If you’re looking for a Kyoto hotel that combines incredible location, modern comfort, and a uniquely spiritual atmosphere, Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Kawaramachi Jokyoji is one of the most unforgettable places you can stay.
I spent four nights here during my May trip in 2024, and it turned out to be one of the best hotel experiences I’ve had in Kyoto—especially thanks to its peaceful temple connection, comfortable beds, and unbeatable convenience for shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
The most special part?
The hotel is physically connected to Jokyoji Temple, a 500-year-old temple that offers morning rituals exclusively for hotel guests. There’s also a small onsen-style bath, and even a Michelin-recommended “SANGA Oono” restaurant on the second floor.
If you want to stay somewhere unique—not just another business hotel—this place is worth adding to your Kyoto itinerary.
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Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Kawaramachi Jokyoji – Hotel Information
- Address: 620 Teianmaenocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto 600-8031, Japan
- Nearest Stations:
- 5 minutes on foot to Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Line)
- 12 minutes on foot to Shijo Station (Karasuma Line)
- My stay: May 2024, 4-night stay
- Nearby attractions:
- Takashimaya Kyoto – 1 min walk
- Fujii Daimaru – 1 min walk
- Kamogawa River – 5 min walk
- Convenience store (FamilyMart) next door
The location is, simply put, fantastic. If your Kyoto itinerary includes shopping in Kawaramachi, strolling by Kamogawa, or easy access to Arashiyama and Gion, this hotel puts you in the perfect spot.
First Impressions & Lobby Experience
From the outside, the hotel is surprisingly understated. You might even walk past without realizing it’s a hotel. But once you step inside, the atmosphere changes immediately.
The lobby is designed in deep black tones, calm and elegant—almost like stepping into a modern art museum.
And the first thing you notice?
The scent of incense. A subtle temple fragrance that instantly signals you’re somewhere special.
Behind the pillar stands a flower arrangement created in collaboration with Daiichi Engei, styled in the traditional hanachozu manner. It’s one of those small details that shows how the hotel blends modern design with Kyoto tradition.
I went there in 2024 and the hotel was kindly enough to put a sign about the donation made to Taiwan. That’s why Japan and Taiwan are close. I saw similar signs in different shops on that trip.
The elevators are also beautifully designed: minimalist, quiet, and artistic—very different from typical Japanese business hotels.
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Room Review – Spacious, Comfortable, and Quiet
I stayed in a 24 sqm room, which is considered large by Kyoto or Japan standards. Many hotels in Japan offer 17–20 sqm rooms, so the extra space made a noticeable difference—especially for a four-night stay.
Room Highlights
- Comfortable and supportive bed (the star of the stay!)
- Panasonic hair dryer
- Kao-branded bath amenities
- In-room fridge hidden inside a cabinet
- Modern bathroom layout with sink outside, toilet and shower separated
- Tea bags from Ippodo, a famous Kyoto tea brand
The bed deserves special mention.
We walked over 20,000 steps every day during our Kyoto itinerary, but surprisingly, we didn’t feel the usual muscle soreness. The bed’s support was excellent, making sleep quality extremely high. I later found out the mattress was made by Serta—and honestly, I slept better here than in some higher-end hotels.
Bathroom & Amenities
The sink is placed outside the bathroom, making it convenient for two people to get ready at the same time. The shower and toilet are separate, which is another big plus.
The View
One thing to note: our room overlooked a cemetery. This didn’t bother us, but some travelers may want to request a different view.
Onsen Bath (2F Public Bath)
The hotel has a small onsen-style public bath on the second floor. The atmosphere is nice, but the space is very compact.
- Fits about 5 people before feeling crowded
- Only 3 seated spots for hair drying; the rest must stand
- Tattoo-friendly (you can request cover stickers at the front desk)
We used it twice during our stay, and while it wasn’t spacious, it was pleasant for a quick soak after walking all day.
Jokyoji Temple – Exclusive Morning Visit for Guests
One of the most unique features of this hotel is exclusive early-morning access to Jokyoji Temple, which is normally closed to the public.
- Morning temple visit: 7:20–7:40 AM
- Temple age: Over 500 years
- Connected structure: The temple shares an actual wall with the hotel
When we visited, the entrance opened automatically, and several guests were already inside.
The temple interior is built like a ring-shaped structure—minimalist yet elegant, with soft lighting illuminating the traditional paintings on the ceilings. It felt like a blend between a museum and a modern temple. Truly beautiful and serene.
You can also participate in morning sutra chanting, an experience that’s rare for casual travelers.
If you enjoy cultural or spiritual experiences, this alone makes the hotel worth booking.
Pros
- Excellent location near Takashimaya and Kamogawa River
- Very comfortable and supportive Serta bed
- Larger-than-average rooms (24 sqm)
- Exclusive morning access to Jokyoji Temple
- Good-quality amenities (Ippodo tea, Kao bath products)
Cons
- Some rooms overlook a cemetery
- Housekeeping can be inconsistent
- Sleepwear runs large(I am 5 ft) and isn’t petite-friendly
- Public bath is small and gets crowded
Other Services: Mitsui Lounge at Kyoto Station
Mitsui Garden Hotels offer a convenient luggage forwarding & lounge service at Kyoto Station.
For 500 yen per luggage piece, you can:
- Drop off your suitcase
- Enjoy drinks at the lounge
- Have your luggage delivered directly to your Mitsui hotel
We didn’t use this service, but frequent Kyoto travelers may find it very useful—especially on check-in or check-out days.
Final Verdict: Is Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Kawaramachi Jokyoji Worth It?
Yes—especially if you value:
- Excellent location
- Quiet, spacious rooms
- Comfortable beds
- Unique cultural experiences
We didn’t get to try the Michelin-recommended restaurant brand on the second floor, which was a regret, but overall the stay was relaxing, comfortable, and memorable. The combination of modern hotel convenience and the spiritual atmosphere of Jokyoji Temple makes this property stand out.
If you’re deciding where to stay in Kyoto—especially around Kawaramachi or Gion—this hotel is a strong choice.
I also stayed in another part of Kyoto, check out my Ace Hotel Kyoto review.
Ace Hotel Kyoto Review (2025): Inside Kyoto’s Michelin Key Design Hotel
Also read:
Where to Stay in Honmachi Osaka: Garner Hotel & THE BASEMENT HOTEL Review (2025)
Autumn in Nagoya: Visit Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
4 comments
Wow this looks like a great stay, and you’re so right – it’s large for Japan standards hahah. It’s nice that there’s an onsen, even if it’s small. It really helps to soak your feet and body after a long day of exploring. And that’s so dope you get access to an exclusive Temple, even if it’s limited timing. The temple looks gorgeous! Thanks for the stay recommendation!
It’s a cool experience and easy access! All you have to do is to book the room! The lobby and the overall atmosphere is a bit dark for me but the location is golden.
Kyoto is next on my list!! Definitely saving this for my future trip, that bed looks sooo comfy! I loved my recent trip to Tokyo and hope to spend more time exploring Japan.
I love Kyoto, been there 3 times and I love the culture! Tokyo is a big city but Kyoto is a city with history(and they are proud of it)