Higashiyama is a popular tourist area in Kyoto, where many famous shrines and temples like Kodaiji and Kenninji are located. Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a World Heritage Site, is one of the most famous and visited temples in the area.

In spring, a total of about 1,500 cherry trees, including Somei-Yoshino and wild cherry trees, are in full bloom, and you can enjoy a magical atmosphere amid clouds of flowers. The view from the inner sanctuary, which looks over the trees surrounding the main hall, and that from the Kiyomizu-no-butai (stage), are so beautiful that you will lose track of time.

A 20-minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera temple, Hotel Kyoto Kiyamachi is located in Kiyamachi, an area with such a relaxing atmosphere that it's hard to believe it is in the center of Kyoto.

The surrounding area is lined with high-class restaurants, and you can be surrounded by the atmosphere of Kyoto just by walking around. But you can also enjoy a more vibrant environment if you move to the bustling Kawaramachi area.

Hotel Kyoto Kiyamachi features an architectural design with attention to detail in every corner. The hotel mimics the intersecting of the Kamo River and Takasegawa River and incorporated other imagery of Kyoto, representing its history and seasons.

English-speaking staff are always available. Hotel brochures are in English and Chinese, and Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

Here are some comments from some foreign guests:
"Very good hotel, with amicable and helpful staff, in a very good location, with very good rooms. I will stay here again when I visit Kyoto."

"The traditional Japanese breakfast was excellent. We will gladly recommend this hotel to our friends."

Don't miss the stunning view from the rooms and the special breakfast!

To make you feel at home in the hotel, each item has been carefully selected. You will find a Tetsubin Kyusu cast iron teapot for delicious teas, and comfortable double-layered nightwear.

Rooms along the river offer a panoramic view of the Kamo River, one of Kyoto's most famous, as well as of various sightseeing spots along the river, allowing you to immerse yourself even more in the atmosphere of the city.

For breakfast, you can enjoy a Japanese and Western buffet prepared by experienced chefs and incorporate ingredients that are unique to Kyoto and specialty dishes that change monthly. With a healthy and rich breakfast, you can start your day full of energy.

Covid-19 Countermeasures
Disinfection, sterilization, and cleaning of front desk and facilities / Sanitizer installed in lobby, restaurants, and in front of elevators / Front desk procedures shortened / Disinfected after each guest leaves / Ventilation measures in place / Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature / Guests who feel unwell are prevented from staying at the hotel / Masks required/temperature check enforced / Restrictions on room service (entry) for staff

Centered on a pond and surrounded by paths, the grounds of Heian Shrine is a vast area with islets, bridges, and traditional stone placements that recreate the scenic beauty of many locations. The garden shows a different spectacle from season to season, and especially in spring, when the yae-beni-shidare weeping cherry tree, also mentioned by the famous novelist Junichiro Tanizaki's book Hosoyuki, blooms in all its beauty.

Stepping into the East Shinto Garden, take in the sight of the sky covered like a canopy and the view of Seihoike Pond floating on water. You will be delighted by the beautiful architecture and the cherry blossoms.

Hotel Heian no Mori is located in a green area near Higashiyama, about 10 minutes walking from Heian Shrine.

The most prized feature of the hotel is its large, open bathhouse, a rarity in Kyoto, and which offers a soothing view of a bamboo grove. Soak in the water and enjoy the stone garden and the sound of wind blowing through the bamboo.

There are a wide range of popular guest rooms and Kyoto-style meals.

The guest rooms are mainly Western-style for single to triple occupancy and can be used for business traveling and trips with family and friends. There are two types of rooms: the West Wing hosts general rooms and the East Wings with rooms with shower booths and no bath.

We recommend the modern Japanese-style room with a bed on tatami mats, popular for its relaxing feel.

Meals can be enjoyed at the Café & Restaurant Kyowarabe, where you can enjoy a wide variety of dishes from breakfast, to tea time, to dinner buffets, and at the restaurant Kyoto Cuisine and RakuRaku, where you can enjoy seasonal dishes prepared with local ingredients.

English-speaking staff is available. Wi-Fi is available in the entire building.

What guests say: "It's a good location. There are many Eastern and Western-style breakfast buffets. The Japanese-style and Western-style rooms have beds and are comfortable to spend time in."

Covid-19 Countermeasures
Disinfection, sterilization, and cleaning of front desk and facilities / Sanitizer installed in lobby, restaurants, and in front of elevators / Front desk procedures shortened / Installation of partitions/plastic sheets on the front desk / Disinfected after each guest leaves / Ventilation measures in place / Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature / Guests who feel unwell are prevented from staying at the hotel / Masks required/temperature check enforced / Restrictions on room service (entry) for staff

Nison-in Temple is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kyoto, Arashiyama, where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in relative peace and quiet.

The temple is named after the two statues of Buddha Shakyamuni Buddha and Amitabha Buddha, enshrined in the main hall.

The temple's approach, which starts straight through the main gate, is so wide that a horse can run through it, and is called the Momiji-no-baba, because of its famous autumn leaves.

The weeping cherry tree that adorns the main hall, designated as a cultural asset of the city of Kyoto, and the Fugen-zo cherry tree, are a rare type of cherry tree and definitely worth seeing.

To enjoy the cherry blossoms at Nison-in Temple it takes about 25 minutes on foot, but we recommend staying at Riverside Arashiyama, which has concept rooms for pets, bicycles themed, and a theatre inspired by the theme of sukiyori (giving your heart to what you feel is good, with a clear mind, without being bound by worldly concerns).

The cyclist rooms all have bike towers, the theatre room has a large projector, and the pet room has an earthen floor space where pets can relax and enjoy their stay.

Riverside Arashiyama is also equipped with a dog run and bicycle maintenance goods. In the theatre room, you can watch video-on-demand contents, but you can also bring and watch your own DVDs.

A theatre room where you can enjoy watching movies on a large screen.

In 2020, the entire building was renovated, and all 11 standard rooms, except for the concept rooms, will have an earthen floor to create an open space. The spacious area with a simple design that eliminates unnecessary things, provides a place where you can relax and discuss the best itinerary with your fellow travelers.

In addition, except for the regular twin type, the rooms are equipped with a kitchen, and simple cooking is possible.

English-speaking staff are always available. Hotel brochures are available in English and Chinese, and Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

Here are some comments from one of the foreign guests: "Amazing location, room, and staff. Very nice and modern room, close to all the tourist locations in the area."

Covid-19 Countermeasures
Disinfection, sterilization, and cleaning of front desk and facilities / Sanitizer installed in lobby, restaurants, and in front of elevators / Front desk procedures shortened / Disinfected after each guest leaves / Ventilation measures in place / Staff wear face shields/masks, wash hands, disinfect, gargle, and take their temperature / Guests who feel unwell are prevented from staying at the hotel / Masks required/temperature check enforced / Restrictions on room service (entry) for staff

Kyoto's cherry blossoms, with their pale pink hues coloring the historical landscapes of the city, fascinate the hearts of all who see them. If you stay at a reasonably priced hotel, you will be able to enjoy many cherry blossoms viewing spots. Stay at a nice hotel without dipping too much into your wallet and make your trip to Kyoto even more memorable!

*All prices in this article include tax
*Due to the effects of Covid-19, business hours may change, facilities may be temporarily closed, and service may be altered.
*This article and its contents are originally from 2021; check with individual hotels listed for details on current plans.

Text by Efeel