Accommodations in Kyoto

I have had the most wonderful experience when I was travelling in Kyoto, especially with the amazing Japanese hospitality! In this post, I will share about my accommodations in Kyoto, specifically, with APA Hotel chains as well as with Matsubaya Ryokan.

APA Hotel Chains

Once I stayed for 5 days in a 3-star hotel called APA Hotel Kyotoeki Horikawadori, located approx. 8 minutes walking distance away from Kyoto Station Central Exit. The price was cheap, the stay was decent, and I had no issues with everything there. We had no problem with the small rooms knowing that it is the norm in Japan.

I have also stayed at other APA hotels called APA Villa Hotel Kyoto-Ekimae and APA Hotel Kyoto Ekikita. Similarly, they are located approx. 5 minutes walking distance away from Kyoto Station Central Exit. They offer very similar, if not identical, room types and services, however at slightly higher prices.

Luggage storage is available at all APA hotels if you are arriving before the check-in time at 3:00pm. I strongly recommend that you stay at this hotel if the prices are right, because it’s more fuss-free with a proper hotel than Airbnb. Even though the rooms are small, so is everywhere else in Japan. Plus, they are so so close to the Kyoto Station i.e. extremely convenient!

A tiny walkway from the door towards the bedroom
It's a tiny double room with a massive TV
Disposable Slippers were provided
I liked that the Kettle was provided
Fridge and daily teabags were provided
Hairdryer was provided, while laptop rental and movies were optional at additional costs
The double room comes with a super single bed
A tiny yet compact bathroom
I absolutely loved that all the possible necessities were provided, thanks to the thoughtful Japanese hospitality
Seattle's Best Coffee was at the ground floor of APA Villa Hotel Kyoto-Ekimae

Matsubaya Ryokan

I have used Jalan.net to book for my accommodations in Japan. They offer very similar, if not lower prices as other booking sites. Yet, I like that they provide a breakdown of prices by day.

Usually on weekends, the hotel room prices doubled, so I figured it makes more sense if I were to pay the same amount and get to stay in a ryokan (旅館).

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn where you sleep in tatami-matted rooms. They are generally more expensive and you get to experience the authentic Japanese style of home.

I chose Matsubaya Ryokan (松葉家旅館) and was absolutely in love with the room! Staying on the first floor, I had my own little garden just beside the reading area, a snacking/tea-drinking area, wardrobe, and 2 roll-up futons. I had my own bathroom and a shoe rack in the foyer (the actual room is separated by another sliding door).

Welcome to Matsubaya Ryokan!
The foyer where there's a shoe rack to the left, and bathroom to the right
The snacking/tea-drinking area
Reading area with 2 seats beside the bedroom with futons
Last but not least, the pretty little garden

All the necessities were provided, like hair dryer, toothbrushes, and comb etc. Even though it’s ~20 minutes walking distance away from Kyoto Station, it’s a comfortable alternative to hotel rooms. I hope you get to stay at this cute little ryokan, as it was truly an amazing authentic Japanese home experience at very reasonable prices!

While you’re in Kyoto, remember to also check out my post here on what to eat in Kyoto!

Do share your experience in the comment section or if you have any questions to ask!