17 Best Hotels & Ryokans in Kyoto for Autumn Leaf Viewing

"Kyoto", the ancient capital of Japan, shows various expressions in each season. No matter when you visit, there is a charm that is unique to that time, but Kyoto in the autumn is exceptionally beautiful. In addition to Eikando and Kiyomizu-dera, which are famous spots for autumn leaves, there are many hidden spots such as Kyoto Gyoen and Shogunzuka Seiryuden. It is unique to autumn in Kyoto that you can enjoy the vividly colored maple trees everywhere while walking around the city.

Choosing a hotel is very important to enjoy your trip to Kyoto in autumn! Popular hotels, such as hotels where you can see the autumn leaves from your room, hotels where you can relax while looking at the autumn leaves surrounded by nature, get booked up quickly. If you want to go to Kyoto this fall, be sure to check it out as soon as possible!

The Westin Miyako Kyoto is located on a hill in the Higashiyama area. As a luxury hotel, the extraordinary time begins the moment you step into the gorgeous entrance. Because of its good location on a hill, you can see all of Kyoto from the hotel. There is also a spa with natural onsen, so you can heal your cold and tired body.

There are many types of rooms available, but especially the view type rooms, where you can relax and enjoy the view of the red-colored streets of Kyoto from the large windows. In addition to many restaurants on the premises, there are also beautiful gardens called "Aoiden Teien" and "Kasuien Teien", so don't forget to appreciate nature even in the hotel.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Kawaramachi Jokyoji boasts a unique concept of integrating a temple and hotel, which is quite rare in Japan. By the way, during the autumn leaves season, there are so many people at all the temples that it's hard to relax. However, at this hotel, you can enjoy the uplifting atmosphere of a temple in a small group of people, such as having a morning work experience and having your goshuin stamp written by the chief priest.

Lanterns are placed throughout the hotel to create the atmosphere of a temple, and the inside of the hotel is filled with the pleasant smell of incense. There are not only Western-style rooms but also tatami rooms, so you can enjoy the Japanese atmosphere of Kyoto. There is no doubt that the stylish interior, such as the modern two-tone interior of black and white and the washbasin with the motif of hand washing, will definitely lift your spirits.

At Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion, which faces Yasaka-dori and is wrapped in an elegant atmosphere, you can enjoy the splendid autumn leaves even in the hotel garden. The lobby is about 6 meters high and has an excellent sense of openness. Through the large windows, you will be greeted by a garden that recreates the original scenery of Joan Shikei in a modern style. You can complete the check-in procedure while sitting on the sofa.

The guest rooms are a perfect space that evokes the ancient Japanese traditions and the eternal history of Kyoto, while also providing modern comfort. There are 157 rooms in total, including junior suites and executive twins. The moderate queen rooms are also wonderful, as you can take off your shoes and relax in them.

How about staying surrounded by nature and silence at the long-established ryokan "Kifune Fujiya" that has been in business since the Tenpo era? The inn is in a remote mountain. The air is sacred, and if you listen carefully, you can hear the sounds of the headwaters of the Kamo River. In autumn, the area around here is filled with vivid autumn foliage that is almost invisible, and you can encounter a particularly wonderful scenery even in the middle of the year. Enjoy the dynamic scenery that you cannot experience in the city during your stay.

There are Japanese-style rooms with great views, so you can have a peaceful stay. At night, the surroundings become even quieter, as if you were in your own world. If you open the window, you can hear the pleasant sound of a stream and feel the breeze full of negative ions, which is the perfect change of pace for those who are busy every day. Sit by the window and chat about trivial things.

Kamogawa where you can feel the seasons of Kyoto. If you want a special space where you can enjoy it with a large panorama, "Aoi HOTEL KYOTO" is recommended. Because it is located on the banks of the Kamogawa River, you can see the scenery of the Kamogawa River unobstructed. Not only during the day, but also at night, the atmosphere is completely different and very romantic. The time spent watching the beautiful scenery while drinking alcohol will be an exceptionally relaxing time.

There are only six guest rooms in total, so it's perfect for couples who want privacy. After touring many popular tourist spots for viewing autumn leaves, you'll want to spend some time just for yourself. Each room has a different atmosphere. In addition, most rooms are decorated with folding screen paintings, which have an overwhelming presence. Enjoy a stylish space just for the two of you, as if you were in a riverside art museum.

"Kyoyumoto Hatoya Zuihokaku" is a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Station, where you can enjoy a natural onsen with its own source. The autumn foliage in Kyoto is beautiful, but the downside is that it is quite cold. On the other hand, if you stay at this inn, you can relax in the hot onsen.

The rooms incorporate the best of both Japanese and Western styles, and are full of functionality, making you feel comfortable and at home. The soft lighting and wooden materials are perfect for relaxation. The "special rooms" and "Japanese-style rooms with natural onsen" have a hot onsen source in the room, so they are recommended for couples who want to enjoy onsen just the two of you.

Adjacent to "Kyoto National Museum" and "Sanjusangendo", it is perfect as a base. Blessed with rich nature, you can enjoy a comfortable trip to Kyoto at Hyatt Regency Kyoto. In the guest rooms, items such as tapestries made from old kimono fabrics and lantern-style lights are arranged to create a relaxing atmosphere.

The bath in the room is a spacious bathtub, and it is made of natural granite, so you can enjoy an elegant bath time. In the deluxe type and suites, the bathtub is made of cypress, so you can relax even more with an aromatic bath.

Accessibility is a must when choosing a hotel! If you're planning a trip to Kyoto in the fall, when you're going to do a lot of sightseeing, it would be great if it was even a little closer to the station. "Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA" is in a good location, about a 2-minute walk from Kyoto Station, making it a very convenient hotel to use as a base for your trip. Don't save your stamina for the return trip. After seeing the beautiful autumn leaves all day long, head back to your hotel and talk about your happy memories♪

The rooms are unified in natural tones, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The wall art and carpet patterns are sophisticated and extremely comfortable. Why not make your autumn trip to Kyoto a success at this wonderful hotel?

Photo courtesy of HOSHINOYA Kyoto (https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/hoshinoyakyoto/)

A stay at HOSHINOYA Kyoto begins with an extraordinary experience, accessing the property by private boat. About 10 minutes from Togetsukyo Bridge, at the end of the short boat trip, you will find yourself in a special space that only guests can enter. The sounds created by nature are pleasant to the ears, allowing you to enjoy nature with all your senses.

Photo courtesy of HOSHINOYA Kyoto (https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/hoshinoyakyoto/)

Located in a landscape conservation area, HOSHINOYA Kyoto offers river views from all rooms. You can enjoy the colorful autumn leaves of Arashiyama at any time from your room. In the morning mist, in the evening twilight... the autumn leaves change appearance depending on the time and weather, so you will never get bored no matter how much you look at them. You can also have dinner and breakfast in your room, so you can enjoy meal with your partner or friends while relaxing in the view outside without worrying about your surroundings!

"Kyoto Brighton Hotel" is located about 7 minutes by private bus from Karasuma Oike Station. When you think of autumn foliage, you may think of Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Arashiyama, but in fact, "Kyoto Gyoen", which is about a 5-minute walk from the hotel, is a little-known spot for autumn foliage. Autumn leaves in Kyoto are so popular that there are many people wherever you go.

The colorful lobby atrium at Kyoto Brighton Hotel is decorated according to the season. It's a stylish touch of hospitality to be able to feel the changing seasons even after checking in.

The guest rooms are coordinated in Kyoto-like calm colors, and a comfortable space with a living space separate from the bed space. After arriving in your room, first take a break with a cup of tea to soothe your tired body. The bathroom has a washing area, so you can warm up your body after walking around the autumn leaves. Depending on the room, you can see Higashiyama Nyoigatake, and the view is wonderful, so please enjoy the scenery to the fullest.

Kizashi The Suite, located in Gion, a district that is typical of Kyoto, is a luxury hotel with eight suite rooms in total. All rooms have different designs, and some even have a tea room or a Koya-cypress bath, giving the hotel a Kyoto feel.

Hotels have concierges on-site, so if you have any worries, feel free to ask them for travel support. If you're unsure about sightseeing or meal, why not ask for their recommendations?

About 10 minutes by shuttle bus from Kyoto Station. "Kyoto Tokyu Hotel" is a hotel where you can feel the uniqueness of Kyoto throughout the hotel, such as the courtyard that looks like a Japanese garden and the design that uses the colors of ancient Japan. The space with the courtyard that makes you feel the elegant atmosphere of the ancient city can be used as a cafe during the day and as a bar at night, so it's perfect for a break before or after check-in or before the autumn leaves are lit up.

There are many types of rooms available, from standard to suites, including cute rooms with plenty of Japanese charm, perfect for women traveling together. Relax and unwind after a long day of travel in a relaxing atmosphere.

Further inland than Arashiyama, Takao is famous for its autumn foliage. Located at the entrance to Mt. Takao in Takao is Japanese Hotel Momijiya Bekkan Kawa no Iori. In summer, the surrounding area is covered in green maples, but in autumn, it is completely covered in autumn leaves! Take in the fresh air and burn the colorful autumn leaves into your mind.

There are only 8 guest rooms in total, and most of them are equipped with open-air baths. Feeling the cool autumn air while bathing in the hot springs will help you relax from the core of your body. For dinner, enjoy kaiseki cuisine, boiled tofu, yuba shabu, etc., using seasonal ingredients.

After immersing yourself in the overwhelming beauty of the autumn leaves, why not immerse yourself in the tasteful design of the hotel? "THE SCREEN" is a hotel where you can directly feel the sensibilities of creators from Japan and abroad. Art is placed everywhere in the hall, and you can feel as if you are at a contemporary art exhibition.

All 13 rooms have different designs, so your trip will begin with the fun of choosing and deciding. Some of the suites even have impressive moonlight in the room! The soft light can be adjusted to match the phases of the moon, which has a great relaxing effect. There are also rooms designed by musicians and tatami craftsmen, and other spaces that can only be seen here, making your trip to Kyoto even more memorable.

"Kyoto Hotel Okura" is located in a perfect location directly connected to Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station, where you can overlook the wonderful scenery of the city of Kyoto dyed in autumn colors. This is the oldest hotel in Kyoto, and once you step inside the hotel, you will find an elegant lobby with European design and Japanese decoration. From the restaurant on the 17th floor, you can enjoy an elegant meal while overlooking Higashiyama in autumn.

There are many types of rooms available, and you can choose from views such as river view and city view. It would be nice to see the crimson-hued 36 peaks of Higashiyama mountain range from the window of your room. The furnishings exude a sense of quality. A higher level of relaxation is guaranteed.

Kyoto Arashiyama onsen Kadensho located about a minute's walk from Arashiyama Station, is the perfect place to enjoy Arashiyama's autumn leaves to your heart's content. The symbol of Arashiyama, Togetsukyo Bridge, is also within walking distance, so you can enjoy the autumn leaves just by taking a walk around the hotel. Once you pass through the elegant gate, you may be able to make the best memories with the atmosphere of Kyoto and the attentive hospitality.

There are three types of guest rooms: "Kyomachiya" with a typical Kyoto atmosphere, "Kyoto modern" that mixes Japanese and Western styles, and "Kyoto Japanese style" with the warmth of wood and tatami mats. The moment you enter, the scent of incense spreads softly, creating a relaxing mood. Up to 4 people can stay in the same room, so traveling with 4 friends is no problem! By the way, there are rooms with open-air baths, so if you're a couple, that's also recommended.

The hotel also has a large public bath and five private baths. The indoor bath in the large public bath is filled with natural onsen, which is said to be effective in making the skin beautiful.In addition, there are five private baths that can be used free of charge, and there are various types such as a cypress bath and a silky bath. Wrap yourself in a cute yukata and heal the tiredness of your trip to Kyoto by visiting the hot springs in the hotel.

About 3 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station. Rihga Gran Kyoto is a hotel filled with hospitality that stimulates the five senses with art, music, books, and meal. The guest room has a bed jointly developed with Simmons, and the bathroom is spacious with a washing area. You can rest your tired body from visiting autumn leaves.

The hotel also has a lounge for guests only, where you can enjoy free drinks, and a large public bath with a large tub. But what I especially look forward to is breakfast. The breakfast uses local ingredients, including Kyoto vegetables, and the cute appearance of the bento box makes it a feast for both the eyes and the tongue. Once you've fully recharged, it's time to head out for a walk to see the autumn leaves the next day!

There are many ways to enjoy autumn in Kyoto! A comfortable hotel will make your trip to Kyoto even more memorable. If you make a plan for your trip to Kyoto this time, and book the hotels that interest you in advance, you can spend an even more wonderful time than usual♪