For a first time traveler to Kyoto, what would be the better area to stay in - the area where the Hotel Fujita is located or where the Hyatt Regency Kyoto is located. What are these areas like?

Thanks

Been some years since I was last in Kyoto but from what I remember, the only thing that was necessary was somewhere central. Some more accommodation:

http://www.travellerspoint.com/budge...en-ci-645.html

Yes, if this is your first time and you have no particular preferece, what about a central area such as between Kyoto JR Station and Kyoto Shijo? Some people have been quite happy even at the Kyoto JR Station, at Hotel Granvia inside the Kyoto JR complex.

I have stayed at the Hotel Okura, which is a few blocks closer to the core of the central area of Kyoto than the Fujita. Central Kyoto is a great area for evening, as there are restaurants and shopping in walking ditance that are open fairly late.

On the other hand, the new Hyatt is located somewhat remotely, btwn. the station area and Higashiyama, and Higashiyama area closes down very early- by 6 p.m. You can get to Kyoto Station or Gion by cab from the Hyatt and there are restauants and shopping there, but it is not as interesting in the evening as Central Kyoto IMO (and you can also get to Gion easily from central Kyoto hotels). The Hyatt suffers somewhat by not being very close to a subway line. Most people seem to end up eating in the restaurants in the Hyatt at night. It is supposedly about 25 min by foot to reach Gion or Kyoto station, but for me that is a lot of wlaking after a full day walking around Kyoto.

Here are two good maps that will show you where the Fujita is,

http://tinyurl.com/ybwbtk

and where the Hyatt is-- this map doesn't have the Hyatt on it but it is very close to Kyoto Park hotel and next to Sanjusangendo.

http://tinyurl.com/yap7uv

My vote would be the Fujita if you want to go out at night and don't mind less luxury than you'd get at the Hyatt. Also, the Fujita rooms have that great view of the river.

If you plan to stay in at night, or don't mind cabbing it to Gion or Kyoto Station areas at night, and want luxury and great service, then the Hyatt is a wonderful hotel that has gotten good reviews on this board and tripadvisor. I believe the Hyatt is going to be much more luxurious than the Fujita, according to pics and reviews.

I really want to try out the Hyatt after having stayed at the Westin and the Okura. I don't know why you are choosing Fujita in particular. What is the rate? Also, look at the Hotel Okura if you want a good hotel in central Kyoto, or perhaps the Kyoto Royal Hotel.

I've stayed at the Fujita, and the location is very, very good. It is 2 blocks from the Okura, and I consider the Okura to have the best location in Kyoto.

From the Fujita, it's less than 5 minute's walk to Ponto-cho (lots of restaurants, entertainment, and character) to the Teramachi-dori pedestrian shopping mall/street, and to the subway. The Gion area is easily reachable by foot, as well.

Note that only some rooms at the Fujita have a river view. I wouldn't be concerned one way or the other about having a river view, though; one is not reminded of the Colorado River coursing through the Grand Canyon, or even the East River underlooking Queens.

Thanks guys for all your help. I will stick with the Fujita.... the Hyatt does look nice, but location is most important to me - as long as the Fujita is not some run down hotel! LOL!

Hi

My wife and I went to Kyoto last year and we stayed near "downtown" (if you can call it that). I have posted a trip report with some pictures on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com/japan_kyoto.htm . We stayed within walking distance of what seemed to be a center and it was also within walking distance to the metro so that we could get to the railway station.

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

I just got a message from the Hotel Okura and now remember why I picked the Fujita. At 39,000 yen, the Okura was a little pricey.. The Fujita seems like a good choice though!

My experience w/the Okura is that making a reservation far out before your stay can make a significant difference in rates. I booked right away (6 months before my stay) when reservations opened up for my dates of stay (stay was April 2006, prime season) and got a rate of 25200 yen per night for a superior double room. However, as the date of stay approached, the rates went up to much more than your quoted rate-- it went up to 47500 yen! So it paid to book early for that hotel.

Hi,
in August we staied at hotel Granvia inside the JR Kyoto station. I suggest it, very good hotel and the location is the best for trains / busses connection.

Price for a double room (no breakfast) in week days arount 22K yen.

Ciao.

Gianni