If you are on a tight travel budget and planning to visit Kyoto, the good news is that you don’t have to cut corners to experience the best of this ancient city. Of course, it does help to plan right and plan smart, and the following insights will come in handy.
Affordable Accommodation
You don’t need to rough it to stay on budget. Look for affordable upscale hotels around Oike Street, near key attractions and the Karasuma Oike Station, which will be super handy for getting around. Ideal properties include Park Hotel Kyoto, which offers rooms and suites with modern comforts and free Wi-Fi, while also featuring an onsite café and bar, a gym (for working off the matcha parfaits!), and even a coin-operated laundry.
Hotel Offers and Loyalty Programmes
Booking directly via the official websites of the top hotels in Kyoto (like the one mentioned above) gets you the best bang for your buck, including the best room rates along and exclusive offers you won’t find at Online Travel Agencies. Additionally, pick a hospitality brand that has a free-to-join loyalty programme with member-only perks and the chance to earn points you can use not just in Kyoto, but at the brand’s hotels across the globe.
Free Things to Do
Yes, some iconic experiences in Kyoto cost absolutely nothing. Wander under the vermilion torii gates to Fushimi Inari Taisha, stroll the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, or picnic like a local at the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds. You can also visit the revered Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines and view live demonstrations at the Museum of Traditional Crafts (Fureaikan) for free, too. Pro tip: Stop by the Nishiki Market not only for affordable dishes but also to try yummy free samples!
Getting Around
The city was made for exploring on foot, and many attractions are close together; what’s more, walking lets you uncover hidden gems off the beaten track. For longer trips, grab a Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass for unlimited rides and effortless temple-hopping escapades. Prefer two wheels? Stay at a Kyoto hotel that offers bike rentals, which provide a budget-friendly and eco-friendly way to explore the city.
