10 Best Hostels In Kyoto For Budget Travelers

Kyoto is home to hundreds of incredible temples, colorful shrines, iconic palaces, and magical gardens. I’ve visited Kyoto several times and stayed in plenty of guesthouses and hostels. Here’s my list of the best hostels in Kyoto on a budget. 

Len Kyoto Kawaramachi

Len Kyoto Kawaramachi is another great hostel in Kyoto. Besides hosting guests, it’s a popular stop for coffee lovers to linger and share conversations. 

This stylish and modern hostel features an industrial-chic minimalist design. Its interior is made of wood and has dim lighting.

The property offers airy rooms with large windows. From here, you can look down on the city of Kyoto and spend the morning relaxing while bathing in natural light.

At the communal area overlooking the street, Len Kyoto Kawaramachi offers some freshly cooked food based on locally sourced ingredients.

Although there isn’t any happy hour, the price is reasonable, so you can grab a craft beer or coffee anytime!

Hostel Kyoto Kizuna

Staying at Hostel Kyoto Kizuna, you’ll be in a tranquil residential area close to the station.

There’re many choices, from private rooms and dorms with female-only options and hipster designs.

One of my favorite parts about this hostel is Takoyaki night which offers a chance to mingle with one another.

If you fancy cycling around Kyoto, I suggest renting a bike from the hostel and exploring the lovely city! 

Ryokan Hostel Gion

Ryokan Hostel Gion is a traditional accommodation with an attractive concept where you can enjoy a mini-ryokan at a reasonable price.

Located within the Gion area, this hostel is perfect for exploring antique art dealer shops on a quiet street. 

The appearance and decor of this brand-new hostel are inspired by Japanese-style ryokan.

Inside the dormitory room, capsule-type beds are all made of natural wood and have curtains, unlike regular bunk bed dormitories.

Most mattresses are placed on top of tatami flooring, offering authentic Japanese-style relaxation. 

I like that this hostel holds regular events so you can socialize and gather to share stories. 

Guesthouse KYOTO COMPASS

Guesthouse KYOTO COMPASS used to be a traditional wooden townhouse. If you imagine having a house in Japan, this guesthouse makes your dream come true.

Another highlight feature is its location at the foot of a bamboo forest.

Overlooking a traditional Japanese garden, each private room is a peaceful resting place, taking you closer to nature. The dormitory is fairly large with comfy beds. 

I seriously love the hosts here! They treat me as a family. If you’re interested in Japanese art, join a calligraphy class.

The host will write your name in kanji in beautiful calligraphy for you. It’s really a lifetime keepsake at no extra cost.

Piece Hostel Sanjo

Piece Hostel Sanjo is a deluxe hostel in Kyoto. This ultra-stylish building is in a quiet neighborhood close to Kyoto’s best attractions. 

As soon as you enter the exterior of Piece Hostel Sanjo, the stylish design of sleek, bare concrete will attract you.

One of the highlight designs of this awesome hostel is the city inside it. The inner area mimics the outer streets, as if the road stretches into the hotel. 

On the rooftop is a large common area where jazz events are held several times a month. You can also spend time chilling at the cafe and bar space while sipping a coffee or beer in this bright space teeming with natural lights.

Wise Owl Hostels Kyoto

Wise Owl Hostels Kyoto is a hipster place offering a typical Japanese hospitality style. True to its name, this hostel provides a lively nocturnal experience. 

The industrial-style design highlights concrete floors, exposed ceilings, copper pendant lighting, and vintage-style wood furniture.

To inform you of autumn leaf-watching spots or live music schedules at the basement bar, you may notice countless colorful notes stuck on walls. 

Each room offers wooden capsule-style sleeping areas with fluffy white duvet-style bedding and foam mattresses.

I like the shoe box combined with the bunk bed stairs, where you can keep your shoes and swap them for the hostel slippers. 

One of the impressive parts of Wise Owl Hostels Kyoto is its basement bar Howl. This popular hub boasts an impressive sound system and busy event schedules from DJ nights to live music.

If you want to get in shape during the holidays, head to morning yoga classes on the top floor.

Don’t forget to try delicious hot pot broths at lunch and Japanese soupy Oden dishes at the on-site restaurant in the evening. 

R Star Hostel Kyoto

Located in a lively commercial area, R Star Hostel Kyoto is a fantastic starting point for exploring attractions such as the Kyoto Tower and the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Entering this high-end hostel, you’ll love the parquet floor, cool wood paneling, and a tatami-style feature wall. The well-furnished rooms are simple yet comfortable to suit your needs.

You can also enjoy free breakfast and coffee in the dining area, bringing a fresh mind to set out your day. 

Kyoto Utano Youth Hostel

Kyoto Utano Youth is a peaceful hostel surrounded by rich greenery. This is an ideal spot for escaping the bustle and hustle of the city.

From here, you can easily visit temples and forested hills, which is an excellent idea if you want to admire the Kyoto skyline. 

In addition to Japanese-style rooms with floors covered in woven mats, the bright hostel serves a palatable buffet breakfast made by some old-school Kyoto folks.

At an outdoor patio, you can feel the breath of nature overlooking beautiful greenery. 

While staying here, you can unwind at two free onsens. There’s also a tennis court and bicycle rental service for entertainment.

If you want to make friends, join cultural events such as concerts and tea tastings for an extra fee.

Kyoto Shirakawa Kiraku Inn

Situated in the street full of cute Japanese sundry shops in Gion, Kyoto Shirakawa Kiraku Inn offers a peaceful stay close to the famous Kiyomizu-dera and Kenninji temple. 

Kiraku Inn has a traditional Japanese style with tatami floors and futon beds in each room. Looking around the hostel, you’ll see cat items, lanterns, and signs decorated at every corner.

You can enjoy modern amenities while living the traditional Japanese lifestyle.

There’s also a bathtub for those looking to soak and relieve stress. If you’re lucky, you may even spot two adorable cats walking around the common area. 

The inn is located down a quiet yet arty alley, where you have a short walk to the riverside. From here, getting to restaurants, bars, and markets is easy.

You can stop at various stalls for snacks, fruits, cooked eel, and rice to sample and satisfy your taste buds. 

Guest House Ga-Jyun

Situated right at the heart of the most scenic spots, Guest House Ga-Jyun is an ancient traditional Japanese house.

Its location makes it the perfect place for viewing the gorgeous cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park and Okazaki Canal.

The guesthouse features dorm rooms, private rooms, and loft rooms with authentic Japanese style. I like that there’s also an individual lamp and plug in each bed. You can get a complimentary breakfast in various options. 

Guest House Ga-Jyun has a free onsen for those who want to enjoy the peace while soaking in the healing waters.

Don’t forget to join a Friday party for unlimited food at a reasonable fee. If you’re an animal lover, you’ll surely love the playful Chiro dog.

Frequently asked questions about hostels in Kyoto