Misty Fujii is a Canadian who moved to Osaka, Japan, in 2019 and married her Japanese sweetheart. In 2022, they had a baby and moved to Fukui for the clean country air. She is a DJ who teaches English part-time and writes to share Japan with the world. She gets excited about collecting vintage vinyl records, food from all countries, travelling, and renovating her traditional Japanese house.
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Kyoto’s Sanjo area, once home to the city’s main street, is the perfect fusion of traditional charm and modern convenience. This area gives you the whole Kyoto experience: strolling along willow-lined canals, sipping green tea lattes in machiya townhouses, shopping in hip stores, and all surrounded by iconic landmarks. With its proximity to famous streets like Pontocho and Sanjo-Ohashi Bridge, the Sanjo area is the perfect base for exploring Kyoto’s rich history and culture.
Sanjo has something to offer everyone, whether seeking a leisurely stroll along the Takase River, exploring temples and shrines, admiring geisha, or partaking in the city’s lively nightlife. This vibrant district makes an excellent home base for your Kyoto trip, so join us as we introduce the 10 best hotels in the Sanjo area of Kyoto.
- 1. Dhawa Yura Kyoto
- 2. Hotel Okura Kyoto
- 3. 祇園の宿 杏花 / Gion Kyoka
- 4. Hotel Grand Bach Kyoto Select
- 5. Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier
- 6. Hotel ARU Kyoto Sanjo Kiyamachi-dori
- 7. OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo by Hoshino Resorts
- 8. The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
- 9. THE GATE HOTEL Kyoto Takasegawa by HULIC
- 10. Cross Hotel Kyoto
- Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Kyoto
- Other Articles You Might Be Interested In
1. Dhawa Yura Kyoto
Step into the Dhawa Yura Kyoto and experience a world of luxury and tranquility. Managed by the renowned Banyan Group, this exquisite hotel offers world-class service that will leave you feeling like a celebrity. You’ll be greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere from the moment you arrive, enhanced by the hotel’s stunning interior design. Imagine strolling through a mini bamboo grove, admiring exquisite Japanese artwork, and relaxing in spacious rooms with cozy tatami seating areas and luxurious soaking tubs. With its impeccable service, lavish amenities, and prime location, Dhawa Yura Kyoto is the perfect choice for discerning travelers.
Book here
2. Hotel Okura Kyoto
Shopaholics, rejoice! Hotel Okura Kyoto is a shopping paradise. Near the Kamogawa River, this historic landmark has been a Kyoto institution since 1888. With its elegant rooms offering stunning views of the city and the Higashiyama Mountains, Hotel Okura is a luxurious home away from home for travelers. Indulge in retail therapy at the on-site shopping avenue or explore nearby department stores. Need a break? Relax with a beauty treatment or enjoy the convenience of babysitting services. Connected to the Shiyakusho-mae Subway Station, this hotel puts you within easy reach of Kyoto’s top attractions, from ancient temples to modern museums.
Book here
3. 祇園の宿 杏花 / Gion Kyoka
祇園の宿 杏花 (Gion Kyoka) offers a truly authentic experience. This beautifully restored teahouse, dating back to the Taisho era, blends traditional Japanese style with modern Scandinavian design. When you need a break, you can relax in the ryokan’s serene garden, just a short walk from the busy Gion Shijo Station and iconic landmarks like Samurai Kembu Kyoto. The ryokan’s stunning wood and tatami-based rooms feature air conditioning, a private bathroom, and comfortable amenities. With its prime location near Gion Shirakawa, Hanamikoji Street, and Yasaka Shrine, Gion Kyoka is the ideal base for discovering Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. We recommend renting a kimono and taking some incredible photos here!
Book here
4. Hotel Grand Bach Kyoto Select
Hotel Grand Bach Kyoto Select offers an affordable escape without skimping on style. Just a short walk from Kawaramachi Train Station, this modern business hotel combines contemporary comfort with Japanese elegance. Relax in air-conditioned rooms bathed in soft light and adorned with chic colors. Enjoy amenities like a flat-screen TV, fridge, and electric kettle with green tea bags. After a day of exploring the city, you can unwind in the hotel’s sento (public bath) or indulge in a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant.
Book here
5. Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier
The Solaria Nishitetsu could arguably be set in the best location in all of Kyoto. With its prime location just steps from Sanjo-dori Street, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, you’ll have easy access to Kyoto’s countless attractions and vibrant cultural scene. Enjoy breathtaking river views from your spacious room, rest and recover in the relaxing public bath, or simply savor the tranquility of your surroundings. Everything you need is at your fingertips, from the air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs to the on-site restaurant and convenient parking. And with its friendly and attentive staff, you’ll feel right at home in Kyoto.
Book here
Want a deep dive into Kyoto? Book a guided tour!
6. Hotel ARU Kyoto Sanjo Kiyamachi-dori
Hotel ARU Kyoto Sanjo Kiyamachi-dori is a stunning blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. The hotel is a rare glimpse into a world of stained glass windows and retro-inspired decor, where every detail has been carefully curated to evoke the nostalgic atmosphere of the Taisho-Roman era and style. This boutique hotel’s prime location is within walking distance of Kyoto’s vibrant attractions, making it a convenient hub for exploring. Relax in your air-conditioned room, sip on a refreshing drink at the stylish bar, or soak up the city views from the rooftop terrace.
Book here
7. OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo by Hoshino Resorts
The OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo by Hoshino Resorts is a modern hotel part of Japan’s renowned Hoshino Resorts brand and provides a convenient base. The rooms may be smaller than some luxury hotels, but they’re cleverly designed to maximize space and provide everything you need for a comfortable stay. Families or groups will appreciate the more spacious quad rooms and superior options catering to larger parties. The hotel’s convenient location also puts you within walking distance of Samurai Kembu Kyoto and the city center. Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the on-site café, or pop back for a break because the cafe also serves snacks and drinks throughout the day.
Book here
8. The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo is a stylish and efficient home away from home. With its convenient location between Kawaramachi-dori and the Kamogawa River, you’ll be just steps away from the city’s best dining, entertainment, and shopping. The modern hotel offers comfortable accommodations at reasonable rates, making it perfect for both business travelers and leisure seekers. While the hotel may not boast luxurious amenities like a gym or spa, its comfortable rooms, friendly service, and prime location make it an excellent choice for a short stay in Kyoto. Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the on-site bakery before you venture out to explore the city’s many attractions, including the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, and the Gion district.
Book here
9. THE GATE HOTEL Kyoto Takasegawa by HULIC
Feel like a celebrity at The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by Hulic. This luxury abode offers spacious rooms adorned with stylish decor and equipped with all the comforts of home. Start your day with a delectable set menu breakfast, fueling your day’s adventures. Whether you’re captivated by the thrilling performances at Samurai Kembu Kyoto, lost in the pages of manga at the Kyoto International Manga Museum, or seeking spiritual tranquility at Kiyomizu-Dera, this hotel is in an ideal spot. When you return, unwind on the hotel’s peaceful terrace or immerse yourself in Japanese culture with onsite yoga sessions and traditional performances. The hotel’s concierge services, currency exchange, and 24-hour front desk ensure that every detail of your stay is taken care of.
Book here
10. Cross Hotel Kyoto
Just a few minutes walk from Sanjo Station, Cross Hotel Kyoto puts you in the center of the action. Explore the nearby Teramachi and Sanjo shopping arcades or immerse yourself in the traditional charm of the Gion district. And when you’re ready to relax, enjoy a drink at the hotel’s stylish bar and lounge. The hotel’s rooms are bright, chic, and surprisingly spacious for a Japanese hotel. Their thoughtful layout and warm wooden decor offer a comfortable and inviting retreat after a day of exploring. And with amenities like a bathtub and complimentary toiletries, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay.
Book here
Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Kyoto
When you are visiting Kyoto and you need some help organizing your trip, you came to the right place. We’re happy to help you make your trip to Kyoto the best trip ever. We can advise you on where to go or even better, show you around with a local, English speaking guide. Let us help you create safe, comfortable, and unforgettable memories in Kyoto!
▶Kyoto 8h Private Custom Highlight Tour with Licensed Guide
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.
▶Meet a Geisha in Kyoto: Guided Walk in Gion and Enchanted Time with Maiko
Meet a Maiko, a geisha in Kyoto, and enjoy a walking tour in Gion, the geisha district. See an authentic Japanese tradition unfold before your eyes that has existed for hundreds of years. You’ll have chance to take a photo with Geisha!
▶Explore Nishiki Market: Food & Culture Walk
If you’re looking to learn more about the culture and the local cuisine of Kyoto, this is the perfect tour for you! Take part in this Kyoto food and drink tour and explore the 400-year-old market and the famous surrounding areas.
▶Kimono Experience
Kyoto is the best city to explore in kimono, Japanese traditional clothing. You can choose the one you like the most from several patterns and colors at the rental shop. In Kyoto, two locations are both accessible from the main tourist attractions which makes it easy to try it on and explore the city for a day!
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