Anshin Oyado Premium Kyoto

If you want a capsule hotel experience in Kyoto but with a touch of luxury, Anshin Oyado Premium Kyoto is a great option.

What’s the hotel like?

Anshin Oyado is a trendy and modern capsule hotel that wants to grow up to be a ryokan (traditional Japanese-style inn). It has everything you’d expect from a capsule hotel, including sleeping pods and shared bathrooms, but there is a well-defined traditional aesthetic throughout. We also liked that the hotel has a friendly atmosphere — heck, they even give you free candy on arrival.

What facilities does the hotel have?

Anshin Oyado has a dedicated locker room and luggage storage space on the second floor — something you don’t always find in a capsule hotel. There’s also an artificial onsen (hot spring) in the shared bathrooms, along with a shower cubicle if you’re shy. We were thoroughly impressed by the range of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, and hair oils/essences/waxes that were available for guest use. There’s also a lounge space/common area for guests to kick back and relax.

Is there anywhere to hang out in the hotel?

Yes, guests can hang out on the lounge space. Here you’ll find a tv, comics, and magazines (all in Japanese of course), plus free drinks and late night snacks. There’s also a terrace area near the front of the hotel, which is lovely when the weather is nice.

What are the rooms like?

The sleeping pods at Anshin Oyado Kyoto are roomier than average. You’ll have you’re own little tv and a small locker for valuables. We also like that the powerpoint is a built-in universal adapter and also has a USB plug. Unfortunately though, as is often the case with capsule hotels light and noise tend to leak in through the screen.

If you’re a business traveler or digital nomad, you’ll be happy to know that you can also book a sleeping pod with its own workspace attached.

How big are the rooms?

The sleeping pods are a little more spacious than usual — but only a little. Meaning that you can sit up inside the capsule without bumping your head (if you aren’t super tall, anyway).

Are the rooms comfortable?

The capsules are much more comfortable than you’d think. The mattresses are thick enough to actually offer some cushioning and the pillows weren’t too flat.

What’s the view like?

Like most capsule hotels, there isn’t one.

What’s the location like?

Anshin Oyado is in a great central location. It’s just one street back from Shijō Shopping Street, and within easy walking distance of some great attractions. There are also lots of public transport options nearby.

How do I get there from the airports?

The closest international airport to Anshin Oyado Kyoto is Kansai International Airport (KIX). Then you’ve got a few options to get from KIX to Kyoto Station. From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Line subway to Shijō Station. Exit 3 is the closest exit to the hotel.

How is the access to trains and subway?

Anshin Oyado Kyoto is less than a 5-minute walk from Shijō Station. From here you can take the Karasuma Subway line which runs north-south through Kyoto. This line can get you to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto Botanical Gardens, and Kyoto Station.

Karasuma Station is a similar distance from the hotel. It gives you access to the Hankyu-Kyoto Line subway which runs east-west. Admittedly though, there isn’t much of interest for tourist along this route.

What’s the surrounding neighborhood like?

Anshin Oyado is right in the heart of Kyoto’s central shopping and entertainment area. It’s definitely the most lively part of Kyoto, but still brimming with traditional charm. Along Shijō Shopping Street you’ve got department stores sat next to store selling local crafts, karaoke halls, and izakaya (traditional Japanese bars).

But, the hotel is one street back from the main drag, so it’s quieter and less crowded which we like.

Are there many good places to eat nearby?

In short, yes. There is no shortage of places to eat nearby. Some of our favorite places include AIN SOPH. Journey Kyoto for delicious vegan food, Micasadeco & Cafe Kyoto for sweets, and Spring Valley Brewery for craft beer. Also check out Nishiki Market for street food.

What points of interest are within walking distance of the hotel?

Shijō Shopping Street is just one street away, and it’s full of fantastic shopping options, including department stores, shops selling traditional goods and souvenirs, and pop culture favorites like the Nintendo Store and a Pokémon Centre.

Take a slightly longer 5-minute walk and you’ll find Nishiki Market. Nishiki Market has a huge array of both fresh food and street food, as well as lots of souvenir and craft stores.

If you don’t mind walking even further, the famous Gion geisha district is 15-20 minutes away.

Should I order the breakfast?

Anshin Oyado has free breakfast available for all guests. But, that breakfast is Japanese-style curry and rice, so it might not be to everyone’s taste.

Who should stay here?

Like most capsule hotels, Anshin Oyado is great for solo travelers who are happy to keep to themselves. Small groups of friends will also enjoy their stay, and business travelers can take advantage of the sleeping pods that have extra workspaces attached. Anshin Oyado isn’t a great fit for couples or families because all the capsules are single occupancy.