Hiltons in Kyoto

[Tracy]

I have points nights booked at 3 Hiltons in Kyoto for 5 nights March 2025.
1st time visit to Japan so usual tourist stuff is a priority.
1 HGI Kyoto Shijo, king room, 138k points
2 Doubletree higashiyama, king room, 140k
3 Doubletree Kyoto station, queen room, 136k
I don’t have diamond so executive lounge access doesn’t apply. Location is my priority. I like to just walk to dinner/drinks/sights in the pm.
Which is best?

[meta]

Kyoto Station is far off many sights, but has great places to eat within the station.
Higashiyama one is also not really in Higashiyama central (about 30 min walk to Ninenzaka). Shijo one is also not ideal.

I’d say stay that’s the case for most hotels in Kyoto unless you’re prepared to pay a lot of money. So any would do. Shijo one is probably the closest to what you’ll need. Sights are dispersed, transport slow and it’s very crowded apart from February.

[Tracy]

Thanks @meta. That’s probably why I can’t decide between them, none are ideal lol. However, I have a fair few hilton points… The higashiyama one seems to be more expensive for most dates so I was assuming it was best located…

[Aston100]

Those are some redonkey donk prices.

[Lady London]

@Tracy @meta I hired an electric-supported bicycle from near the station in Kyoto run by a young trendy Japanese girl – meetng her was part of the experience – and went everywhere on it. Quick and easy. I’ll absolutely do it when I go again as it was possible to just stop and go into interesting local places as well as between the sights. Pretty sure the bike hirer offered extra insurance at a very moderate cost which I took too.

That was after I’d been in the nice shops area in department type stores as that was just to and from the hotel then on foot was fine for those.

[Jon]

I probably wouldn’t stay at the station unless you’re planning to use the trains a lot for day trips further afield. Can get very busy and hectic around there. I’ve been to Kyoto four times now and have concluded I really don’t like that part of town! 😉

Out of the three, I’d probably go with the DoubleTree Higashiyama (for location; I don’t know the hotel itself). The northern half of Higashiyama is one of my favourite parts of Kyoto, although you’d be right at the bottom edge of that. But you’re near the river, which can be lovely to walk along, you’ve got Gion about a ten minute walk away and if you go another 40-50 minutes beyond that (through some quite walkable interesting areas) you’ll get to the near end of the Philosopher’s Path, which is a lovely walk (maybe stop at Breizh cafe for a rest first! 😉 Also some enjoyable temples and gardens in that part of town. In a different direction, about 10 minutes walk from the Doubletree is Kawai Kanjiro’s House which is well worth a visit if you want to see what the inside of a traditional Japanese home / artists studio looks like. The subway is also very convenient for getting around – you’d have a station just round the corner from the hotel.

On my last couple of visits I’ve stayed up on Ebisucho (Hotel Mastay and Hotel Higashiyama, both lovely for different reasons but definitely avoid the basic rooms at the latter – tiny!) which is further north than the Doubletree, but that bit in between the two is where I’ve tended to spend most of my time – plenty to explore around there, and some lovely hidden-away restaurants (a couple that I would say are well worth seeking out are Zirael (vegan – which seems to be taking off in a big way in Kyoto) and Loosen Up).

[Tracy]

@aston100, I have absolutely no idea what redonkey donk means 😂. I think the points are pretty good, seems to be good as I’m going just before cherry blossom. I’ll be leaving Tokyo on 22nd March, maybe a chance to see some early blossom 🤞

@Lady London, that’s a fantastic idea. My OH has mobility issues so electric bike would be ideal

@jon, maybe that’s why the higashiyama one is usually the most expensive of the three. Thank you for all the pointers on sights & restaurants. It’s gonna be a bit of a culture shock so all recommendations are very welcome 😊

[meta]

@LadyLondon thanks for recommendation electric bike. Didn’t know. Will check it out in March when I am on a day trip.

@Jon Kyoto station is busy, but has the best and most affordable restos in all of Kyoto.

[Tracy]

Anyone stayed in the Hilton Tokyo and used the executive lounge? I’ve got a paid upgrade offer of 6215 YEN per night (using points for the room). Worth the upgrade fee?

[Jon]

Yes, albeit many years ago, pre-pandemic. I recall the lounge being small but nice, with a good F&B offering. Not sure the evening canapés quite go into replacement-meal territory (as some do) but I recall the breakfast being excellent. That may have all changed by now of course, so see what the web site has to say, but for £32 or so I’d say go for it – if nothing else the breakfast is probably worth that (especially if there’s more than one of you) and you may get a room upgrade or higher floor as well, perhaps.

[Jon]

meta wrote:

@Jon Kyoto station is busy, but has the best and most affordable restos in all of Kyoto.

I must have missed them lol. No, there are some good ones there certainly (have eaten at a couple), but I found the crowds just a bit too overwhelming. And there are many excellent (and affordable) restaurants elsewhere in town, especially the tiny little family-run types (eg one that I love is Hatsune Sushi – https://maps.app.goo.gl/xMcSGCHF4AqZtUEo7?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy)

[meta]

Tracy wrote:

Anyone stayed in the Hilton Tokyo and used the executive lounge? I’ve got a paid upgrade offer of 6215 YEN per night (using points for the room). Worth the upgrade fee?

The hotel has been refurbished. The lounge is now split I believe in two sections. You don’t need breakfast nor lounge access in Japan honestly. My partner who always insists we have a hotel breakfast said that it’s the only country in the world he wouldn’t want to spend money on hotel food. This is especially true if you are first time visitor. By using the lounge, you’ll miss on the cultural culinary experience.

For 6215 yen plus tax (they will charge you that on check out), you can have at least four meals if not five outside the hotel.

[jsto]

Any thoughts on staying in Kyoto versus Osaka with kids (3 girls will be aged 12, 10, 7)?

Looking to visit Japan for ~10/11 days – likely to spend around half our time in Toyko and half in Kyoto/Osaka (and do various day trips etc). Originally was leaning towards Kyoto as seemed nicer and calmer, and a good counterbalance to Tokyo, however the kids won’t be that interested in temples, gardens etc so Osaka may be better and more “fun” (and can do day trips to Kyoto, Nara etc). Welcome any thoughts!

[Jon]

Personally I prefer Kyoto, but I imagine others will say Osaka 😉 And you may be right – with young kids, Osaka may have more to offer. But both have plenty of castles and museums etc to see if that’s of interest to them (which I kind of hope it is lol – seems a shame to go all the way to Japan and not see the history first-hand 😉

Whichever you stay in, definitely do the day trips to the other, and elsewhere – the deer in Nara are quite a sight. If Kaleidescopes happen to be their thing (or yours!) look for Siloam cafe – https://maps.app.goo.gl/1yJU4iAZG1Vu23Mw7?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

Or maybe split your stay between both cities? I found 2 days in Osaka was probably enough, whereas I could easily spend 4-6 days in Kyoto. Then again I’m not that young, so… 😂

There’s also some fun little trains that run between Osaka and Kyoto, and Kyoto and Nara if you fancy an alternative to the more modern ones – I can’t remember the name off-hand but Google should assist.

[Jon]

To add: Aoniyoshi Kintetsu Limited Express is the train I was trying to remember.

[Tracy]

Thanks @Jon @meta. As Hilton gold I already have breakfast. I never like lounge food so it would just be a place to rest and maybe a glass of wine before dinner. Might be worth it just for that and the upgraded room, decisions decisions…

@jsto, I had the same thoughts when I started planning my trip. I have 5 nights booked in Kyoto and 2 in Osaka. However, I have 14 nights total to play with….

[John]

Tracy wrote:

@aston100, I have absolutely no idea what redonkey donk means 😂. I think the points are pretty good, seems to be good as I’m going just before cherry blossom. I’ll be leaving Tokyo on 22nd March, maybe a chance to see some early blossom 🤞

Means it’s ridiculous that people are willing to pay 700 USD for a HGI

I went at peak time in 2016 and Hilton/Conrad Tokyo and Osaka were like 50k or 60k points

[BJ]

@Tracy, I suggest you cancel all three and stay at Hilton Osaka. With a five njght stay and intentions to explore the area you will find it much more convenient.

Just my personal opinion but I found Kyoto the dullest place I’ve been in Japan. I’d combine Kyoto and Nara as a single day (organised tour?) trip from Osaka and focus your attentions exploring more widely elsewhere.

Tokyo is diffiicult for anyone to advise because there is just so much to it. Hilton Tokyo used to be my go to as I preferred Shinjuku. It’s dated but fine and the airport limo bus works well for it. Also a good option for getting Romance Car train to Hakone if that’s of interest. I think it’s best people do their research and decide which part of the city they want to stay and only then choose a hotel. These days I prefer Shibuya while my partner prefers Ginza so it’s a difficukt task.

Enjoy your trip.

[Tracy]

@John, is 140k points for 5 nights seen as too much? I’m ok with using points at equivalent £110pn for a doubletree including breakfast…I find it pretty easy to accumulate Hilton points..

@BJ I already have 3 days / 2 nights booked in Osaka and 5 nights in Tokyo. I think I’m looking forward to the quieter pace of Kyoto….

[Aston100]

meta wrote:

You don’t need breakfast nor lounge access in Japan honestly. My partner who always insists we have a hotel breakfast said that it’s the only country in the world he wouldn’t want to spend money on hotel food. This is especially true if you are first time visitor. By using the lounge, you’ll miss on the cultural culinary experience.

For 6215 yen plus tax (they will charge you that on check out), you can have at least four meals if not five outside the hotel.

I am curious.
I’m staying at the Crowne Plaza Osaka in early April (22k per night – booking a year out seems to have paid off).
They want about £12pp for breakfast.
I was very happy to pay that. That is until I just read your comment.

Am I likely to find eateries at breakfast time for the kind of money you are talking about? And more importantly, are they in the immediate vicinity?
Sometimes it really is worth paying extra for the convenience of hotel breakfast in my opinion. But I’m happy to go for a 10 minute walk in the morning to eat out.

[Tracy]

@Aston100 I also booked a year out but I haven’t noticed prices changing that much, especially for Osaka. I paid 17k points per night for HIX midosuji. It’s only 19k per night for my dates today..
My Tokyo nights, however, have increased a lot…
I will have breakfast included for all my nights in Japan but as I haven’t paid for it I will probably skip quite a few to see what I can find out and about. I have a daughter that keeps sending me TikToks of everything I need to try lol

[meta]

Tracy wrote:

Thanks @Jon @meta. As Hilton gold I already have breakfast. I never like lounge food so it would just be a place to rest and maybe a glass of wine before dinner. Might be worth it just for that and the upgraded room, decisions decisions…

@jsto, I had the same thoughts when I started planning my trip. I have 5 nights booked in Kyoto and 2 in Osaka. However, I have 14 nights total to play with….

You’re really willing to spend over £30 per night just for the glass of wine before dinner? Alcohol is dirt cheap everywhere and there are far better places to relax with a glass of wine before dinner at a fraction of the lounge access.

[Tracy]

@meta it’s not just a glass of wine though is it? It’s an upgraded room or maybe higher floor/better view plus access to tea/coffee/soft drinks on demand….my OH has mobility issues so having these on hand would be nice…

[meta]

The executive rooms at Hilton Tokyo are the same size as standard rooms. It’s just the name. You can’t also be sure they’ll put you on a higher floor. Still you can get soft drinks for much cheaper by going to a convenience store next door which is also part of cultural experience. I suggest you research better what the upgrade gives you.

[BJ]

My point was that even for Kyoto the Hilton Osaka would be just as convenient as the Kyoto properties with the added advantage of greater ease and more options to get to other places you might want to explore. I’m not saying there’s anything bad about staying 5 nights in Kyoto and staying mostly in the city because different folks lije differentvthings ut I think it would be a great pity to get in so deep with Kyoto alone given how much the region has to offer. I’m not sure at all if it is worth splitting 8 nights between two hotels there either, I’d get to onr hotel and stay there. HI and Suites Shin Osaka is a great budget option, I dumped Hilton Osaka for it on our last stay following feedback from @meta and have no regrets, I’ll be staying there again.