Before arriving in Kyoto, I had built up an image in my head from countless Instagram reels and YouTube clips. Cherry blossoms drifting into streams, quiet lanes, and scenes of timeless beauty. I expected tranquility and a step back in time.
So when our train pulled into Kyoto Station, my first reaction was confusion. This looked like any other modern city. In fact, it looked like an industrial hub. Where were the streams, the cobblestones, the blossoms? I realized quickly that the clips I had seen were snapshots of a few picturesque neighborhoods, not the whole picture. It felt a bit like the time I thought all of San Francisco was as quirky as Lombard Street. Lesson learned: destinations are layered, and travel guides should probably frame them more realistically.
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo sits directly across from the east exit of Kyoto Station. If you are rolling luggage, walk to the far end of the station before heading out so you can stay cool during the short 200-meter trek. That location is one of the hotel’s greatest assets. After a train ride, the last thing you want is a long search for your hotel.
The lobby is lively and often crowded. Tour groups, both domestic and international, fill the space with chatter and anticipation. There is electricity in the air as people set out to see the city. The property itself is large, with multiple restaurants and meeting rooms. It feels more like a hub than a quiet retreat. Many tours even begin from a bus stop located less than 200 meters from the hotel. Around the corner, Aeon Mall provides shopping, dining, and convenience if you need it.
Our room was more spacious than many I’ve stayed in while traveling through Japan. It came with three single beds, each on the firm side. I plopped onto mine and nearly bounced back up. Not quite as punishing as a bed I once had in China, but close. Still, the extra space made it easy to spread out our bags and move comfortably.
The bathroom was a step up from what I’d experienced at our earlier Tokyo stays. Clean, efficient, and with a proper set of amenities provided in-room instead of the self-service station found in many business hotels. It may not sound like much, but small details like this add to the overall sense of ease. What stands out about Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo is not luxury but practicality. It is safe, comfortable, and positioned in one of the most convenient spots in the city. You step out and have Kyoto Station at your feet. From there, the entire city and beyond opens up to you.
Kyoto may not have matched the storybook image I once imagined, but Miyako Hotel gave us a base that worked exactly as it should. Not glamorous, not quiet, but dependable and central — the kind of place you’re grateful for when your real adventures begin the moment you step...
Read moreExcellent Location and Comfortable Stay at Miyako Hotel Kyoto HachijoOur three-night stay at the Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo was a very positive experience, largely thanks to its incredibly convenient location right next to the Kyoto Shinkansen Station. This made exploring Kyoto and taking day trips exceptionally easy, as all major train lines were within easy reach.Another significant advantage was the hotel's proximity to both an Aeon Mall and a Lawson convenience store. Having these just steps away was incredibly useful for grabbing quick meals, snacks, or any necessities, especially during those odd hours when other establishments might be closed.We were particularly impressed with the size of the rooms. For a four-star hotel in Japan, finding spacious accommodations can sometimes be a challenge, but our room at Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo was comfortably sized and provided ample space to relax after a day of sightseeing. The rooms were also well-appointed and comfortable.The check-in process was smooth and efficient, and we also appreciated the availability of their luggage storage facilities, which we utilized without any issues. Overall, the hotel felt well-maintained and provided a pleasant environment for our stay.As mentioned, the spacious rooms and convenient location are major highlights, making this hotel an excellent choice if you prioritize being near the train station. However, it's worth keeping in mind that, due to its popularity and prime location, the check-in and check-out areas can get a little busy during peak hours. It's advisable to factor in a potential short wait during these times to avoid any unnecessary stress.Despite this minor point, I would absolutely recommend staying at the Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo if you're looking for a comfortable and conveniently located hotel near Kyoto Station. Its spacious rooms, excellent amenities, and unbeatable access to transportation and nearby conveniences make it a fantastic base for exploring the beautiful...
Read moreExcellent Location and Comfortable Stay at Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo Our three-night stay at the Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo was a very positive experience, largely thanks to its incredibly convenient location right next to the Kyoto Shinkansen Station. This made exploring Kyoto and taking day trips exceptionally easy, as all major train lines were within easy reach. Another significant advantage was the hotel's proximity to both an Aeon Mall and a Lawson convenience store. Having these just steps away was incredibly useful for grabbing quick meals, snacks, or any necessities, especially during those odd hours when other establishments might be closed. We were particularly impressed with the size of the rooms. For a four-star hotel in Japan, finding spacious accommodations can sometimes be a challenge, but our room at Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo was comfortably sized and provided ample space to relax after a day of sightseeing. The rooms were also well-appointed and comfortable. The check-in process was smooth and efficient, and we also appreciated the availability of their luggage storage facilities, which we utilized without any issues. Overall, the hotel felt well-maintained and provided a pleasant environment for our stay. As mentioned, the spacious rooms and convenient location are major highlights, making this hotel an excellent choice if you prioritize being near the train station. However, it's worth keeping in mind that, due to its popularity and prime location, the check-in areas can get a little busy during peak hours. It's advisable to factor in a potential short wait during these times to avoid any unnecessary stress. Despite this minor point, I would absolutely recommend staying at the Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo if you're looking for a comfortable and conveniently located hotel near Kyoto Station. Its spacious rooms, excellent amenities, and unbeatable access to transportation and nearby conveniences make it a fantastic base for exploring the beautiful...
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