Kyoto Summer Vacation Accommodation: Potel Hotel Umekoji
by Smokeyjoe
Aug 31, 2025
#AugustDestinations2025 #FamilyFriendly #SummerEscapeIndoorActivities
The UMEKOJI POTEL HOTEL in Kyoto is a unique hotel that blends Japanese aesthetics with modern conveniences, making it ideal for families and young travelers. Accessibility is readily available, with JR Umekoji Kyoto-Nishi Station just a three-minute walk away, though the bus to the Kyoto Aquarium requires a longer walk.
The hotel's unique charm begins the moment you enter. From the entrance to the lobby, a ten-meter-long walkway greets you, flanked by a tranquil bamboo forest on one side and a simple low-ceramic stone wall on the other. This promenade creates a unique sense of ritual before entering the main hotel, gradually calming the mind.
Beyond its ingenious design, POTEL's most captivating feature is its extensive array of facilities and activities. The hotel features a replica of a traditional Japanese sento bathhouse, allowing guests to experience traditional Japanese hot spring culture. Even more surprising is the unique themed relaxation area on each floor. The moku lounge on the fifth floor offers a simple and comfortable atmosphere; the vinyl listening room on the fourth floor offers a wide selection of music, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the melodious sounds; the pour-over coffee experience on the third floor allows guests to fully experience the aroma of coffee, from bean selection and grinding to brewing; and the beverage area on the second floor offers a variety of soft and alcoholic beverages throughout the day, accompanied by snacks such as nuts, dried fruit, and cheese, ensuring a relaxing moment at any time.
The hotel also offers meticulous care for families. From the wooden ball pool and billiards experience on the second floor to the preschool reading area, and the board games and books available for loan on the third floor, the diverse indoor activities ensure fun even on hot or rainy days, allowing you to fully enjoy your vacation without leaving home.
The hotel enjoys a prime location, close to the Kyoto Aquarium and the Railway Museum. The café's side entrance leads directly to Umekoji Park, making outdoor activities easily accessible. Although the service level is slightly lower than other hotels, such as the inability to use any facilities before check-in and the lack of luggage delivery, Umekoji Potel is still a high-quality accommodation option worth considering when visiting Kyoto.
Post by Smokeyjoe | Aug 31, 2025












