Caught sight of the news that Kyoto will be raising hotel taxes in 2026?
To be exact, for room rates between 20,000 to 50,000 JPY (approx. 174 SGD to 435 SGD) per night, visitors will have to pay 1,000 JPY (approx. 8 SGD) per person per night.
As for accommodations over 100,000 JPY (approx. 871 SGD) per night, the tax will be at 10,000 JPY (approx. 87 SGD).
If approval is granted by the city assembly, the rise in taxes will be a nightmare come true for Japan lovers.
So perhaps 2025 is the year you should visit Kyoto before traveling gets a little too expensive in 2026…
Here’s a list of award-winning hotels in Kyoto to book a stay in.
Book early to secure your spots!
Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
Rating: 9.1 (9.2K+ reviews)
First up, we have this hotel tucked in the heart of Kyoto.
Hotel Forza Shijo Kawaramachi plants you just 300 m from Nishiki Market.
This centrally located 9-floor hotel is the perfect spot for exploring the city’s sights on foot.
It’s also an easy 38.4 km from Osaka International Airport.
Twin rooms and family rooms for 3 are available for booking and the hotel features a 24-hour front desk (great for assistance at any time).
Kickstart your day with an energizing breakfast for an additional fee of 2800 JPY (approx. 25 SGD) if you’d like.
Sakura Terrace The Gallery
Rating: 9 (17.6K+ reviews)
For those seeking an adults-only getaway, Sakura Terrace The Gallery offers just the respite you need.
This hotel places you within a short stroll of Kujo subway station and Kyoto Station.
Selected rooms feature private balconies.
After a day of discovery, relax at the hotel’s rejuvenating sauna or burn some “sushi calories” at the fitness center.
It’s an approx. 45-minute ride to Osaka airport and proximity to nearby gems like Sanjusangendo Temple.
Hotel The M’s Kyoto
Rating: 9 (15.3K+ reviews)
Hotel The M’s Kyoto is less than a 10-minute stroll from Kujo Subway Station, which puts you a quick ride from all of Kyoto’s must-sees, including the Kyoto Station Building and Sanjusangendo Temple—both under 1.5 km away.
They have rooms for duos to quartets.
Having opened its doors in 2021, this fairly new hotel is here so you can ditch the cramped hostels.
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi
Rating: 9 (9.5K reviews)
Solo Kyoto-trotting or hanging with your travel crew?
However you explore Kyoto, Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi has your back with attractions right at your fingertips—stroll 3 km to browse stalls at Nishiki Market or marvel at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Osaka International Airport is just a 45-minute drive away.
Comes with a range of single and connecting rooms that cater to all types of travelers.
Fuel up at the hotel’s breakfast buffet for just 1400 JPY (approx. 13 SGD).