In our experience, the Hotel Imagine Kyoto hits the bullseye for travelers seeking a comfy home base in the heart of Japan’s ancient capital. This hotel’s spot near Sanjusangen-do Temple puts you in the thick of Kyoto’s must-see sights.
With spotless rooms, helpful staff, and modern perks like free Wi-Fi, it’s no wonder nearly 800 guests have given it a thumbs-up.
While the rooms are cozy and well-equipped, some might find them on the snug side compared to Western standards. Also, the shared lounge, while nice for meeting fellow travelers, might not suit those craving more privacy.
That said, this place is a gem for culture vultures and history buffs who want to dive deep into Kyoto’s treasures. It’s perfect for folks who prioritize location and cleanliness over spacious digs.
Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the good value, especially with perks like flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms. If you’re looking to explore Nijo Castle, the Gion District, and other Kyoto highlights without breaking the bank, the Hotel Imagine Kyoto could be your ideal launchpad.
We included this hotel in our 26 favorite hotels in Minami Ward, Kyoto.
Good To Know
- Hotel Imagine Kyoto is located in central Kyoto near popular attractions like Sanjusangen-do Temple and offers amenities like air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and a terrace.
- The hotel is highly rated for its location, staff, facilities, cleanliness, and comfort, receiving an overall rating of 9.1 out of 10 from 799 reviews.
- Room features include flat-screen TVs, safety deposit boxes, private bathrooms with bidets, and the hotel also provides additional services like a shared kitchen and concierge service.
- The hotel offers a variety of room types, including King Rooms, Superior Twin Rooms, Deluxe Twin Rooms, and a Family Suite, with cribs available for children under 1.
- Hotel Imagine Kyoto has implemented enhanced safety protocols due to COVID-19, including mandatory face masks in indoor areas and increased cleaning and disinfecting measures.
Overview and Location
Hotel Imagine Kyoto sits in the heart of Kyoto, conveniently located near popular attractions like TKP Garden City Kyoto, Sanjusangen-do Temple, and Kyoto Station.
Rated 9.0/10 for location by 799 reviewers, this 4-star hotel offers air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi, and a terrace.
The nearest airport is Itami Airport, located 26 miles away.
With its central position and high ratings, Hotel Imagine Kyoto provides an excellent base for exploring the historic city of Kyoto.
Guest Ratings and Reviews
Consistently, guests have praised Hotel Imagine Kyoto with an impressive overall rating of 9.1 out of 10 from 799 reviews. The hotel’s strengths are evident across key categories, as shown in the table below:
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Staff | 9.6 |
| Facilities | 9.3 |
| Cleanliness | 9.4 |
| Comfort | 9.4 |
| Value | 9.0 |
Guests have particularly appreciated the hotel’s friendly and helpful staff, clean and spacious rooms, convenient location, and artistic design. Comments highlight the excellent communication from the staff and the comfortable, clean accommodations.
Hotel Amenities and Services
The hotel’s common amenities include non-smoking rooms, private parking, and free WiFi throughout the property.
Room features consist of flat-screen TVs, safety deposit boxes, private bathrooms with bidets and free toiletries, and bed linen and towels.
Additional services offered by the hotel include:
- A shared kitchen for guest use
- Concierge service to assist with local recommendations and arrangements
- Vending machines on-site
- Daily housekeeping
- 24-hour front desk for assistance
The hotel maintains enhanced safety and sanitation protocols due to COVID-19, and face masks are required in indoor common areas.
Accommodation Options
The hotel offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different guest needs.
Guests can choose from King Rooms with 1 king bed and 2 futon beds, Superior Twin Rooms with 2 twin beds and 3 futon beds, or Deluxe Twin Rooms with 2 full beds and 2 futon beds.
The Standard Twin Room with Sofa features 2 twin beds and 3 futon beds. For families, the Family Suite offers 7 futon beds.
Cribs are available free of charge for children under 1 year old, but no extra beds can be added.
Guests should inform the hotel in advance of any special requests or expected arrival times.
Policies and Information
Checking in at Hotel Imagine Kyoto is possible between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM, but guests must provide advance notice.
Check-out is until 12:00 PM.
The hotel’s cancellation policy varies by accommodation type.
Children 7 and above are charged as adults, while those under 7 stay for free.
Pets aren’t allowed, and tattooed guests may face restrictions in public bathing areas.
To ensure safety, the hotel has implemented enhanced COVID-19 protocols, including mandatory face masks in indoor common areas.
- Check-in: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM (advance notice required)
- Check-out: Until 12:00 PM
- Cancellation: Policies vary by accommodation type
- Children: All ages welcome; children 7+ charged as adults
Getting to the Hotel
Conveniently, Hotel Imagine Kyoto is located just 26 miles from Itami Airport, making it easily accessible for travelers.
The hotel can arrange airport transfers upon request for a fee. Alternatively, guests can take a shuttle bus or taxi to reach the hotel.
Once in Kyoto, the hotel is situated in a central location, with popular attractions like TKP Garden City Kyoto and Sanjusangen-do Temple just steps away.
The hotel’s address is 19-1 Higashi-kujo Kitakarasuma-cho Minami-ku, Kyoto, 601-8017, Japan.
With its convenient location and easy accessibility, Hotel Imagine Kyoto provides a hassle-free arrival and departure experience for its guests.
Nearby Attractions
Hotel Imagine Kyoto’s prime location in central Kyoto provides guests easy access to a wealth of iconic attractions and cultural landmarks.
Just a short walk away, visitors can explore:
- Sanjusangen-do Temple, a historic Buddhist temple renowned for its 1,001 statues of the Kannon deity.
- Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the ornate Ninomaru Palace and impressive fortifications.
- Kiyomizudera Temple, an 8th-century wooden pagoda offering stunning city views.
- Gion District, the famous geisha neighborhood known for its traditional machiya townhouses and lively nightlife.
With the Kyoto Station conveniently located nearby, guests can venture out to discover Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage and timeless charm.
Safety and COVID-19 Measures
With the ongoing global health situation, Hotel Imagine Kyoto has implemented enhanced safety and sanitation protocols to prioritize the well-being of its guests.
Guests are required to wear face masks in all indoor common areas. The hotel has increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces throughout the property.
Hand sanitizing stations are available for guest use, and physical distancing measures are in place in public spaces.
The hotel works closely with local health authorities to ensure it meets all necessary COVID-19 guidelines.
Guests can feel confident in the property’s commitment to their safety during their stay in Kyoto.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Cuisines Are Available at the Hotel’s Restaurant?
The hotel does not have an on-site restaurant. However, it offers a shared kitchen for guests to prepare their own meals. The surrounding area has a variety of local and international restaurants within walking distance.
Does the Hotel Offer Any Special Packages or Promotions?
The hotel doesn’t offer any special packages or promotions on its website. However, guests can check with the hotel directly for any limited-time deals or seasonal offers that may be available during their stay.
Can Guests Request Early Check-In or Late Check-Out?
Guests can request early check-in or late check-out, but they’re subject to availability and may incur additional fees. The standard check-in time is 4:00 PM, and check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Does the Hotel Have Any Sustainability or Eco-Friendly Practices?
The hotel doesn’t explicitly mention any sustainability or eco-friendly practices. However, common amenities like free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and non-smoking rooms suggest the hotel takes some steps to reduce its environmental impact.
What Are the Options for Storing Luggage Before/After Check-In/Out?
The hotel offers luggage storage services for guests before check-in and after check-out. Guests can leave their bags with the front desk staff while exploring the area before or after their stay.
The Sum Up
Hotel Imagine Kyoto offers an exceptional stay in the heart of historic Kyoto. With its superb location, outstanding guest ratings, and range of amenities, the hotel provides a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the ancient capital. Travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and a touch of Japanese elegance will find an exceptional experience at Hotel Imagine Kyoto.