14 Best Hostels in Kyoto

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Tanaka Gokurakudo Guest House is a top-rated hostel in Kyoto located just 3 minutes from JR station. Non-smoking private and dorm rooms are available, as well as a smoking area on-site.

The hostel has a lounge and rooftop terrace with fantastic views of the iconic Kyoto Tower and Yodobashi Camera. Enjoy self-catering in the fully-equipped kitchen, or rent a bicycle to explore the city. Laundry facilities are available at an extra charge. A short train ride from the hostel will take you to Nijo-jo Castle and Fushimi Inari, with its striking red gates.

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.

Kyoto Utano Youth Hostel is one of Kyoto's best hostels, with a tennis court, BBQ facilities, a garden, and free WiFi. It's conveniently situated only 3.5 km from Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and 4 km from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.

The hostel, which was built in 2008, has rooms with terraces and desks, and some include private bathrooms. They also serve a delicious Japanese meal at their on-site restaurant. Start your day with a continental or buffet breakfast. Guests can hire bicycles to cycle around the area or relax in their hot tubs.

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.