Elegant simplicity on the banks of the Kamo river
Genji Hotel Kyoto offers refined luxury and traditional design in a tranquil, culturally rich district of Kyoto.
Location:
Genji Hotel sits in the historic Gojo-Kawaramachi area of central Kyoto , just a short walk from Gion’s lantern-lit alleyways and the iconic Kiyomizu-dera temple. You’re tucked away from the tourist crowds but still close enough to enjoy the city’s cultural highlights, traditional teahouses, and serene gardens. The nearest metro is under ten minutes away, making it easy to explore further afield.
Rooms:
The rooms are a thoughtful blend of contemporary comfort and traditional design. Expect tatami flooring, cedarwood finishes, and oversized windows framing leafy views or temple rooftops. Each room feels considered, with handmade ceramics, plush bedding, and underfloor heating. A few suites offer private onsen-style baths for a peaceful soak after a day exploring.
Amenities:
There’s a small, seasonal kaiseki restaurant onsite, where local ingredients take centre stage. Guests also have access to a panoramic rooftop terrace and a minimalist library lounge, perfect for unwinding with a book or sipping matcha. Staff are discreet but warm, with helpful recommendations about the city's many attractions.
Activities:
If relaxation and meditation are your objective, then yoga mats are available on request. The hotel is well placed for self-guided temple walks and exploring Kyoto’s artisanal shops. Their dedicated Guest Experience team are also on hand to guide you through all of the activities that Kyoto has to offer.
Sustainability:
Genji Hotel Kyoto is committed to low-impact hospitality, with energy-efficient design, organic linens, and a strong focus on local sourcing. Toiletries are refillable, eco-housekeeping options are available and single-use plastics are kept to a minimum.

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Best places to stay in Kyoto
Kyoto Trip Inspiration
When to go to Japan
A month-by-month guide of when to visit Japan
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is ideal for winter sports in Hokkaido and northern regions, with plenty of snow. Tokyo and Kyoto remain chilly but offer clear skies for sightseeing. Explore Sapporo's Snow Festival and soak in an onsen for the ultimate winter experience.
February
February is the best time for skiing and snowboarding in Nagano and Hokkaido. The Sapporo Snow Festival is a major attraction, featuring stunning ice sculptures. Other areas are generally cold and dry and good for sightseeing.
March
March marks the beginning of spring, with cherry blossoms starting to bloom in southern regions like Kyoto and Tokyo. Enjoy hanami picnics under the pink blossoms. It's a great time for hiking and outdoor adventures.
April
April is the peak of cherry blossom season. Witness Tokyo's Ueno Park and Kyoto's Maruyama Park come alive with vibrant sakura. Golden Week, late April to early May, offers festive parades and events.
May
May offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities and hiking. Explore Tokyo's International Food Festival and enjoy the comfortable climate for sightseeing in Kyoto.
June
June is the start of the rainy season, known as tsuyu, lasting until mid-July. Although it's wet, explore Kyoto's temples and gardens amid light crowds. Festivals like the Sanno Matsuri in Tokyo showcase Japanese traditions.
July
July continues the rainy season, but the Tanabata Star Festival brightens the skies. Hokkaido hosts the Lavender Festival with fields of purple blooms. Kyoto's Gion Matsuri features grand floats.
August
August offers festivals and fireworks. The Obon Festival celebrates ancestors with lanterns and dances. Enjoy the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in Tokyo. Hokkaido's summer flower festivals are perfect for nature enthusiasts.
September
September brings comfortable weather and the iconic Kunchi Festival in Nagasaki. Explore the Sapporo Autumn Festival in Hokkaido. It's a great time for sightseeing with fewer tourists.
October
October features stunning autumn foliage in Kyoto and Nikko. Visit Tokyo's Meiji Shrine during the Meiji Jingu Festival and enjoy Oktoberfest celebrations. Ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures.
November
November showcases autumn foliage, with Kyoto's temples and parks ablaze in red and orange. Yoyogi Park in Tokyo hosts the International Food Festival, and Kyushu's hot spring resorts offer relaxation.
December
December marks the onset of winter, with holiday illuminations in cities and festive lights. Explore Hokkaido's Sapporo Snow Festival with breathtaking ice sculptures. Ski resorts open for winter sports enthusiasts.
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