Kyoto and Nara are two of Japan's most historically important cities, and both offer an exceptional range of temples, shrines, traditional neighborhoods and cultural attractions. Nara served as Japan's imperial capital from 710 to 794 before the capital moved to Kyoto, which remained the seat of imperial power for more than 1,000 years.
With so much to see across both cities, where you choose to stay can make a significant difference to your trip. On this page, we introduce some of the most convenient areas to stay in Kyoto and Nara, along with the attractions, transport connections and experiences that make each area a good choice for different types of travelers.
On this page you will find the following information:
When choosing where to stay, Kyoto and Nara offer very different experiences. Kyoto is a large, spread-out city, with its major temples, shrines and other attractions located across several distinct areas. Nara is considerably smaller and more compact, making it easier to explore on foot and by public transport.
Many international visitors choose to visit Nara as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, while others prefer to stay overnight to experience the city after the day-trippers have left. Whether you stay in Kyoto, Nara or both, the key question is not whether you can find accommodation, but which area best suits your itinerary.
Both cities are extremely popular, particularly during spring and autumn. If you have your eye on a particular hotel, ryokan or guesthouse, booking well in advance is recommended during these busy periods.
Discover the spiritual side of Kyoto on a journey to Hiyoshi Taisha and Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei. Travel by scenic cable car, walk peaceful mountain trails and explore the fascinating connections between Shinto and Buddhism, with sweeping views over Kyoto and Lake Biwa.
Best Areas To Stay In Kyoto
While Kyoto is smaller than Osaka or Tokyo, it is still a sizeable city, with its major temples, shrines and other attractions spread across a relatively large area. Visitors sometimes arrive expecting a small, entirely historic city and are surprised to find a modern urban center alongside its remarkable historic neighborhoods.
Choosing the right area to stay can make a significant difference to your experience, particularly when it comes to getting around and reaching Kyoto's many famous sights. Some areas are better connected to the rest of the city, while others offer a more traditional atmosphere or put you closer to particular attractions.
In this section, we introduce the following areas:
The area around Kyoto Station is one of the most convenient places to stay, particularly for visitors who plan to travel around Kyoto or take day trips to nearby destinations. For travelers looking for a more traditional atmosphere, however, the other areas may be a better fit. Let's start with the most convenient option:
KYOTO STATION AREA
For many visitors, the area around Kyoto Station is one of the most convenient places to stay in Kyoto. While it may not have the traditional atmosphere of areas such as Gion or Higashiyama, its excellent transport connections make it an especially practical choice for first-time visitors, travelers with luggage and anyone planning day trips outside the city.
Kyoto Station is one of Japan's major transport hubs, with the Tokaido Shinkansen connecting Kyoto with Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo. JR services also provide easy access to Nara, Osaka, Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama, while the Limited Express Haruka provides a direct connection to Kansai International Airport. Travelers heading toward Fukui, Kanazawa or Toyama can take the Limited Express Thunderbird to Tsuruga and transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
The area immediately around the station is modern and busy, with a wide range of hotels, restaurants, shopping and other services. There are also several important sights nearby, including Higashi Hongan-ji, Nishi Hongwan-ji and To-ji, while the Umekoji area to the west offers attractions including Kyoto Aquarium and the Kyoto Railway Museum.
For visitors who prioritize convenience and easy transportation, Kyoto Station is difficult to beat. It is particularly useful if you plan to combine Kyoto with destinations such as Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima or other parts of Japan. If your priority is staying in a more traditional Kyoto neighborhood, however, one of the other areas below may be a better choice.
For accommodation listings in the area, see our 'Kyoto Station Area' hotel page.
To get the most out of your Kurama and Kibune adventure, join our guided tour and explore this mystical mountain trail nestled in Kyoto’s northern forests. Hike through towering cedars to the sacred Kurama-dera Temple, known for its spiritual energy and ties to Reiki healing, before descending to the picturesque Kifune-jinja Shrine, famous for its lantern-lined steps and water blessings. Along the way, you'll uncover ancient legends, hidden shrines, and breathtaking scenery. Immerse yourself in the history, nature, and spirituality of this enchanting route. Start your journey with us today!
SANJO STATION AREA
The area around Sanjo Station is one of the best choices for visitors who want to stay in central Kyoto, with a wide range of restaurants, shops, bars and cultural attractions within easy reach. The area also provides convenient access to both sides of the Kamo River, with Gion and Higashiyama to the east and the central shopping and dining districts around Kawaramachi to the west.
Sanjo is particularly well connected by public transportation. Sanjo Keihan Station provides access to the Keihan Line, while nearby subway and train connections make it easy to reach other parts of Kyoto. Gion, Yasaka Shrine and the eastern side of Higashiyama are within walking distance, while attractions such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, Pontocho, and Nishiki Market can be reached relatively easily by walking or public transport.
Accommodation ranges from modern hotels and boutique properties to traditional ryokan and guesthouses. The area is popular with visitors who want a more central and lively base than Kyoto Station, with plenty of dining and entertainment options available in the evening.
For accommodation listings in the area, see our 'Sanjo Station Area' hotel page.
KIYOMIZU-GOJO STATION AREA
The area around Kiyomizu-Gojo Station can be considered part of southern Higashiyama, one of Kyoto's most historic and atmospheric areas. From here, visitors have easy access to some of the city's best-known attractions, including Kiyomizudera, Sanjusangendo, Yasaka Shrine and the Kyoto National Museum, while the traditional streets of Gion are also within easy reach.
Higashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous historic areas, with narrow streets, traditional buildings, temples, shrines and long-established shops and restaurants. Walking through the area is a major part of the experience, particularly around Kiyomizudera, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, where the historic streetscape gives visitors a strong sense of old Kyoto.
The area is also well suited to travelers who want to stay close to Kyoto's traditional atmosphere rather than the modern convenience of Kyoto Station. Accommodation ranges from hotels and guesthouses to traditional ryokan, with the area particularly appealing to visitors who want to explore Higashiyama and Gion on foot.
For accommodation listings in the area, see our 'Kiyomizu-Gojo Station Area' hotel page.
ARASHIYAMA STATION AREA
Located in the western part of Kyoto, Arashiyama is a good choice for visitors who want to stay outside the busy center and be close to some of the city's most famous scenic and cultural attractions. The area is best known for the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge and Tenryu-ji Temple, with further temples, gardens and walking trails extending into the surrounding hills.
Arashiyama offers a different experience from central Kyoto, with a more scenic and relaxed atmosphere. Accommodation ranges from luxury ryokan and high-end hotels to mid-range properties and more affordable options. Staying here can be particularly appealing if you want to explore the area early in the morning or in the evening, when many day visitors have left.
The main disadvantage is its distance from central and eastern Kyoto. Getting from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama is straightforward by train, but depending on your route and destination, it can take around 20–30 minutes. If you plan to spend most of your time visiting attractions in eastern or northern Kyoto, staying in Arashiyama will mean more time spent traveling. For visitors who want a scenic base and don't mind being farther from the city center, however, it can be an excellent choice.
For accommodation listings in the area, see our 'Arashiyama Station Area' hotel page.
Join our tour of the Arashiyama area and make the most of your time in Kyoto. We will guide you through authentic Japanese gardens and temples with old paintings, allowing you to feel the traditional culture of Japan. We will take you to the famous bamboo grove and beautiful river side to refresh yourself. Not only just exploring, you can also experience traditional Japanese art for yourself and enjoy a unique journey.
Best Tours in Kyoto
Kyoto is home to some of Japan's most famous temples, shrines and historic neighborhoods, but there is much more to the city than its best-known sights. Beyond places such as Kiyomizudera, Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama, Kyoto offers ancient pilgrimage routes, quiet mountain temples, traditional neighborhoods, sake breweries, gardens and cultural experiences that reveal a different side of the city.
Our Kyoto tours are designed to help you experience both the iconic highlights and lesser-known corners of Kyoto, with a focus on the history, culture and stories that make each place meaningful. Whether you want to explore famous temples, discover hidden paths and neighborhoods, venture into the mountains or experience traditional Kyoto culture, our tours offer a deeper way to experience the city.
We also offer tours beyond central Kyoto, including experiences in Uji, Lake Biwa and the surrounding mountains and countryside, making it possible to explore parts of the region that many visitors miss.
Whether you are visiting Kyoto for the first time or returning to discover something new, our guided tours offer a chance to see more of the city with local knowledge and context.
Explore our best tours in Kyoto below.
Best Areas To Stay In Nara
Heading-out of the old imperial capital, train services will carry you to Nara - the even older capital - located between 40 to 50-miuntes to the south of Kyoto. In this section you will find information about the following areas:
KINTETSU-NARA STATION AREA – JR NARA STATION AREA
Many travellers choose to visit Nara as a day-trip from Kyoto (or Osaka) but if you're interested in staying there, Nara is a much smaller city with two overlapping accommodation areas:
KINTETSU-NARA STATION AREA
Kintetsu Nara Station is the closest train station to Nara’s most famous attractions. From the station it takes less than 10-minutes to walk into Nara Park, famous for its many deer and sites including Kofuku-ji, Todai-ji – Japan’s largest temple – and its immense seated Buddha, Nara National Museum and Kusuga Grand Shrine.
Are you staying in Nara? Then join our 1-day walking tour and let our guides help you make the most of your time in Japan. Nara is a special place where you can experience Japan’s ancient history and culture, surrounded by museums displaying art and historical materials, including world heritage sites, national treasures, and important cultural properties. Discover this city with us and experience its charm for yourself.
There is a wide range of accommodation in the immediate area of the station including some fantastic ‘ryokan’ (traditional guesthouses), high-end hotels along with mid-range and budget accommodation. Options also include a good number of self-contained apartments allowing for comfortable stays. As a much smaller city, Nara doesn’t have as many large hotels catering to international visitors however you shouldn’t have trouble finding something to match your needs.
For accommodation listings in the area, see our 'Kintetsu-Nara Station Area' hotel page.
JR NARA STATION AREA
Within 10-minutes walk of Kintetsu-Nara Station, the areas surrounding both JR Nara Station and Kintetsu-Nara overlap and more or less include the same accommodation options. It is worth considering them separately however given that JR Nara Station is further away from the most popular attractions of the city. The area immediately around JR Nara Station has some good budget-range options including business hotels offering some great deals especially mid-week.
For accommodation listings in the area, see our 'JR Nara Station Area' hotel page.
Best Tours in Nara
Nara is far more than its famous deer. As Japan's first permanent capital, it is home to some of the country's oldest temples, sacred shrines, ancient pilgrimage routes, and fascinating archaeological sites. Whether you're visiting the iconic landmarks of Nara Park or venturing into the historic landscapes of Asuka, Yoshino, Mount Ikoma, or the rural countryside, our tours offer unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.
Our growing collection of guided tours combines famous attractions with hidden gems, allowing you to discover the rich history, culture, nature, and local traditions that have shaped Japan for over 1,300 years. Browse our selection below to find the perfect adventure, whether you're interested in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, mountain hikes, sake and local cuisine, ancient capitals, or off-the-beaten-path discoveries.
Explore all of our Nara tours below and find the experience that's right for you.
How To Get To Kyoto & Nara
As a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line running from Tokyo to Osaka, Kyoto is quick and easy to reach while nearby Nara is connected to Kyoto and Osaka by convenient train services. Our 'How To Get to Kyoto' page and 'How To Get To Nara' page has everything you need to know including the best train services to reach both cities from many popular starting points.
Plan Your Kyoto Trip With Us
If you’re still shaping your itinerary, start with our 7-Day Kansai Japan Highlights Itinerary, which combines Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara into a balanced first visit. For inspiration and practical tips, see our 40 Things to Do in Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, including seasonal ideas and neighborhood recommendations.
Looking to go deeper? Our Best Tours in Kyoto page highlights cultural experiences that go beyond the usual sights. If you’re deciding where to base yourself, our guide on staying in Osaka or Kyoto breaks down the pros and cons of each.
More Kyoto Travel Guides
Discover Kyoto's rich cultural traditions with our Essential Guide to Geisha in Kyoto, or learn how to enjoy one of the city's finest culinary experiences with our Guide to Making Restaurant Reservations in Kyoto.
Planning a seasonal visit? Explore our guides to Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto for the best hanami spots, or discover the top places to enjoy Autumn Leaves in Kyoto as temples, gardens, and mountain valleys burst into vibrant autumn colours.
Interested in local flavours? Visit our Top 10 Sake Breweries to Visit in Kansai, or unwind after a day of sightseeing with our Tattoo-Friendly Onsen & Sento Guide in Kyoto. If you're looking for even more inspiration, don't miss our Things to Do in Kyoto guide, featuring the city's top attractions, hidden gems, and unforgettable cultural experiences.
Private Charters & Tours In Central Japan
Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are a No.1-rated tour and charter operator, offering a range of services including group tours, private tours and charters. We can arrange transport including a private vehicle and driver, to transport you to, from and between any destination in Central Japan.
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations, in combination with any activity that suits your interests and schedule including transport to and from any destination in Central Japan. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of that experience and help you discover even more!
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Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Japan.
Got a question about arranging a charter or tour in Central Japan? Contact us and let’s get planning together!
