JAPAN'S BEST-DESIGNED HOTELS6 hotels
Hotels near Gion, Kiyomizu-dera and Higashiyama
Kyoto's eastern side is where most first-time visitors spend their days: Gion, Yasaka and the slopes up to Kiyomizu-dera. A nine-room hotel on the Shirakawa by Tadao Ando, a former ryotei's sukiya architecture in Yasaka, Kiyomizu-ware lights and a hotel built with a temple.
A nine-room hotel on the Shirakawa, designed by Tadao Ando
A Yasaka hotel carrying on a 100-year-old ryotei's sukiya architecture
“Creative hospitality” linking Japanese and international sensibilities
A lobby bar lounge that borrows the scenery, and suites with a mizuya
Kiyomizu-ware lights and Nishijin-weave foil
Like staying in a temple museum, beside a 500-year-old temple
Planning a stay
Check-in, large baths and tattoo rules for these 6 hotels
| Hotel | Area | Check-in / out | Large bath | Tattoos |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE SHINMONZEN | Gion | — | — | — |
| SOWAKA | Gion | — | — | — |
| Kyoto Granbell Hotel | Gion | — | Yes | — |
| DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama | Kiyomizu-Gojo | 15:00 | Yes | — |
| NOHGA HOTEL KIYOMIZU KYOTO | Kiyomizu-Gojo | 15:00 / 12:00 | — | — |
| Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Kawaramachi Jokyoji | Kawaramachi | 15:00 / 11:00 | 15:00–10:00 the next morning (hotel guests) | — |
From each official website. “—” means the official information we checked does not say.
Questions visitors ask
Which hotels near Gion and Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto have a large shared bath?
Kyoto Granbell Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama, Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Kawaramachi Jokyoji have a large shared bath (daiyokujo), according to official information. Most are for hotel guests only.
Can I use the baths with tattoos at the hotels near Gion and Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto?
The official websites of these hotels do not state a tattoo rule for the bath. Many Japanese baths limit tattoos, so ask the hotel before you book.
What time is check-in at the hotels near Gion and Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto?
Check-in is usually from 15:00 at the 3 hotels that publish it; check-out times are in the table above. Some plans differ, so check your booking.
Which hotels near Gion and Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto have tatami or Japanese-style rooms?
THE SHINMONZEN have tatami, a raised koagari area or Japanese-style rooms, according to official information. You take off your shoes there.
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