5-Star Hotels in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

This is a 4-star hotel, very close to Kyoto Station, and they offer a free shuttle bus to and from the station. The shuttle picks up on the left side when you exit the *Karasuma Central Exit* (条口) of Kyoto Station. There isn't much to explore around the hotel itself, and very few restaurants. If you plan on taking the train or eating out, it's best to head to Kyoto Station. Kyoto Station is large and beautiful, a tourist attraction in itself, and even has a big Isetan department store! The breakfast restaurant on the 14th floor is a revolving restaurant with panoramic views of Kyoto. However, the Western set breakfast is quite mediocre. The breakfast restaurant on the first floor offers both Japanese and Western options, but the value for money isn't great. In terms of transportation, besides taking the train from Kyoto Station, you can also catch a bus nearby. It's a bit far from the livelier areas of Sanjo and Shijo, making it suitable for guests who prefer a quiet stay and want to be close to Kyoto Station.

Overall, my stay was quite comfortable, making it a great choice for business travelers who need to work on the go. The room was fully equipped with an adjustable standing desk, a large monitor, and a mechanical keyboard, providing excellent working conditions. However, this complete setup took up a significant amount of space, and I hadn't anticipated such facilities, which made the room feel a bit cramped and confining. The bathroom only had a separate shower stall, no bathtub, but toiletries and disposable slippers were well-provided. Many Japanese hotels usually don't offer slippers proactively, requiring you to fetch them yourself or not offering them at all, so this thoughtful touch was appreciated. The vanity counter was exceptionally spacious, making it easy to place personal items. The bed was soft and comfortable, offering a good rest experience. The guest rooms are in a unique location, situated above several yakitori restaurants. During dinner hours, there was a faint charcoal aroma in the air – not strong, but clearly noticeable. There's a significant time restriction: the main entrance closes after 11 PM. The building is connected to shops on the ground floor, and the front desk is located on an upper floor. After closing, there's no one at the door, so late arrivals cannot enter independently. On this occasion, I was fortunate enough to enter by following other hotel guests. The overall check-in process wasn't convenient. The location is the biggest highlight, right next to the Takase River, with exceptionally beautiful riverside views. The shops downstairs offer a rich selection, making dining out very convenient, and the surrounding commercial district is well-developed. Being close to both high-end malls and budget-friendly shops means all shopping needs can be met nearby. It's also due to this prime location that one can truly appreciate the unique beauty of the Takase River. The overall experience was decent, but the breakfast quality was outstanding. There's a dress code for dining; slippers are not permitted. You can choose between a Japanese set meal or an American breakfast set, with an additional self-service buffet area. The ingredients were carefully selected; the orange juice was freshly squeezed on the spot, and the honey was prepared right there, far superior in quality to pre-made meals. The breakfast area also offered excellent views, making for a superb dining experience. Overall, the location and meals were exceptional, but the accommodation itself was just okay.

Facilities: My only complaint is that the king-size bed in the king room is made of two single mattresses pushed together, and after sleeping on it for a while, a gap forms between them. Hygiene: The hygiene is excellent. Environment: The surrounding area is very quiet, and there are convenience stores not too far away. Service: The service attitude is great, and the hotel even offers free shuttle service to Kyoto Station.

An incredibly worthwhile stay! We hit it during the off-season, and the room was huge with a washing machine. Everything was great, and the location was super convenient. From Karasuma Oike South Exit 5, if you have large luggage, make sure to turn left after the ticket gate. You'll see a rather dim-looking building called Shinfukan; take the elevator or escalator up to ground level, and the hotel is just a short walk from there. It's walking distance to popular spots. The area is filled with understated luxury brands, really capturing that Kyoto vibe.

Located on the 2nd floor, accessible by elevator from the central square exit, this hotel is incredibly convenient. It exudes the charm of a classic, established hotel. For breakfast, there's Ogawa and Yakiniku Hiro right across the street. We also found the best value for money meal near Komero Park – picture 4 shows a meal that was only 5000+ yen! Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera are definitely worth visiting, and the Biwako Valley ski resort was stunning. The aquarium is good too. Kyoto is a city you can easily spend 3 days exploring.

The location is absolutely perfect! For tourists, Shijo Kawaramachi is the best base. There are two taxi stands right downstairs, Takashimaya is next door, and many attractions and shopping streets are within walking distance. The Good Nature Station downstairs is also great for browsing. The room was clean, and it has wooden floors, so you need to take off your shoes. They thoughtfully provided both soft and firm pillows, which was a nice touch. Just a heads-up, the hotel doesn't provide disposable toothbrushes. The only downside was the service. Housekeeping took away the used bath towels but didn't replace them with new ones. I only realized there were no towels in the entire room after showering, and I ended up catching a cold that night.

Absolutely loved this hotel! The interiors are stunning and rooms are spacious and well decorated with ample amenities. The staff is very warm and welcoming. The breakfast spread was the best I’ve had in Japan … includes very good ala carte options as well. Would definitely recommend to all visiting Kyoto.

The room was very quiet, and the blackout curtains worked perfectly. The staff were super friendly and helpful; they even offered me an umbrella when it rained without asking for my room number, which was a lovely gesture and reminded me of the grand service of yesteryear. It's an easy walk to the bustling downtown area. Right next to the hotel is Foguang Temple, which has two huge ginkgo trees and is surprisingly peaceful with hardly any tourists.

Great customer service. Room was very spacious and comfortable. I loved the room provide the matcha green tea ceremony experience. The location is not ideal but the shuttle service helps a lot. It would be more helpful if they post the shuttle service on their website. I found the shuttle info via guest reviews. Overall, we had a great time staying this hotel. I would love to come back again.

The service was very good. My family member was sick and the hotel brought breakfast to the room separately. They also helped me find a clinic. Although I didn't have a good experience because of the illness, it was still very good. It's also nice to go around.