Overview
The exit you choose at Kyoto Station makes a real difference. Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande is about one minute from the Hachijo East Exit, and a direct underground passage provides a covered approach. Within the station complex, travelers can connect to the Tokaido Shinkansen, JR lines, Kintetsu Railway, and the Karasuma subway.
The Hachijo side is especially convenient for Shinkansen departures, Kintetsu trains, and airport buses. It can save an extra city transfer after arrival, though Gion, Higashiyama, and most downtown evening destinations still require a local ride.
Rooms
Rooms start at 15 square metres for a single. King doubles and casual twins measure 19 square metres, while standard twins and triples offer 23 square metres. Those larger categories provide more floor space for two travelers with luggage or a third guest.
On the 13th floor, the Superior level adds larger rooms and a private lounge with coffee and views across Kyoto toward Higashiyama. Superior twins measure 25 square metres, deluxe twins 36 square metres, and the junior suite 50 square metres. The 50-square-metre Zen Family Suite accommodates up to four adults.
Facilities
Self check-in and checkout kiosks are helpful when the day revolves around train times. Automated washer-dryers support longer stays, while complimentary luggage shipping can simplify a multi-stop itinerary. Meeting rooms, a foreign-currency machine, and basic refreshment facilities cover other everyday needs.
Dining
From the second floor, Octavar overlooks passing Shinkansen trains. Its breakfast buffet runs from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, with Kyoto-style obanzai, regional dishes, and breads from the stone oven among the choices.
Lunch and dinner focus on Mediterranean cooking, including pizza and pasta. Both services close on Mondays, or on Tuesday when Monday is a public holiday, while breakfast continues as usual.
Location and transport
The Hachijo East Exit opens onto the south side of the Kyoto Station Area. This is the convenient side for the hotel, many Shinkansen and Kintetsu gates, and the Hachijo airport bus stops. Kyoto Tower and the north-facing Central Exit are across the rail complex.
JR trains provide straightforward sightseeing routes toward Fushimi Inari, Tofuku-ji, and Arashiyama. For Shijo and central Kyoto, the Karasuma subway is the simpler rail option. To-ji is west of the Hachijo side, while Higashi Hongan-ji is north of the tracks.
Airport access
The Haruka limited express connects Kansai International Airport directly with Kyoto Station. Limousine buses also run between Kansai Airport and the Hachijo side, with the current journey scheduled at roughly 85 to 90 minutes before the short walk to the hotel.
Buses from Itami Airport also serve Kyoto Station, and the hotel estimates a journey of about 50 minutes. These are station services, not hotel-door transfers. Road traffic can affect bus times.
Why stay here
Early Shinkansen departures, luggage-heavy arrivals, and rail day trips are easier when the station is one minute away and bad weather doesn't require an uncovered approach. The compromise is neighborhood atmosphere: Kyoto's central shopping streets and east-side sights aren't outside the door.
There are still worthwhile places around the station district. To-ji lies west of the Hachijo side, Higashi Hongan-ji is north of the station, and the aquarium and railway museum are one JR stop away in Umekoji.
Good to know
Follow signs for the Hachijo East Exit rather than the Central Exit near Kyoto Tower. Smoking rooms remain available on the eighth floor; rooms on floors four through twelve and all Superior rooms on the thirteenth floor are non-smoking.
1-minute walk