Top 10 Best Hotels in Arashiyama, Kyoto with Riverside Views, Private Onsens

Framed by emerald hills and the gentle flow of the Katsura River, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most enchanting districts. Famous for its bamboo grove, tranquil temples, and scenic Togetsukyo Bridge, it’s a place where travelers come to slow down and soak in the timeless charm of Japan. Whether you’re after the comfort of a luxury ryokan with private hot springs or a riverside stay on a budget, these hotels in Arashiyama offers something special for every kind of traveler.

Here are some of the best stays in this charming natural town — from traditional stays with onsen baths to family-friendly options that blend comfort and culture.

Luxury Hotels and Ryokans

For those who likes to be spoiled and pampered, these luxury hotels in Arashiyama with a mix of ryokan (traditional Japanese style rooms) and comfortable western style stays.

The Grandwest Arashiyama

A modern take on the traditional Japanese inn, The GrandWest Arashiyama welcomes guests with ten spacious rooms designed for comfort and calm. Just a five-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station and ten minutes from the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, it’s ideally located for exploring the district on foot or by bike — which the hotel offers free for two hours.

Rooms range from standard family suites to kitchen-equipped options, and breakfast can be added to your stay. You’ll find thoughtful touches like complimentary tea, coffee, and water in the lobby, and a friendly staff ready to share local secrets.

Nearby landmarks such as Tenryu-ji Temple, Horin-ji Temple (dating back to 713 A.D.), and the Katsura Imperial Villa are easy to reach, making this stay both convenient and cultural. Families particularly love the location — it’s rated highly for stays with kids.


Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Ryokan Togetsutei

Established in 1897, Togetsutei is a historic ryokan located right beside the Togetsukyo Bridge — one of Kyoto’s most photographed spots. The property’s riverside setting gives guests front-row views of the changing seasons, from cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant foliage in autumn.

Inside, rooms feature tatami mats and futon bedding, with some offering private open-air hot spring baths — perfect for couples looking for a romantic and peaceful stay. The ryokan’s highlight is its kaiseki cuisine, a traditional multi-course Japanese meal celebrating the art of seasonal flavors.

From the doorstep, you can walk to the Bamboo Grove Trail, Tenryu-ji Temple, and the Monkey Park, or take a scenic river cruise along the Hozugawa. With easy access to Hankyu and JR stations, Togetsutei is also a great base for exploring Kyoto’s major sites like the Gion district and Kinkaku-ji Temple.


Kadensho, Arashiyama Onsen – Kyoritsu Resort

Located directly across from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, Kadensho blends elegance, tradition, and comfort. Its name, inspired by the poetic phrase Kadensho by Zeami, reflects the idea of hidden beauty — and this ryokan lives up to it.

Guests can choose between Kyoto Machiya rooms inspired by traditional townhouses, Modern Kyoto rooms with Western-style beds, or fully Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring and futons.

Kadensho is known for its Shiki Yuzen Kaiseki dinner, a private dining experience that showcases Kyoto’s seasonal ingredients. You can also explore its five free-to-use private baths — each uniquely themed, like the Cypress Dream Bath or Bamboo Garden Bath — along with a large public bathhouse.

Other facilities include a yukata shop, tea house, reading lounge, and souvenir shop. The nearby Fufu no Yu open-air bath is a great way to unwind in natural hot spring water said to rejuvenate the skin.


Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto

For those seeking five-star comfort steeped in Japanese elegance, Suiran offers an experience like no other. Set along the Hozu River and surrounded by the serene Arashiyama Hills, this boutique hotel blends heritage with modern sophistication.

Its 39 rooms — including six specialty suites — are infused with traditional design elements. The Suiran Presidential Suite features a private open-air bath overlooking the hills, alongside all the amenities you’d expect from a luxury stay: plush bedding, in-room dining, and an intimate atmosphere ideal for unwinding.

Guests can enjoy fine dining at the on-site restaurant and café, where locally inspired meals highlight Kyoto’s culinary artistry. The hotel’s riverside setting makes it easy to explore the nearby temples, gardens, and scenic paths that define Arashiyama.


Rangetsu

Set beside the tranquil Ōi-gawa River, Rangetsu is a culinary ryokan offering a refined yet deeply traditional experience. Guests can stay in Japanese-style suites with private open-air onsen baths or choose standard rooms that still reflect Kyoto’s understated beauty.

Meals here are an event — seasonal Kyoto-style dishes served in elegant private dining rooms overlooking the garden or courtyard. The onsen water, drawn from underground springs, is known for its soothing and healthful properties. Rangetsu is a perfect retreat for travelers seeking quiet luxury wrapped in genuine hospitality.


Ranzan

Right in the heart of Arashiyama, Ranzan combines accessibility with authentic Japanese charm. The ryokan is within walking distance of the Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, and the Monkey Park, and is highly rated by families for its location and service.

Guests can relax in spacious public baths, stroll through the landscaped garden, or enjoy Kyoto-style kyoryori cuisine at Keiga Restaurant. Both breakfast and dinner are available as part of package stays, and the Superior Japanese-Style Room with Garden View can accommodate up to seven guests — perfect for family trips.

Extras like karaoke rooms, massages, and board games make it a welcoming spot for both relaxation and fun.


Budget Hotels and Ryokans

Travelers to Japan who likes cozy comfort, class treatment while sticking to budget, here are the top picks while you stay in Arashiyama.

Hotel Arashiyama

For travelers seeking comfort on a budget, Hotel Arashiyama offers unbeatable value right on the riverbank. Guests can enjoy breakfast while gazing at the flowing Katsura River and the famous Togetsukyo Bridge in the distance.

Rooms come with mountain or river views, private bathrooms, and modern amenities like WiFi, TV, and air-conditioning. The hotel also provides free bicycle rentals and on-site parking. The Bamboo Grove is just a 16-minute walk away, making it easy to explore Arashiyama’s best spots without a car.

With its scenic location, friendly staff, and peaceful atmosphere, this stay delivers much more than its price suggests.


Riverside Arashiyama

Pet-friendly and close to all the main attractions, Riverside Arashiyama is ideal for couples and families alike. The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, some featuring kitchenettes and sofa beds for added convenience.

Guests enjoy a shared lounge, 24-hour front desk, and thoughtful amenities like luggage storage and bicycle parking. The Bamboo Grove and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple are within walking distance, and Itami Airport is about an hour’s drive away. Clean, comfortable, and well-located — this is a solid choice for travelers on a budget.


Rhino Hotel Kyoto

Located near Saiin Station, Rhino Hotel Kyoto is a great base for exploring both Arashiyama and central Kyoto. The property offers spacious rooms with modern comforts and an impressive fitness center that includes an indoor pool, gym, spa, and sauna.

Guests can enjoy a mix of Japanese and Western breakfast options and easy access to restaurants and cafes nearby. It’s about a 25-minute train ride to Arashiyama, making it a smart choice for travelers who want city convenience without sacrificing access to nature.


Ryokan Yamazaki

For those wanting a more traditional yet affordable stay, Ryokan Yamazaki offers cozy Japanese rooms and a warm, communal atmosphere. A highlight here is its open-air café, where guests and locals gather over light meals and coffee.

The ryokan’s special suite features both Japanese and Western-style rooms and a private garden — a serene space to relax with family or friends. It’s an ideal blend of Kyoto charm and comfort, with genuine hospitality that makes you feel at home.


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