3 Best Hostels in Kyoto, Japan – Bookshelf Beds and the Smell of roasted Coffee Beans

Let’s start by saying you’ve picked a wonderful destination. Allow us to show you the 3 best hostels in Kyoto to make choosing where to stay in Kyoto hassle free.

Kyoto is full of cultural wonder. Marvel at the traditional wooden houses, and experience Kaiseki dining.

But first! Book yourself into a wonderful hostel.

Your shortcut:

1. Len Kyoto – one for couples
2. Hostel Kyoto KIZUNA – great for female solo travellers
3. Piece Hostel Kyoto – top pick for groups

Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.

In this article, we’re targeting bookworms, solo travellers, couples and party hostel enthusiasts.

This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…

• are tired of crappy hostels!
• want a social Hostel to actually meet people
• are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience

We condensed it all to the 3 coolest hostels in Kyoto. Heck, these awesome hostels in Kyoto really aren’t setting many limits!

We also created more best hostels guides to help you. Check out:

• all best hostels in Japan on a map (backpacking Japan Guide)
• our hostel recommendations for Tokyo
• best hostels in Osaka
• best hostels in Kobe

Quick Introduction to Kyoto Hostels

Average price for a bed: A bed in a dorm can cost 18€ – 30€ per night. Hostels in Kyoto can be quite “cheap” when choosing dorms – for Japan standards. It is the cheapest Kyoto accommodation you will find!

A hostel in Kyoto with private room starts from 60€ to 120€ per night.

This is a rough average to give you an idea. Prices always depend on season and holidays.

Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.

Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.

🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:

• How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
• 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
• How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide

The 3 Best Hostels in Kyoto

Sadly, we haven’t added a Kyoto hostel to our 5 Star Hostels. Which is why we’ve strived to make this article informative, fun and useful. And if you think, this will be a boring guide, well, then get ready. This guide covers cool boutique hostels in Kyoto, a hostel for book-lovers, and social animals.

This is an unexpected guide!

Psst! Don’t forget to check out the best party hostel in Kyoto further down.

Without further ado, the 3 best hostels in Kyoto are:

1. Len Kyoto
2. Hostel Kyoto KIZUNA
3. Piece Hostel Kyoto

Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type

🦸 Solo Traveler:	Hostel Kyoto KIZUNA
🙎‍♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler:	Len Kyoto
👩‍❤️‍👨Couple Hostel:	Len Kyoto
👨‍👩‍👦 Family Hostel:	Piece Hostel Kyoto
👩‍💻 For Digital Nomads:	Len Kyoto
🧘 Cozy Hostel:	Piece Hostel Kyoto

1. Len Kyoto (social heaven)

Len Kyoto is a beautifully designed hostel cum cafe-car, aimed to bring both locals and travellers together.

Carpenters from all over the country designed the wonderful lounge space.

The mix of rooms on offer supports the hostels want to include all kinds of adventurers.

Dorm rooms have either 6 or 8-beds. There is also a female-only dorm.

Read: Why female dorms?

Private rooms include twin, triple, queen and king doubles.

Book Len Kyoto here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Linen is included, alongside a privacy curtain, light and power socket on the sturdy, wooden beds.

It’s nice that the bunks are raised – plenty of room for storage and no worries about stumbling over a bag in the dark!

What else to expect:

• No curfew
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Free Wi-Fi
• Library w/ free tea + computer use
• Mini ‘essentials’ shop

There is a cafe slash bar and restaurant on the ground floor. This is open to locals and paying guests alike.

By day, enjoy a warm coffee and by night flick to a cocktail and a delicious home-cooked menu.

Note: groups are welcome at a maximum of 6 people.

Len Kyoto is just a few minutes from the Kamo River. The train station is a 15-minute bus ride.

Recommended for:

• Couples
• Small groups
• Female solo travellers

Book Len Kyoto here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

2. Hostel Kyoto KIZUNA

Next up is a modern accommodation which was newly built in 2017. Let’s step inside Hostel Kyoto KIZUNA and have a look around!

“KIZUNA literally means bond or a strong relationship. We aim to reflect this meaning in our service.”

We suggest you book your stay here if you prefer a quiet stay, focusing mainly on getting an awesome night’s sleep.

I mean come on, take a look at those dorm beds – wow!

It’s like sleeping in your own little cocoon, enabling you to get some privacy without having to book a more expensive private rooms.

The dorms are kept small, too. Choose between a 4 or 6-bed room, one of which is specifically for female travellers.

If you’re travelling with a friend, opt for the twin room.

Aside from the rooms, there is a large communal-dining area in the hostel. It’s a big space incorporating a seating area, dining area and shared kitchen.

Obviously this is the place to hang out and meet other travellers!

Modern inclusions such as privacy curtains and a keycard system for getting in to the rooms is a bonus.

Location: Situated in a residential area east of Karasuma-dori. Gojo station is an easy 4-minute walk and links up to all of the major attractions and sights of the city.

Hostel Kyoto KIZUNA is a top pick for:

• Female solo travellers
• Older travellers

Book Hostel Kyoto KIZUNA here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

3. Piece Hostel Kyoto (everyone welcome)

If you want to experience a trendy boutique hostel, Piece Hostel Kyoto is for you.

This hostel is built with active travellers in mind; those with an open heart to adventure, people and discovery.

Read: 28 hand-picked Boutique Hostels

If this is your style, let this hostel be a piece of your journey.

There is an extensive range of rooms available.

18-bed mixed dorm, mixed deluxe dorm, female deluxe dorm, and private single, double, twin and 6-bed rooms.

Did they miss anything…? I don’t think so!

Book Piece Hostel Kyoto here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

All rooms come with:

• Free Wi-fi
• Curtain, light + power socket
• Air-Con
• Memory foam mattress – luxury!
• Luggage storage
• Security locker
• Free linen + towel

Just make sure you peel yourself away from the memory foam mattress long enough to enjoy the FREE breakfast, alright?

The stylish communal space at Piece Hostel is super cosy. The lounge, serving sake and Japanese cocktails is a great place to meet other travellers.

There is also a library, terrace filled with beautiful plants and a relaxing Tatami (woven-straw) garden. Here you can experience Japanese tea ceremonies! If you like to keep expenses down, make use of the fully-fitted kitchen.

Note: there is no age restriction for the private rooms.

Piece Hostel Kyoto is basically on the doorstep of Kyoto Station. Nijo-jo Castle is also just a 10-minute drive away. This comfortable hostel is recommended for, well, pretty much everyone!

Especially:

• Groups
• families
• solo travelers looking for a quiet place

Book Piece Hostel Kyoto here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

More Hostels worth a mention

Let’s not stop there! We have  more hostels in the city we think you’d enjoy.

Hana Hostel in Kyoto 

Visitors can choose from private rooms or a bunk bed dorm (w/curtains) , from a futon bedding or a tatami (woven-straw).

The most comfortable beds are slept during this trip!

Good to know: Towel can be rented

And if you love Japanese cuisine, this hostel is a great place to give it a go.

Guests can cook and use-free the kitchen and all its Japanese utensils.

This kitchen is a great space for cooking and to make some friends,

This hostel has it all!

Located 5-minutes away from JR Kyoto Train Station, Kyoto Hana Hostel offers:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Rental bicycles
• A cosy lounge with a fancy LCD TV
• Two free-use Internet PC ́s
• Air-Con
• Free soap and shampoo on each room

This hostel in Kyoto, Japan is great if you are a traveller interested in visiting Kyoto Tower and Higashi Hongan-ji Temple.

The Nishi Hongan-ji Temple is a 15-minutes walk. And Shimogyo Ward with the best city views.

Book Hana Hostel Kyoto here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Coolest Hostels for Couples in Kyoto

With all this choices, you may wonder what is the best hostel in Kyoto for couples?

Here’s our two best choices:

• Best hostel for introverted couples: HARUYA Umekoji Hostel
• Best hostel for social couples: HARUYA Higashiyama Hostel

Best guesthouse in Kyoto, HARUYA Umekoji Hostel, has a very friendly staff, you get a welcoming Japanese tea and sweets, a great touch!

This guest house near Kyoto Station offers:

• Private rooms come with a toilet and a washbasin
• Free Wi-Fi
• Air con and heating
• Bunk bed
• Single rooms
• Library lounge
• Shared kitchen

And the most comfortable futon to sleep on while in Japan

They can keep your luggage before check-in time and after check out time so you can explore the places nearby.

Note: the main door is locked at 21hrs, if you are late, your reservation is canceled and a fee will be taken in this Hostel Haruya, Kyoto.

Check-in time is 16:00 – 21:00. Check-out time is 11:00.

But, once you check-in , there is no curfew. And visitors could go out and come back freely

Reception hours from 8:30-14:30 and 16:00-21:00

Book HARUYA Umekoji here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

 

If you are looking to stay in a genuine traditional Kyoto guesthouse. HARUYA Higashiayama is a  great choice.

This place is a lovely and cosy traditional wooden townhouse, with a classic Japanese atmosphere and a very very friendly staff.

It has a Japanese-style private rooms w/tatamis. And everything that is needed to feel at a Japanese house.

You can rent a bike a explore the historic Gion area with the 100 years old Japanese architecture “Machiya”, Kiyomizu temple, the Silver Pavilion.

Located a 2-minutes walk from the Higashiyama Station.  And a famous Geisha district, this hostel in Kyoto, Japan has easy access to JR Station so you can easily make trips to Nara and Osaka.

Read: 3 best hostels in Osaka

 What can you expect in this hostel?

• Free Wi-Fi available in all areas
• Fully equipped kitchen free to use
• Coin launderette
• Free-use Internet PCs
• Bicycle rental
• luggage storage

Book HARUYA Higashiayama here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

What is a great Backpackers Hostel in Kyoto?

Kyoto hostels has a bit of everything for everyone

And If you are looking for a backpackers hostel, Kyoto offers this awesome hostel:

Backpackers Hostel K’s house is a cheap hostel for all it has to offer:

• Sunny lounge with free Wi-Fi (Great for remote workers)
• 2 free-use kitchens and a
• Rooftop terrace with the best city views and
• Free coffee and Japanese green tea (matcha)

It a very simple but homie, backpacker hostel in Kyoto, very clean, all the rooms are air-conditioned with clean lines provided.

Toilets are shared, but very modern Western-style.

K’s House Kyoto offer daily breakfast till 11 in the morning,

Zen’s cafe and bar open all day with great Japanese snacks

Located in central Kyoto, K’s house is Kyoto’s hostels for backpackers.

And If you are adventurous traveller, this place is a great choice to just rent a bike a explore Kyoto, from Tower and Sanjusangen-do Temple, Nishi-honganji Temple and Higashi-honganji Temple.

Book Backpackers Hostel K’s House here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

What about the cheapest hostels in Kyoto?

Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Kyoto.

1. Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Kyoto
2. add your dates
3. Order the listings by price

Simple as that.

Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.

Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.

Any Discounts?

You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. There are even special discount codes that we only share in our newsletter.

It is completely free to join!

How to book?

The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.

We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.

Read: step-by-step guide on how to book with Hostelworld

We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Kyoto best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/ bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.

The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app

Download the Hostelworld App here

Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!

Our Favorite Hostels in Kyoto put on a map + sights

Once you’ve pinpointed your chosen hostel on the map, everything begins to fall into place.

Alongside the top sights – also on the map – there are many activities and tours to consider.

We’ve gone to the liberty of searching for you. Here are some pretty great ideas:

1. Join a full day UNESCO + Historical Sights Tour
2. Go for a Night Walk in Gion
3. Experience a Kyoto Tea Ceremony
4. Take a long Walk with the Last Samurai
5. Cycle tour your way around Kyoto

The sights we highlighted in this map are:

• Nijō Castle
• Kinkaku-ji
• Kyoto Imperial Palace
• Arashiyama
• Fushimi Inari Taisha
• Gion
• Nishiki Market

FAQs

These are your most asked questions, here we have tried to provide straight forward answers.

Flights to Kyoto?

We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.

More Hostels in Japan and Asia

For those on a longer voyage: check out our 5 Star Hostels in Asia. We also created more best hostel guides to help you. Check out:

• BEST Hostels in Japan + Map
• Tokyo: best hostels in Tokyo + fun things to do in Tokyo + best hostels in Shinjuku, Tokyo
• coolest party hostels in Tokyo
• 3 greatest hostels in Osaka
• Best hostels in Hiroshima
• Best hostels in Kobe
• Best hostels in Sapporo
• Best hostels in Fukuoka

Other countries and cities outside of Japan:

• complete guide to best hostels in Taiwan (Backpacking Taiwan + Map)
• the 3 best hostels in Seoul
• 3 cool hostels in Beijing and finally
• 3 top hostels in Hong Kong

Over to you

So there you have it: super cool hostels in Kyoto, their locations and top sights to see all rolled into one.

By now we hope you’ve decided on where to stay in Kyoto. If you are still not sure, you can never go wrong with Hostel Kyoto KIZUNA.

Do you have any questions? Anything not clear?

Please please bother us with your question(s) and leave a comment below.

We want to make this guide to hostels in Kyoto, Japan as useful and detailed as possible. Your question(s) actually help us to improve and helps you to get your travels sorted out.

Last note: Our commitment

This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter and find the best place on a budget! We ONLY recommend places we know you will enjoy, no matter what.

Here you will never find any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We only share with you places we also recommend to our best friends and family!

Enjoy this fine hostel selection and all 5 Star Hostels.

Safe travels!

– – –

pin it for later

CLOSED: Book And Bed Tokyo-Kyoto (hidden beds in the bookshelf)

Update: Our former #1 hostel has permanently closed. We’ve kept this content here for your information.

To stay at Book and Bed Tokyo-Kyoto it’s a prerequisite that:

• You love books
• You love cosy, private beds

Maybe the title gave that away already?

Regardless, this creative design hostel is truly impressive.

Read: 13 Creative Hostel Design Ideas to steal (or get inspired).

At first glance, you may not notice the cute, compact beds tucked in amongst the bookshelves.

All of the rooms at this hostel are shared dorms. There is a choice between compact (3m²) and standard (4m²) beds.

Useful information for the tall people out there!

You’ll have your very own curtain to close yourself in, plus a light and plug.

What’s really cool is that pretty much everything you need is in the room.

This includes sofas, kettle, toaster, slippers and shared bathroom.

A perfect recipe for a lazy day inside with a book, don’t you think?

If you’re feeling in a sociable mood, then never fear.

There are a bar and lounge area that is open for all. The staff is also incredibly friendly, and is always on hand to help… or just to enjoy a chat.

The 24-hour reception means you’ll never be left questioning.

Bike hire is available – a wonderful way to explore the surrounding area.

Shinkyogoku shopping area is 500m away. The nearest train station is also just a few minutes walk.

CLOSED: Kyoto Morris Hostel

Update: This hostel has permanently closed. We’ve kept this content here for your information.

If you are looking for:

• City walks
• Super social vibes and
• Great food

Think no more, Kyoto Morris Hostel is your match

This modern Japanese style hostel offers:

• Free breakfast all you can eat
• Free rental bike
• 24/7 front desk + luggage storage
• Free laundry facilities, Luxurious!
• On-site bar
• Shared kitchen
• Lovely lounge on-site

All rooms have air conditioning and the bunk beds come with reading light, curtains and electric outlet for more privacy, how is that!

Location: This stylish hostel is very close to Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station and Jingu-Marutamachi Station. Samurai Kembu is a 13-minute bus ride. And Kawaramachi Station is within 10 minute’s bus ride.

If you land by nearest airport is Osaka Itami Airport you can also visit the best hostels in Osaka.

And if you also enjoy sightseeing Kyoto imperial palace is 7-minutes walk