The Best Hotels & Ryokans In Arashiyama, Kyoto
- Jan 2
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 5
An expert list based on customer reviews and knowledge of Kyoto
Overview
Arashiyama is famous for its lush bamboo forest, stunning autumn leaves, and beautiful ancient temples. It's also home to some of the most incredible hotels in Kyoto, perfect for escaping the city and feeling more in touch with the natural environment of Japan. Here, we'll summarise the highest-ranking accommodation based on customer reviews and our expert knowledge.
Accommodation in Arashiyama sells out very fast for the autumn and cherry blossom seasons, so early bookings are essential.
All of the options on this list must adhere to our strict criteria:
An average review score above 8.5/10.
A minimum of 50 reviews.
The location must be convenient for sightseeing.
All these properties are within walking distance to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Our listing for each place has a convenient summary including a:
Curated Gallery
Description
Highlights
Price Range (peak and off-peak)
Review Score
Review Example
Luxury
$500 - $1500
Mid-Range
$150 - $500
Hostels
$30 - $60
The Best Luxury Hotels & Ryokans In Arashiyama
1.
The Ryotei Rangetsu
The Ryotei Rangetsu is a luxury ryokan in a prime location on the Hozugawa River. It offers the high standards of modern luxury with a heavy emphasis on the traditional Japanese experience. You'll have views of the mountains, the Hozugawa River, and exclusive access to natural onsen baths with mineral-rich water sourced from deep underground. It's easy to see why the customer reviews are so high. Although its classifed as a luxury ryokan, they also have rooms priced toward mid-range travellers, which offers amazing value-for-money.
Highlights
A natural hot spring onsen with both private and communal baths available.
Prime location on the river, only 7 mins walk from the bamboo grove.
A luxury ryokan that also offers mid-range rooms for value-minded travellers.
Price Range
$300 - $1500 per night
Review Score
9.6 ★ (200+ reviews)
Review Quote
"This ryokan checked off everything on my list: Private in-room outdoor bath with hot spring-sourced water overlooking the river and mountains, amazing and unforgettable cuisine (had a 9-course dinner, make-your-own onigiri for midnight snack, and a very big breakfast), and so close to the temples, the bamboo forest, everything. Just heaven, the best ryokan experience in Japan."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2.
The Muni Kyoto
The Muni Kyoto by Onko Chishin is situated right next to the Rangetsu, perfectly located along the Hozugawa River. The Muni Kyoto provides a modern luxury experience along with sophisticated Japanese design and impeccable hospitality. Winner of the IF Design Awards in 2021, the whole hotel feels like an architectural gallery. The food here is also a unique experience, featuring an incredible restaurant by world-renowned French chef Alain Ducasse, and a boutique cafe serving up unbelievable breakfast, lunch, chocolates, and pastries.
Highlights
An indulgent wellness spa combining Swiss treatments with a Japanese influence.
Prime location on the river, 7 mins walk from the bamboo grove.
Unbeatable dining experience with a restaurant and cafe operated by world-renowned French chef Alain Ducasse.
Price Range
$600 - $2000 per night
Review Score
9.3 ★ (500+ reviews)
Review Quote
"This was our favorite hotel that we stayed at in Japan. Everything from the design, service, room, location and food were all outstanding. Listening to the birds on the balcony while drinking incredible coffee and taking a walk at sunrise to the bamboo forest became unforgettable memories for us."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
3.
The Suiran Luxury Collection
The Suiran Luxury Hotel in Arashiyama offers the perfect combination of a modern luxury hotel with traditional Japanese elements, all while being surrounded by bamboo forests, pristine waters, and the ancient temples of Kyoto. It's located right next to the lively main area on the Hozugawa River, only a few minutes' walk from the bamboo grove, and yet far enough away to provide a peaceful experience secluded from the busy streets.
Highlights
Right on the river, only 5 mins walk from the bamboo grove.
A beautiful cafe that overlooks the river.
French-inspired Japanese cuisine in a 100-year-old traditional villa restaurant.
Price Range
$850 - $1200 per night
Review Score
9.0 ★ (50+ reviews)
Review Quote
"The Suiran is perfectly located right on the river, it's easy to walk to all of the tourist spots nearby. The hotel itself is really lovely and all of the staff are so nice and accommodating. We had teppanyaki the first night which was delicious and the second night we ate at the main restaurant, both were flawless. Everything from check in to check out was seamless."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
The Best Mid-Range Hotels In Arashiyama
1.
The GrandWest Arashiyama
The GrandWest is possibly the best-value hotel in Arashiyama. It's reasonable price is partially due to its humble location, which is actually perfect for people who want to escape the crowds. It's tucked away in a beautiful area, from the main tourist hotspots, next peaceful canals and only a 5-minute walk from the local train station. The other top attractions, such as the Monkey Park and Bamboo Grove, are a lovely 10-20 minute walk away, but there are plenty of taxis if you're feeling tired. One huge bonus is they offer bicycle rental, which can be an amazing way to explore the area. And if you're interested in hotsprings, you'll only be a 7-minute walk away from the Fufu No Yu Onsen. Along with the beautiful and spacious rooms, it's easy to see why this place has such amazing reviews.
Highlights
Located away from the crowds for a more local vibe, and only a 5 minute walk from the Hankyu Arashiyama Station, making it convenient for day trips around Kyoto or Osaka.
10 minutes walk to the monkey park, Hozugawa River, and the main tourist area.
Onsite bicycle rental is a fun way to explore the area.
Price Range
$250 - $600 per night
Review Score
9.2 ★ (500+ reviews)
Review Quote
"Everything about this hotel was amazing. The location is great, the rooftop relaxation area is perfect for unwinding, and the breakfast was absolutely delicious. Our room was very big and spacious, the staff were incredibly friendly, and the free parking was a huge bonus. It’s also very kid-friendly, which made our stay even better. They even offered a free tour around Arashiyama!"
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2.
The Kadensho Onsen Arashiyama
The Kadensho Onsen is a nostalgic ryokan famous for being one of the first hotels in Kyoto to offer natural onsen baths. It's moderately priced and includes 4 public baths (guests only) and 5 private baths, each one having its own theme and setting. The Kadensho Onsen known for being foreigner-friendly, so long as you like traditional Japanese food, and sits in a peaceful location far away from the crowds, which is a lovely change of pace.
Highlights
Close to the Hankyu Arashiyama Station for easy day trips to Osaka.
5 minutes' walk to the monkey park and 15 minutes from the bamboo grove.
4 public baths (guests only) and 5 private baths.
Price Range
$150 - $500 per night
Review Score
8.8 ★ (1000+ reviews)
Review Quote
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
The Best Hostel In Arashiyama
1.
The Mulan Hostel
The Mulan Hostel is the best hostel in Arashiyama. It has its own unique charm located away from the touristy area, and yet close enough for walking to all the attractions. While most visitors explore Arashiyama from the Saga-Arshiyama Station, this hostel is conveniently located next to the much quieter Hankyu Arashiyama Station, which is connected to the Osaka train lines, making day trips to Osaka super easy. The dorm rooms get booked out pretty fast due to its small size and popularity, so make reservations early.
Highlights
Right next to Arashiyama Station for easy day trips to Osaka.
7 mins walk to the monkey park and the Hozugawa River.
Perfect budget hostel for Arashiyama.
Price Range
$35 - $100 per night
Review Score
8.9 ★ (300+ reviews)
Review Quote
"Absolutely loved this hostel! Really hospitable owners and staff. The rooms, kitchen and common areas were spacious and clean. There’s a family computer, a bunch of board games and books and other materials for entertainment by the reception. Can even rent bikes in front of the hostel."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
