Kyoto holiday rentals: flats & apartments & more

Discover a selection of 500 holiday rentals in Kyoto that are perfect for your trip. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or even pets, Vrbo holiday homes have the best amenities for hanging out with the people that matter most, including garden and internet/WiFi. Prices start at £ 49 per night, and flats & apartments and houses are popular options for a stay in Kyoto. Either way, you'll find a rental for everyone's needs.

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Find the best place to stay — Kyoto

Search 709 holiday rentals

Stayed Nov 2020

Kyoto visit

We had a wonderful time staying at this traditional house in Kyoto! I was super impressed when we met the hostess Eri, who greeted us wearing a beautiful kimono to show us the ins and outs of the house. She was perfectly prepared for our kids with bo...

Stayed Mar 2020

Great place to stay in Higashiyama, Kyoto

This is a wonderful place on a quiet street very near to the most interesting sites in Kyoto. It’s got two bedrooms, two toilets and a grand shower and bath. Owner speaks English fluently and communicated effectively. There is a kitchen area, small l...

Stayed Feb 2020

Well cared for and quite nice.

3 bedrooms and 3 shower rooms. A private Japanese garden and a tatami room. Lovely wooden beams. Wonderful location near Kiyomizu-dera, and walking distance from Gion district. Bus stop very near. The place is just one of many corporate properties --...

Stayed Jan 2020

An Authentic and Modern Guest House

The property was so great to stay in. My traveling partner and I had such an amazing time at the guest house. It was clean and homey. After a long day of sightseeing and shopping it was a great place to come and relax. It's just a short walk from the...

Stayed Jan 2020

Great for family get together

This is a very unique house to experience a traditional japanese living. We have 4 families (9 people) and the place fits us well. It's a bit small on the kitchen and living room, but this is very typical in Japan. My son was very excited about sleep...

Stayed Dec 2019

Great New Year’s Stay

We really loved our four days at Lily Machiya over the holidays in Kyoto. The house is a newly and lovingly renovated traditional wooden Japanese home with a large western bedroom upstairs and a tatami mat bedroom downstairs. There was an ample sized...

Stayed Dec 2019

One of the best VRBO stays

David and Yoshiko were great hosts. Flexible and helpful. Koto Inn was fantastic. A truly traditional and cozy place to rest from busy days in Kyoto. Well appointed and an incredible location. Walking distance to many old shrines and temples and easy...

Stayed Dec 2019

Sweet little house was perfect for our family of three.

We enjoyed staying at Acco's house over Christmas and the New Year. It's in a great location and is very quiet. We never felt cold because the heaters in the rooms are powerful and heat up the spaces quickly. Everything was spotless. We walked all ov...

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Destination guide

Kyoto – a modern metropolis steeped in ancient tradition

Japan's ancient capital is a beguiling destination replete with colourful temples, sacred shrines, meticulously manicured Zen gardens and tranquil tea houses. But these quaint sights are scattered throughout a mesmerising modern metropolis with sleek glass buildings, buzzing commercial districts and a thriving tech industry. The dining scene is predictably delectable, with restaurants serving everything from comforting ramen noodle soups to minimalist, Michelin-star cuisine. Kyoto holiday rentals range from chic studio apartments to lovingly restored traditional townhouses, so you're sure to find your ideal home-away-from-home.

Things to do

Sensational shrines and tranquil temples in Kyoto

First port of call for many Kyoto visitors is the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Perched on a picturesque hillside, this jaw-dropping complex dates back to the 8th century, and is accessible by a blissful 3-hour hike through 1000s of bright orange torii gates. Nijo Castle is another must-see. Constructed in the 17th century by Tokugawa shoguns, this imposing noble residence is as ostentatious on the inside as its gleaming white exterior suggests. Nishiki Market is sheer foodie heaven – an ever-bustling warren of colourful stalls where you can pick up everything from fragrant green tea to pungent dried seafood.

Activities

Sensational shopping and self-indulgence in Kyoto

Shopaholics of all stripes will be in their element in Kyoto. The city is awash with artisans touting colourful parasols, intricate carved wooden dolls, delicate handmade paper and engraved copper tea canisters. You'll also find tempting boutiques selling everything from flowing kimonos to edgy street fashion, and colourful emporiums stocked with vintage comics, retro video games and all things geeky. Night owls are similarly well catered for, with elegant sake bars, chic cocktail lounges and pulsing dance clubs to check out over the course of your stay. Or, for a quintessential Japanese experience, book a spot in a private karaoke booth and sing your heart out ‘til the early hours.

Weather

Sublime springs in Kyoto

Kyoto holiday rentals are in high demand at most times of year, but the spring months of March to May are particularly popular. The weather at this time of year ranges from fresh to gloriously warm, although rainfall is common, so be sure to pack something waterproof. Summers can become very hot, with intense humidity and heavy downpours. Late autumn is another great time to visit, with mild temperatures ideal for sightseeing. Winter is by far the driest time of year, but it can also get rather chilly.

Natural features

Pristine parks and urban oases in Kyoto

Kyoto is blessed with a wealth of lush parks and gardens. The grounds of the Shugakuin Imperial Palace are particularly awe-inspiring in autumn, when the myriad maple trees turn a vivid shade of red. If, on the other hand, you're lucky enough to be here in spring, head to Haradani-en Garden to admire the exquisite light pink blossom of its countless cherry trees. The Ryoanji Temple is home to Japan's most famous rock garden, while the Saihoji Temple's sensational secret garden is carpeted with vivid moss.

How to get there

Travelling to and around Kyoto

The nearest airport is in Osaka (ITM-Itami), located 24 mi (38.6 km) from the city centre. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could also fly into Kobe (UKB), which is 40 mi (64.4 km) away.

If you prefer to travel by train, Kyoto Sanjo Station, Kyoto Jingu-marutamachi Station and Kyoto Kawaramachi Station are the main stations that serve the city. You can see more of Kyoto by jumping on the metro at Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station, Shiyakusho-mae Station or Sanjo Keihan Station.

Can I find a vacation rental around Kyoto?

Yes, our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 709 vacation rentals near Kyoto. From 165 flats & apartments to 414 houses, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near Kyoto for a holiday or a weekend are on Vrbo.