This is one of the most convenient and beautiful hotels I have ever stayed.
I recommend this accommodation for:
– Japan first-timers
– Couples who want to be near the station, want to experience a stay in a traditional style Japanese room, are trying to watch their budget
-Families who need space but don’t want to sacrifice on quality, want to be near the station, who want their hotel room to actually reflect the culturally dense beautiful city of Kyoto
– Anyone who loves design and quality, who also wants to put their travel money towards the travel and not only their accommodation costs, those who want to see Kyoto but also use it as a base to travel to other cities within Japan.
For all of the latest information on Hotel Imagine Japan, I recommend following them on instagram here.
Pardon the pun but “imagine” a block of land that has been purchased by a family with a background in kindergarten teaching who simply adore people and love the idea of those from all over the world coming together.
The owners and staff at this hotel are kind, welcoming and progressive Kyoto locals.
They also have impeccable taste when it comes to design – clean lines, modern with strong nods to traditional Japan ( something that is almost impossible to not allow to filtrate interior choices when your hotel is literally right in the middle of the cultural capital) and the most amazing use of textures, shapes, and use of space.
When building this hotel, the beautiful owners had to make a decision – will we take this building and, like other hotels in the most popular cities in Japan, divide it up into as many small rooms as possible and really jam in as many guests as possible … OR… go for a totally new approach and really take the time to design spaces for families and groups – so that they can truly (literally and emotionally) “unpack” and experience life in Kyoto.
Each guest room is actually larger than, and certainly more beautifully appointed, than most Japanese homes! To stay here is to really embrace a lush Japanese life while on holidays.
The operators and owners of this hotel love families and understand what it is like to travel with small children or with groups of friends and the details throughout every element of this hotel reflect that sentiment.
The hotel is called Hotel Imagine Kyoto and the website is here.
THE SETUP ( SIDE NOTE: ONE OF THE MOST FAMILY FRIENDLY & CONVENIENT HOTELS I HAVE EVER STAYED)
Each room is spacious and modern but the real hidden secret is the communal kitchen and dining area.
This area is set up in the large lobby of the hotel and has all the appliances, condiments, cutlery and crockery that anyone could need to cook for their family or group and then properly sit down to dinner.
Guests are invited to make use of the refrigerator, toasters, hot stove, microwave, rice cookers etc.
This style of kitchen set up is ideal if you are trying to keep costs down, have special dietary requirements or have allergies.The dining area is also a share space for guests to use for events there such as birthday parties, meetings, etc.
THE LOCATION
I walked here from Kyoto station, with my rolly suitcase in 6 minutes! 6 MINUTES!!!!
Whether you are coming from a bullet train, Kintetsu or a local train, make sure you exit via the Hachijo Exit at Kyoto Station for the easiest access.
For those who have a stroller, please don’t worry as the path from the station to the hotel is flat and easy to navigate.
THE HOTEL LOBBY & RECEPTION
The entrance is enough to make other travellers in the area completely jealous, actually.
And, although the entrance is high end, the lobby is welcoming with additional details like maps, restaurant suggestions, bike rental, vending machines. See the details below for more information.
I am delighted to let you know that this property is a non-smoking property ! YAY!
There is a side of the building spot for smokers but nowhere inside of the building at all. Fantastic ( and peace of mind when travelling with children.)
This is what the outside of each guest room looks like. I just love how it is modern, yet traditional. 
MY ROOM
I actually gasped!
I felt like it was my honeymoon!!!!The room has a tatami section for relaxation ( or for futons for extra family members) AND Western style bedding.
And even as I lay in bed at night I kept spotting other gorgeous little details – nothing has been forgotten!
For example, the material holding the drawn curtains to the wall? They are made of obi fabric ( obi are the beautifully adorned belts that go with kimono.)
The beds were so comfortable ( especially after a hot bath , but I’ll talk about that in a moment) but I’m also a sucker for tatami and with the sunlight streaming into my room in the morning, I lay on the tatami and read a book before I checked out. I really regret not staying more nights here.
While in Japan, I highly recommend a few nights sleeping on a futon and, as I mention in this blog post, futons are a fantastic option for children – they feel safe but also… it’s actually impossible to roll off a futon and onto the floor!
This room sleeps up to 7 people.
And if you’ve seen my instastories, you would have watch me lose it over this gorgeous in-room ensuite.
The lights are all operated by hand sensor and the room with the bath had a LIGHT DIMMER!!! Lush ! ( Lush + a little bit Star Wars!! The future is here, baby!)
This is not only ideal for me when soaking in the tub but it is such a brilliant idea for a soothing bed at night time for little ones at starting that quiet time before a bedtime story.
Check out the beautiful details of this kintsugi sink. Made by professional potters in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. It’s stunning. Stunning!
Lovely high end touches include beautiful professional brand appliances, like this hair dryer – appointed in every room.
Each room has its own refrigerator with a small freezer section too!
OTHER ROOM OPTIONS
EVERYTHING IS IN THE DETAILS
Upon checking in, the hotel staff invite guests to borrow a yukata for during their stay. I was able to choose one of three designs and one of three beautiful obi ( the light belt that wraps around your waist while wearing the yukata.)
It is also possible to purchase one of these yukata to take home for 8000 yen.
And here is a list of the other amenities provided by the hotel for staying guests.
These guys have though of everything!
They rent out additions like hair straighteners, curling irons, facial massagers! Incredible.
The hotel also rents out adult sized bicycles for only 1000 yen for a full day ( and, currently, if you leave a trip advisor review, you can rent a bike, free of charge.). Unfortunately, the hotel doesn’t currently rent out bicycles with a child seat attachment but can recommend other bike rental companies nearby.
In the lobby you will also find two binders worth of local recommendations for places to eat and visit in the area.
The hotel also had a coin laundry for guest use and drink vending machines just outside of the main entrance.
*A little note on coin laundries in hotels in Japan. The detergent is almost always built into the machine. If someone in your family has allergies to certain washing powders it is probably best to email in advance to find out what they use and what your options are. Oh.. and another note.. if the washer and dryer is built into one machine – the dryer setting really only works well for 1-2 items (big items like a pair of jeans and a long sleeved top, I mean) so don’t do what I do and just put in heaps of things to dry for longer – hoping that they will dry. It doesn’t work like that. Best to do little tiny drying sessions for the best drying results. It a lesson in patience but it will save you lots of coins in the long run
Baby beds/cots are available for rent.
The hotel are about to buy a high chair for the kitchen.
The dining area is also a share space for guests to use for events there such as birthday parties, meetings, etc.
For all of the latest information on Hotel Imagine Japan, I recommend following them on instagram here. I also recommend booking via booking.com
SO WHAT IS IN THE AREA?
As mentioned above, I was able to walk to Hotel Imagine Kyoto from Kyoto Station, after getting off my bullet train, in just 6 minutes! Incredible!
In terms of what else is in the area, I recommend reading my Kyoto with Kids post here but let me also break down some more hotel-specific spots right here.
– Convenience store
7-Eleven ( 1 min walk), Family Mart ( 2 min walk), Lawson ( 2 min walk), Daily Yamazaki (3 min walk – you’ll pass this one while walking from the station), Natural Lawson, there are some more organic options here than other convenience stores ( 11 min walk)
My kids love this “Gold” Hamburg steak from 7-Eleven. For fellow aussies, this is like eating really nice juicy beef rissoles. I recommend getting these and using the microwave at Hotel Imagine to heat it up. You can microwave it in the bag (google translate the instructions on the back) and it’s really nice to serve with convenience store microwaveable rice (pictured below.) See here if you’d like more suggestions on snacks and grocery items we love to buy in Japan.
While at Lawson (convenience store brand) …
These fried chicken options are LIFESAVERS (especially if you have picky eaters with you.)
This one pictured below is available at Lawson convenience stores – it is called “Karage-Kun” (pronounced “ka-ra-ge-kun”) and inside contains approx 6 pieces of Japanese fried chicken. Be sure to get the REGULAR flavour and the other option is a bit spicy and one of the other flavours sometimes available contains cheese. (see here for other Japanese convenience store tips and our favourite foods sold here in this blog post.)
Areas and food courts with lots of different dining options for families
I recommend walking for 6 minutes to Kyoto Station and then going underneath the station for a giant shopping mall with restaurants and cafes. This area , an underground department store called PORTA , is very family friendly and there are lots of public bathrooms and change tables too.
Another idea, walk from the hotel for 8 mins to Aeon Mall Kyoto ( pronounced EE-ON). It is a large department store, baby change rooms, kiddie play areas and a Namco Games Arcade on the 4F with all the crane games etc.
The entire mall has free wifi.
The restaurant floor (majority of the 4th floor) has pizza, KFC, ramen, Indian curry, Korean food, ice-cream, shabu-shabu, Chinese food, takoyaki, burgers, McDonalds, a restaurant with a bakery.
-Casual Sushi Train
Sushi no Musashi,within Kyoto Station near the Hachijo Exit ( 6 min walk)
– Japanese Style Fast Food
Coco-Ichi Curry House ( 2 min walk), Yoshinoya, marinated beef and other cooked dishes served on rice ( 10 mins walk), Sukiya, sukiyaki style beef served on rice (14 min walk)
– Japanese Family Diners ( referred to as “Family Restaurants” in Japan)
Gusto ( 19 mins walk, 4 min/ 800 yen by taxi), Royal Host ( 7 min/ 900 yen by taxi), Saizeriya, mostly pasta and pizza dishes, ( 7 min/ 950 yen by taxi)
These family restaurants have large affordable menus, kids menu options, refillable drink bars, Japanese & Western style food and are open late. They also often serve breakfast (ask the hotel to check before you go.) These restaurants are casual style diners.
– Vegan Restaurants or Restaurants with mostly Vegan options
Veg Out (17 min walk, 4 min/ 550 yen by taxi), Organic House Salute (16 min walk, 6 min / 700 yen by taxi), Pettirosso Kyoto (34 min walk, 9 min/ 1000 yen by taxi), Ain Sophomore Journey Kyoto (39 min walk, 10 min, 1000 yen by taxi), Mumokuteki Cafe (40 min walk, 12 min/ 1500 yen by taxi)
-Western Style Fast Food
McDonalds ( 4 min walk and Kyoto Station McDonalds, 6 min walk) , KFC ( 10 min walk)
-Bakeries
Pere e Mere ( 4 min walk), Sizuka Bakery within Kyoto Station at the Hachijo exit ( 6 min walk) Hankyu Bakery & Cafe Aeon Mall (8 min walk)
-Shopping , souvenirs and sweets
There is a giant general goods store ( they have everything from souvenirs to some grocery items to pots and pans) called Don Quiiote and it is open from 8AM-Midnight. They also sell alcohol and all those flavoured Kit Kats. (3 min walk.) For souvenir suggestions for adults see my post here. And for gift ideas for kids you might like my recommendations here.
-Supermarkets
Kohyo Kyoto, open most days from 9AM-10pm (9 min walk), Seijo Ishi, this supermarket also has lots of ready made deli items/meals and many international imported products. Open most days from 7AM-10PM (10 min walk) Harves Grocery Store, open most days 7AM-10PM ( 6 min walk)
-Drugstores
Daikoku Drug (5 min walk), Matsumoto Kiyoshi (7 min walk) , Kokokarafain ( 4 min walk)
Nearby places for kids to play
If you need to pass some time before the jumping on a bullet train, Isetan Department store (inside the station building) kid’s floor has a small soft play area (at no cost ) on the 7th floor. The toys often set out on tables for kids to try so it’s a great time waster for kids who need time to play.
Kyoto Railway Museum
Kyoto Railway Museum is all indoors which makes it the best rainy day with kids options I’ve found so far. From the hotel, it is possible to go there by train with a short walk at either end or you can take a taxi for 8 minutes and if will cost around 1000 yen.
There is a soft play area for babies on the 2nd floor.
If you have snacks on you and the weather is fine I highly recommend the sky deck on the top floor. Kids can see lots of real trains and bullet trains from there too.
Then there is this park called Suzaku Yume Square, within Umekoji Park (it’s on google maps.). It is 26 minutes walk from the hotel ( 6 mins in a cab and a cab will cost around 1000 yen) or 6 minutes walk from the Kyoto Railway Museum, .
If you are looking for a good rainy day in Kyoto option, walk from the hotel for 8 mins to Aeon Mall Kyoto ( pronounced EE-ON). It is a large department store, baby change rooms, kiddie play areas and a Namco Games Arcade on the 4F with all the crane games etc.
The entire mall has free wifi.
There is also a cinema. (The staff will be able to help you but if you see a movie, make sure you see the 字幕 = subtitled version. Then the movie will play in English with Japanese subtitles.)
There is GAP, ZARA, Uniqlo etc incase you needed to buy more clothing with more western size options. If you need to buy shoes for kids or adults there is ABC Mart and for a decent sized 100 yen shop there is a Daiso on the 4th floor.
The restaurant floor (majority of the 4th floor) has pizza, KFC, ramen, Indian curry, Korean food, ice-cream, shabu-shabu, Chinese food, takoyaki, burgers, McDonalds, a restaurant with a bakery.
Just personal taste but I really don’t recommend Kyoto zoo. I don’t feel that the animals have enough space and find it to be quite depressing.
Where to buy nappies / diapers near by
If you are looking to buy nappies while in Kyoto, walk for 8 mins from the station to the Aeon Mall Kyoto.
On the ground floor is a large Toys R US and Babies R Us. Open from 10AM -9PM.
If you would like other tips on buying nappies in Japan see my post here.
My favourite day trips or half day trips from Kyoto ( and all of the details once you’re there.)
Arashiyama ( blog post here)
Fushimi Inari (blog post here)
Osaka (blog post here)
Kinosaki onsen (blog post here)
