto Itoya Hotel starts near ¥6,500 and has the best breakfast score of the five.
Changes
- 2026-11-03 First published. Scored from 773 candidates.