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:
- Book And Bed Tokyo-Kyoto – great for Solo travellers
- Len Kyoto – one for couples
- Piece Hostel Kyoto – top pick for groups
In this article, we’re targeting bookworms, solo travellers, couples and party hostel enthusiasts.
Looking for a fun time? Have a look at our chosen best party hostel in Kyoto.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when …
- tired of bad and crappy hostels
- want to avoid the “young party kids”
- happy to spend 1-2€ for a 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!
For those on a longer voyage: check out our 5 Star Hostels in Asia. 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
- the 3 best hostels in Seoul
- 3 cool hostels in Beijing and finally
- 3 top hostels in Hong Kong
What we cover in this article?
- Introduction
- 3 best hostels in detail
- best party hostel in Kyoto
- coolest hostels for couples
- backpackers hostel in Kyoto
- discounts and promo codes
- map of best hostels in Kyoto + sights
- FAQs
- Flights to Kyoto
A Quick Intro to 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. Book And Bed Tokyo-Kyoto (hidden beds in the bookshelf)
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).
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
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.
Book And Bed Tokyo-Kyoto is a top pick for:
- Solo travellers
- Friends
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
2. 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.
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
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!
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!
Specially:
- Groups
- families
- solo travelers looking for a quiet place
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
What is the Best Party Hostel in Kyoto?
With some certainty we can say that the entire selection of best hostels in Kyoto are great for party and social travellers!
Here’s a quick overview:
- Best hostel for couples: Mosaic Hostel Kyoto
- Best hostel for female solo travellers: Kyoto Morris Hostel
- Best hostel for social travellers: Hana hostel in Kyoto
So, are you looking for:
- Super social vibes
- Organised events/activities
- A bar w/ great craft beers
- Central location
Welcome to Mosaic Hostel Kyoto.
Not strictly advertised as a party hostel in Kyoto, yet it has all the necessary makings of one.
The large common area (plus rooftop) encourages socialising, and it’s where all the events are held.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
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
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
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.
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
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
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 two:
Here’s a quick overview:
- Best hostel for couples: Backpackers Hostel K’s house
- Best hostel for female solo travellers: Kyoto Hostel Ryokan
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.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
If you are looking for a simple and cosy accommodation, Ryokan Hostel offers you:
- Private room
- Bunk beds w/curtains
- Private bathrooms that come with slippers
- Washing machine and a dryer
- Luggage storage
- On-site snack bar and lounge
- Lovely balcony, great for socialising!
Located just a 1-minute walk from Jujo station, this guest house in Kyoto, Japan is perfect for travellers who enjoy visiting the ancient capital of Japan and go sightseeing to Tofuku-ji Temple, the historic Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine which is just a 25-minute walk away.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Any Discounts or Promo Codes?
Currently, we have no special hostel discounts or Promo Codes for hostels in Kyoto. Subscribe to our newsletter. Here we share our newest promo codes for hostels and hotels in Kyoto first.
You can always get the 15€ discount for Airbnb here.
Map of Best Hostels in Kyoto Location + 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:
- Join a full day UNESCO + Historical Sights Tour
- Go for a Night Walk in Gion
- Experience a Kyoto Tea Ceremony
- Take a long Walk with the Last Samurai
- 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.
What are the best hostels in Kyoto?
Read this guide for our top 3 best hostels in Kyoto for you,
Here our 3 choices
The best hostel in Kyoto Japan?
If we have to choose one hostel from this list, we certainly recommend staying at Book and Bed Tokyo-Kyoto.
Its design is truly impressive, beds are the whole hostel is very cosy
Location is perfect for biking around the neighborhood
What are the best Kyoto neighborhoods for tourists to stay in?
All hostels we have in this guide are perfect choice to explore and venture the ancient capital of Japan.
But, visiting Gion is a must, the most popular area among the tourists so far
A beautiful historical area that you do not want to miss
We also recommend to check out Kawaramachi area
Then explore everything around the Kyoto Station end central Kyoto, where you will come across all the great Japanese shops and restaurants
Where should a first time visitor to Kyoto stay as a base to explore from?
Read no more, the historical Gion area is a must for new visitors to the city
What are the hidden areas in Kyoto?
We have some great ideas for you in this guide
Here your shortcuts:
- Join a full day UNESCO + Historical Sights Tour
- Go for a Night Walk in Gion
- Experience a Kyoto Tea Ceremony
- Take a long Walk with the Last Samurai
- Cycle tour your way around Kyoto
These sights are highlighted in the map of this guide:
- Nijō Castle
- Kinkaku-ji
- Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Arashiyama
- Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Gion
- Nishiki Market
Flights to Kyoto?
We enjoy Omio.com and Kiwi.com to find cheap flights all over Asia including Kyoto. This new website has super cool features like a so-called radius search. Just draw a circle over Asia and find the cheapest rates for the area.
Here is our review of Kiwi.
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 hostels guides to help you. Check out:
- Complete guide to BEST Hostels in Japan + Map
- Complete guide to best hostels in Tokyo + fun things to do in Tokyo
- 3 greatest hostels in Osaka
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 Book and Bed Kyoto.
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!
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Discounts for Hostels in Kyoto
Would you like a promo code for any of the Kyoto hostels mentioned? Of course you do. Since you are a Hostelgeeks reader and part of the community, you can get access to discounts and special promo codes.
You can find all our fresh and valid hostel promo codes here.
How about we let you know once we get fresh promo codes? Simply leave your email and subscribe here to our newsletter. It it easy, free and you save real money.
Your Smart Packing List
It is time to see what you should pack in your backpack or suitcase. Make sure you always pick a quality hostel, it totally reduces the things you need to pack. Here is our ultimate hostel packing list. It features 23 items you should really throw in your backpack.
The most important things to pack are:- earplugs
- eye mask
- key chain flashlight
- the right backpack, we travel with Lowe Alpine Lightflite 45 Pack
- packing cubes
- generic padlock (fitting all locker types)
- quick-dry travel towel
- universal power adapter
- travel-sized toiletries
