The Hiramatsu Kyoto, KyotoThe Hiramatsu Kyoto in Kyoto, Japan has a corrected score of 4.0 ± 0.1 (solid evidence, 4 of 4 platforms), ranked 21 of 105 hotels we score in Kyoto. Its platform ratings, normalised to 0-5, average 4.1 before correction: Booking.com 4.3, Tripadvisor 4.1, Google 4.0, Agoda 4.1. Rooms from about $615 a night (cached, not a live quote).The Hiramatsu Kyoto is a small luxury hotel in the historic Muromachi district of Kyoto, set in a refurbished traditional townhouse that opened in March 2020. Its 29 rooms are generous in size and finished with natural materials, giving a calm, crafted feel. There are two restaurants, one Japanese and one Italian, plus a bar, 24-hour front desk and free Wi-Fi. Nishiki Market and Nijō Castle are both within easy walking reach, which suits visitors who plan to spend their days sightseeing. The quiet, intimate setting also works well for couples wanting a slower stay. The main drawback is cost: rates start around $615 a night, so it is a considerable outlay for most travellers.What stands out

Two restaurants, Japanese and Italian

Spacious rooms with natural materials

Walk to Nishiki Market and Nijō Castle

Attentive, highly rated service

Watch out for

Rates start around $615 per night

Only 29 rooms, so availability is limited

Better-scored in Kyoto

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Nazuna Kyoto Gosho, Kyoto: 4.4 ± 0.2 (solid evidence, 3 of 4 platforms), from $562 a night. Nazuna Kyoto Gosho is a small luxury ryokan in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, made up of two renovated kyomachiya townhouses joined by a garden.

The Shinmonzen, Kyoto: 4.3 ± 0.2 (fair evidence, 3 of 4 platforms), from $1,915 a night. The Shinmonzen is a nine-suite boutique hotel in Kyoto's historic Gion district, designed by architect Tadao Ando.