I stayed in a Backpacker Hostel in Kyoto and here's what happened

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Find your Perfect Hostel in Kyoto

Ever landed in Kyoto hungry for temples and friends? Same. I needed a bunk that felt safe, sociable, and quiet enough for an 8 a.m. shrine run.

Piece Hostel Kyoto ticked every box—and baked free bread that smelled like home.

Here’s why it shot straight onto my “repeat stay” wishlist.

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Kyoto

Best for Hostel Newbies

Guesthouse Soi9.6

from $12.70 | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

Piece Hostel9.3

from $11.10 | More Details

Best Party Hostel

Guest House Ga-Jyun9.5

from $13.99 | More Details

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Location – Steps from Trains & Ramen

Two sleepy minutes from Kyoto Station’s central exit, this place makes day-tripping laughably easy. Shinkansen, metro, and airport buses all hug the same block, so you can bounce between Fushimi Inari gates and Osaka street eats without thinking.

As a solo woman, I loved the lit streets, late-night convenience stores, and constant foot traffic. Even after a 1 a.m. karaoke detour, the walk home felt as relaxed as a matcha latte.

Social Vibes – Where Strangers Turn into Buddies

Design vibe: Scandinavian minimalism meets Japanese timber. Social vibe: chill but chatty.

• Free welcome drink at 6 p.m. kicks off nightly mingling.
• Rotating events—sake tastings, sushi-roll workshops, occasional pub crawls.
• I joined a gyoza party and ended up planning a Nara trip with two Canadians and a shy local student.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Kyoto

1. Grand-rem - best for Couples, Older travelers (+50), Solo Traveller
2. Tour Club
3. Accommodation Kyotokko - best for Solo Traveller
4. Downtown Inn
5. Guest House YULULU - best for Quiet Rest

Grand-rem

8.7

Nakagyo-Ku

"…The hostel is fairly subdued, but these common spaces provide opportunities to socialize and meet more

Tour Club

8.9

Shimogyo-ku

"…The room also has an air conditioner for summer that works as a heater as well during the more

Accommodation Kyotokko

8.2

Kamigyo-ku

"…Each bed has a light, so the lights out at eleven p.m. is not an issue at all. Only one computer more

Downtown Inn

8.8

"…, which is the reception’s schedule. For early check-in, the guest has to pay. The kitchen has a more

Guest House YULULU

8.8

"…There is only a hair dryer outside the shower. Common Spaces This is a small guesthouse more

Rooms – Capsule Comfort on a Backpack Budget

• Wooden bunks with thick privacy curtains—felt like my own tiny tea room.
• Individual light, outlet, and fold-down shelf.
• Sturdy under-bed lockers; bring a padlock.
• Dorm options: mixed 6–18 beds, female-only 6–10 beds, and sleek privates with ensuite.
• Powerful A/C + silent mode heater for winter nights.

Amenities – Little Luxuries That Add Up

• Free DIY breakfast: fresh bread, boiled eggs, salad, coffee.
• Open kitchen with spices, rice cooker, and fridge space.
• Rooftop terrace for sunset beers.
• Lounge bar pouring craft sake until 11 p.m.
• Coin laundry, rentable bikes, fast Wi-Fi everywhere.
• Luggage storage before check-in and after checkout—lifesaver.

Safety – Sleep Like an Onigiri

Key-card access at every door, CCTV in common areas, and 24-hour reception that actually smiles at 4 a.m.

Female dorms sit on secure-entry floors, and staff do regular hallway patrols. I never worried about my gear—or my late-night cup-noodle walks to the kitchen.

Price – Value That Tastes Better Than Free Breakfast

Beds land in the middle of Kyoto’s hostel price range.

The nightly rate covers breakfast, linens, Wi-Fi, welcome drink, and most events; towels and bike hire cost a bit extra. Considering the spotless showers and station-side address, the math felt fair.

Final Verdict

9/10. Piece Hostel Kyoto balances sleek design with traveler warmth—rare combo. Social events spark friendships without forcing 3 a.m. DJ sets, and the location slashes commute drama to zero.

I dock one point for limited kitchen stovetops during dinner rush, but that just nudged me toward more street ramen.

Pro tip: Book early if you want a female dorm or Friday-night sushi class; both disappear faster than matcha KitKats.

Backpacking Kyoto? Here's What You Need to Know

These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I've been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I'm passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

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About the author: Nour De Wilde Salhab

A Lebanese-Congolese-French-Belgian girl as likely to be found climbing a volcano in Indonesia or reading a sci-fi book by the sea in the South of France. Always on the hunt for remarkable experiences. My two favorites so far: volunteering in emergency medical services in Lebanon and solo backpacking around the world. Life is enjoyable in all its facets, from its healthy extremes to its mundane slows.