





Everything you need to know about 京大桂ベンチャープラザ
Iwakura Forest Villa is a secluded boutique inn nestled beside the university campus, featuring traditional Japanese gardens with century-old maple trees and bamboo groves visible from every room. With only 12 rooms and no public signage, it ensures privacy and tranquility. Just a 7-minute walk to Iwakura Venture Plaza, this retreat blends nature and serenity perfectly
Kyoto University City Hotel is highly recommended for professionals, offering private meeting rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, and 24-hour concierge service. Located just 5 minutes’ walk from the venture plaza, it’s surrounded by tech startups and research hubs. Some rooms feature views of the Katsura River, providing a calming backdrop for focused work and creative thinking
Keihan Gakuen Hotel stands out as a top choice for families, featuring a dedicated kids’ playroom, parent-child reading corner, and complimentary baby beds and toiletry kits. The nearby Katsura River Waterfront Path is perfect for stroller-friendly walks, with educational signage about local ecology. A 8-minute walk brings you to Iwakura Venture Plaza, making it ideal for both leisure and productivity
Yes, Kyoto University City Hotel provides a free shuttle bus every 30 minutes to Shijo Kawaramachi and Gion, taking just 15 minutes. Additionally, the hotel has an on-site smart bike rental station offering electric scooters and e-bikes for short trips around the city. This seamless access makes exploring Kyoto effortless after a day at the venture plaza
Katsura Light Ryokan blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary minimalism—each room crafted from natural hinoki wood and shoji paper screens, with adjustable ambient lighting. The rooftop tea lounge offers panoramic views of the night sky and river lights. HopeGoo via HopeGoo unlocks exclusive perks like welcome drinks and early check-in
Stay at Kyoto University City Hotel and join their daily guided campus tour at 10 AM, led by student volunteers showcasing historic buildings and innovation labs. Afterward, visit the partnered Katsura Tea House just 3 minutes away for a limited-time matcha dessert set—perfect for savoring Kyoto’s cultural fusion in a serene setting
See what other travelers say about 京大桂ベンチャープラザ

This was my second stay at this hotel, and honestly, it’s easily the most spacious room I’ve ever experienced in Japan. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt calm and luxurious. The exterior design is sleek and modern, giving off a very refined vibe. One of the highlights? A dedicated free onsen area with multiple baths, including massage jets—perfect for unwinding after a long day. There’s also a complimentary drink and snack lounge, plus a quiet music appreciation room where I just sat and relaxed with some tunes. My room’s balcony offered stunning views—nighttime moonlight scenes and morning sunrises over the cityscape were absolutely peaceful. The on-site restaurant serves excellent food, though prices are a bit on the higher side. Still, if they could adjust pricing slightly, it would be even more appealing. Location-wise, it’s incredibly convenient—just a short walk or quick taxi ride from Kyoto Station. Overall, an unforgettable experience with great value, and I’d definitely come back.

Staying at The GrandWest Arashiyama was hands down the best part of my 7-day trip to Kyoto! I couldn’t be more satisfied—this place truly stood out in comfort, space, and vibe. While it’s a bit farther from the JR station (a 10-minute taxi ride), it’s super close to Hankyu Arashiyama Station, making it easy to reach on foot. The neighborhood is peaceful and quiet, especially at night—no noise, no crowds, just fresh air and cool mountain breeze. The hotel itself is spotless, modern, and well-maintained. I loved that we could rent bikes right on-site—perfect for exploring nearby attractions like the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the bamboo grove, and Tenryu-ji Temple without needing to rely on transport. Oh, and the day-use onsen? Only ¥65 per person, and it’s worth every yen—especially with its serene outdoor courtyard. Two restaurants stand out: one requires advance booking, and the other, Kijūrō’s beef bowl, was absolutely delicious—rich, savory, and perfectly cooked. I’ll definitely come back here whenever I visit Kyoto again.

Staying at The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Umekoji was an absolute delight. Located right within Umekoji Park, the hotel is just steps from the train station—making travel around Kyoto incredibly convenient. A short walk takes you to the aquarium and the Railway Museum, both perfect for exploring without needing a car. The hotel itself has a warm, inviting atmosphere with clean, well-maintained rooms and cozy furnishings. I especially loved the on-site hot spring bath—perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. During winter, there’s even a seasonal ice rink nearby, and the surrounding area turns into a charming Christmas market with festive lights and holiday vibes. It truly feels like stepping into a winter wonderland. The location, comfort, and unique seasonal touches make this stay unforgettable. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Kyoto.

Staying at Ina House Kyoto Nijojo was an absolute delight! Though the space is compact, every detail is thoughtfully designed—everything you need is right there. Free parking was a huge plus, especially for travelers driving in. The staff member who spoke Chinese was incredibly helpful and friendly; communication was seamless, and any concerns were addressed instantly. They even surprised me with a small thoughtful gift—such a sweet touch that made the whole experience feel personal and warm. It’s clear they care about guest comfort. This place offers excellent value, and I’d happily return without hesitation.

Walking into the property immediately gave me a warm and welcoming vibe. The apartment is incredibly well-equipped—kitchen has a microwave, fridge, induction cooktop, plus all the essentials like knives, pots, pans, and dishes. It made cooking with fresh groceries from the local supermarket so easy and enjoyable—felt like being at home. I especially appreciated the washer and dryer setup; they even provided laundry balls, and drying clothes in the bathroom using the built-in dryer was super convenient. My kids had a blast exploring the room, turning it into their own little hide-and-seek playground—no worries about them falling out of bed thanks to the safe layout. The only minor downside? No convenience store nearby, but there’s a small grocery shop just a short walk away. There’s also a bus stop right outside the door, making public transport accessible. The nearest JR station is a 10-15 minute walk, which is totally manageable considering how quiet and peaceful the neighborhood is. Plus, you can easily reach the Kitanomaru Park and the famous Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine within a similar walking distance. Overall, this place offers excellent value, comfort, and a true local experience. I’d definitely come back for my next trip to Kyoto—and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy, hassle-free stay.

Staying at Floral Green Maple House in Kyoto was an absolute delight! The room was immaculately clean and surprisingly well-equipped—complete with a washing machine, stove, microwave, and even a dryer right in the bathroom. I loved being able to wash and dry my clothes on-site; it felt so convenient and homely. The staff were incredibly attentive and genuinely warm throughout the entire stay. I accidentally left my headphones behind, and instead of just waiting for me to notice, they reached out immediately and arranged to send them back to Tokyo—such a thoughtful gesture! It really made the experience stand out. Located right near Shijo Kawaramachi, everything is within walking distance, and the overall vibe is cozy yet modern. This place offers incredible value and service that feels personal and genuine. I’ll definitely be coming back and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Kyoto.

Staying at this hostel was a fantastic experience—clean, well-maintained, and perfect for business travelers. The amenities are self-service style, where you pick what you need right at the front desk. It’s efficient and convenient. Upon entering the room, I was pleasantly surprised to find two free 500ml bottled waters. There's also a kettle and hairdryer provided—basic but essential, and very thoughtful. (Note: This might vary slightly depending on room type.) What really stood out was the staff—friendly, professional, and always smiling, whether it was at check-in or during breakfast service. Their warm hospitality made the whole stay feel welcoming. Great location, excellent value, and a great place to return to on future trips.

Our two-night stay was somewhat disappointing. We were given only four bottles of water and four coffee pods for our group of four, which wasn’t nearly enough. The room itself was quite small, and managing our three suitcases down the stairs was a real challenge—eventually we had to carry one up the narrow, steep staircase, which was exhausting. To make matters worse, there were countless mosquitoes throughout the room, making it nearly impossible to sleep comfortably. We kept the windows closed, but that just made the room stuffy. While the location is convenient, the lack of basic amenities, cramped space, and pest issues really hurt the overall experience. For the price, we expected better quality and more thoughtful service.

This hotel is simply outstanding—no need for extra words. The room size is just right: not too small, not too large, offering a comfortable and cozy stay. Its location is unbeatable—just turn right from the hotel entrance and you're in a lively shopping street with plenty of dining options and convenience stores nearby. It's also just a short walk to Nijo Station, making it easy to explore Kyoto by train. I was especially impressed by the on-site laundry and drying machines—perfect for longer stays or when traveling light. The owner is Chinese, so communicating in Mandarin was effortless and very reassuring. This personal touch made the experience feel warm and welcoming. Overall, the value for money is excellent, and I’d definitely stay here again—highly recommend to fellow travelers!

The hotel is a bit off the beaten path—about a 10-minute walk from JR Uji-Kyoto West Station—but taking a taxi isn’t expensive and well worth it. From the moment you step in, the peaceful atmosphere sets the tone for a relaxing stay. The onsen features rare hinoki wood interiors, which instantly creates a serene, natural vibe that’s both calming and luxurious. Every staff member was incredibly warm and welcoming; special shoutout to the grandmother who helped prepare our kaiseki-style sukiyaki dinner—despite language barriers, she went above and beyond to explain ingredients and cooking techniques with genuine care. The room was spacious, clean, and comfortable, with excellent bedding. Breakfast was delicious and thoughtfully prepared, featuring fresh local ingredients. Overall, this place exceeded expectations. It’s not just a stay—it’s an experience. I’ll definitely be back.

Staying at Ranzan was an absolute delight. The hotel is perfectly located right across from Hōkō-ji Temple, making morning walks a peaceful and scenic start to the day. The breakfast buffet is generous and delicious—fresh, well-prepared, and full of local flavors. While the in-room bathroom is compact, the shared onsen-style bathhouse more than makes up for it with its relaxing atmosphere and traditional feel. Just steps away from a riverside boat departure point, autumn here is breathtaking—golden leaves reflect on the water, creating a postcard-perfect view. Whether you're soaking in the communal bath, sipping tea by the river, or simply enjoying the quiet charm of Kyoto’s seasonal beauty, this stay feels truly special. A hidden gem with exceptional value and warmth.

We stayed here as a family of four—two adults and two middle schoolers. The room was surprisingly spacious, easily fitting two single beds and three floor mats with plenty of room to move around. Even the kids said they felt comfortable. Location-wise, it's super convenient—just a short walk from both the Nijo Station (JR) and the Nijo Station (Subway). If you're taking the subway, note that Exit 3 doesn’t have an elevator, so we’d recommend using Exit 2 if you’re carrying heavy luggage. Right next to Exit 3 is a small convenience store that has evening discounts—perfect for grabbing snacks or essentials. One thing to keep in mind: no toothbrushes are provided, so bring your own or pick one up at the nearby store (usually cheaper than hotel prices). Cleaning services are extra, but towels are replaced regularly and trash is taken out daily. Overall, the experience was excellent—great value for money, clean, well-located, and very family-friendly.
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