Insider Picks for Hotels Under $500 in Kyoto

Kyoto is a city of layers—ancient temples and machiya townhouses sit alongside contemporary galleries, boutique hotels, and some of Japan’s best dining. Days move between quiet gardens, busy markets, and riverside walks, and each neighborhood offers its own rhythm, from the craft studios of Higashiyama to the lively backstreets of Gion. 

For travelers looking to stay comfortably without splurging on a ryokan or ultra-luxury escape, Kyoto has a growing list of beautifully designed hotels at approachable price points. Here are my top Kyoto stays under $500 a night (with rates fluctuating around seasons and festivals).