Gonna get my Gion on...

May 17, 2006 11:24 AM

Accomodations in Kyoto for Gion Matsuri?

Will be travelling in Japan for three weeks this summer (late June to mid July) and the "last hurrah" of the trip will be in Kyoto for the Gion Matsuri festival. My question is, basically, is it too late to find anything reasonable in Kyoto at this time? (Planning three weeks in Japan is overwhelming) Any recommendations for lodging in Kyoto (for a young couple)? If Kyoto is booked up, where are other places convenient to the city to find someplace to stay for the last few days of the festival? Thanks in advance...

posted by lovejones to Travel & Transportation around Kyoto-Shi, Japan (4 answers total)

Check out the J-Hoppers Hostel, if you're into that kind of thing.

I had an awesome experience, for a cheap price. Walking distance from Kyoto's main station, wireless internet, bikes are available, bilingual staff and a nice shared kitchen area with TV and lounge. During my stay there I met someone who I now consider one of my best friends (though this usually happens with hostel travel, I suppose).

Any question, just e-mail me.
posted by dead_ at 11:44 AM on May 17, 2006

Check out my accommodations pages here, here, here, and Japanese Inn Group directory here.
posted by planetkyoto at 2:53 PM on May 17, 2006

Just spent two nights at the Ryokan Hinomoto - about a ten-minute walk from Gion on the west side of the river. Kawaramachi/Matsubara area.

075-351-4563
posted by avocet at 4:22 AM on May 18, 2006

Second the Hinomoto; no idea if it's too late for booking during Gion Matsuri, however. Or if that's even a problematic time, as it's on the other side of the river.
posted by Rash at 8:30 AM on May 18, 2006