How long does it take to walk from REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi to Kyoto Station?

It is located about a 5-minute walk from the Hachijoguchi Exit of Kyoto Station. A city bus stop is also within a 10-minute walk, making it convenient to travel to major tourist attractions.

Is there enough space to store a suitcase in the rooms at REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi?

The rooms are relatively compact, so there is not enough space to spread out a suitcase on the floor. Instead, there is empty space under the bed where you can slide your suitcase in for storage.

What are the hours and types of welcome drinks provided at the 1st-floor lounge of REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi?

Coffee and tea are available from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Alcoholic beverages, including draft beer, liqueurs, and sake, are available between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

How much is the Kyoto accommodation tax that must be paid upon check-in at REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi?

The accommodation tax is charged at different rates depending on the nightly room rate per person. If the nightly rate is less than 6,000 yen, a separate tax of 200 yen per person must be paid at check-in.

REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi Review 2026: Best Kyoto Station Hotel

REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi Review 2026: Best Kyoto Station Hotel | TRVLOGUE

Wondering why the name is so long?

It's because "REF" is a boutique brand under the famous Japanese hotel chain, Vessel Hotels.

It's a stylish 4-star hotel designed with a "Modern Kyoto" concept.

Kyoto is a global favorite for travelers from all over the world,

so hotel rates here can be quite steep.

Even though I made a last-minute booking just 5 days before my trip,

I managed to snag a room for around ~$64! ✌️

>> Check the prices for your travel dates <<

With its warm wood tones and clean design,

it had a really fresh, trendy, and modern vibe.

3. Hotel Room Review near Kyoto Station

To be completely honest with you...

The room is... quite small... lolol 💀

There's basically zero space to leave your suitcase wide open... lol

But then again, we all know how notoriously compact Japanese hotel rooms can be, right?

In Kyoto particularly, there was a massive boom in hotel construction

to meet the sudden rush of tourists,

and hotels built during that period seem to be especially cozy (read: tight!).

Since I only needed a place to sleep anyway,

my main priority was that it had to be spotlessly clean.

On that front, I was completely satisfied!!!

By the way, you can slide your suitcase under the bed to save space...

As soon as you walk through the entryway,

you'll find the shower booth on the left and the toilet room on the right.

In Japan, dry bathrooms are the norm,

so many hotels separate the toilet and shower areas like this.

Basic amenities like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided in the room,

while disposable items like toothbrushes, razors, and body towels

are available right next to the front desk.

You can just grab whatever you need on your way up to your room!

Being the modern hotel it is, right by the bedside,

you'll find lighting controls, power outlets, and USB ports.

🌰Bamkki's Pro-Tip🌰

The AC is wall-mounted, and if you leave it running while you sleep,

the cold air blows straight onto your face 🥶

So my husband and I actually slept with our heads at the foot of the bed!

I highly recommend checking the AC position before you head to sleep.

4. 1st Floor Co-working Lounge & Welcome Drinks

One of the main reasons I loved REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi by Vessel Hotels

so much was the amazing common space on the 1st floor.

With its exposed ceilings, warm wooden furniture,

and a chic cafe vibe, it functions as both a breakfast area and a co-working space!

I've stayed in hotels with similar shared spaces in places like New York and Tokyo,

and it really gives off that trendy, hip boutique hotel vibe

that modern travelers absolutely love. I was totally obsessed! ♥️

But what makes it even better? The welcome drinks!

On the 1st floor, coffee and tea are available from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

But they don't just offer standard soft drinks...

they actually serve alcohol too?! 🥂

And it's not just a basic bottle or two—

they've got draft beer, liqueurs, and even Japanese sake!

All of this is available daily between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

I was so busy sightseeing that I missed out on it, which is my biggest regret! 😭

Check out the latest rates for this trendy Kyoto hotel below 🔽

REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi BY Vessel Hotels, Kyoto, 7/9 – 7/10

5. Latest Kyoto Accommodation Tax Rates

When staying at hotels or other lodging facilities in Kyoto City,

you must pay an accommodation tax per person, per night.

The updated rates (increased as of March 2026) are

listed below:

Room Rate per Person per Night	Accommodation Tax
Under 6,000 JPY	200 JPY
6,000 to 20,000 JPY	400 JPY
20,000 to 50,000 JPY	1,000 JPY
50,000 to 100,000 JPY	4,000 JPY
100,000 JPY and over	10,000 JPY