Kyoto is beautiful, but it can be a logistical challenge. Here is how to choose the right base to save time, avoid crowded buses, and travel comfortably.
Kyoto is on every traveler’s bucket list. The Golden Pavilion, the endless torii gates of Fushimi Inari, the geisha district of Gion—it is a city of unparalleled beauty.
However, first-time visitors often face a harsh reality: Kyoto is huge, and getting around can be exhausting. Tourist buses are often packed to capacity, traffic jams can eat up your day, and you will likely walk over 20,000 steps daily.
Whether your trip is a success or a struggle often depends on one decision: Location.
To maximize your time and minimize stress, the smartest travelers are turning to Apartment Hotels located near train lines. Specifically, the brand Minn offers strategic “base camps” near major sites, combining the best location with the space to relax.
The Quick Verdict: To conquer Kyoto efficiently, skip the bus-reliant hotels. Stay at Minn—an apartment hotel brand located near subway and train stations, offering spacious rooms to recover from “temple fatigue.”
【Official】Check Out Minn’s Rooms & Atmosphere
(Located near Nijo Castle, Gion, and Kyoto Station)
The 3 Golden Rules for Choosing a Hotel in Kyoto
Many tourists make the mistake of booking a hotel just because it looks nice, only to realize it’s a 40-minute bus ride from everything. To navigate Kyoto like a pro, follow these three rules.
1. Ignore the Bus; Prioritize the Train (Subway/Private Lines)
In many guidebooks, buses are touted as the main way to get around.
The Reality: In peak season, buses are overcrowded. You might wait for three buses to pass before you can squeeze on.
The Strategy: Choose a hotel near a Subway (Karasuma/Tozai Lines), Keihan Railway, or Hankyu Railway station. Trains are punctual and traffic-free.
- Subway: Great for Nijo Castle and moving North/South.
- Keihan/Hankyu: Essential for Gion, Arashiyama, and Fushimi Inari. Staying near these lines guarantees you spend your time sightseeing, not sitting in traffic.
2. Stay Near Your “Top Morning Priority”
Kyoto’s most famous spots (like Kiyomizu-dera Temple or the Bamboo Grove) get impossibly crowded by 10:00 AM.
The Hack: Use your jet lag to your advantage. Wake up early and visit your https://www.google.com/search?q=%231 bucket list spot at 6:00 or 7:00 AM. To do this, pick a hotel within walking distance or a short direct train ride of that specific site. By the time the tour buses arrive, you’ll be finished and enjoying a coffee.
3. Prioritize “Recovery Space” (Living Rooms)
After walking 15 kilometers, a standard 15 sqm hotel room feels like a prison. You need space to stretch your legs, take off your shoes, and relax. Look for Apartment Hotels that offer:
- “Shoes-off” areas: Essential for hygiene and relaxation.
- Sofas and Living space: A place to sit that isn’t your bed.
- Separate Bathrooms: Soaking in a tub is the best cure for sore legs.
Where to Stay? Top 4 Strategic Areas in Kyoto
Depending on your travel style, here are the best neighborhoods to look for hotels in Kyoto near major attractions.
1. Kyoto Station Area (The Logistics Hub)
- Best for: First-timers, families with heavy luggage, and Shinkansen users.
- Why: You can drop your bags immediately upon arrival. It is the central hub for all trains, making day trips to Nara or Osaka effortless.
2. Nijo Castle / Karasuma Oike (The Center of Everything)
- Best for: Efficiency seekers.
- Why: This is where the two subway lines cross. You can go North, South, East, or West instantly. It’s a sophisticated area with great dining, yet quieter than the tourist traps.
3. Gion / Kawaramachi (The Cultural Heart)
- Best for: Night owls and atmosphere lovers.
- Why: You are walkable to the Geisha districts, Pontocho Alley dining, and Yasaka Shrine. Perfect for evening strolls after the day crowds have dispersed.
4. Gojo Area (The Hidden Gem)
- Best for: Value and peace.
- Why: Just one stop from Kyoto Station, it offers a calmer vibe near the Kamo River. It is walkable to Kiyomizu-dera but far enough to be quiet.
Why “Minn” is the Ultimate Strategic Base
Source：Minn Official Website
If you are looking for Apartment Hotels in these specific areas, Minn is the top recommendation. They have mastered the art of “Strategic Location + Home Comfort.”
1. Unbeatable Locations
Minn has placed their hotels exactly where smart travelers want to be:
- Minn Nijo-jo: Right across from Nijo Castle. Perfect for subway access.
- Minn Gion: Steps from Yasaka Shrine. You can walk to the temples before breakfast.
- Minn Kyoto Gojo: Near the station, great access to both the station and downtown.
- Minn Kiyomizu Gojo: Close to the Keihan line for Fushimi Inari and Osaka trips.
2. Spacious Living Rooms for Group Recovery
Most Minn rooms feature proper living and dining areas. Imagine coming home exhausted. Instead of collapsing on a bed in a tiny room, you can gather on the sofa, open a bottle of wine, and plan the next day comfortably. For groups of 4-8 people, being able to stay in one large suite rather than splitting up is a game-changer.
3. Kitchen & Laundry: The “Live Like a Local” Bonus
- Kitchen: Great for a quick breakfast to ensure you make that 7:00 AM start.
- Laundry: Kyoto summers are hot. Having a washing machine in your room means you can pack light and always have fresh clothes.
【Official】Book Minn Here for the Best Rates
Model Itineraries Using Minn as a Base
Source：Minn Official Website
Here is how staying at Minn changes your trip:
Plan A: Staying at Minn Nijo-jo
- Morning: Walk across the street to Nijo Castle right when it opens to see the gardens in silence.
- Day: Hop on the subway (Tozai Line) to get to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove quickly.
- Evening: Take the subway back, refresh in your spacious room, and walk to a local izakaya.
Plan B: Staying at Minn Gion
- Early Morning (6:30 AM): Walk to Kiyomizu-dera and Sannenzaka. No crowds, just you and the pagodas. This is only possible because you are staying nearby.
- Day: Take the Keihan train to Fushimi Inari (Vermilion Torii Gates).
- Night: Walk to Pontocho Alley for dinner by the river, then stroll home.
What is an “Apartment Hotel”?
Source：Minn Official Website
For those unfamiliar, it is the perfect hybrid:
- Hotel: Professional cleaning, fresh towels, security, and concierge support.
- Apartment: Kitchen, washing machine, separate bedrooms, and living space.
- The Benefit: You get the freedom of an Airbnb without the risks (cancellations, dirty rooms), and the reliability of a hotel.
Master Your Kyoto Trip with the Right Base
Source：Minn Official Website
The key to enjoying Kyoto is efficiency. You want to spend your time seeing history, not the back of a bus driver’s head.
By choosing an apartment hotel like Minn, located strategically near trains and major sites, you are buying yourself time and comfort.
Note: Properties in prime locations like Gion and Nijo Castle fill up months in advance. Secure your base camp early.
Find the perfect location for your trip:
【Official】Check Out Minn’s Rooms & Atmosphere
(Select your preferred area: Gion, Nijo Castle, Kyoto Station, etc.)