Top 5 Star Hotels in Kyoto

5 Star Hotels in Kyoto

Properties are selected based on real traveler reviews and popularity among guests who’ve booked a night in Kyoto on Hotels.com. These Kyoto 5 Star Hotels consistently deliver on quality, location and traveler experience. Last updated on September 9, 2026.

Top neighborhoods in Kyoto

A traditional Japanese street with wooden buildings, red lanterns, and people walking.

Gion

Wander through Gion's narrow lanes where wooden machiya houses transport you to old-world Kyoto. Catch glimpses of geiko and maiko hurrying to appointments in elegant kimono along Hanamikoji Street. Yasaka Shrine's vermillion gates and the willow-lined Shirakawa canal create perfect photo backdrops for culture seekers. Temple gardens offer peaceful retreats from the bustling crowds. Exclusive kaiseki restaurants hide behind unassuming wooden facades, requiring reservations weeks ahead. Artisan shops sell handcrafted kimono accessories and traditional fans until early evening. Visit during morning hours to avoid the tourist crush. The neighborhood is best explored on foot, with the Gion-shijo Station connecting you to greater Kyoto.

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A serene pond surrounded by rocks and lush greenery.

Central Kyoto

Central Kyoto's historic streets are home to breathtaking UNESCO treasures like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Nijo Castle. You can immerse yourself in authentic Japanese culture through mesmerizing geisha performances in Gion or peaceful tea ceremonies amid picturesque gardens. Wander through the thousands of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine or marvel at the gleaming Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion. Traditional ryokans offer tatami floors and cultural immersion while local shops showcase exquisite textiles and ceramics. The neighborhood is best explored on foot or via the convenient metro stations at Imadegawa, Kuramaguchi, or Nijojo-mae. Morning visits help you dodge crowds and soak up temple bell echoes across this living museum of Japanese heritage.

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A traditional Japanese temple surrounded by lush greenery and large rocks.

Higashiyama Ward

Traditional-style buildings and protected status define this part of Kyoto, with entertainment in Gion near Yasaka Shrine. Must-see attractions include Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto National Museum, and Namikawa Cloisonne Museum.

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A pathway through a bamboo forest with a wooden fence on one side.

Arashiyama

Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty, Arashiyama offers attractions like Iwatayama Monkey Park, Tenryū-ji temple, and Sagano bamboo forest. Easily accessible and walkable, it's perfect for exploring Kyoto's western outskirts.

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A traditional building with a curved roof, ornate decorations, and a tree in the background.

Nishijin

Kyoto's cultural Nishijin neighborhood is loved for its castle and coffeehouses, and visitors often enjoy its varied attractions including Nishijin Textile Center and Funaoka Thermal Bath.

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Top landmarks in Kyoto

A traditional Japanese temple complex with autumn foliage, a prominent pagoda, and wooden walkways.

Kiyomizu Temple

9.0/10 (8,712 reviews)

Higashiyama Ward is home to Kiyomizu Temple, so why not stop by during your stay in Kyoto. Let yourself be amazed at the temples in the area— your cultural tour starts here.

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