Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
A luxury hotel in southern Higashiyama built around Shakusui-en, a pond garden of about 800 years old, with a spa, pool and several restaurants.
The Millennials Kyoto
A design-led pod hotel in the Kawaramachi area with tall smart pods, a social lounge, free evening beer and a co-working space.
At a glance
- Type
- Pod hotel
- Area
- Kawaramachi, Kyoto, Japan
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- livelyhotels.com
Good to know
- Smart pods
- Free evening beer
- Co-working space
- Guest kitchen
Why we recommend it
The Millennials Kyoto is a pod hotel, a step up from a traditional capsule hotel, in the Kawaramachi area of downtown Kyoto. It is designed for budget travellers who want more comfort and technology than a dormitory, and its lounge and work spaces make it popular with solo travellers and digital nomads as well as friends travelling together.
The smart pods are the main feature. Each has a ceiling height of 2.3 metres, so you can stand up, which makes them feel far less cramped than a typical capsule. Inside is a 120-centimetre semi-double bed with a pocket-coil mattress that can switch to a sofa position, leaving room to change. A large storage space beneath the bed fits an open suitcase, and the bed reclines electronically. A device given at check-in controls the lighting and bed, and instead of an alarm the pod wakes you gradually with light and movement. A large screen for showing your own devices can be rented.
Shared facilities are generous for the price. The creative lounge is a place to eat, meet and socialise, the self-service kitchen is open to all guests with free coffee and cocoa around the clock, and the co-working space has tables with power outlets and fast Wi-Fi. Free beer is served at the front desk every evening, which helps guests get to know each other, and a simple breakfast of bread, soup, yoghurt and drinks is served in the lounge from 7:30 to 9:30.
Check-in and check-out can be done on your phone, as can billing and ordering rental items, and there is a staff chat function in the hotel's mobile menu. Phone reception is staffed from 10:00 to 19:00. Bathrooms are shared, as is usual in pod hotels, and it is worth bringing earplugs if you are a light sleeper. The hotel suits adults travelling light; families with young children will be more comfortable in a hotel room.
The Kawaramachi location is one of the most convenient in the city, close to the Teramachi and Shinkyogoku arcades, Nishiki Market, Pontocho and the Kamo River. Hankyu Kyoto-kawaramachi and Keihan Sanjo and Gion-Shijo stations are all within walking distance, and Francois Kissaten and Rokuyosha are nearby for coffee.
The Millennials Kyoto FAQs
What is a smart pod?
A sleeping pod with a 2.3-metre ceiling, a semi-double bed that converts to a sofa and under-bed storage for an open suitcase.
Is there free beer?
Yes. Free beer is served at the front desk every evening.
Is breakfast included?
A simple breakfast is served in the lounge from 7:30 to 9:30.
Is there somewhere to work?
Yes. There is a co-working space with power outlets and fast Wi-Fi.
Are bathrooms private?
No. Bathrooms are shared, as is usual for pod hotels.
Can you check in by phone?
Yes. Mobile check-in and check-out are available.
Is it suitable for families?
It is best for adults travelling light. Families will be more comfortable in a standard hotel room.
Where is it?
In the Kawaramachi area of downtown Kyoto, close to the shopping arcades and the Kamo River.