Karasumadori Kamichojamachi Agaru, Kamigyo, Japan | 81 75 432 6181
Quiet residential neighborhood across from Kyoto Imperial Palace
Walk to Imadegawa Station in eight minutes
Tranquil Japanese strolling garden on site
Choice of Western-style or traditional Japanese rooms
Two on-site restaurants serving Japanese and international fare
Free morning shuttle to Kyoto Station
Communal bath and karaoke rooms
Extensive events space
On-site gift shop selling Japanese souvenirs and clothing
On-site parking (for a fee)
Free wired Internet access in rooms (no Wi-Fi)
Guest rooms are dated
Free Wi-Fi is available only in the lobby
Breakfast not included in the room rates
The 88-room mid-range Kyoto Heian Hotel is most notable for its on-site Japanese-style strolling garden that sets a tone of peace and tranquility for the entire property. The hotel is located in a quiet residential area across from the Kyoto Imperial Palace. There's little else in the neighborhood, so guests will need to take public transportation to most attractions. Rooms are dated, and come either Western- or traditional Japanese-style configurations. Two on-site restaurants keep everyone fed, and there are karaoke rooms on site as well. Travelers who like quieter neighborhoods and do not mind being away from the action could also check out the Urban Hotel Kyoto, which has similarly low rates.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Tranquil, simple hotel with a mix of contemporary and dated styles
The hotel's magnificent Japanese garden sets it apart from others in the city. It is a sight in itself, with lush trees, shrubs, and winding pathways all around. It sets a relaxing, serene tone from the start. Inside, the lobby is spacious, but a bit stark, with beige carpeting and walls plus benches in the center and along the walls for seating. A wide hallway leads to a larger seating area with tables and chairs where guests can gather. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto the garden. The hotel offers an array of places for guests to hang out on site, including karaoke rooms and a stylish, contemporary restaurant, Cafe Arbois, with its attractive wood-paneled walls and funky chairs. The hotel is suitable for all types of travelers who prefer being in a quiet space and don't mind using public transportation to get to most attractions. Many domestic Japanese visitors stay here.
Location
Located in quiet residential area across from Kyoto Imperial Palace
The hotel is located on Karasuma Street across from the Kyoto Imperial Palace in the Nishijin District. It is a quiet residential area that is ideal for strolling, and the hotel is also conveniently located near public transportation for exploring the city by subway, bus, or train. The Imadegawa rail station is an eight-minute walk from the hotel, and the Kyoto Heian even provides a free shuttle to Kyoto Station each morning. The Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, one of the most visited sights in the city, takes about 40 minutes to reach by train, while the Kinkakuji Temple is 10 minutes away by car or taxi. The hotel's on-site historic Japanese garden is also a beautiful place for a leisurely walk and is an attraction on its own. Osaka International Airport is about 50 minutes away by car, or an hour and a half by train.
Rooms
Well-kept but dated Japanese- or Western-style rooms
Guests can choose between Western or Japanese-style rooms, and all come with wired Internet access, mini-fridges, kettles for tea and coffee, hairdryers, and small flat-screen TVs. Western-style rooms are small and could use some updating. They feature old-style floral bedspreads, brown striped carpeting, light wood furniture, beige and white walls with a center wallpaper border, and robes and slippers. Decoration is minimal, with a single small piece of art that looks odd hanging in the middle of the wall. Tiny beige bathrooms have razors, toothbrush kits, hairbrushes, soap, and bath products in wall-mounted containers. Japanese-style rooms offer traditional Japanese appointments, with a low table in the center of the room and futon-style mats for sleeping. A traditional small platform, called a tokonoma, displays a bird sculpture or floral arrangement with art behind it. The Special Room has a western-style sofa bed and chairs as well as the traditional mats. Some rooms have beautiful views of the gardens. Others look out onto the city and its rooftops.
Features
Notable Japanese strolling garden, two on-site restaurants, plus karaoke rooms
The most notable feature at the hotel is its modern Japanese strolling garden with trees, shrubs, stone walkways and bridges, streams, a koi pond, and rock structures. Cafe Arbois serves all meals, including a breakfast buffet with Japanese and western selections (for a fee), overlooking the garden through floor-to-ceiling windows. The interior setting is lovely and serene, as well, with wood floors, tables, and walls, tasteful upholstered seating, and a stone accent wall. Hofune offers Japanese fare for lunch and dinner, and private rooms are available for groups. The small public bath is separated into men's and women's sides. Three karaoke rooms have large-screen TVs and sound systems for lively sing-alongs. One is bathed in bright red from walls to seating, with black accents. An on-site gift shop sells chilled beverages, clothing, and Japanese souvenirs and gifts. Multiple banquet rooms, including five that are Japanese-style, can handle meetings and social events of varying sizes. Several meeting rooms get good natural light, and some open onto the gardens. A small laundry room has coin-operated washers and dryers, and the vending room offers snacks and beverages. Wi-Fi is only available for free in the hotel's lobby, and on-site parking is available, though there is a charge.
