Top 15 Cool And Unique Hotels In Kyoto

One of the most unique and magical places on the planet, Kyoto also has hotels as special as the city itself. From futuristic high rises to quirky boutiques, these are the awesome places I loved staying on my many visit to this incredible city…

1. Henn na Hotel Hachijoguchi

I was a big fan of this fun and futuristic place — famously staffed by lifelike robot dinosaurs that checked me in (they’ve even landed the hotel in the Guinness World Records!) and combining high-tech novelty with a playful vibe and minimalist and modern decor – it felt like being in a sci-fi movie!

My compact but modern room featured a smart mirror which displayed weather updates, voice-activated lighting, automated curtains, and a relaxing foot massager. I really appreciated the facial recognition room access and the in-room robot assistant that responded to my voice and offered me sightseeing tips!

I explored the nearby Hachijoguchi and iconic Kyoto Tower with my bicycle rental, grabbed a matcha KitKat from the fun vending machine, enjoyed the buffet breakfast (especially the light vegetable okonomiyaki), and relaxed in the café with a smooth Uji matcha latte. The staff told me Tokyo, Osaka and Seoul have their own versions too! 

My personal highlights…

• As well as the robots, I loved the fun and high-tech self-check-in system, which was surprisingly easy to navigate!

2. BnA Alter Museum

I thought this place was an Instagrammer’s dream — a 10-storey vertical art gallery with 31 unique rooms, each designed by a contemporary Japanese artist with striking murals in vivid colors. The vibe was creative and cool, with eclectic decor that turned every corner into a whimsical masterpiece! 

I adored my fun, manga-themed room (the staff told me others ranged from nature to dinosaurs!) — alongside the funky art murals, it was packed with high-tech touches like a smart mirror, voice-controlled lighting, and a charismatic in-room robot assistant that shared sightseeing tips!

I wound down with a Yuzu Gin Fizz in the stylish bar and lounge, a creative hub for Shimogyo Ward’s buzzing art and music scene, then browsed the shop filled with handmade ceramic mugs and quirky art books — and with its rotating exhibitions by contemporary Japanese artists, the whole place felt like a living gallery!

My personal highlights…

• I loved the gorgeous lighting in the guest rooms which aimed – and succeeded – to make the ambience just right! 

3. Moxy Kyoto Nijō 

To me, this was the definition of urban cool! Set in Kyoto’s modern western side near Nijō Castle, it blended Japanese influence with contemporary flair through neon accents, arty murals, and quirky decor like vintage suitcases and pink flamingo art. The vibe was upbeat and social — a creative hub buzzing with energy, cocktails, and late-night laughs!

My guest room had a funky but restful vibe with wooden floors, a comfy bed, clever foldable furniture, an air purifier and playful details like a retro rotary phone and pink flamingo wall art. The creative ‘Plug and Meet’ areas with ergonomic seating, writable walls, and a 56-inch TV was a stand-out feature!

I chatted to guests with a Matcha Mojito in the the trendy lobby bar while the resident DJ spun upbeat lo-fi tunes and I also enjoyed the hearty American-style buffet, the modern fitness center and the zen-like rooftop yoga space!

My highlights…

• I love that the lobby doubled as a social hub where I got chatting to fellow travelers really easily!

4. Ace Hotel

I thought this was the ultimate hipster stay! Ace Hotel Kyoto combined Japanese craftsmanship with creative, modern design in a beautifully restored Kengo Kuma–designed building. With handcrafted wood furniture, George Nakashima rugs bold art, and vintage record players, it felt like a cozy cultural hub where locals and travelers mingled over art, music, and great coffee!

In my guest room I found featuring cedar accents, paper lanterns, and a vintage record player with Kyoto-themed vinyls. I particularly liked the locally made ceramics, organic linens, and zen-inducing bathroom with handmade tiles and botanical toiletries — it was full of both comfort and personality!

I started my days exploring the downtown area on one of the hotel’s bikes and ended my nights at Piopiko Bar with a Sakura Negroni and Kyoto’s cool crowd. I also dined at all three restaurants — the Michelin-starred Mr. Maurice’s Italian, the chic Piopiko Bar & Lounge, and the all-day spot with garden views. It wasn’t the cheapest stay, but I thought the hip factor made it worth it!

• To book, check prices or availability for Ace Hotel

My highlights…

• I loved its quirky details like having a retro record player in the room complete with vinyls to play! There were even more records at reception that I could borrow! 

5. Mogana

This place was seriously striking — with its Insta-worthy minimalist design, dramatic glass corridors, and art-gallery atmosphere, it felt like sleeping inside a contemporary masterpiece. I discovered polished concrete, smoked glass walls, black steel accents and a sophisticated vibe all just short walk from Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace!

My spacious room featured smooth concrete walls, minimalist wooden furnishings, and a dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass wall opening onto a private courtyard. I loved the deep hinoki-wood soaking tub and Nespresso coffee machine.

I downed a Plum Blossom Highball in the sleek bar, blissed out in the tranquil meditation room that doubled as a modern art gallery, gazed at art by Kyoto-based artist Hiroshi Senj and dined on exceptional tempura donburi in the gourmet Japanese restaurant. I would just say though this place gets booked up quickly so you’ll need to book well in advance! 

My favorite highlights..

• My in-room Kyoto Harmony Massage which mixed Eastern and Western relaxation techniques and used aromatic yuzu, camellia, and sandalwood oils.

6. Hotel Tavinos

This cute and whimsical 3-star stay totally won me over! With bold manga-inspired decor, speech-bubble signs, and pops of color, it felt like stepping into a living comic book — it was fun, youthful, and full of creative charm! 

My compact but fun standard guest room featured a futon style bed adorned with an anime spread, compact smart storage, and a high-tech tablet for room controls, USB ports, an air purifier, cozy pyjamas and eye-catching comic-style artwork that made even the walls (and even the carpet!) feel part of the story!

I loved the easy self-check-in with its friendly robot guide and relaxing in the cozy lounge with a cup of sencha green tea while planning my Kyoto adventures. Breakfast was simple but included sweet anpan pastries and Kyoto-style drip coffee and I appreciated the bicycle rentals, helpful multilingual staff and the lively and central Shimogyo Ward location.

My favorite highlights…

• I loved that they gave free coffee (including iced coffee) and croissants through both through the night and day – it made us feel very welcome!

7. Granbell Hotel

This elegant hidden gem showcased sleek modern design with authentic Japanese touches like tatami-inspired details and a tranquil communal onsen. The dark wood, soft washi lighting, and handcrafted textiles created a zen-like, refined vibe that felt like a modern ryokan retreat in the city’s heart.

I unwound with a Kyoto Sour in the chic lounge bar and peaceful indoor garden, dined on miso-glazed eggplant in the intimate restaurant and relaxed in the sleek basement onsen surrounded by soft lighting all in a historic Gion district location.

My highlights… 

• I loved the attention to detail in the aesthetics – for example, we were told by the barman that the onsite bar had 100-year-old gold-leafed sake racks!

8. Hotel Imagine

Hotel Imagine Kyoto was a true hidden gem — a really trendy four-star stay! It had a sleek black-box exterior I stepped inside to experience a striking – and Insta-worthy – space filled with lashings of light, wood, and art – it felt calm and homely, like staying in a serene Kyoto apartment with boutique comforts.

My spacious apartment-style room came with both traditional and modern design with tatami floors, shoji panels, and pale wood accents. It featured a large futon bed, a handy microwave and fridge, a bathtub complete with Shiseido toiletries, an air purifier and a cozy window nook where I loved sipping tea while watching trains glide past Kyoto Station!

There was no on-site restaurant but I appreciated rooftop terrace with its awesome city views, the cozy lounge, and the self-serve coffee bar with rich Kyoto roast. The shared kitchen was handy (I whipped up a shiitake mushroom stir-fry), and the friendly staff gave me local tips for day trips and exploring the surrounding modern Minami Ward location.

My personal highlights..

• I loved that the hotel produced its very own custom-designed stamps! It was great to take a few home as mementos!

9. node hotel 

I thought Node Hotel Kyoto was incredibly cool — like staying in a contemporary art gallery filled with curated Japanese and international works. With an industrial-chic design which featured charcoal walls, abstract oil paintings and monochrome photography, it all felt artistic, intimate, and effortlessly stylish in a trendy Shijo Nishinotoin district location!

The first floor was a lively social hub serving seasonal Western-Asian dishes, great coffee, and inventive cocktails. I enjoyed my roasted vegetable donburi bowl paired with a smooth Kyoto blend pour-over, then later unwound in the art-filled lounge with a matcha martini while chatting with fellow design lovers — just note there’s no onsite parking!

• To book, check prices or availability for node hotel

My highlights…

• Sampling the aromatic Kinobi Gin in the onsite bar which was made in the city and came with a zesty citrus ‘Sudachi’ tonic splash.
• I loved that the attentive, young staff were dressed in avant-garde style black uniforms which matched the stylish décor and vibe! 

10. REF Hachijoguchi

I thought REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi was a stylish, mid-range 4-star stay blending modern design with Kyoto’s warmth. Its industrial-chic décor featured natural wood, soft lighting, and Japanese touches like noren curtains and handcrafted ceramics. The vibe was relaxed and subtly luxurious — a peaceful urban hideaway in the convenient Minami Ward near Kyoto Station!

The welcoming façade opened into a chic space of pale walls and natural wood accents, and my compact room featured smooth oak floors, soundproofing, a flat-screen TV, air purifier, and even a hot tub. I loved the sleek window bench with soft lighting — the perfect spot for morning coffee — and the thoughtful extras like Blu-ray players and facial massagers.

Each morning, I enjoyed fresh veggie wraps with tofu, avocado, and sesame spinach, and in the evening, I relaxed in the sleek lounge bar with a refreshing Yuzu Mojito made with Kyoto rum and mint!

My highlights…

• The ultra-high tech guest room toilets which came with heated seats and a bidet function – all very Japanese!
• I loved that despite its simplicity, the hotel still felt very cozy with friendly and welcoming staff!

11. Good Nature Hotel

I was instantly wowed by Good Nature Hotel Kyoto — a stylish, eco-luxury stay that blended Japanese elegance with sustainability. Its lush greenery, bamboo accents, and light wood interiors created a serene, nature-inspired vibe, making it feel like a rejuvenating urban sanctuary.

My chic, spacious room featured natural wood furnishings, a plush bed with organic cotton linens, and a spa-style bathroom with Kyoto-grown botanical amenities. I loved the private balcony filled with greenery — my own mini zen garden for morning coffee — and the hotel’s use of renewable materials, including a striking central atrium with a living green wall.

I loved the seven dining options, from casual bites to Michelin-star meals. After a relaxing matcha body scrub at the spa, I enjoyed a miso-glazed eggplant steak with a glass of biodynamic Pinot Noir at the award-winning restaurant all in a fabulous heart of fashionable Kawaramachi. 

My favorite highlights…

• I loved their commitment to eco-friendliness extended to little details – for example not serving plastic water bottles and using refillable water bottles for guests and also providing information about local flora and fauna! 
• The small thoughtful details like providing me with comfy new bedroom slippers every night!

12. Hotel Anteroom

I thought this was an awesome place to escape the ordinary! Centrally located just a 10-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station, this vibrant hub of creativity welcomed me with a blend of comfort and artistic flair! 

There were beautiful art-adorned walls, an onsite art gallery (which showcased art from local artists) and a serene courtyard garden. My superior double guest room had a cozy vibe with wooden floors, a large comfy bed, a colorful arty mural and trendy but functional furnishings. There was also air con, flat-screen TV, free WiFi, a fridge and air purifier and a bathroom complete with a soaking bath and bidet.

I enjoyed a delicious buffet breakfast (both Asian style and English options), there was a zen-like courtyard garden and a chic onsite bar! 

My highlights…

• I loved the cute Japanese tea set in my guest room sitting area which also came with a range of teas both Asian and English! 
• The bar was well stocked and boasted a collection of over 150 different whiskies! 

13. Candeo Hotels Karasuma Rokkaku

This is a tucked away 4-star gem! It’s housed in a renovated traditional wooden townhouse (known as a machiya) and located just off Karasuma Street in the Nakagyo-ku district. 

Inside it’s tranquil haven of both traditional and modern design with dark wooden beams, sleek dark furniture and tatami mats which reflect the city’s rich heritage. My guest room had calming neutral tones, wooden furniture, air-con, flat-screen TV, free WiFi, a bidet and an Asian bento box breakfast was served daily but there were no other dining options though.

My favorite spots were the lounge bar which overlooked the serene back garden, the cozy library where I spent some quiet moments, as well as the relaxing rooftop spa, sauna and traditional onsen bathhouse. 

My favorite highlights… 

• The location was amazing! It was located in Nakagyo Ward the heart of the city and within walking distance Gion the city’s famous geisha district as well as traditional temples, Nishiki market, gorgeous parks and Kyoto station!  

14. The Thousand

I thought this was a beautiful and Instagram-worthy luxurious hotel! Centrally located in the scenic Sakyo Ward, next to Kyoto Station, it blends unique modern architecture with a breathtaking design! 

Inside, the decor is sleek, sophisticated and wow-inducing design features a mix of Western and Japanese décor and my spacious guest room was chicly decorated with great city views and an excellent range of mod cons including free high-end toiletries, air con, bathrobes and tech like an iPad and flat-screen TV with cable channels.

There was an upscale onsite restaurant serving up traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine, a trendy-looking café for snacks and drinks and a traditional Japanese breakfast featuring seasonal ingredients is served each morning. My other favorite highlights included a modern fitness center, a spa and wellness centre which includes a relaxing onsen bath, and dry sauna. Although it’s good to note, it’s a very popular spot so availability is sometimes limited here!

My personal highlights…

• Aside from the wow-inducing design, I loved that thoughtful and welcoming details like the complimentary self-serve tea and coffee served in the upper floor lounge where I also got chatting to other guests!

15. ROOT2

I enjoyed a warm Japanese welcome at this lush 4-star boutique! It’s located near Hachijoguchi railway station and Toji Temple and inside, the eclectic interiors featured glitzy brass, faux marble, plush velvet, neon lights and a whimsical vibe! Even though I really liked it, the playful design might not to be to everyone’s tastes though.

My guest room was contemporary with a stylish seating areas, a kitchenette, air con and a flat-screen TV.

Each morning, I could choose from Asian or American breakfast options. In the evenings, I either enjoyed freshly made sushi at the on-site izakaya or explored nearby local dining options.

My highlights… 

• I loved the Skyhop tourist bus stop was located just a few hundred meters away at Kyoto Tower, it whisked me around the rest of the city!

 

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