Choosing the right accommodation can completely change your travel experience in Kyoto (京都). Whether you’re planning to visit ancient temples, savor Kyoto’s elegant cuisine, or explore local shopping streets, staying near Kyoto Station (京都駅). During my recent trip, I stayed at Kyoto New Hankyu Hotel (京都新阪急ホテル) and discovered that its location, comfort, and convenience created the perfect base for exploring this beautiful city.
Why Location Matters in Kyoto
The best part about Kyoto New Hankyu Hotel is undoubtedly its location. Just a three-minute walk from Kyoto Station, Kyoto New Hankyu Hotel made every movement during my stay incredibly easy. Kyoto Station is more than just a transportation hub—it’s a shopping, dining, and cultural complex. Attached to the station are the elegant Isetan Department Store (伊勢丹百貨店) and the lively Kyoto Porta Underground Mall (京都ポルタ), offering a wide range of shops and restaurants. Right across the station plaza, you’ll also find Bic Camera (ビックカメラ), where you can pick up electronics, cosmetics, and souvenirs.
Even on days when I had no specific sightseeing plans, I could simply stroll around the station area, shop a little, grab a coffee, or sit quietly at the rooftop garden above Isetan and watch the trains roll in and out. Aeon Mall Kyoto (イオンモール京都) was also just a short walk away, perfect for a casual meal or quick shopping.
Exploring Kyoto’s Attractions with Ease
The Kyoto New Hankyu Hotel’s position made accessing Kyoto’s major sights incredibly simple. One morning, I hopped on a bus and within 20 minutes was walking up the historic streets toward Kiyomizudera Temple (清水寺). The view from the temple’s wooden stage over the city skyline was even more breathtaking than I remembered.
Another afternoon, I visited Ginkakuji Temple (銀閣寺), the Silver Pavilion. Although quieter and less flashy than the Golden Pavilion, Ginkakuji’s refined gardens and peaceful pathways made it one of the most meditative experiences of the trip. The journey there was straightforward with a quick transfer between subway and bus.
A short subway ride also brought me to Nijo Castle (二条城), where the creaking “nightingale floors” whispered ancient secrets underfoot. Evenings were often spent wandering through Gion (祇園), where soft lantern light illuminated narrow lanes and traditional machiya houses, creating an atmosphere that felt frozen in time.
The greatest pleasure was that all these experiences were possible without stress. Being so close to Kyoto Station meant I could make spontaneous plans, knowing that returning to the hotel was always easy, no matter where the day took me.
Comfortable Rooms with Thoughtful Touches
After busy days exploring Kyoto, coming back to Kyoto New Hankyu Hotel was a comforting routine. The rooms aren’t large by Western standards, but they are extremely practical and spotlessly clean. My room was equipped with USB ports, 110V, and 220V outlets, allowing me to charge my devices effortlessly without the need for an adapter—a small but critical convenience for international travelers.
The bed was firm and supportive, perfect for resting tired feet after long days of temple hopping. The bathroom, while compact, featured a deep soaking tub and a strong shower, making it easy to unwind and refresh. I particularly liked the hotel’s smart approach to amenities: rather than cluttering the room, essentials like toothbrushes (歯ブラシ), toothpaste (歯磨き粉), razors (カミソリ), and combs (くし) were available for guests to pick up as needed from a neat amenity station near reception.
Wi-Fi was fast and reliable throughout my stay, and small comforts like a mini-fridge and a kettle allowed for relaxing tea breaks in the room.
Practical Facilities for Comfortable Stays
Beyond the room itself, Kyoto New Hankyu Hotel includes facilities that genuinely add comfort to a traveler’s stay. A smoking room (喫煙室) is located on the lobby floor, separated from public areas to keep the air fresh for non-smokers. Public restrooms (ロビー階トイレ) are also available on the lobby level, which was particularly convenient for early arrivals or guests lingering after checkout.
The check-in process was efficient and friendly, with English-speaking staff ready to offer sightseeing maps and helpful tips. One small but important note: Kyoto, like many Japanese cities, charges a city accommodation tax (京都市宿泊税). For most stays at Kyoto New Hankyu Hotel, this comes to ¥200 per person, per night, collected separately at check-in. It’s a minor fee, but good to remember when planning your budget.
Perfect for All Types of Travelers
Kyoto New Hankyu Hotel works well for many kinds of visitors. Solo travelers will appreciate the safety, convenience, and endless food options nearby. Couples will love being able to stroll through Gion’s atmospheric streets at night without worrying about a long trip back to the hotel. Families will find easy access to attractions like Kyoto Railway Museum (京都鉄道博物館) and Kyoto Aquarium (京都水族館). Even business travelers will benefit from the strong Wi-Fi, practical workspaces, and quick transport links across the Kansai region.
The hotel’s straightforward style focuses on traveler needs, making it a solid choice whether you’re staying for a short visit or planning a longer Kyoto adventure.
Final Reflections on My Stay
Reflecting on my days at Kyoto New Hankyu Hotel, what stands out most is the feeling of freedom it gave me. I didn’t have to stress about long transfers or late-night returns. I could explore Kyoto’s temples, gardens, shopping streets, and hidden corners knowing that my comfortable room was just minutes away whenever I needed a break.
The combination of reliable facilities, excellent location, and a traveler-friendly atmosphere made it easy to focus on enjoying Kyoto itself. If you’re looking for a base near Kyoto Station that blends practicality with comfort, Kyoto New Hankyu Hotel is a wonderful option that will enhance your Kyoto experience.
Hotel Name: Kyoto New Hankyu Hotel (京都新阪急ホテル)
Address: 579 Shiokoji-dori (塩小路通), Shimogyo-ku (下京区), Kyoto 600-8216, Japan
Nearest Station: Kyoto Station (京都駅), approximately 3-minute walk
Nearby Attractions: Kyoto Tower (京都タワー), Isetan Department Store (伊勢丹百貨店), Aeon Mall Kyoto (イオンモール京都), Kyoto Porta (京都ポルタ), Bic Camera (ビックカメラ)
Major Sightseeing Spots: Kiyomizudera Temple (清水寺), Ginkakuji Temple (銀閣寺), Nijo Castle (二条城), Gion District (祇園)
Room Rates: From $70.49 USD per night (as of April 2025)
Breakfast Fee: ¥2,400 and up
City Tax: ¥200 per person, per night (payable separately at check-in)
Check-in / Check-out: Check-in from 3:00 PM / Check-out by 11:00 AM
Hotel Features: Self-serve amenity station, lobby smoking room, public restrooms, USB/110V/220V outlets in rooms
Google Maps Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Agoda Rating: 8.4 out of 10
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0 out of 5
Ideal For: Solo travelers, couples, families, business travelers
Official Website: https://www.hankyu-hotel.com
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