Khaosan Kyoto Theater is the newest addition to a chain of hostels by Khaosan. Centrally located in the midst of shops, restaurants and plenty of spots offering bicycle rentals, this hostel will serve a number of your Kyoto-oriented needs fittingly. Both mixed and single-sex capsule-style dorms are offered, along with the basics, such as free Wi-Fi, lockers, shared bathrooms, laundry, and screens for your bunk bed. A fully equipped kitchen is also available, alongside a rooftop terrace, as well as a lounge / library. There is also a well-stocked bar downstairs, and although relatively small, is intimate enough to socialise with other travellers. The Khaosan hostels tend to be larger than most and suffer a bit for it as this makes it harder to interact with the people in your hostel, unless you’re sharing a room. Even then, the capsule-style dorms add another barrier to socialising, so you’ll want to give this bar a try if you’re looking to meet people. Khaosan also hosts events for guests every now and then, so you’ll want to check their Facebook page for updated information.
Just around the corner from Khaosan Kyoto Theater is Kon’s Cycle. Kon’s Cycle offers a wide selection of bicycle rentals that are bit more expensive than other spots, though you will get bang for your buck here. If you’re serious about cycling, Kon’s offers top-notch road bikes with varying speeds.
Also just a couple of minutes from the hostel is Nishiki Market. Nishiki Market is popular amongst tourists and locals for its traditional Japanese selection of street food and fresh produce. Vegans and vegetarians will also appreciate Khaosan’s proximity to food joints as a handful of vegan cafes and restaurants can be found just within walking distance of each other (see Mumokuteki Cafe and Foods, Cafe Matsuontoko, Ukishima Garden, Cosy Cafe, and more).
The main sight-seeing attractions of Kyoto are all easily accessible by public transit or bike from Khaosan Kyoto Theater. The Buddhist temple, Kiyomizu-dera, is just 3km away on Mount Otawa, and the Gion district is just 10-15 minutes away by foot. The nearest station to the hostel is Kawaramachi. From Kyoto station, it will take you around 25 minutes to get here. Credit cards are not accepted and you must make payment in Yen upon your arrival. Staff speak good English and the rooms are spacious and always clean; couple this with a friendly atmosphere and a product that ticks all the boxes, this should be high on your list if value and convenience are must haves in selecting hostel accommodation.
