You won’t want to rush Kyoto. Japan’s cultural capital deserves all the time you can give it. But how to keep your accommodation bills down as you take in Kyoto’s sights? These ten hostels offer cheap accommodation right in the heart of Kyoto. All are clean, safe and secure—Japan’s hostels are a rightly ranked among the best in the world. Add in friendly, well-informed staff, a relaxed atmosphere, and social opportunities with an international bent, and you’ll see why the guests at these hostels keep coming back for more.

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The 10 Best Hostels in Kyoto

The 10 Best Hostels in Kyoto

1. J-Hoppers Kyoto Guesthouse

J-Hoppers Kyoto has been in business since 2002, making it the oldest hostel in Kyoto. J-Hoppers staff are experienced at welcoming foreign travelers and tend to be young, well-traveled and friendly.

Prices

All rates listed are per person, per night at normal rates unless otherwise listed. Prices increase during peak season.

Single Room: 3,500 yen
Twin Room: 3,000 yen
Japanese Style Twin Room: 3,000 yen
Triple Room: 3,000 yen
Mixed (male & female) Dormitory: 2,500 yen
Female-only Dormitory: 2,500 yen

*Note: The dorm room beds have privacy curtains, which makes a big difference to being able to sleep.

Credit cards are accepted and you can book online. Make sure you book in advance. Because J-Hoppers is so well known, it’s often fully booked months in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

Location

J-Hoppers is in a great location. It’s an 8-minute walk from Kyoto Station. Right outside the hostel is a bus stop that goes to some of Kyoto’s major attractions, including Kiyomizudera and Kinkakuji. Kujo subway station is just a block away. The common kitchen is well stocked with cooking equipment, but you may struggle to find fridge space for your food. On the downside, there is no elevator, which can be a real inconvenience in this 5-story building.

Insider’s Tip

J-Hoppers is a hostel chain that has its own stamp card. Every night you spend at a J-Hoppers hostel allows you to collect which you can spend on a discount on the cost of your accommodation, snacks or souvenirs.

Pros vs Cons

Pros

Privacy curtains on beds
Free Wi-Fi
No curfew
Rental bicycles available

Cons

No elevator
Additional 300 yen surcharge during high demand periods—Saturday nights and public holidays
No parking
48 hours notice required for cancellation otherwise fee applied

To Check Availability and Make a Reservation

J-Hoppers Kyoto Guesthouse Reservations – Agoda.com

2. K’s House Kyoto

K’s House is one of the best hostels in Kyoto for a reason. An established hostel with a great reputation, K’s House won the award for the best hostel in Japan and Asia in 2013. The rooms and common areas are more spacious than usual for hostels, and the decor has a new, modern feel to it. Its recently refurbished bar comes complete with a skilled bartender, but most of the socializing happens in the common lounge.

Prices

All rates listed are per person, per night at normal rates unless otherwise listed. Prices increase during peak season. Female only dormitory rooms with 4 – 6 beds are available. Get in contact with the hostel if you want to reserve one.

Basic Single Rooms: 3,800 – 4,800 yen
Standard Single Rooms (bigger bed): 4,500 – 5,500 yen
Basic Twin Rooms: 3,250 – 4,250 yen
Standard Twin Rooms (bigger bed and sofa: 3,450 – 4,450 yen
Double Rooms: 3,250 – 4,250 yen
Double Ensuite Rooms (TV, private shower and toilet): 4,600 – 5,600 yen
Triple Rooms: 3,200 – 4,200 yen
Japanese Style Room for 2-4 People: 12,000 – 16,000 yen (Flat rate per night)
4 Bed Mixed (male & female) Dormitory: 2,800 – 3,800 yen
6 Bed Mixed (male & female) Dormitory: 2,600 – 3,600 yen
8 Bed Mixed (male & female) Dormitory: 2,400 – 3,400 yen

*Note: If staying in a dorm, be aware that there are no privacy curtains on the beds, so your quality of sleep depends on the thoughtfulness of your roommates.

Credit cards are accepted, and online booking is available. Their website is up-to-date, and the reception desk open from 7:00am – 3:00am. However, the check-in time is from 3:00pm – 11:00pm.

Location

A 9-minute walk from Kyoto Station, K’s House Kyoto is a little farther than other hostels, but makes up for it by being close to convenience stores, a supermarket, and even a public bath. It’s only a 20-minute walk from the hostel to the Gion district, where menu Kyoto attractions, restaurants and bars are located. It’s also a short four-minute walk from the Shichijo Subway Station.

Pros vs Cons

Pros

Free WiFi
Rental bicycles available
No curfew
Bar, cafe and vending machines

Cons

Extra 300 – 1,000 yen charge during the busy seasons
No privacy curtains on beds
48 hours notice required for cancellation otherwise fee applied
Side building lacks atmosphere of main building

To Check Availability and Make a Reservation

K’s House Kyoto Reservations – Agoda.com

3. Kyoto Hana Hostel
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Hana Hostel describes itself as a budget ryokan, and it definitely manages to combine hostel amenities with distinctly Japanese hospitality. Hana hostel opened in 2010 in what was formerly a ryokan, a Japanese style hotel. The private rooms are all tatami, meaning you sleep on futons. The dorm rooms are bunk beds with curtains.

This is one of the best hostels in Kyoto because it is family and elder-friendly, and attracts a good number of Japanese guests. The common room/kitchen space is an excellent place to make new friends with Japanese people curious about international travelers.

Prices

All rates listed are per person, per night at normal rates unless otherwise listed. Prices increase during peak season.

Double/Twin/Triple Ensuite Japanese Rooms: 3,600 yen
Double/Twin Japanese Room with Shared Bathroom: 3,200 yen
Triple Japanese Room with Shared Bathroom: 3,200 yen
Bunk Beds Private Room with Shared Bathroom: 3,000 yen
4 Bed Mixed (male & female) Dormitory: 2,800 yen
4 Bed Female Dormitory: 2,800yen
6 Bed Female Dormitory: 2,800 yen
8 Bed Mixed (male & female) Dormitory: 2,800 yen

*Note: A 300 yen surcharge applies to all these prices during high demand periods. It can be noisy, but the staff provides earplugs free of charge.

Location

Hana Hostel is a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Station, and 3 minutes to the nearest supermarket. It’s part of the J-Hoppers chain, and uses the same stamp-card system that J-Hoppers do. If continuing on to a Hana Hostel or J-Hoppers elsewhere in Japan, keep hold of the card they give you on check-in to earn a reward.

Pros vs Cons

Pros

Free WiFi
Privacy curtains in dorm rooms
Free tea and coffee in common kitchen
Rental cycles available

Cons

No private rooms
Fills up fast. Need to book in advance
48 hours notice required for cancellation otherwise fee applied

To Check Availability and Make a Reservation

Kyoto Hana Hostel Reservations– Agoda.com

4. Khaosan Kyoto Guesthouse

Khaosan opened their first hostel in Tokyo 2004, and have since expanded to become the biggest hostel chain in Japan, with a total of 13 hostels. They’re known for quirky design and traveler orientated amenities, but the Khaosan Kyoto Guesthouse is bare bones.

Prices

All rates listed are per person, per night at normal rates unless otherwise listed. Prices increase during peak season.

Single Private Room: 5,000 – 5,500 yen
Twin private rooms: 3,700 – 4,000 yen
Double rooms: 4,000 – 4,500 yen
3 Bed Private Rooms: 4,000 – 4,200 yen
4 Person Private Rooms: 3,700 – 4,000 yen
5 Person Private Rooms: 3,700 – 4,000 yen
6 Person Private Rooms: 3,700 – 4,000 yen
Mixed (male & female) 10-Person Dormitory: 2,300 – 4,000 yen
Female-Only Dormitory: 2,800 – 3,800 yen

The dorm room beds have privacy curtains, which makes a big difference to being able to sleep.

Location

The Kyoto hostel is located on the edge of the Gion district, which is a 3-minute walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station. This is inconvenient if you’re traveling on the JR lines, since you have to transfer to either the Keihan lines or the subway, taking a bus or a taxi. If you’re traveling from Osaka or Kobe, you can take the Hankyu line for the entire trip. Once you’re there, the hostel’s location has definite advantages. It’s walking distance to Yasaka shrine, Nishiki Market, Kiyomizudera, and Gion, the entertainment district famous for geisha. Being so close means you can enjoy these popular areas before the crowds of tourists arrive.

Pros vs Cons

Pros

Great transportation options
Khaosan employs fluent English speakers

Cons

Online booking only
Showers are individual stalls located in common area (not gender segregated)
Prices vary widely depending on demand.
No children under 10 allowed in the hostel
48 hours notice required for cancellation, otherwise fee applied

To Check Availability and Make a Reservation

Khaosan Kyoto Guesthouse Reservations– Agoda.com

5. The Lower East Nine Hostel

The Lower East Nine Hostel is a new addition to Kyoto’s hostel scene, but it’s chic style, quality cafe and bar are already earning it a reputation.

Their cafe & bar is open from 8:00am – 11:00pm and serves hostel guests and friendly residents, making it an excellent meeting place. The cafe employs free baristas, and you receive a free coffee with your breakfast. The staff includes locals and native-English speakers, all of whom can help with sightseeing tips, arranging transport and making bookings.

Prices

All rates listed are per person, per night at normal rates unless otherwise listed.

Twin Room (2 semi-double bunk bed, shared bathroom): 10,000 yen (flat room rate)
Superia Twin Room (2 single beds, private shower & toilet): 18,000 yen (flat room rate)
Dormitory C (4 single bunk beds, male/female): 3800 yen per person
Dormitory D (4 single & 4 semi-double bunk beds, male/female): 3,800 – 4,500 yen
Dormitory A (4 semi-double bunk beds, male/female): 4,500 yen
Dormitory B (8 semi-double bunk beds, male/female): 4,500 yen
Dormitory E (12 single bunk beds, female only): 3,800yen

The dorm room beds all come with a privacy curtain.

Location

An 8-minute walk from Kyoto Station or 2-minute walk from Kujo Subway Station, LE9 describes itself as “Kyoto’s front door.” Although not located near any sights, its proximity to Kyoto’s transport networks does make it an excellent base to travel from.

Pros vs Cons

Pros

Modern design
Nice cafe & bar on property
Native English speakers on staff
Breakfast included

Cons

Toilets and showers mixed (male/female)
48 hours notice required for cancellation, otherwise fee applied
Luggage storage space very small

To Check Availability and Make a Reservation

The Lower East Nine Hostel Reservations – Agoda.com

6. Khaosan Kyoto Theater

Khaosan’s love of quirky design comes through in their second Kyoto location, with Kyoto Theater featuring “kimono beds,”bunk beds with curtains made from recycled kimono fabric and traditional art on the walls.

All beds at the Kyoto Theater are dorm beds, with a choice between the colorful dorms or the deluxe kimono bed dorms.

Prices

All rates listed are per person, per night at normal rates unless otherwise listed.

8-Bed Female Dormitory: 2,700 – 3,900 yen
Deluxe 8-Bed Female Dormitory: 2,900 – 4,100 yen
10-Bed Mixed (male & female) Dormitory: 2,700 – 3,900 yen
Deluxe 10-Bed Mixed (male & female) Dormitory: 2,900 – 4,100 yen
14-Bed Mixed (male & female) Dormitory: 2,400 – 3,700 yen

While the decor is the hostel’s main selling point, it also features a multi-purpose library with a common balcony area where guests can enjoy the sun.

Location

Located near Nishiki Market, Khaosan Kyoto Theater is close to the Gion district and its myriad attractions, and only a 5-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu line.

Pros vs Cons

Pros

Bar on property
Capsule-style beds

Cons

Can get noisy
Online booking only
Showers are individual stalls located in common area (not gender segregated)
Prices vary widely depending on demand
48 hours notice required for cancellation, otherwise, fee applied

To Check Availability and Make a Reservation

Khaosan Kyoto Theater Reservations – Agoda.com

7. Oki’s Inn

This small hostel is located within a 100-year-old former private residence. Although recently renovated, the wooden building retains its unique atmosphere and charms. Owners Taka and Yuka Oki go out of their way to make guests feel at home. Adding to the hostel’s homey atmosphere are the three resident cats.

Prices

All rates listed are per room, per night at normal rates unless otherwise listed.

Private Room with Balcony (up to 2 people): 8,000 yen per room
Standard Twin Private Room (up to 2 people): 8,000 yen per room
Basic Twin Private Room (up to 2 people): 7,500 yen per room
4-Bed Female Dormitory: 2,500 yen per person
Whole House Rental (up to 10 people): 33,000 yen per night, a minimum 3 nights stay

*Note: If renting the whole house, the owners, Taka and Yuka stay on property in the staff room.

Location

Oki’s Inn is within walking distance of Gion, Kiyomizudera, and the Heian Jingu shrine. It’s a 15-20 minute subway ride from Kyoto Station, a short walk from the KarasumaOike subway station. There are convenience stores nearby.

Pros vs Cons

Pros

Unbelievable Showa-period building.
Free Wi-Fi
Rental Bicycles Available
Free Towels

Cons

No children under 12 years old
8-day cancellation policy
Cash only. No credit cards
No privacy curtains in dorm rooms

To Check Availability and Make a Reservation

Oki’s Inn Reservations – Agoda.com

8. Comics & Capsule Hotel ComiCap

For fans of Japanese manga or anyone who has ever wanted to sleep in a bookstore, ComiCap combines elements of the Japanese Manga Cafe with a Capsule hotel. The comic fusion relaxation space has 30,000 comics, and comfortable seats where you can relax while reading them. While not a true hostel, it is a good mix of a capsule hotel, late night lounge, and modern hostel all in one.

The capsule style beds are built into the bookcases and include a privacy curtain and a reading light, so you can read as late as you like without worrying about disturbing anyone.

Prices

All rates listed are per person, per night at normal rates unless otherwise listed.

The prices drastically change during their peak times of operation.

Basic Capsule Beds: 2,200 – 5,700 yen
Deluxe Capsule Beds: 2,700 yen 7000 yen

Tip: There are usually discounts for this hostel when you book online.

Location

ComiCap is a 5-minute walk from Kawaramachi Subway Station. It’s walking distance from Gion district, Nishiki market, and a host of other attractions, including the Kyoto International Manga Museum, which, if you’re staying at ComiCap, will be right up your alley.

Pros vs Cons

Pros

Unique experience
30,000 comics to read on property
Excellent shower amenities

Cons

Website has only basic information
Online reservations Japanese-only
Comics are Japanese only
Hostel closed for cleaning 11:00am -3:00pm daily

To Check Availability and Make a Reservation

Comicap Capsule Hotel Reservations – Agoda.com – Recommended for booking hotels in Japan)

9. Len Kyoto Kawaramachi

Describing itself as an integrated cafe-bar and hostel, Len aims to be a gathering place for all people. The first floor is a beautifully designed lounge area, open to hostel guests and those wishing to use the cafe. The cafe is open from 8:00am -5:00pm, and serves breakfast options.

At 5:00pm it transforms into a bar. There’s also more substantial food options on the dinner menu, available from 5:00pm -10:00pm. The common-kitchen is available for guests staying at the hostel, and there is also a library with two computers that can be used by guests.

Prices

All rates listed are per person, per night at normal rates unless otherwise listed.

Twin Room (2 people): 3,400 yen
Queen Double Room (2 people): 4,400
King Double Room (2 people): 5,400 yen
Triple Room (3 people): 3,200 yen
6-Person Mixed (male & female) Dormitory: 2,800 yen
8-Person Mixed (male & female) Dormitory: 2,600 yen
Female-Only Dormitory: 3,000 yen

Location

Len is a short walk from two nearby bus stops. It’s a 7-minute walk from the Hankyu Kawaramachi Station, or the Shijo Subway Station.

If arriving from Kyoto Station, it’s recommended you take the bus or taxi as getting there by train is difficult. Once there, you’re in an excellent position to explore the surrounding Gion area, or stroll the banks of the Kamo River.

Pros vs Cons

Pros

Trained baristas in the cafe
Free tea in kitchen and library
Keypad lock on doors of all rooms
Curtains on dorm beds

Cons

No private rooms
Showers/toilets are not gender-segregated
Check-in time from 4:00pm -10:00pm

To Check Availability and Make a Reservation

Len Kyoto Kawaramachi Reservations – Agoda.com

10. Mosaic Hostel Kyoto

An informal hostel located close to Kyoto station, Mosaic is a friendly way to experience Kyoto. This is on our list for one of the best hostels in Kyoto because of its emphasis on socializing. Together with the bi-lingual staff, frequent social events, and cultural exchange opportunities, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet people here. The rooftop terrace allows you to take in views of downtown Kyoto from a hammock, and the cafe & bar and common room areas are both open 24/7. The common room has two computers that are free for guests to use.

Prices

All rates listed are per person, per night at normal rates unless otherwise listed.

Twin Capsule Private Room (up to 2 people): 3,500 yen X 2 – 7,000 yen per room
Twin Private Tatami Room (up to 2 people): 4,000 yen X 2 = 8,000 yen per room
Quad Private Tatami Room (up to 4 people): 4,000 yen X 4 = 16,000 yen per room
Private Capsule Family Room (up to 5 people): 14,00 yen per room
8-Bed Female Dormitory: 3,300 yen per person
30-Bed Mixed (male & female) Dormitory: 3,000 yen per person

Although called dorms, these are more accurately described as capsules and come with privacy screen, reading light, electric sockets and storage.

Location

Mosaic Hostel is a 6-minute walk from Kyoto Station, and is well served by the city’s transport options. There’s an AEON mall a 5-minute walk away and a convenience store nearby.

Pros vs Cons

Pros

Bilingual staff
Friday night beer pong
Capsules designed with a traveler’s needs in mind

Cons

Not great for families with young kids

To Check Availability and Make a Reservation

Mosaic Hostel Kyoto Reservations – Agoda.com

Whichever one of these hostels you stay in, you’re guaranteed a memorable trip—for all the right reasons. While the accommodation might be budget, the friendliness of the staff and their willingness to go the extra mile in helping you get the most out of your time in Kyoto is definitely five-stars.

What did you think of our 10 best hostels in Kyoto list? Have you stayed at an hostels in Kyoto? If you have any recommendations, let us know in the comments below!