Written by Undercover Phoenician | Last update: Oct 11, 2023
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From the peaceful streets of Gion to the bustling markets of Nishiki, Kyoto is a city that never fails to reward adventurous souls with unforgettable experiences around every corner.
Here are the best hostels in Kyoto.
Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Kyoto
Let us talk about prices. Here is a graph showing you average prices for a bed in a dorm and for a private room. Simply mouse-over to see rates for each month.
Prices can vary a lot, especially on high-season, weekends, and special holidays such as New Years Eve.
Rent a bike:
Kyoto is a great city for cycling, with plenty of bike paths and bike-friendly roads. Renting a bike is a great way to explore the city at your own pace and avoid the crowds on public transportation. Many hostels in Kyoto offer bike rentals at affordable prices, so be sure to ask the staff for recommendations.
Plan ahead for popular attractions:
Kyoto has some popular attractions that get very crowded during peak season. To avoid this, one can visit the attractions (super) early in the morning or later in the evening. Buying tickets in advance or hiring a private tour guide can also help navigate the crowds.
The top 3 most popular areas to stay in hostels in Kyoto:
#1 Top Rated Hostel in Kyoto! Rating: 9.5
Located just a quick 50-minute ride from Kyoto, Omi-Maiko ranks as the most popular and easiest beach to reach in Lake Biwa. Guests staying at J-Hoppers Lake Biwa Guesthouse can satisfy their appetite cravings at the Biwagochi Kitchen -- serving fantastic Korean, Chinese and Italian cuisine cooked using local ingredients -- or go for a swim in the lake via a short walk.
Just remember that you have to book in advance if you're looking to try their delightful breakfast, lunch, or dinner boxes. Make sure you don't forget to visit popular hidden gems nearby Shiga like Omihachiman, Koga Ninja Village, Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple, Hikone Castle, Biwaichi Cycling, and Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park while enjoying your stay at one of the best hostels in Kyoto.
Prices start from $20.22 for a dorm and $47.30 for a private room.
Bike Rental
Board Games
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Laundry
Lounge Area
Rating: 9.4
Guest House Ga-Jyun in Kyoto's famous Higashiyama area is within a 5-minute walk to the Higashiyama Subway Station; guests can easily explore the city's famous sites such as the Yasaka-jinja Shrine, Heian-jingu Shrine, and Nanzen-ji Temple.
The hostel offers private and dormitory-style rooms, a coin laundry, free Wi-Fi and breakfast, luggage storage, and a safety deposit box. And don't forget to say hi to Jiro, the hostel's furry staff member! Join their Friday party or public bath tour on Saturdays for a fun social experience.
Prices start from $22.65 for a dorm and $48.25 for a private room.
Breakfast
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Lounge Area
Rating: 9.5
The Millennials is one of the best hostels in Kyoto, just a 5-minute stroll from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station. Get ready to experience something new with high-tech & multi-functional sleeping pods controlled by an iPod. Work, play, cook, socialize, or relax in the common areas, including the kitchen, play zone, and bar, which can be accessed and used freely 24/7.
This minimalist unit features comfortable Serta mattresses, pajamas for rent, free WiFi, and storage space under the bed. Spend your free time exploring the Gion District or Yasaka Shrine, both just a short walk away.
Prices start from $47.76 for a dorm.
Bike Rental
Board Games
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Kitchen
Laundry
Lounge Area
Rating: 9.5
A true gem in Kyoto's hostel scene, Piece Hostel is where comfort and community intertwine seamlessly. Nestled in the heart of the city, this hostel offers a perfect blend of modern design and traditional Japanese aesthetics. The private pod-style beds provide a cozy sanctuary, while the communal spaces are vibrant hubs for global mingling. Engage in captivating conversations with fellow travelers in the charming indoor garden or swap stories while preparing a meal together in the fully-equipped kitchen.
What truly sets Piece Hostel apart is its attention to detail. Immerse yourself in local culture through their curated events, like tea ceremonies and calligraphy workshops. The attentive staff creates an inviting atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. Whether you're seeking serenity in their peaceful library or looking for lively gatherings in the lounge, Piece Hostel ensures an unforgettable stay that embodies the essence of Kyoto.
Prices start from $22.30 for a dorm and $33.52 for a private room.
Bike Rental
Bar
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Kitchen
Laundry
Lounge Area
Rating: 9.3
Guesthouse Kingyoya is a cool traditional-style hostel located near Kenryukomae Bus Stop. It's one of Kyoto's best hostels, with an option to choose from Japanese-style rooms that include air conditioning. Tea is provided for free in the common room, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.
The shared shower is open 24/7, and towels, toothbrushes, and Yukata robes can be rented. Guests without laptops can use the computer center, and there is a shared-use fridge too. Laundry machines and rental bicycles can be used if requested. Japanese dishes are served for breakfast.
Prices start from $26.82 for a dorm and $64.69 for a private room.
Breakfast
Bike Rental
Laundry
Rating: 9.2
If you're seeking a fusion of affordability and style, R.star Hostel is your ticket to an unforgettable Kyoto adventure. Strategically located near major attractions, this hostel offers budget-conscious travelers a haven of modernity and warmth. The dormitory-style rooms are thoughtfully designed, boasting privacy curtains and personal power outlets.
R.star Hostel prides itself on its social vibe. The lively common area buzzes with energy, encouraging globetrotters to connect and share tales. Engage in friendly competitions over board games or unwind in the cozy lounge after a day of exploration. The staff's local expertise is a treasure trove of recommendations, ensuring you make the most of your Kyoto experience.
This hostel's commitment to sustainability is noteworthy. From eco-friendly amenities to waste reduction initiatives, R.star Hostel is a beacon of responsible travel. With its inviting ambiance, cost-effective accommodations, and opportunities to forge new friendships, R.star Hostel paints the perfect backdrop for your Kyoto journey.
Prices start from $21.52 for a dorm and $86.56 for a private room.
Breakfast
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Laundry
Lounge Area
Rating: 9.2
Located in Kyoto's famous Gion area, Gion Ryokan Q-beh is one of the city's best hostels. Just a short walk from some of the area's most popular temples and shrines, the hostel offers both Japanese-style private rooms and dormitory rooms, all equipped with air conditioning and heating.
Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the building, and there are communal places to eat and drink, as well as a lovely observation room on the third floor. The property also offers free luggage storage and rentals for bicycles. It's the perfect base for exploring Kyoto's many attractions!
Prices start from $20.81 for a dorm and $49.56 for a private room.
Kitchen
Laundry
Lounge Area
Rating: 9.1
Gojo Guest House is one of the best hostels in Kyoto, situated in a 100-year-old traditional building. It offers simple and cozy Japanese-style dormitory accommodation with free Wi-fi, futon beds, and shared bathrooms. Each air-conditioned dormitory room has a tatami floor and sliding paper screens.
Guests can enjoy light meals and drinks at the cafe on the ground floor. It's just a 15-minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka Shrine. The hotel is also just 400 m from Keihan Kiyomizu-Gojo Train Station and a 10-minute taxi ride from JR Kyoto Train Station.
Prices start from $22.16 for a dorm and $51.89 for a private room.
Bar
Kitchen
Laundry
Lounge Area
Rating: 9.1
Guest House Hitsuji-An, one of Kyoto's top hostels, boasts 80+ years of history and is only an 8-min walk from Nijo Castle. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, rent bicycles, and leave baggage at no cost. The common room and shared kitchen make cooking and mealtime a communal affair. The guest house offers both Japanese-style private rooms and shared bunk beds.
The private rooms feature traditional tatami flooring, and the shared spaces have shower and toilet facilities. No meals are provided, but the area has an abundance of dining options. Karasuma Oike Station is a quick 8-min walk away.
Prices start from $23.12 for a dorm.
Bike Rental
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Kitchen
Laundry
Lounge Area
Rating: 8.6
Stepping into Piece Hostel Sanjo, it's clear why this gem has garnered rave reviews from backpackers worldwide. Nestled in the heart of Kyoto's bustling Sanjo area, this hostel effortlessly combines sleek, modern design with the traditional charm of its surroundings. The minimalist wooden interiors create an atmosphere of peace, ensuring guests have a serene base to return to after exploring the ancient city.
When it comes to socializing, Piece Hostel Sanjo excels. The spacious common areas are designed to foster connections, and with travelers from all corners of the globe, there's always an exciting story to hear or a new friend to meet. Whether you're sharing travel tips over breakfast or bonding over late-night ramen, this hostel is a melting pot of cultures.
Functionality is another forte of Piece Hostel Sanjo. The dorms are clean, the beds are comfortable, and each bunk has a curtain, personal light, and charging socket. With friendly staff always on hand to assist, and the city's main attractions within easy reach, it's no wonder this place is often hailed as the best hostel in Kyoto for savvy backpackers.
Prices start from $30.36 for a dorm and $43.05 for a private room.
Bar
Board Games
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Kitchen
Laundry
Lounge Area
Rating: 9.0
Len Kyoto is one of the best hostels in Kyoto, featuring an on-site bar and restaurant, free WiFi, and comfortable shared rooms. Located just a minute's walk from the beautiful Kamo River, it's the perfect place to stay while sightseeing in the city.
Wake up to the aroma of great coffee and enjoy delicious meals throughout the day at the ground-floor restaurant. With luggage storage and public parking nearby, Len Kyoto makes your stay in Kyoto comfortable, convenient, and unforgettable.
Prices start from $27.30 for a dorm and $63.40 for a private room.
Bar
Kitchen
Lounge Area
Rating: 9.0
K's House, one of Kyoto's best hostels, is only a nine-minute stroll from the JR Kyoto Station. The hostel's goal is to provide travelers with a warm, tidy, and welcoming stay in Kyoto. The staff is friendly and helpful, always ready to assist with tourist information. The rooms are simple but comfortable and air-conditioned.
The hostel has several facilities, including a communal tatami lounge, a fully equipped kitchen, and laundry facilities. Guests can also borrow all sorts of things, such as guidebooks, adaptors, and even ironing boards.
Prices start from $24.55 for a dorm and $49.88 for a private room.
Bike Rental
Bar
Kitchen
Laundry
Lounge Area
Rating: 9.0
Nestled in the heart of Gion, Ryokan Hostel Gion is a top-rated traditional Machiya-style hostel perfect for exploring Kyoto's wonders. Enjoy the authentic local lifestyle with endless unique restaurants, shops, and cafes just a stone's throw away!
Each cozy room boasts electric teapots, and private bathrooms, and some even have kitchenettes. With round-the-clock, multilingual staff, a welcoming shared lounge, free WiFi, and easy access to must-see attractions, it's the ultimate retreat for fun-loving travelers!
Prices start from $26.75 for a dorm and $70.36 for a private room.
Bike Rental
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Kitchen
Laundry
Lounge Area
Rating: 8.8
Kyoto Hana Hostel, one of Kyoto's best hostels, is situated just five minutes from Kyoto station, making it an ideal location for travelers. Though it's located one street away from the main street, everything you need, such as bars, restaurants, convenience stores, and more, is within reach.
The deluxe dorm is equipped with a large loft bed, and each bed has its personal bed light, plug outlet, and curtain. Almost all private rooms are traditional Japanese style with tatami mats and futon bedding. Kyoto Hana Hostel offers many free services such as Wi-Fi, maps of Kyoto, coffee, tea, luggage storage, and more.
Prices start from $19.32 for a dorm and $40.57 for a private room.
Bike Rental
Board Games
Kitchen
Laundry
Lounge Area
Videogames
Breakfast
We've got your back when it comes to finding a great hostel location in Kyoto. We've gone ahead and mapped out all the hostels for you so you can get a good idea of where they're all at. This map will make your life so much easier!
Hostel Haven: Choose Your Character
๐ Overall Best Hostel: | |
๐โโ๏ธ Female Solo-Traveler: | |
๐คน Solo-Traveler: | |
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ฆ Family Hostel with Kids: | |
๐ฉโโค๏ธโ๐จ for Couples: | |
๐ Party Hostel: |
Still not sure? Pick this!
This is the overall best rated hostel in J-Hoppers Lake Biwa Guesthouse. The overall rating is 9.5. You cannot go wrong here.
It is your safest bet in case you are not sure which hostel to pick.
The price for a dorm at J-Hoppers Lake Biwa Guesthouse starts from $10.11.
FAQ about Kyoto Hostels
We've collected the most common questions for hostels in Kyoto. The more you know, the better you can plan with confidence and ease, right?
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