Kyoto

Gion & Higashiyama

In Kyoto’s most storied quarter, the Gion and Higashiyama area feels like stepping into a living museum of traditional Kyoto. Expect narrow lanes lined with historic machiya, teahouses, and meticulous design in boutique stays such as Gion Shinmonso and other ryokans near Yasaka Shrine. Walkable highlights include Hanamikoji Street, Yasaka Shrine, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple; this neighborhood is deeply tied to the festive energy of Gion Matsuri. The area is ideal for immersive evenings of refined dining, quiet streets, and a sense of timeless Kyoto living.

Arashiyama

Arashiyama sits on Kyoto’s western edge, offering a lush counterpoint to the city’s core. The Sagano Bamboo Forest (Sagano Bamboo Forest) and riverside paths define the area, with Tenryuji Temple and scenic walks that feel authentically Kyoto. Distinctive stays include Togetsutei, a historic ryokan with riverside onsen and traditional meals, plus other boutique inns that blend nature with refined hospitality. The area is convenient for day trips to central Kyoto and beyond, while still feeling remote from the crowded city center. A special winter highlight is Arashiyama Hanatouro, when lanterns illuminate the streets and bamboo grove along the river, adding a magical seasonal atmosphere. Sagano Bamboo Forest and Tenryuji Temple are must-visits, and accessibility is straightforward from JR Saga-Arashima or Hankyu Arashiyama stations.

Kamogawa & Downtown Kyoto

Downtown Kyoto along the Kamogawa River offers a lively mix of markets, dining, and easy access to historic sights. Lodging in this core area balances traditional onsen-esque vibes with urban convenience. Kamogawa-kan Inn is a quintessential example of a modern-leaning ryokan in a central setting, while nearby Nishiki Market, Kawaramachi, and Pontocho Alley put you in the thick of Kyoto’s daily life. It’s a great base for exploring Shijo Street, Nishiki Market, and the riverside scenes along the Kamogawa.

Nishijin Machiya

Nishijin is Kyoto’s historic textile heart, where traditional machiya homes sit along quiet streets and old weaving shops. Staying in Nishijin offers a window into a slower, neighborhood rhythm away from the most-touristed core, with easy access to Kitano Tenmangu and Nishiki Market. Notable lodgings include NISHIYAMA RYOKAN and other machiya-style stays, often featuring tatami rooms, private baths, and garden spaces.