The Absolute Best Hostels In Kyoto - 2026 Edition
- Aug 1, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 15
An expert analysis based on customer reviews and knowledge of Kyoto
Introduction
After working as a tour guide in Kyoto for 3 years, I've decided to compile this list based on my expert knowledge of this incredible city. On top of this knowledge, I've analyzed thousands of customer reviews to determine an accurate list of the best hostels in Kyoto.
Finding the right hostel in the ancient capital can be tough. Which area is best? How much should you expect to pay? And which hostels have the best reviews? Another point to consider is how different are hostels in Japan compared to other countries? Mostly the news is good, the standards for cleanliness and privacy are much higher in Japan, so hostel experiences here can be very nice. For solo travellers, good reviews are a valuable resource because the hostel culture in Japan is often missing the social aspect that Western travellers are accustomed to.
We've focused on the 3 best areas for accommodation in Kyoto: the downtown area, Gion, and north of Kyoto Station. Although there are some nice hostels outside of these locations, these particular areas provide the most convenient access to the majority of attractions in Kyoto.
The only filters I've personally applied are:
A minimum average review rating above 8/10.
A minimum of 100 reviews.
Location must be convenient, within walking distance to popular attractions and train stations.
Our listing for each place has a convenient summary including a:
Gallery
Description
Highlights
Price Range
Review Score
Review Example
The 5 Best Hostels in Kyoto
(Sorted by rating & number of reviews)
Honorable Mention
1.
The Piece Hostel Sanjo
The Piece Hostel in Sanjo is the highest-rated hostel in Kyoto, and it's easy to see why. The beautiful design and architecture feel more like a refined hotel rather than a backpackers hostel. The attention to detail, amazing location, and friendly staff all combine to make one of the best hostels in Japan. You're within walking distance to lively streets, markets, and famous temples. Book this one early, it always sells out fast due to its popularity.
Highlights
Amazing location, an easy walk to Pontocho Alley, Nishiki Market, and famous temples.
Multiple room options, perfect for friend groups or solo travellers.
Only a 5-minute walk to reach 2 train stations, making it easy to travel anywhere in Kyoto.
Price Range
$35 - $90 per night
Review Score
9.0 ★ (7000+ reviews)
Review Quote
"By far the best Hostel we‘ve ever been to. The location is great, you‘re within walking distance of everything. They have huge common areas, a rooftop, a bar, and a big kitchen which are all very well maintained. The rooms and beds are really nice, they also have lots of showers and toilets so you‘ll never need to wait in line."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2.
The Ryokan Hostel Gion
The Ryokan Hostel Gion is located right next to the historically preserved streets that Gion is famous for. It's within walking distance to all the popular attractions, including Pontocho Alley, the famous temples of Higashiyama, and the Kamogawa river. It's also a 5-10 minute walk from 2 train stations, making it easy to travel anywhere in Kyoto. All these great points are pretty similar to our number one choice, the Piece Hostel, the main difference here is a more traditional Japanese vibe and its closer proximity to famous temples such as Chion-in and Kiyomizudera.
Highlights
Prime location in Gion, next to historically preserved streets.
Within walking distance to famous temples such as Chion-in and Kiyomizudera.
5-10 minute walk from 2 train stations, making it easy to travel anywhere in Kyoto.
Price Range
$30 - $80 per night
Review Score
8.9 ★ (1500+ reviews)
Review Quote
"My absolute favorite hostel in Japan. It was extremely clean, cozy, and had friendly staff. The dorms were great and were well-kept & designed. You get a new towel everyday, and there’s plenty of sinks and showers. My favorite part was the living room area to which my friends and I would find ourselves sitting and talking with other travellers well into the night. I just loved this place as a whole, felt quickly familiar & homey within a day or two. Oh you can rent bikes too."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
3.
K's House Kyoto
The K's House hostel is a super popular place for backpackers, located about 10 minutes from Kyoto Station. The reviews rave about the value for money and huge communal space that makes it easy to hang out and meet other travellers. It's about a 20-minute walk from the main attractions such as Gion and Pontocho Ally, but bicycle rental is available and it's only 5 minutes' walk from the subway. The staff are super helpful if you have questions about sightseeing in Kyoto.
Highlights
Social atmosphere with a large lounge area.
Budget friendly, with bike rental available.
10 minutes' walk from Kyoto Station.
Price Range
$20 - $40 per night
Review Score
8.6 ★ (2000+ reviews)
Review Quote
"Amazing price for such an amazing hostel. I stayed five nights in a room for four people with plenty of luggage space. The staff are very kind and knowledgable, everything is clean and tidy. The best aspect of the hostel is the big kitchen and a huge shared room for socializing."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
4.
Unknown Kyoto
Perhaps the most unique hostel in Kyoto, the Unknown Kyoto hostel is a 100-year-old brothel building that has been restored into a hostel, restaurant, and co-working space. With all the attention to detail that Japan and Kyoto are famous for, the result is a beautiful, unique, and charming atmosphere unlike anything else. They have a variety of room options so it's great for both couples and solo travellers. The location is quiet and humble, next to the Kamogawa River and halfway between Kyoto Station and Pontocho Alley.
Highlights
Unique history and traditional design.
Peaceful location, halfway between Kyoto Station and Pontocho Alley.
Perfect for digital nomads with a charming co-working space and fast wifi.
Price Range
$30 - $80 per night
Review Score
8.6 ★ (400+ reviews)
Review Quote
"Not only was the location charming and peaceful, but I was very impressed with the consideration and friendliness of the staff. Highly recommended for those who like architecture and history. Interacting with the people staying there was also a enjoyable. Perfect if you need to do some work in their co-working space."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
5.
R Star Hostel Kyoto
The R.Star Hostel is popular for its blend of cheap rates, high-end facilities, stylish design, and roomy interiors. It might be best for those who don't mind a bit of walking for a cheaper price, the Nishiki Market, Pontocho Alley, and Kamogawa are all a 20-minute walk from here, but travelling is easy because it's next to a bus stop and subway. The lounge and kitchen facilities are spacious and brand new, although it's a hostel, it feels like a modern hotel with communal spaces.
Highlights
Affordable rates and high-end facilities.
Spacious rooms and brand-new kitchen.
4 minutes' walk from the subway.
Price Range
$25 - $40 per night
Review Score
8.3 ★ (2000+ reviews)
Review Quote
"Stayed for 6 nights and absolutely loved my stay. It was extremely clean, welcoming, and the staff were very helpful and nice. The bed was comfortable and the room was kept at a nice temperature. Toilets and showers were always clean. Kitchen was big and fully stocked, so cooking was a breeze. Everyone I met during my stay was nice and I always felt safe there. Good location too, only 4 mins walk to the subway."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
Honourable Mention
Although it doesn't exactly match our location and review criteria, this hostel makes our list due to its popularity and unique charm.
Utano Youth Hostel
You can tell just by looking at the onsen photo that this is no ordinary hostel, it's a beautiful property with attention to detail offering an authentic Japanese experience. Kyoto is known for blending seamlessly with nature and this hostel is the perfect example of that. It's a bit out of the way, but they have amazing rates on bicycle rental and there's a bus stop right next to the hostel. It's also quite close to Arashiyama.
Highlights
20 minute bus ride to Arashiyama.
Cheap bike rental.
Unique property with its own garden and cherry blossom trees.
Price Range
$25 - $40 per night
Review Score
8.6 ★ (1000+ reviews)
Review Quote
"I’m very grateful for the days I’ve spent here. This place is the best hostel I’ve ever stayed at, surrounded by nature, clean premises, super functional kitchen, comfy bed, privacy, amazing and friendly staff., Bicycles for rent at unbeatable prices, close to Arashiyama and just a step away from the bus stop."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
Summary
So that's it! The best hostels in Kyoto based on customer reviews and knowledge of this incredible city. There are heaps of amazing hostels in Kyoto, so if these are already booked out, don't worry, and if you're travelling for the cherry blossoms or autumn leaves make sure you book in advance.
