Why Shijo-Kawaramachi is the Only Right Answer—for Most
Planning a trip to Kyoto? Choosing the right area to stay in can make or break your experience. With so many neighborhoods offering a mix of temples, shopping streets, and scenic riverside views, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, staying in the right location can save time, reduce stress, and elevate your trip.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best areas to stay in Kyoto—starting with the unbeatable Shijo-Kawaramachi—plus what to avoid, what to double-check, and how to make sure your hotel is really where it claims to be.
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🥇 Best Area Overall: Shijo-Kawaramachi (四条河原町)
When it comes to staying in Kyoto, Shijo-Kawaramachi is the clear winner for most travelers—especially if it’s your first time.
✅ Why it’s the best:
- 🏬 Downtown Shopping: This is Kyoto’s true city center. You’re surrounded by department stores, boutiques, vintage shops, cafes, and everything in between.
- 🌉 Walking by the Kamogawa River: Just a few steps away from peaceful riverside paths where locals walk, picnic, and play music.
- 🍶 Near Pontocho & Gion: Easily stroll to Kyoto’s nightlife area (Pontocho) or cross over into Gion for traditional streets and possible geisha sightings.
- 🚃 Fast & Cheap Access to Osaka: Just 45 minutes to Osaka via Hankyu Line or Keihan Line—no Shinkansen needed.
✨ It’s the perfect balance of urban convenience, traditional charm, and transport accessibility.
🥈 Second Best: Kyoto Station Area
If you prioritize easy check-in/check-out and plan to visit Nara or other cities, the Kyoto Station area is a solid second choice.
✅ Why choose Kyoto Station:
- 🛍️ Giant Shopping Hub: The station itself is a maze of restaurants, souvenir stores, clothing shops, and dessert kiosks.
- 🎮 Next-door Yodobashi Camera: One of the best electronics & hobby stores in the city.
- 🚄 Train Heaven: Shinkansen, JR, and local buses all converge here—perfect for day trips or catching early morning trains.
- 🏨 Large hotels, English-speaking staff, and luggage services are abundant.
💡 While less atmospheric, it’s very practical, especially for families or short stays.
⚠️ Areas to Be Cautious About
🕍 “Temple Areas” (e.g. Arashiyama, Higashiyama)
These spots are beautiful during the day but have limited activity after sunset:
- Most restaurants and shops close early (by 5–6 PM)
- Hard to find dinner or nightlife options
- Transportation options become sparse after dark
💡 Great for day visits—not for staying overnight unless you want a quiet retreat.
🚨 The Gion Confusion: Read This Before You Book
Many Western travelers think “Gion” means the charming, cobbled alleys of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka near Kiyomizu-dera.
In reality:
- Those streets are in the Higashiyama area, not Gion
- Some accommodations list themselves as “Gion”, even when they are 15+ minutes away
- This confusion is often used to make hotel locations seem more attractive than they are
🧭 The Real Gion:
- Gion is on the north side of Shijo Avenue, centered near Hanamikoji Street
- It’s beautiful—but not where those “Instagram-famous” alleys are
- Lodging options in true Gion are few, expensive, and not always ideal for logistics
✋ Double-check hotel maps before booking anything labeled “Gion.”
📝 Summary Table
| Area | Best For | Be Aware Of |
|---|---|---|
| Shijo-Kawaramachi | Shopping, nightlife, easy to explore | Very popular, books out fast |
| Kyoto Station | Transport, convenience, day trips | Less “Kyoto feeling” but very efficient |
| Temple Areas | Atmosphere, peaceful mornings | Quiet at night, not much to do after 6 PM |
| Gion (Mislabeling) | Proximity to old streets (maybe) | Often misrepresented, double-check location |
✨ Final Thoughts
If you want the best access to Kyoto’s modern life, traditional streets, and easy day trips, then:
🥇 Stay in Shijo-Kawaramachi.
🥈 Consider Kyoto Station if practicality is your priority.
🚫 Be cautious with anything labeled “Gion” unless you’ve verified the map location.
Would you like a hotel recommendation list based on this? I can rank them by budget, location accuracy, and English-friendliness if needed!
🎥 For more travel tips and guides on all things Japan check out the PiQtour YouTube channel!
