Kyoto Brighton Hotel
What We Love
- Free shuttle every 20 minutes to/from Karasumaoike Subway Station
- The Hotaru restaurant serves traditional Kyoto kaiseki (a menu of small Japanese dishes)
- Cool views from the rooftop pool and terrace
What To Know
- Bikes are available to rent
- WiFi is free
- Rooftop pool is open July to September
- It's a short walk to Kyoto's imperial palace
Amenities
- Babysitting
- Bar
- Free WiFi
- Gym
- Parking On Site
- Pool
- Restaurant

Overview
The Lowdown
In west Kyoto-Gosho, close to the imperial palace, the Kyoto Brighton is a classy crash pad with a rooftop pool and terrace. Beyond the light-flooded atrium, glass elevators whisk guests up to the 182 spacious rooms, which all have clearly defined seating and sleeping areas. The decor is simple, with light woods and plum carpets and sofas, and all rooms feature nifty air purifiers and bathrooms with soaking tubs and rain showers. There are four restaurants to choose from, including Kakan, which specializes in Cantonese fare, and Hotaru, a top-notch eatery that serves Kyoto style kaiseki (a multicourse menu of small, artistically presented dishes). The lobby bar is also an all-day tea lounge that serves organic brews and bowls of traditional matcha green tea.
In the Area
Kyoto is one of the world’s greatest cultural destinations, and the sights begin just steps from the hotel. The imperial palace, residence of Japan’s royal family until 1868, is just down the road. Sanjusangendo Buddhist Temple dates from 1266 and is one of the world’s largest wooden structures; inside, 1,000 life-size statues of Kannon (the deity of mercy) flank a giant 1,000-armed Kannon. Visit Kawai Kanjiro House, the residence turned museum of an eccentric 20th-century ceramic artist. Kiyomizu Temple, with its famous balcony offering views of the city, is dramatically perched on the side of a hill. From here, it’s an atmospheric walk through the historical streets to Gion, the largest of Kyoto’s geisha districts.
How to Get There
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Reviews
I chose this hotel as I thought was in a busy area - i was mistaken - yes it is near the gardens and it was very quiet and a bit out of the way - the hotel offers a shuttle bus to the closest train station - it takes a good hour to walk into town (where the main shopping area seems to be) and many restaurants - in hindsight i would have chosen something closer to the railway station - as that seemed pretty central to all sorts of areas. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the hotel but as I've titled this it's just not for me - i like to be able to get out and expore.
facilities are very considerate, environment is clean and service is excellent! Staff can spek English.
We stay in a room with three beds and have a 3-seater sofa, very spacious.
surrounding by old buildings which is the hertiage of Kyoto, evening scene is stunning❤️❤️
After spending time in Tokyo in tiny rooms and staffs that were barely adequate, we were thrilled with the Kyoto Brighton hotel.
It is truly a 5 star hotel with service that is way over the top. Every employee goes out of their way to be helpful.
The room was easily twice as large as anything we had had in Tokyo.
The shuttle bus service to the subway worked perfectly.
We stayed at this hotel for four nights in a triple. Reasonably priced. A spacious room with three separate beds. There was a nice sitting area with a sofa and table. The surrounding area had little to offer except for an authentic neighborhood sushi bar. The hotel offered a free shuttle to the subway. After a couple trips it was easy to navigate. The front desk personnel had limited English. But there was one young Japanese woman who worked there with a British accent (schooled in England, I believe), who was a wealth of information and helped us with our itinerary every day. The buffet breakfast was expansive and well worth the added cost.
Kyoto Brighton was a classic luxury hotel with very spacious rooms. The hotel is located in a quiet street a little away from the main street. The check in and check out was quick and efficient. The hotel staff was very warm and welcoming.
The front lobby cum café is very comfortable with a variety of finger foods, pastries and drinks. The buffet breakfast had a huge spread with loads of vegetarian options to choose from. There is also a Japanese breakfast available.
The hotel concierge was well aware of the tourist attractions and the travel times required.
All in all a comfortable stay for leisure or business.