Top 10 Highly Rated Guesthouses Based on Word of Mouth Around Kyoto’s Famous Spot, Kinkakuji

Mosaic Machiya KSK is a guesthouse that is located in the quiet neighborhood of Kamishichiken. The guestrooms here are Japanese-style rooms that are simple and filled with a clean feeling. Inside, you will find a bathroom and a courtyard that also serves as a space for enjoying light snacks and drinks, so you can have a pleasant stay. There is also a cafe and bar that offers a diverse menu that includes coffee, Japanese sake and food, where guests and locals can interact and have fun. Wi-Fi is free in the guestrooms. English-speaking staff available.

Sample room rate: 11,000 JPY – 12,000 JPY (incl. tax) per room per night

This is a guesthouse that uses a renovated Kyo-machiya. It offers various types of rooms for guests, such as spacious and comfortable adjoining Japanese-style private rooms, and exclusive dormitories for men and women. You can choose to have your accommodation plan be without meals, or come with breakfast where you can enjoy nutritious Japanese dishes that are centered in home-polished rice. Further, there is a common space where guests can mingle, as well as bathrooms, washing machines, refrigerator and microwave ovens. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.

Sample room rate: Dormitory: 2,700 JPY per person, per night without meals

This is a guesthouse that is housed in a nearly 100-year-old traditional Kyo-machiya that has been transformed into a modern building. It offers a wide array of guestrooms that can fit a few guests to big groups, including rooms with a view of the garden. There is a common space where guests can enjoy free drinks, as well as bathrooms, washing machines/dryers and other amenities. All rooms have a vault with a key. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. English-speaking staff available.

Sample room rate example: 3,166 JPY – 4,000 JPY per person when three guests will be staying in a private room

Oto is a guesthouse that is close to a lot of famous spots in Kyoto, such as Kinkakuji and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. Inside, there is a kitchen (with refrigerator, microwave oven, etc.), washing machines and dryers, communication space, and shower rooms with bathtub. Various kinds of rooms are available here, including Japanese-style private rooms and dormitories with beds. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.

Sample room rate: Dormitory: Around 1,250 JPY (incl. tax) per person, per night

This is a guesthouse that boasts excellent location that is just a 3-minute walk to Kinkakuji. It is a minimalist lodging facility that only has two guestrooms – one each Western-style and Japanese-style rooms. The Japanese-style room can be converted into a private room or a dormitory, depending on the need of the guests. There is an annexed cafe and dining bar, where staying guests can enjoy 20% discount. There are shared baths and toilets. Wi-Fi is free in the guestrooms. English- and Korean-speaking staff available.

Sample room rate: Dormitory: From 3,000 JPY (incl. tax) per person, per night

This is a guesthouse with a homey atmosphere. Guests can choose from a Japanese-style room with tatami flooring and Western-style room with bed, with every room equipped with coffee maker and pot. There is also a shared space, as well as kitchen and bathrooms. You can also avail of the bicycle rental service for a fee, which is very convenient for sightseeing. Wi-Fi is free in the guestrooms. English- and Chinese-speaking staff available.

Sample room rate: Around 13,000 JPY per night for two adults

Kamishichiken Uan is a guesthouse with a simple modern vibe. The guestrooms here have balconies, while the common space is equipped with microwave oven and refrigerator. There are also bathroom and laundry facilities. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. English-speaking staff available.

Sample room rate: Around 2,600 JPY per night