About Higashiyama
⛩️ Hostels in Kyoto for Backpackers & Solo Travellers: Temples, Tea Houses & Torii Gates
Kyoto in 2026? Picture machiya townhouses in Gion, mountainside temples and countless torii gates at Fushimi Inari. Japan's former imperial capital is brilliant for solo travel, with plenty to see on foot or by train. Hostels here range from sleek pods to traditional Japanese-style rooms, and common areas are handy for swapping temple tips.
🏠 Where to Stay in Kyoto
Hostelworld.com lists over 6 Hostels in Kyoto, rated by real travellers in more than 22161 reviews. You can expect:
- Shared dorms, pod-style beds, female-only dorms and private rooms
- Traditional tatami rooms and renovated townhouses in some places
- Social lounges, bar areas and cafés in many hostels
- Guest kitchens, laundry facilities and luggage storage in many places
Pro tip: Staying near Kyoto Station or downtown Kawaramachi usually gives you easy transport links and plenty of food nearby.
🏆 Top Hostels to Stay in Kyoto in 2026
Looking for top-rated hostels in Kyoto? These two are favourites with Hostelworld.com travellers:
- Tsukimi Hotel – ★ 9.88/10 – Tsukimi Hotel
- Ryokan Hostel Gion – ★ 9.5/10 – Ryokan Hostel Gion
🗺️ Neighbourhoods to Explore
- Gion & Higashiyama – A well-known geisha district, with historic lanes and temples such as Kiyomizu-dera
- Kyoto Station area – The city's main transport gateway, with shops and food, handy for day trips
- Kawaramachi & Pontochō – Downtown shopping and evening dining, with Pontochō a historic geisha quarter
- Arashiyama – Bamboo grove, riverside views and a more relaxed, scenic feel on the western edge of the city
- Fushimi – Home of Fushimi Inari Shrine and sake-brewing history
🚇 Getting Around Kyoto
- From the airport: Kyoto has no commercial airport. Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the usual international gateway, with express trains that typically run to Kyoto Station.
- Trains and subway: Kyoto Station links Shinkansen, JR and private rail lines with the city subway.
- Buses: City buses reach many temples, but may be crowded in peak seasons.
- Walking: Many central districts are usually best explored on foot, with cycling a popular option too.
Pro tip: Get a rechargeable IC card for trains and the subway, and arrive at the big sights early in the morning to beat the crowds.
🌄 Day Trips & Temple Etiquette
- Nara: Deer roam Nara Park, and Tōdai-ji is one of the world's largest wooden buildings. It is usually reached by train.
- Osaka: A big city known for its food culture, linked to Kyoto by train.
- Uji: A town with a long tradition of green tea and Byōdō-in temple.
- Temple etiquette: You should usually cover shoulders and knees at temples and shrines. Many halls may ask you to remove shoes, so keep your voice low and follow photo signs.
🌍 Want More Hostel Adventures?
Check out other top-rated hostels across Japan → Japan Hostels