Who says chain business hotels can’t be “hidden gems”? Kyoto-Yahataguchi Business Hotel

Photos & Text / Japan’s Top 100 Ryokan & Hotels: The Holy Grail of Japanese Stays by Hospitality Authority Kazuhiro Kashiwaya — A Selection of 100 Exceptional Inns Featuring Breathtaking Views, Hot Springs & Cuisine

Not all of Japan’s “Top 100 Ryokan & Hotels” are famous inns or luxury establishments. Even nationwide chain business hotels can become highly recommended hidden gems if they meet the criteria. Among the most representative business hidden gems is the “Kyoto-Yahataguchi DAIWA ROYNET Hotel.” The best thing about this hotel is its view.



The hotel is located on the south side of Kyoto Station. Unlike the north side, the roads here are wider and there are fewer high-rises. Most business hotels are built in densely populated areas, and many offer views of nothing but the neighboring buildings when you draw the curtains. However, this hotel boasts expansive views in all directions — north reveals Kyoto Station, south offers a glimpse of Fushimi, and east presents the scenic Higashiyama area. The views are all wonderful, but the most stunning scenery is to the west. Of course, it’s impossible to completely avoid seeing buildings, but with almost no tall structures blocking the line of sight, Kyoto’s five-story pagoda at Tō-ji stands tall, backed by the continuous ridges of the Western Mountains, creating an especially breathtaking sight at sunset.

The wide-open view you get when you open the curtains in the morning far surpasses that of other business hotels. Starting your day feeling refreshed also adds more excitement to your trip.
The second advantage is convenient transportation. Just like the expansive views, easy access is perfect for exploring Kyoto. To reach central Kyoto (Rakuchū), take a bus or subway; for the suburbs like Uji, Fushimi, or Arashiyama, hop on a JR train. This level of accessibility could even be called “unbeatable.” Plus, traveling by train means you don’t have to worry about traffic jams — a definite plus, especially during peak seasons when Kyoto is crowded with tourists and narrow roads make driving a time-consuming hassle.



It takes just twenty minutes from Kyoto Station to quickly reach Uji, Fushimi, Arashiyama, or Sagano, ensuring you won’t miss any scheduled plans. Moreover, the east-west road right in front of the hotel is Tō-ji-dōri, so even if you walk to Tō-ji Temple for a visit, you don’t have to worry about getting lost. Comfortable accommodation is the third advantage, and arguably the most important feature of a hotel. This hotel’s level of comfort makes you forget you’re staying in a business hotel entirely.

The Twin Rooms are just as spacious as those in city hotels, and the Single Rooms are well-sized with just the right amenities. At night, everything is quiet with no disturbing noise, ensuring a good night’s sleep. The hotel offers a ¥1,000 breakfast with a distinctive Kyoto flavor, served starting at 6:30 AM — a thoughtful touch. If you prefer not to eat at the hotel, there’s also a convenience store across the street, making it easy to grab a quick bite if needed.



The service staff is also very friendly. Of course, business hotel service has its limits, but the staff’s sincere efforts to meet guests’ needs are truly satisfying. Every day, the blackboard in front of the lobby displays information about nearby tourist spots or Kyoto seasonal events. I’ve seen the staff personally answering guests’ questions several times, so I’m certain they don’t just copy-paste the info onto the board. Though they may not wear name tags, every staff member here feels like a professional concierge.

Whether you’re traveling alone or with a companion, I highly recommend this business hotel to all readers planning a trip to Kyoto.