Hotel Review: DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station – A New Hilton Property with Lounge Access Just Steps from Hachijō Exit
During my recent trip back to Japan, I visited Kyoto to meet and thank some of the people I regularly work with. For this stay, I chose the DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station.
In Kyoto, I’ve previously stayed at Hilton Kyoto [review here], DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama [review here], and Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma [review here], but this was my first time at the DoubleTree Kyoto Station.
Conveniently located near the Shinkansen platforms and the airport limousine bus stop, this new Hilton-brand hotel is ideal as a travel base. In this post, I’ll share my stay experience with plenty of photos — I hope it helps you when choosing a hotel in Kyoto.
You may also want to check out our stay reviews of Hilton hotels in Japan
Location and Access – Just Steps from Kyoto Station Hachijō Exit
The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance from Kyoto Station. Once you arrive, head toward the Hachijō Exit (Shinkansen side). If you’re arriving from Itami Airport by limousine bus, it also stops at Hachijō Exit.
From there, it’s only about a five-minute walk to the hotel. Even with large luggage, being able to walk is a big advantage—especially during Kyoto’s busy seasons when it can be difficult to find a taxi.
Here’s the entrance. Let’s step inside. The lobby ceiling, shimmering like it’s covered in gold leaf, almost resembles the painted ceilings of Kyoto’s temples — an impressive first impression indeed.
Guest Room – Upgraded to an Executive Deluxe Room with Diamond Member Benefits
Thanks to my Hilton Honors Diamond status, I was upgraded to an Executive Deluxe Room. I always find that moment of opening the door in a hotel I’m staying at for the first time the most exciting part — wondering what kind of room awaits inside.
As I stepped in, the first thing that caught my eye was a table surrounded by chairs, creating a cozy seating area. Next to it were a set of tea utensils and a coffee maker, giving the space the feeling of a small private lounge.
To the left side, I could see the bed area. There’s no partition between the sitting and sleeping areas, which makes the room feel spacious and open.
Moving on to the bathroom area, there was a washroom in front of the bathroom that also served as a dressing space, and the toilet was in a separate room. There was even a bathtub, so despite the hot day, I couldn’t resist taking a proper Japanese-style bath while I had the chance.
Although the room didn’t have an outdoor balcony space, the large windows made it feel bright and expansive.
And of course, as at every DoubleTree, I received a warm chocolate chip cookie at check-in — one for each guest. A small but familiar gesture that always makes me feel welcomed.
Breakfast – Buffet Featuring Kyoto-style Obanzai and Matcha Soft-serve Ice Cream
Breakfast was quite busy when I arrived, but as a Hilton Honors Diamond member, I was kindly shown to a quieter room in the back.
Since this is Kyoto, the buffet offered a wonderful selection of Kyoto-style obanzai (traditional home-style dishes). I think this might be the first hotel where I’ve actually seen rice balls (onigiri) served at breakfast. Of course, there were also plenty of Western options, such as bread, eggs, and fresh fruit.
I noticed something special — a matcha warabi-mochi similar to what I had seen at the DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama [review here], but this time there was also a matcha soft-serve ice cream machine! I haven’t seen one at other Hilton properties (though I once used a regular vanilla soft-serve machine at the Hilton Tokyo lounge [review here]). It’s easy to use and lets you control the portion yourself — definitely worth trying.
In addition, the Executive Lounge on the 9th floor is said to offer some exclusive breakfast items that aren’t available in the main restaurant on the first floor.
Executive Lounge – Overlooking Kyoto Station from the Upper Floor
At check-in, I was informed about the Executive Lounge within the hotel. Having stayed at several DoubleTree properties both in Japan and abroad, I found it quite rare for a DoubleTree to have a lounge at all. Neither the DoubleTree by Hilton Tokyo Ariake [review here], where I stayed during this same trip back to Japan, nor the DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama [review here], which I visited last year, had one.
Unfortunately, due to work commitments, I wasn’t able to visit during cocktail hours, but I did stop by briefly the next morning before checking out. From the lounge, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto Station, including the Shinkansen tracks and the station’s impressive architecture — a view unique to the Hachijō Exit side.
If you’re a Hilton Honors Diamond member or staying in an Executive Room, I highly recommend visiting during cocktail time. They serve not only alcoholic beverages but also light dishes and non-alcoholic drinks, making it a relaxing way to unwind after a day in Kyoto.
Useful Information – A Great Choice for Both Sightseeing and Business
When visiting Kyoto for sightseeing, many travelers may prefer to stay near Shijo, Higashiyama, or Arashiyama. However, staying around Kyoto Station is also well worth considering.
If you’re arriving by Shinkansen or airport limousine bus, you’ll appreciate how convenient it is — there’s no need to carry your luggage across town before checking in. You can start exploring Kyoto right away, and easily access other parts of the city.
The location is also ideal if you’re planning a day trip to Nara, as the Kintetsu Line departs directly from Kyoto Station.
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