We are only going to be in Kyoto for two days, arriving late Sunday night. We will have all day Monday and Tuesday, adn then tak the train Tuesday night to Tokyo.

Where is the best area to stay in Kyoto for those 2 nights?

The best area to stay is either in Gion or just across the river from Gion. I would not stay in the area of the station -- it's not a bad neighborhood, but it's certainly not the best for tourism.

The Kyoto Hotel Okura is ideally located and is a top-class hotel. The Kyoto Royal Hotel is also extremely well-located, but it is less expensive (and not as nice).

I actually disagree about the area around the train station. While not scenic, unless your in Gion or the hills surrounding Kyoto, most of Kyoto is not that scenic. I've been to Kyoto twice and stayed near the station on the second trip (Heianbo Ryokan), which I found to be very convenient. Kyoto is not a walkable city and the sites are scattered all over, so being near the main bus routes was a definite plus. The train station itself (which has a department store, several malls, a hotel, etc.) also has a large selection of dining options. The only time I wouldn't recommend staying near the train station is if you have very young children who require frequent naps or returns to the hotel room. Check www.japaneseguesthouses.com for lodging ideas.

The important thing is to be near a subway station because that's how you will get around. Sites are spread all over so I don't think location makes all that much difference. I stayed in the eastern part (a 30 minute walk from the train station) and it was fine.

In July we stayed at The Gran Via hotel located just outside the train station.It was first class with all the mod cons I needed to counteract the 95 degrees/95% humidity factor.The location is
perfect for subways, city buses and the JR line.The neighborhood was fine for a stoll in the early evening.The large mall which faces the hotel has lots of good restaurants as does the hotel itself.You couldn't find a more central spot for your whirlwind time in Kyoto.Ask the concierge for a city map which keys the transportation systems to the places of tourist interest.It makes sightseeing VERY easy.Have fun !

Bonjour Diannap,

For only 2 days, I also think you should consider staying in as central an area as you can, and not too far from a transportation hub: look for hotels or ryokans in Nakagyo-ku (central ward), mainly the area comprised between Gion and Karasuma (E-W) and Shijo - Oike (S-N) ( http://www.itcj.or.jp/search/pref/kyoto.html ). Last May I stayed at the Hearton Hotel (www.hearton.co.jp) and paid Yen 10000 for a very good twin through the Welcome Inn reservation center http://www.itcj.or.jp/facility/5/facil/526078.html . The location is ideal (1 min to subway station Oike-Karasuma, 10 min on foot from Teramachi covered arcades, lots of good bus connections) and their Kaiseki restaurant excellent. It is also close from the Museum of Kyoto, where we had a fantastic all tofu dinner and bought wonderful paper gifts in the lobby shopping gallery.

Bonjour Kathyl,

Kyoto is a very walkable city indeed, provided you're staying more than a couple of days. One of the best way to visit, though, is bicycling, since it is mostly flat and you can ride on the sidewalk.

I agree that the station area is full of things to do and see (the station itself and its wonderful shopping/eating places, To-ji temple and its monthly markets, Higashi Honganji and the streets between it and its brother temple the Nishi-Honganji, the Kikokutei gardens, the costume museum, etc. - enough to keep you busy for weeks), but it is far from the usual "must-see" that the majority of people who have only a few days want to see.

Bonjour Jacqueline,

We stayed at the Granvia for a couple of night in May, I agree it's very good, if a little pricey for my finances. The shopping mall south of the station (Avanti) is OK, but the two inside (Isetan and my City) are much better. The food court (in the 2nd basement under the station) of Isetan closes around 8, and if you go there around 7:45, you can get great food to nibble on in your room at a quarter of the regular price: fresh crab sushi for 2 for Y 500, anyone ?