If you are currently in the process of planning a trip to Japan and looking for the perfect, budget-friendly option for visiting the incredible city of Kyoto, then look no further than Comfort Hotel ERA Kyoto Toji.
Comfort Hotel ERA Kyoto Toji Lobby © Comfort HotelsINTRODUCTION
Situated in the Minami (South) ward of Kyoto, just steps away from Tōji Station (just one stop away from Kyoto Station on Kintetsu Railway’s Kyoto Line) and a short walk from some major attractions including Tō-ji Temple and its iconic five-story pagoda (the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan), Comfort Hotel ERA Kyoto Toji more than lives up to the promise of its comfortable name with cosy and elegant accommodation, warm and friendly staff, delicious complimentary snacks and sweets, and a hugely convenient city centre location.
The hotel opened in 2021 and boasts a total of 182 rooms across 8 floors. Check-in time starts from 3pm, with express check-in/out available and early check-in subject to availability, with check-out at 10am (late check-out subject to availability). For guests arriving early or leaving luggage, luggage storage is available throughout the day, with lockers also available and a safe-deposit box at the front desk.
Comfort Hotel ERA Kyoto Toji Double Room © Comfort HotelsOUR STAY
For our visit, we stayed in a Queen Room on the sixth floor. The rooms are a good size and feel light and spacious, with very comfortable beds and pillows, though like many hotels in Japan, storage can be lacking. There are plenty of hooks for hanging coats and jackets and the desk is great for working and additional souvenir space, but floor space is a bit tight for cases and large luggage.
As the beds are pushed right up to the windows, there is no bedside storage or plug sockets/USB ports on one side of the bed, which may be an issue, however there are a number of sockets and ports elsewhere in the room, including on the desk.
All rooms are air conditioned with safes, hairdryers, tea/coffee making facilities and a refrigerator. Free WiFi is also available in rooms and throughout the hotel.
Comfort Hotel ERA Kyoto Toji Breakfast © Comfort HotelsFOOD & DRINK
The hotel serves a good continental and hot breakfast in the Comfort Library Cafe, a lovely open space lined with bookshelves and artworks, and with traditional Japanese designs decorating the walls. The continental options include fresh fruits and salads, cereals, pastries, yoghurts and various fruits juices, while hot options include sausages and bacon, as well as grilled fish, pasta and other options which change daily. There is also an egg station where the chefs will prepare omelettes and other egg dishes cooked fresh to your liking.
During the afternoons, a selection of traditional Japanese sweets, flavoured waters and teas are available complimentary to guests, and in the evenings, a range of snacks and nibbles, as well as wines and spirits available at an additional cost.
Comfort Hotel ERA Kyoto Toji Library © Comfort HotelsAMBIENCE & AMENITIES
The ambience at Comfort Hotel ERA Kyoto Toji is relaxed and casual. Kyoto feels a world away from Tokyo and the general atmosphere and change of pace is reflected everywhere, including the hotels. The lobby and lounge ares are spacious and light. There’s a small raked courtyard which reflects the history of Kyoto and the feeling of Zen. It’s just a lovely hotel, and a perfect base for exploring the city.
Guest services include housekeeping, full-day security, express check-in and check-out – via digital screens – and luggage storage. There’s also a laundry room on the ground floor with washers and dryers, as well as vending machines for snacks and essentials.
Comfort Hotel ERA Kyoto Toji Wine © Comfort HotelsLOCATION
Comfort Hotel ERA Kyoto Toji is perfectly located for anyone wanting an ideal base for visiting Kyoto. Tōji Station is a thirty-second walk across the road, and just one stop from Kyoto Station and JR and Shinkansen lines. There are various bus stops just a short walk from the front doors, taking you directly to all major attractions and districts.
For convenience stores, there’s a Lawson less than a minute’s walk away, just across the small street by the side of the hotel, and a Family Mart just further along across the main road. Right across from the hotel is BOOKOFF Kyoto Toji-ekimae Store, a paradise for second hand video games, manga, Pokemon and trading cards and various otaku accessories and collectibles. For food options, you have a MOS Burger, a KFC and a handful of other independent izakaya and gyūdon style restaurants within a minute of each other.
For attractions, the hotel is right by Toji Temple and its iconic pagoda, with the likes of Kyoto Tower, Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine, Kinkaku-ji, and the Arashiyama Landmark all in easy reach via public transport.
For those staying for business, the hotel is in close proximity to the headquarters and corporate offices for Nintendo, Kyocera, Murata and Nidec.
Comfort Hotel ERA Kyoto Toji Sweets © Comfort HotelsOVERALL
There’s nothing overly fancy or showy about Comfort Hotel ERA Kyoto Toji, and some may find it on the basic side, but it’s just a really great hotel for visiting Kyoto. It’s a budget-friendly option in a city which can be expensive, and the transport links make this a prime location for overall convenience and ease.
54-1 Nishi-kujo Shima-machi, Minami-ku, Kyoto City, 601-8431, JP
+81 75-662-0311
choicehotels.com/en-uk/japan/kyoto-city/comfort-inn-hotels/jp104
Disclaimer: We received a complimentary press stay with the hotel in exchange for a full and honest review.
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