Recently my story, ‘6 of the best foodie stays in Kyoto’, was published in Escape.com.au. Each accommodation included in the story was outstanding , not just when it came to food but also hospitality, comfort and its own personal style. A few snaps below to whet your appetite!
However, there are so many more places, suitable to a wide range of tastes and budgets that I would love to have included. That being in a perfect world where wordcount, space and time was unlimited and I was able to cater for every traveller in the universe… Instead I’m popping just a few extra considerations here for you now!
I’d firstly like to direct your attention to these Beautiful Kyoto Hotels – most of which had some really interesting in-house fine-dining and more casual options. I didn’t get to eat at them all but intend to eventually – I have Moksa’s handsome restaurant at the top of my list, then Garryo Nijo’s elegant bar/eatery and both the Italian and Japanese eateries at The Hiramatsu. Oh and that bar at The Higashiyama….
Additionally, I recently stayed at the following two Kyoto hotels – each with their own points of interest, several around food, and quite a different alternative to the accommodations mentioned above.
THE REIGN HOTEL KYOTO
This cosy little hideout is situated south of Kyoto station in a precinct convenient to both the Fushimi area (Fushimi Inari shrine/wonderful sake breweries, charming area to walk around) and the gorgeous Tofukuji temple and its famous patchwork garden ( wandering the surrounding, dotted with sub-temples and handsome residences is seriously blissful). On the opposite side, to the hotel’s west, the striking Toji temple (and its fabulous flea and antique markets and seasonal ‘light ups’) are only minutes away by taxi.
The hotel, despite being its proximity to a busy fly-over, which is actually strangely appealing to gaze across once you settle in, sits in a quieter less frequented part of Kyoto; not only a well known enclave for up and coming artists and creatives but home to the city’s Korean-Japanese community. There’s a swathe of great Yakiniku or Korean BBQ joints within walking distance and plenty of ramen shops too. The hotel’s owner is keen to promote the precinct which is little known to foreign travellers but he’s also a huge fan of Scandinavian style so, at breakfast and lunch, the ground floor cafe offers a range of Danish style open-sandwiches – savoury and sweet (think purple sweet potato puree, pear and hazelnut) – are accompanied by freshly made soups and healthy vegetable sides. The coffee is good and the cream filled Swedish Semla buns hard to resist! There’s also a rooftop with tables and chairs so you can BYO food to enjoy whilst overlooking the Kamogawa (Kamo River) which blossoms with Sakura in the spring. Rooms are snug and minimalist, but comfy – as you’d imagine given it’s desired Hygge vibe and the service is as warm as a hug. English is spoken and staff and management were really, really sweet people who are truly invested in making your stay memorable. True hospo folk. You’ll feel like part of the family.
There’s a subway station within easy walking distance which makes the Kyoto station area and all the shops and restaurants surrounding it, a few minutes from the hotel. Also a few minutes by taxi directly from the hotel.
The Reign will appeal to budget conscious creatives who don’t mind the peace and slower pace of this less ‘shiny’ precinct. In fact it moonlights as a gallery and is well connected to local art exhibits and trails – so just ask them for details. The Reign hotel will definitely appeal to those who like a big of rooftop reading/dining/drinking without the crowds, those who like a relaxed gallery hop and open to what little surprises they may find along the way in this ‘real’ less built up area of town.
Note: My wide-windowed room looked directly over the flyover and it’s humming traffic, transporting me into a Wes Anderson flick every time I sat down to witness its rythmn, and I can assure you that the noise is not an issue at night, even with the window open, with traffic seeming to evaporate after rush hour.
SOLARIA HOTEL NISHITETSU KYOTO PREMIER
Alternatively, if you are looking for a brilliantly well-positioned base, with comfortable, decent sized rooms (and quite the range of options – from standard twins to private rooftop gardens to really well kitted-out, subterranean dens with greenery filled, natural-light wells), separate male and female public baths, a hearty buffet breakfast with plenty of Japanese and western options – then look no further than Solaria Nishitestu Kyoto which is located on highly atmospheric Kiyamachi dori (street) – within walking distance of about 50 trillion restaurants and bars!!!! You are literally surrounded by food options. TOTALLY Spoilt for choice.
PLUS The hotel sits right on the west side of the Kamogawa (river) which can be enjoyed from rooms on the eastern side of the hotel – be sure to check before you book to ensure river-view rooms if that’s desirable. Which it should be!
Also – all the shopping/cafe hopping etc you could want for is just meters away on Kawaramachi dori (street) which runs parallel, to Kiyamachi street. Within 2 minutes walk is a handy subway station (and shopping mall) right beneath Kyoto City Hall – where you’ll also find occasional markets or pop up events. At the very least, it’s a nice spot to stop for an onigiri and people watching sesh!
