Hostel · Kyoto · Kyoto
Santiago Guesthouse Kyoto
A budget-friendly hostel in Kyoto's historic Higashiyama district, near Kiyomizu-dera and Gion.
- Walk to Kiyomizu-dera and Gion
- Luggage storage and lockers
- Shared kitchen and lounge
- Free Wi-Fi in common areas
7.3
Very good
652 reviews
Booking.com 7.3 · 652 reviews
About
Santiago Guesthouse Kyoto
Santiago Guesthouse Kyoto is a no-frills hostel set in the heart of Higashiyama, within a short walk of Rokuharamitsu-ji temple and Nineizaka. It offers a shared lounge, luggage storage, and a range of dormitory rooms, including female-only and mixed options.
The guesthouse scores well on value, with affordable nightly rates from around 17 GBP. Guests praise its location for exploring eastern Kyoto's temples, the convenient bus stop nearby, and the communal areas, which include a kitchen, TV room, and bar lounge.
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Safe deposit box
- No pets allowed
- Security
- Luggage storage
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
4 reasons to book- Location for sightseeing — Close to Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, and other eastern Kyoto attractions, plus a bus stop with links to the station and city.
- Friendly and helpful staff — Guests highlight the staff's English skills, check-in flexibility, and local advice.
- Value for money — Low nightly rates compared to other options, with free amenities like Wi-Fi, lockers, and toiletries.
- Comfortable sleeping arrangements — Beds come with privacy curtains, personal lamps, plugs, and some have assigned lockers.
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Worth weighing
4 to weigh- Dormitory-only accommodation — No private rooms are available, so guests share bathrooms and sleeping quarters.
- Limited check-in window — Check-in is only between 16:00 and 21:00, which may be restrictive for late arrivals.
- Strict no-pets policy — Pets are not allowed on the property.
- Mixed review scores in some areas — Room and service ratings are lower than the overall, indicating that not every aspect meets expectations.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
Shared Bathroom Dormitory Room Female only
- 1 Bed in shared room
12 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
Dormitory Room Female only
- 1 Bed in shared room
Dormitory Room
- 1 Bed in shared room
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
Property
- Wi-Fi
- Safe deposit box
- Security
- Luggage storage
- Lockers
Food & Drink
- Coffee shop
- Shared kitchen
- Bar/Lounge area
Comfort
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Dining table
- Cookware/Kitchen utensils
- Curtains
Leisure
- Leisure/TV room
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 7.3/10 from 652 reviews
Booking.com · 7.3 · 652 reviews
7.3Verified guest“The location was really handy, with quick access to sights and bus stops. Getting around Gion and Kiyomizudera was easy. The staff were friendly and helpful, and they let us check in early after cleaning.”
7.3Verified guest“We loved how close it was to a temple complex and the metro. Walking to many great places was easy, and the lounge and kitchen were useful. The staff were nice and friendly. I'd recommend this hostel.”
7.3Verified guest“The lockers by the beds were convenient, no need to scramble for a spot. The futon was super comfy for two nights, and being near the famous shrines on the east side was perfect for us.”
7.3Verified guest“Great value! The beds were comfortable and felt private. Perfect location near sights and a bus stop. The staff spoke excellent English and were a big help.”
7.3Verified guest“Great location near famous spots, ideal for art lovers. The staff were really nice and helpful, which made my stay better.”
7.3Verified guest“I had a fantastic stay! The rooms were spacious and comfy, with AC and privacy curtains. The location was perfect—walking distance to the center, Gion, and Kiyomizudera. The staff gave great tips and made me feel like I was coming home. Highly recommend.”
04 — Location
Getting around Kyoto
The property sits in Kyoto.
Around the Guesthouse: You can walk to Kiyomizu-dera, a major temple, in roughly 15 minutes, and Gion's historic streets are even closer. Nineizaka and Rokuharamitsu-ji are also within easy reach.
Getting Around: A bus stop right next to the guesthouse connects you to central Kyoto and the main station, making it simple to explore without a car.
503, Gojyobashi6-Chome, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0846, Japan
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 16:00-21:00
- Check-out
- By 11:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Property
- 48 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 16:00 to 21:00, and check-out is at 11:00.
Is there parking available?
No parking information is listed for the guesthouse, so you should plan to use public transport or a nearby paid lot.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed at Santiago Guesthouse Kyoto.
What facilities are available for guests?
The property offers a shared kitchen, lounge, luggage storage, lockers, laundry, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.
Can I leave my luggage before check-in or after check-out?
Yes, the guesthouse offers luggage storage, and some reviews mention being allowed to use the common area after check-out.
The bottom line
Santiago Guesthouse Kyoto is a solid pick for budget travelers who want to be in the heart of Kyoto's historic district without spending much. It's not fancy, but the location, staff, and price make it easy to recommend for a short stay.
7.3Budget-friendly base for exploring Higashiyama
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