I love Kyoto – this once capital city still has all of it’s splendour and tradition, making it a picture perfect stop to visit real Japan. This city is full of ancient Buddhist temples, modern day Geisha, and classic wooden houses and architecture with mystical forests surrounding the walls.
While a bit on the pricey side, backpacking Japan is one of the coolest experiences you can have as a traveler. You can stay in traditional Ryokans, or one of the epic Kyoto hostels I’ve hand picked for you below.
Japan’s one of those few countries that is completely safe and comfortable to travel, but still provides a heavy dose of wonder and culture shock. Kyoto is one of the gems of backpacking Japan, especially for solo travellers.
But with thousands of hotels and hostels available, it can be overwhelming to know which to book.
Which is exactly why I made this post of the best hostels in Kyoto!
This post is meant to do one thing – help you figure out which of the best Kyoto hostels suits your travel needs, so you can book quickly and get back to what matters… eating ramen and visiting cat cafes.
Let’s get into it!
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Kyoto
- Best Overall Hostel in Kyoto – Ryokan Hostel Gion
- Best Hostel in Kyoto for Solo Travelers – Kyoto Hana Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Kyoto – Wise Owl Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Kyoto – Len Kyoto
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Kyoto – The Millennials
Photo: @audyscala
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The 5 Best Hostels in Kyoto
Organized by your travel needs, these are the best Kyoto hostels. Whether you’re looking for something affordable and basic or more traditional, there’s something for everyone on this list!
1. Ryokan Hostel Gion – Best Overall Hostel in Kyoto
- Dorm (mixed): From $22
- Private Room: From $75
- Address: 391-2, Motomachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto, Japan
Located in the heart of Gion, this Kyoto ryokan is not only in the most historical and culturally awesome part of Kyoto, but it’s affordable too. You’ll get to explore the best of Kyoto without having to spend too much.
There is a mixture of dormitory rooms as well as private ones available, including female-only dorms. The 24-bed dorms are of course the cheapest option, though each of the capsule-like bunk beds has its own curtain for privacy.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Real Japanese home
- Budget-friendly
- Comfy beds
The hostel is in a traditional wooden townhouse, called a Machiya. There’s lots of unique restaurants, shops, and cafes nearby, so you can get a sense of Kyoto life whilst staying in a historical Japanese house. All rooms come with an electric teapot and sometimes even a kitchenette with a microwave.
There’s a common area where you can mingle with other travellers and there are also laundry facilities, luggage storage and stylish bathrooms with high-tech plumbing.
2. Kyoto Hana Hostel – Best Hostel in Kyoto for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $22
- Private Room: From $62
- Address: 229 Akezu-dori Street, Kogawa-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
If you are on your own and you have a budget to stick to, it doesn’t get better than Kyoto Hana Hostel. One of the best budget hostels in Kyoto, Kyoto Hana Hostel has tons of freebies. The likes of free WiFi, English maps, Green Tea, Coffee, luggage storage, and even washing powder!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Amazing location
- Laundry facilities
- Bicycle rental
Kyoto Hana Hostel offers both mixed and female-only dormitory rooms, perfect for mixing and mingling as solo travellers. Their traditional Japanese private rooms happen to be some of the cheapest in the city! Bunk beds come with privacy curtains, charging outlets, and an individual light.
You’ll also be close to the city’s main attractions as well as a number of unique things to do in Kyoto. With the train station only a 5-minute walk away, this is the perfect base to explore the city. Extra amenities like washing/drying machines, photocopying services, and cycle rentals are also on offer for a small fee.
3. Wise Owl Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Kyoto
- Dorm (mixed): From $25
- Private Room: From $44
- Address: 96-1 Nishikujyo Ikenouchicho, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Japan
The best budget hostel in Kyoto is undoubtedly Wise Owl Hostel. Only a short walk from the JR Kyoto train station, the hostel has multiple room options including pod beds. It’s the perfect place to add to your Kyoto itinerary, especially if you’re a backpacker.
Wise Owl Hostel has everything budget travellers want in a cheap stay. There are kitchen facilities, a fridge to keep your goodies in and a supermarket across the road to get ’em from. There are laundry facilities too if you need to wash more than your stinky backpacking body, nobody does fresh like Japan!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Very affordable
- Cozy
- Free wifi
The hostel features a mixed-gender 20-bed pod dorm, a female-only 6-bed dorm and privates that have double bunk beds and a shared bathroom. All rooms come with air conditioning, luxurious as far as budget options go! Wise Owl believes in a good, short sleep from an exhausting, enriching experience and they strive to deliver comfy bunk beds in all their rooms.
Close to both public transport AND Kyoto attractions like the TKP Garden City Kyoto and Sanjusangen-do Temple, Wise owl is an ideal place to stay. This small, comfy guesthouse brings you all the comforts of home, for less than virtually any other hostel in Kyoto.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Len Kyoto – Best Party Hostel in Kyoto
- Dorm (mixed): From $24
- Private Room: From $47
- Address: 709 Uematsucho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
The winner of the best party hostel in Kyoto is none other than Len Kyoto, and it’s not even a close call! The modern, sociable hostel features an onsite cafe and bar, which acts as one of the main “common rooms” of the hostel. It also happens to be only one minute away from the stunning Kamo River, which is rare to find in a city!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Cafe AND bar
- Lots of natural light
- Near public transport
Spaces are warm and clean, and guests can choose between mixed and female-only dorm rooms or private rooms. Lots of delicious bars and restaurants are nearby, though the hostel’s very own bar is an ideal place to get your night started.
Public transport isn’t too far away, but there are plenty of cool places to explore within walking distance! They even rent cycles out, which is the best way to visit Kyoto’s attractions if you ask me.
5. The Millennials – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Kyoto
- Dorm (mixed): From $45
- Address: 235 Yamazakicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
The Millennials Kyoto looks like it’s right out of a sci-fi Hollywood movie with its iPod-controlled room features such as automatic blinds and reclining beds! There’s even a pull-out 80-inch projector in each pod and a huge sliding cabinet under your bed to safely store all your stuff away. There’s no doubt this is one of the best places to stay in Japan.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Futuristic vibes
- Insane amenities
- Working lounge
20% of the hostel consists of common areas, including a workspace, kitchen, play zone, dining area and bar that are open to hostel guests 24/7. As one of the best hostels in Japan, Millenials provides you with everything you need to live your best digital nomad life in Kyoto.
The location is ideal for wandering around the city, and you’ll get a good night’s sleep in the extremely comfortable pods. You absolutely will NOT find a more luxurious capsule experience than this! They often even have a free drinks hour where you can mingle with fellow nomads and travellers alike.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Kyoto Hostels
If you’re still unsure about which hostel is right for you, check out some more of the best Kyoto hostels below.
6. Piece Hostel Kyoto
- Dorm (mixed): From $21
- Private Room: From $33
- Address: 21-1 Higashikujyo Higashisanno-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Piece Hostel Kyoto is a dream for travellers of the world with open hearts to new experiences. They want to be a PIECE of your journey and I for one am all in! With epic facilities that go above and beyond any other hostel I’ve experienced, Piece Hostel is one you won’t want to miss.
Read a book or use a free Mac at the Piece Hostel Library or chill and chat with other travellers at the Piece Hostel Lounge. They serve beer, sake, whiskey, Japanese cocktails, and Japanese tapas so get in there! There’s a relaxing Tatami Garden at Piece Hostel too as well as Sora Terrace where you’ll be surrounded by 30 kinds of Japanese flowers and plants.
7. Piece Hostel Sanjo
- Dorm (mixed): From $28
- Private Room: From $56
- Address: 531, Asakura-cho,Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto, Japan
Not to be confused with Piece HOstel Kyoto above, Piece Hostel Sanjo is the sister hostel and just as delicious. Slightly more stripped back, without the lavish Tatami Garden or Sora Terrace, Piece Hostel Sanjo will not leave you wanting. In a quiet neighbourhood in the centre of the city, you’ll be sure to get a great night’s sleep in the comfy beds at Piece Hostel Sanjo.
Karasuma-oike Station and Hankyu Kawaramachi Subway Stations are within a 10-minute walk, Piece Hostel Sanjo is an epic option to do your own thing.
8. Cafetel Kyoto Sanjo
- Dorm (mixed): From $31
- Private Room: From $72
- Address: Keihan Sanjo South Bldg., 173 Shingokencho, Yamato, Kyoto, Japan
All my laaaadiessss… I know travelling as a woman can be tough, especially if you’re solo, but Cafetel Kyoto Sanjo makes it feel like the best sleepover ever. What’s more, Cafetel Kyoto Sanjo is a 4-minute walk from Samurai Kembu Kyoto – go wield that sword, woman!
A great location, free wifi, and laundry facilities, this modern hostel has it all and in an epic heart of the city location too. Not to mention the cherry on top bits like free toiletries in the shared bathrooms. The train station is just outside so you can hit the town with the gals easily.
9. Backpackers Hostel K’s House Kyoto
- Dorm (mixed): From $21
- Private Room: From $52
- Address: 418 Nayachou, Shichijo-agaru, Dotemachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
It doesn’t get much better than K’s House Kyoto when it comes to the best hostel for couples in Kyoto.
Unlike the name, K’s House Kyoto is fit for all kinds of travellers and not just backpackers. With super-clean private ensuite rooms, couples are able to get plenty of privacy and not have to stand next to strangers while brushing their teeth. Fix yourself a romantic meal in the communal kitchen and enjoy it up on the rooftop terrace with great views from K’s House Kyoto.
10. Gojo Guest House
- Dorm (mixed): From $22
- Address: 3-396-2 Gojobashihigashi, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto, Japan
Gojo Guest House is in a great location and has a chilled-out and social vibe. The famous Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is just a 15-minute walk from the hostel, but you can rent a bicycle for around $5 for the day.
The traditional Japanese style of sleeping gives you a traditional ryokan experience and is good for your back. If you have been carrying a heavy backpack for months on end, lay TF down. Gojo Guesthouse has very reasonably priced rooms making it the best hostel with a private room in Kyoto.
11. Tsukimi Hotel
- Dorm (mixed): From $24
- Address: 21 Tsukimicyo, Higashiyama-ward, Kyoto, Japan
This Japanese-style capsule hostel features a type of accommodation that you’ll find all over Japan: capsule pods. Pods have way more amenities and privacy than typical hostel beds and are typically comfier too.
Modern, futuristic-like design features are all over the hostel, from the all-white lounge to the fancy fridge. The hostel is located in the heart of Kyoto and is within walking distance of bars, restaurants and attractions.
12. Hostel Niniroom
- Dorm (mixed): From $25
- Private Room: From $58
- Address: 30-3 Higashi-Maruchicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan
Owned by two sisters, you will feel like you’re staying at a friend’s place in Kyoto. With all the mod cons like air conditioning and free wifi, the dormitory rooms are comfy and even have laundry facilities.
This modern hostel is a relatively recent addition to the Kyoto hostel scene… Converted from an old printing house, you feel the charm and history imbued in the building. An epic base to explore Kyoto from!
13. Guest House Ga-Jyun
- Dorm (mixed): From $28
- Private Room: From $53
- Address: 65 Ebisu-cho Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Warning – you’ll have to get past the security, Jiro, a sweet desk dog that will welcome you adoringly. This is an epic choice if you’re looking for a somewhat traditional ryokan but with modern facilities like dorm rooms (and mattresses). This guest house is in an epic location with stunning sights within walking distance and the subway a five-minute walk away.
14. R.Star Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $18
- Private Room: From $69
- Address: 256-2 Motoryougae-cho Simogyoouku Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
The dorm rooms at R.Star Hostel have abundant natural light and tucked-away bunk beds in a great location. This makes for a restful night and a good jump on your circadian rhythm. Wake up with the birds to the smell of toast, grab your free breakfast and walk out that door.
You’re just a 15-minute walk distance from JR Kyoto station to discover all Kyoto has for you! Starting with the convenience store on your way to the train station, travel snack always. Especially if you’re about to loose (or find) yourself in the Sagano Bamboo Forest.
15. Miyagawacho Guest House Hana Kanzashi
- Dorm (mixed): From $15
- Address: 462 Nishigomoncho Higashiyamaku Kyoto city 605-081, Kyoto, Japan
This guest house is in a great location if you want to see into the heart of Kyoto. Surrounded by local businesses and restaurants, you’ll truly feel like you’ve arrived in this city. The rooms are air conditioned and although it feels like you’re walking into a traditional ryokan, the beds are comfy and there’s free wifi. You’ll be able to cook in the kitchen (within a certain time frame) too which is great for saving that coin.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Kyoto
Everybody needs good travel insurance, if you think you’re broke now, imagine loosing all your shit!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQ about Hostels in Kyoto
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Kyoto.
What to Pack for Your Kyoto Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Kyoto??
The average price of hostels in Kyoto ranges from $15-$30/night for dorm rooms (mixed or female-only) and $20-$90/night for private rooms.
However, if you do want to have an amazing experience and stay in one of the most traditional Japanese homes, then consider getting an Airbnb in Kyoto, which has a ton of unique options available.
What are the best hostels in Kyoto for couples?
Backpackers Hostel K’s House Kyoto is an ideal hostel for couples in Kyoto. It is comfy, affordable, and near Kyoto Station.
What are the best hostels in Kyoto near the airport?
Kyoto Hana Hostel, one of the best budget hostels in Kyoto, is 42.4 km from Itami Airport.
Final Thoughts on Kyoto’s Hostels
So that’s it, my epic guide to the best hostels in Kyoto! I hope it has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
I know there are a lot to choose from, so if you’re really not sure, I would recommend going with my ultimate favourite, the Ryokan Hostel Gion. Not only is it located in the most historical part of the city, but you get to stay in history itself, all for a decent low price.
You can’t really get better than that, can you? If you think you can let me know in the comments!
And of course, have the best time in Kyoto! You will not regret your decision to go there. It is truly an unforgettable city.
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Japan for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Kyoto covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Kyoto if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Kyoto before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Japan to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
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