HOME Kansai Kyoto Gion, Kawaramachi, Kiyomizu-dera Temple Where To Stay In Kyoto for Cherry Blossom Season: 3 Budget Hotels Right Near the Sakura
Where To Stay In Kyoto for Cherry Blossom Season: 3 Budget Hotels Right Near the Sakura

Where To Stay In Kyoto for Cherry Blossom Season: 3 Budget Hotels Right Near the Sakura

Date published: 15 March 2021

Kyoto is a popular tourist destination that attracts many visitors all year round. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, which is usually from late March to mid-April, many spectacular sights will steal your heart away.

Here, let's look at some great cherry blossoms viewing spots in Kyoto and nearby hotels that are not too heavy on the wallet.

Each of these hotels offers excellent facilities and services at an affordable price, plus Covid-19 countermeasures in place.

Table of Contents
  1. 1. Hotel Kyoto Kiyamachi: Within walking distance of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where 1,500 cherry trees bloom!
  2. 2. Hotel Heian no Mori Kyoto: Great location for strolling around the Kyoto cherry blossoms!
  3. 3. Riverside Arashiyama: Unique hotel near the best cherry blossom spot in Arashiyama

1. Hotel Kyoto Kiyamachi: Within walking distance of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where 1,500 cherry trees bloom!

Cherry blossoms decorate the Kiyomizu-dera Pagoda. Photo by: Jin Kashima
Cherry blossoms decorate the Kiyomizu-dera Pagoda. Photo by: Jin Kashima

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.

Hotel Kyoto Kiyamachi is in a great location for sightseeing
Hotel Kyoto Kiyamachi is in a great location for sightseeing

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.

Guests can enjoy the many services and relax as if they were at home.
Guests can enjoy the many services and relax as if they were at home.

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!

The Higashiyama Wide View Twin offers a panoramic view of Higashiyama.
The Higashiyama Wide View Twin offers a panoramic view of Higashiyama.

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.

In 2021, to prevent the spread of Covid-19, breakfast has been changed to set menus from the previous buffet-style.
In 2021, to prevent the spread of Covid-19, breakfast has been changed to set menus from the previous buffet-style.

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

  • Hotel Kyoto Kiyamachi
    ホテル京都木屋町
    • Address 403-1 Namba-cho, Nishikiyamachi-dori Matsubara-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8027
    • Nearest Station 10-minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi Station or Keihan Gion Shijo Station, or about 10 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station on any line.
    • Phone Number 075-353-0101
    • Check-in: 3pm; check-out 11am
      Rates: from 8,905 yen per adult for wide-view twin rooms with a view of Higashiyama and more
      Closed: Open daily

2. Hotel Heian no Mori Kyoto: Great location for strolling around the Kyoto cherry blossoms!

The bright yae-beni-shidare blossoms framing the guest house in the East Garden
The bright yae-beni-shidare blossoms framing the guest house in the East Garden

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 Kyoto has a relaxed atmosphere and Japanese-style facilities.
Hotel Heian no Mori Kyoto has a relaxed atmosphere and Japanese-style facilities.

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.

A soak in the large bath will revitalize you from within, refreshing body and soul.
A soak in the large bath will revitalize you from within, refreshing body and soul.

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

Twin room with shower booth in the east wing, ideal for couples.
Twin room with shower booth in the east wing, ideal for couples.

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.

Kyoto Cuisine and Kappo Raku Raku's dinner menu: 5,500 yen (reservation required)
Kyoto Cuisine and Kappo Raku Raku's dinner menu: 5,500 yen (reservation required)

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

  • Hotel Heian No Mori Kyoto
    ホテル平安の森 京都
    • Address 51 Okazaki-Higashi-tenno-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 606-8332
    • Nearest Station Free shuttle bus available from near the east side of JR Kyoto Hachijo Exit (about 30 minutes)
    • Phone Number 075-761-3130
    • Check-in: 3pm; Check-out: 11am
      Rates: from 6,000 yen per adult for twin room with shower booths in the East Wing
      Closed: Open daily

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

3. Riverside Arashiyama: Unique hotel near the best cherry blossom spot in Arashiyama

After passing through the main gate, you will be greeted by a pathway full of cherry blossoms.
After passing through the main gate, you will be greeted by a pathway full of cherry blossoms.

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.

About a 3-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station. A 2-minute walk to the famous Togetsukuyo Bridge in Arashiyama.
About a 3-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station. A 2-minute walk to the famous Togetsukuyo Bridge in Arashiyama.

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

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

Standard triple rooms for up to three people with chairs, table, and kitchen (sink only).
Standard triple rooms for up to three people with chairs, table, and kitchen (sink only).

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.

Riverside Arashiyama's special room hot pot is a must-try. From 8,800 yen for two people.
Riverside Arashiyama's special room hot pot is a must-try. From 8,800 yen for two people.

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

  • Riverside Arashiyama
    リバーサイド嵐山
    • Address 10 Arashiyamanakaoshitacho, Kyoto Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 616-0004
    • Nearest Station 3-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station
    • Phone Number 075-205-5323
    • Check-in: 4pm; check-out: 10am
      Rates: standard triple room from 4,400 yen per person
      Closed: Open daily

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

  • Nison-in Temple
    • Address 27, Saganisoninmonzenchojincho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 616-8425
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Torokko Arashiyama Station (Sagano Scenic Railway)
      7 minutes on foot
    • Phone Number 075-861-0687

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

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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