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7.7

802 reviews

Smile Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo

Smile Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo

Shimogyo-Ku Osaka-Cho 396-3, Kyoto, 600-8177, Japan

Choose dates to view prices

Restaurant

Free wifi

Air conditioning

24-hour front desk

Non-smoking rooms

Elevator

Upper floors accessible by elevator

Bidet

Smile Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo

Welcome to the Smile Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo, your perfect pocket of comfort in the heart of Kyoto! This charming 2-star hotel, located at Shimogyo-Ku Osaka-Cho 396-3, offers a delightful stay just 1.9mi from the vibrant city center. It's the ideal base for exploring the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto while enjoying the convenience of modern amenities. With a competitive starting price of just $45 per night, you're set for an adventure without breaking the bank!

Indulge in a delightful morning with the hotel's breakfast offerings before heading out to discover the stunning temples and picturesque streets of Kyoto. Enjoy the perks of free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and relax in air-conditioned rooms, with a bidet and bathtub to wash away the day's adventures. Need assistance? The friendly 24-hour front desk is at your service to help you make the most of your stay. Plus, you'll find non-smoking rooms and an elevator to whisk you up to the upper floors, ensuring total comfort during your getaway!

With 802 reviews under its belt, guests have showered the Smile Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo with praise, highlighting its welcoming atmosphere and a cozy vibe perfect for travelers seeking a home away from home. Whether you're here for the breathtaking cherry blossoms or the ancient temples, your adventure in Kyoto is bound to be unforgettable at this lovely hotel. So pack your bags, and get ready to smile – your Kyoto experience awaits!

As the sun begins to set over the iconic skyline of Kyoto, there's no better way to unwind than at the on-site restaurant, レストラン #1. Whether you're traveling with family or on a solo adventure, this family-friendly eatery offers an inviting ambiance where you can savor a delightful fusion of Japanese and European cuisines. Picture yourself enjoying a steaming bowl of ramen or a delicate plate of pasta, all crafted with the freshest ingredients to elevate your dining experience. With friendly staff ready to serve you, it’s the perfect spot to gather your thoughts and recount the day’s adventures while enjoying a taste of Kyoto’s culinary delights.

But that’s not all – when it comes to paying for your stay or a delicious meal, the Smile Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo has you covered! You can enjoy a seamless checkout experience with a variety of payment options, including major credit cards such as American Express, JCB, Mastercard, and Discover. Plan to keep your cash for those charming street stalls outside, where you can taste authentic local snacks. The hotel's focus on convenience allows you to enjoy your stay without worrying about payment hassles.

Exploring Kyoto can be an exhilarating experience, and nothing prepares you for the day quite like a hearty breakfast at the hotel. From traditional Japanese breakfast items to continental favorites, you’ll fuel up perfectly for a day filled with culture and exploration. So whether you’re wandering through the serene gardens of Kinkaku-ji or shopping for souvenirs at the bustling Nishiki Market, know that when you return to the Smile Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo, a warm atmosphere and cozy comfort awaits to welcome you back. Get ready for an adventure that’s packed with memories and a whole lot of smiles!

Closest airports

Osaka International Airport

23.3mi

Kobe Airport

39mi

Kansai International Airport

49mi

Chūbu Centrair International Airport

60mi

Most popular amenities

Restaurant

Free wifi

Air conditioning

24-hour front desk

Non-smoking rooms

Elevator

Upper floors accessible by elevator

Bidet

Bathtub

Rooms

Show 4 photos

Room - 1 Twin

1 Twin Bed

Smoking not allowed

Refrigerator

+

More details

This twin room is air-conditioned and has a TV, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor and heating. The unit has 1 bed.

Double Room - Non-Smoking  in Smile Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo

Show 4 photos

Double Room

1 Double Bed

120 sqft

Smoking not allowed

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

Air conditioning

Upper floors accessible by elevator

x4

+

x3

More details

The unit offers 1 bed.

Superior Double Room - Non-Smoking in Smile Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo

Show 4 photos

Superior Double Room

1 Double Bed

1 Sofa Bed

235 sqft

Smoking not allowed

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

Air conditioning

Upper floors accessible by elevator

x4

+

x3

More details

Two Connecting Double Rooms with Sofa - Non-Smoking in Smile Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo

Show 4 photos

Connecting Double Room

2 Double Beds

300 sqft

Smoking not allowed

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

Air conditioning

Upper floors accessible by elevator

x4

+

More details

Twin Room - Non-Smoking in Smile Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo

Show 4 photos

Room - 2 Twin

2 Twin Beds

150 sqft

Smoking not allowed

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

Air conditioning

Upper floors accessible by elevator

x10

+

x6

More details

Japanese-Style Twin Room - Non-Smoking in Smile Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo

Show 4 photos

Japanese Style, Twin

2 Futon Mat Beds

150 sqft

Smoking not allowed

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

Air conditioning

Upper floors accessible by elevator

+

More details

Show 4 photos

Room - 1 Bed, Smoking Allowed

Smoking allowed

+

More details

This double room offers air conditioning and a TV. The unit offers 1 bed.

Show 4 photos

Room, Smoking Allowed

Smoking allowed

+

More details

Show 4 photos

Deluxe, 1 Bed

Smoking not allowed

+

More details

The unit has 1 bed.

Show 4 photos

Deluxe

Smoking not allowed

+

More details

Japanese Style, Twin, Smoking Allowed

1 Twin Bed

Smoking allowed

More details

Japanese, Twin

1 Twin Bed

Smoking not allowed

More details

Guest reviews

7.7

802 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇺🇸

Jiren

8.2

June 2025

Very delicious buffet breakfast, complimentary beverage from daytime till midnight, and clean room. One of the check-in staff members is super nice (I think his name is Matsuo san) and he made us feel welcome.

The bathroom is very small, especially the toilet space being too narrow. Not every staff member was as nice as Matsuo san. Some staff members were a bit cold. I guess the manager needs to do more training for the staff and hopefully next time every staff member will be as nice as Matsuo san!

🇺🇸

Sarah

10

April 2025

You need to buy a breakfast ticket but we just went to the familymart to get breakfast. It was a perfect wonderful location right next to the entrance to the gojo subway station and several restaurants and combinis. So comfortable and clean, great value. pajamas and amenties were so nice

would be too small if we were more than 2 people but perfect for a couple. only one elevator and it's kind of small as well so sometimes we had to wait for it a while but this isn't a big deal. also a small laundry room that was a long wait to use, but this is understandable. extremely efficient use of the space that they do have.

🇸🇬

Jaselyn

9.1

November 2024

The hotel was super near the train station - made it really easy to travel around Kyoto. There were also food places and konbinis nearby should you need any food/drinks. Staff was friendly and they provided amentities such as comb, shaver, pyjamas, toothbrush, toothpaste, bedroom slippers, skin lotion for you to take near the reception. They provided a change of towels daily for you.

Bathroom was really small and cramped (they have already mentioned in the listing), but it was clean to use and soaps were provided. Air was a little dry/dusty - tbf they provided air purifier but we were too tired to figure out how to use it. There was only 1 lift in the building, so you need to wait quite a bit for it.

🇺🇸

Rika

10

June 2025

There is lady name MOEKA san was very kind and sweet and lm very appreciate it made our stay comfortably and l liked that’s is a Location / free hot , cold drink / no sounds from other rooms / laundry machine / very polite kind front desk , cleaning stuff nice toile , tub / mini mart right next door famous temple 2 min walk / we walked from main kyoto station to hotel took about 20 min walk passed long Ramen restaurant peoples was lined up waiting after the evening we went there and had great Ramen 🍜🤩 next day we took subway from 10 step a way from hotel right by the side and made next day start very easy !

Too comfortable made me sleep in and missed free breakfast 😭 There is when you in shower you must close the door to void fire alarm to not link Room will pick dark when you shut the curtain so made me sleep in. need set timer alarm for your self bc l slept for first time in so good 😊 but missed breakfast we was excited to have them 😅

🇬🇧

Laura

10

October 2024

The staff were very welcoming and had good English which was a bonus as it made check-in easier than other hotels I have stayed in when in Japan. It is well located with plenty to do in the local area. Despite the room being small it had all you need and was comfortable. I stayed 4 nights and had a large case with bags due to traveling and I managed to store everything easily at the bottom of the bed and still have room.

Soundproofing of rooms wasn't great. I was located right by the lift so unfortunately heard it every time it was used as well as the people using it and staff conversations when cleaning. I just put my headphones in if I wanted quiet so it wasn't a major issue.

🇳🇿

Daniel

8.2

November 2024

Excellent location, next to metro station, easy to access and to go to all the attractions. Breakfast was good value for money, if you also like Eastern breakfast items. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, water etc from a self-dispensing machine and this is free throughout the day! Pretty good. I saw a lot of guests, buying good value meals at supermarkets and heating it up in the microwave in the restaurant space of the hotel. Toiletries are plentiful and there is also the possibility to launder your washing at the hotel's own laundromat. Washing powder you can get from reception.

Bathroom is tight space wise. There was a constant drip od water coming from the toilet cistern. Bed was hard against wall. I am a solo traveler, so no problems with that. As a couple, one would need to crawl either over the other body to access the bathroom, or wiggle oneself down the bed, to exit off the bed end. Access to reception and dining room area is on 1st floor, with one lift available only.

🇨🇦

Michelle

9.1

November 2024

We checked in earlier than expected and the staff were friendly and quick to help store our luggage. We returned much later than normal check-in and the process of collecting our luggage and checking in was prompt and easy. I booked this hotel last minute as we decided to stay in Kyoto for a couple more days and thought my booking included breakfast, however, when we arrived downstairs for breakfast the next day, we were told it was not included. Our room on the 9th consisted of two four-inch mattresses on the floor with amazing pillows, along with a table, one floor chair, a TV, a corner stand with 2-3 outlets installed(no other outlets within the room), a sliding shade, on a large window that can be opened, that creates a blackout room, tea kettle, hairdryer, an air purifier, one garbage and a small bathroom that had a shared faucet between the tub and sink. No in-room slippers. Not much room for luggage space when two people are occupying the room. Rather than a room key, only a code to enter onto the keypad was needed to assess the room. Hotel location was excellent, close enough to the hustle and fun, but far enough that it's quiet at night. It is a stone's throw away from metro station entrances and walking distance to Kyoto station. There's only one small elevator that fits four people comfortably, so you might wait for the elevator at busier times. Overall, this was just a place to sleep at night, wash and rinse, and basically store our luggage while exploring during the day. I would book again

Although probably not possible, outlets near the beds/mattresses would be nice. Another garbage, or larger garbage, would be better when more than one person is in a room.

🇳🇿

Rai

10

May 2025

Excellent location just north of Kyoto Station, with a scenic walk that takes you past the impressive Higashi-Honganji Temple and Kyoto Tower. The area offers easy access to multiple convenience stores, subway lines, and Kyoto Station itself, making it a perfect central base for exploring the city.

The only thing we noticed was that the hallway on the top floor tended to get quite warm during the day—it wasn’t an issue inside the room, just something we felt when stepping out to take the elevator.

🇯🇵

Diane

9.1

July 2024

Clean rooms, modern, comfortable, compact but had everything you need for a short stay. Quiet, and the window had blackout blinds which is a rarity in Japan and made sleeping easier. Zircon, mini fridge, tv, kettle, shampoo and conditioner. Buffet breakfast very good for the price with Japanese items and bread/pastries. Staff were all friendly and polite. Good that we could leave our luggage there before check-in and after check-out. Notice for other Brits out there; take your own teabags! Given how convenient this was for public transport, this was good value for Kyoto.

The layout of the rather small room meant it had several odd-shaped or raised wooden corners; I stubbed my toe before even getting into the room. One could easily trip over the half-step and fall when coming out of the bathroom.

🇦🇺

Maria

9.1

June 2025

we enjoyed the proximity to the train station and some convenience stores near by. The room was small but enough space for the three of us.

the laundry facilities, it was almost impossible to find them empty, the only time we managed to do our laundry was when my husband went down at 4 am

Points of Interest Around Smile Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo

Attractions

Nishi Hongan-ji Temple

0.5mi

Kamogawa River (Kamo River)

1.1mi

Shoren-in Temple

1.6mi

Kyoto Handicraft Center

2mi

The Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku-no-michi)

2.8mi

Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

4.5mi

Togetsu-kyo Bridge

4.8mi

Sagano

5.2mi

Byodo-in Temple

7.8mi

Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

24.2mi

Utsubo Park

26.1mi

National Bunraku Theater

26.7mi

Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street

27.1mi

Minami

27.2mi

Tempozan Ferris Wheel

29.9mi

Restaurants

レストラン #1

Cuisines

  • Japanese
  • European

Ambiances

  • Family Friendly

Amenities of Smile Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo

Restaurant

Free wifi

Air conditioning

24-hour front desk

Non-smoking rooms

Elevator

Upper floors accessible by elevator

Bidet

Bathtub

Stay rules - Smile Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property