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Hotel · Kyoto · Kyoto

Smile Hotel Kyoto Shijo

A straightforward, well-located base in central Kyoto, close to transport links and the city's shopping and dining streets.

  • Central location near entertainment district and transport
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
  • 24-hour reception for flexible arrivals
8 Great 3750 reviews Booking.com 8 · 3750 reviews

About

Smile Hotel Kyoto Shijo

Smile Hotel Kyoto Shijo is a 3-star, smoke-free property set near Kyoto's entertainment district. The hotel provides practical amenities including a lift, vending machines for snacks and drinks, and laundry facilities. Rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle, and free toiletries. Some room types are available with a no-daily-cleaning option for a more economical stay.

The hotel is about a 25-minute stroll from Nishi-Hongan-ji temple and a short walk from several bus stops. The subway station is roughly two stops from Kyoto Station, making it easy to reach major sights like Nijo-jo Castle and the Kawaramachi shopping area. Guests have noted the convenience of supermarkets and convenience stores right across the street.

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

4 reasons to book
  • Exceptional staff — Multiple guests highlight the friendliness, helpfulness, and English-speaking ability of the front desk team, who also assist with luggage storage and bus passes.
  • Central, convenient location — Close to the subway (about 2 stops from Kyoto Station), bus stops, the entertainment district, and within walking distance of Pontocho, Kawaramachi, and food markets.
  • Good value for money — With rooms from £57 per night, guests repeatedly see it as a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on cleanliness or service.
  • Practical amenities — Free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour reception, vending machines, laundry, and luggage storage cover the basics for a city break.
–

Worth weighing

4 to weigh
  • Facilities are basic — Ratings for facilities are lower than other categories, and the hotel doesn't offer extensive on-site amenities beyond the essentials.
  • Comfort scores below average — The comfort rating is the second-lowest category, suggesting rooms may be more functional than plush.
  • No daily cleaning on some rooms — Certain room types come with a 'No Daily Cleaning' option, meaning you'll need to expect less frequent housekeeping service.
  • Limited room sizes — Many rooms feature a 'Small Double Bed' which is a single bed, and the Double Room type uses one single bed – a tight fit for two people.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Double Room Small Double Bed Non-Smoking No Daily Cleaning

  • 1 Single bed
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

Double Room Small Double Bed Non-Smoking

  • 1 Single bed
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

Twin Room Non-Smoking No Daily Cleaning

  • 2 Single beds
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

Double Room Small Double Bed Non-Smoking1Adult-No Daily Cleaning

  • 1 Single bed
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

Double Room Non-Smoking

  • 1 Double bed
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

Deluxe Room Non-Smoking

  • 3 Single beds
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

Twin Room Non-Smoking

  • 2 Single beds
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

Double Room Small Double Bed Non-Smoking

  • 1 Single bed
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub
  • Air conditioning

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

In-room

  • Air conditioning
  • Electric kettle
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Free toiletries
  • Trouser press

Hotel services

  • 24-hour reception
  • Luggage storage
  • Laundry
  • Massage
  • Fax/Photocopying

Food & drink

  • Vending machines
  • Children's buffet

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Lift
  • No pets allowed

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8
Great 3750 reviews

Guest-rated 8/10 from 3,750 reviews

Booking.com · 8 · 3750 reviews
8Verified guest

“I had a double room that came with a book and all the comforts I needed.”

8Verified guest

“The location was great, everything was clean, and breakfast was good.”

8Verified guest

“The front desk staff were incredibly helpful and friendly – they were great!”

8Verified guest

“The hotel is well located for exploring Kyoto – easy to get to Nijo-jo and the Kawaramachi shopping area. It's very close to a couple of bus stops and about two metro stops from Kyoto Station. Everything felt very clean and Wi-Fi was included.”

8Verified guest

“Great location, just a 10-minute walk from Pontocho and two stops from the train station. Staff were very kind, as is usual in Japan. You can buy a one-day bus pass right at the reception.”

8Verified guest

“The location was a game changer – supermarkets and a convenience store right across the street. The metro station was also a short walk away, making it easy to get around.”

04 — Location

Getting around Kyoto

The property sits in Kyoto.

Getting around: The hotel is a short walk from a couple of bus stops and reasonably close to the subway, about two stops from Kyoto Station. A one-day bus pass is available at reception.

Shopping and dining: The Kawaramachi shopping area and food markets are within walking distance, and supermarkets and a convenience store sit right across the street.

Sights and culture: Nijo-jo Castle is accessible from the hotel, and Nishi-Hongan-ji temple is about a 25-minute walk away. The entertainment district is also nearby.

59-61 Nishinotoin, Shijo, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 6008494, Japan

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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 15:00-23:30
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
464 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in is from 15:00 to 23:30, and check-out is until 11:00.

Is there parking on site?

The hotel does not list parking as an available amenity. We recommend checking with the hotel directly if you're arriving by car.

Does the hotel allow pets?

No, pets are not allowed at Smile Hotel Kyoto Shijo.

Can I store my luggage before check-in or after check-out?

Yes, the hotel offers luggage storage, and guests have confirmed you can leave bags before check-in (if you arrive early) and after checkout.

Is breakfast included?

The input doesn't specify whether breakfast is included in the room rate. Some guests have mentioned breakfast positively, but we cannot confirm if it's complimentary.

Nearby

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The bottom line

For travellers who want a clean, central base in Kyoto without paying a premium, Smile Hotel Kyoto Shijo delivers. The location is the standout – minutes from the subway, bus stops, and the city's liveliest areas – and the staff consistently earn praise. Expect the basics done well rather than luxury, and consider booking a twin or deluxe room if you need more space.

8A solid, well-priced choice for exploring Kyoto, provided you value location over lavish facilities.

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