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Hotel Tavinos Review: A Manga-Themed Hotel in Kyoto that is perfect for remote workers and tourists
Updated: Jun 16
Hotel Tavinos in Kyoto is a manga-themed hotel that is great for digital nomads like us, and general travelers too. The hotel offers a variety of amenities that are perfect for remote workers, including fast WiFi, comfortable workspaces, and a library of manga. The hotel is also located close to many of Kyoto's most popular attractions, making it easy to get around.
Tavinos has an awesome and unique manga theme, with artwork and characters from popular manga series displayed throughout the hotel which we absolutely loved. The rooms are also manga-themed too!
Tavinos Hotel has a variety of room types, including standard rooms, twin rooms, and family rooms. It also has a number of facilities, including automated luggage storage, self check-in, free unlimited coffee and tea machines, free breakfast snacks and a coin-operated laundry service (which is always super handy for travelers).
We had a fantastic stay here, enjoying the ease of it being walking distance from the famous Nishiki Market, while utilizing the excellent WIFI and lobby area to work on our blog and YouTube channel. There is also the added bonus of a 7 Eleven convenience store directly beneath the hotel with direct access from the lobby to store without even having to go outside. It literally had everything we needed!
Read on for more on the room, the hotel facilities, how to find Tavinos, and our hotel experience rating.
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The Room at Hotel Tavinos
We had a standard double room which was decorated in the same theme as the main hallways and lobby. It was small, but best use was made of the space by adding the table area on the side of the bed, a handy ledge above the pillows for electronics and charging, and storage space beneath the bed for luggage.
The room comes with a TV, however there is a strict no-eating policy. There is a phone for emergencies and also the lighting in the hallway was automatic (which timed out after a minute, but prior to us knowing led to a frantic search for the switch!). There is air-conditioning and the bed was not the most comfortable, but perfectly manageable.
The WIFI worked okay with reasonable speeds for downloading, streaming and working, but it was not as fast and stable as the lobby area. There was no safe, mini fridge or wardrobe or shelving (although there was a small coat rack). This was a slight downer, alongside having no formal seating area which could have been provided where Jenn is standing in the photo below.
As in most Japanese hotels and even Airbnb's, the bathrooms are pretty small. This one was as tight as you can get, but nonetheless it was modern, clean and had everything we needed. Of course the toilet seat is in true Japanese style too, with seat heating options, cleaning buttons and even sounds! The shower was decent with good pressure, temperature and shower gel & shampoo included, which we really appreciate as we like to travel light.
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Hotel Tavinos Facilities
⪢ Hotel products
Even though you do get some basic toiletries in the room, there is an expansive collection in the lobby which is free to select from and use. This is fairly unusual for a hotel, but a really nice touch! You can get dressing gowns, cotton buds, slippers, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Perfect if you arrive late and are caught short!
⪢ Lobby & Dining Area
The lobby and dining area at Hotel Tavinos is spacious and stylish. It is decorated with manga artwork and characters as with the rest of the hotel, and it has a comfortable seating area where you can relax or work. There is unlimited coffee and tea available, and every morning the hotel provided some small cakes and snacks for breakfast.
We love books and there is a really cool free to use manga library too, with plenty to choose from. Definitely worth checking out!
⪢ Laundry
Always a real bonus for travelers, the hotel offers laundry facilities including dryers, which are coin operated and very efficient!
⪢ Workspace Area
The workspace area in the Hotel Tavinos is clean, quiet and very comfortable. Each table has plugs for charging, and the WiFi works very well. There is a toilet nearby too so you can really focus without having to go to your room.
⪢ Outdoor Balcony
As we were here in December, it was still fairly cold so we did not really use this space. But it is beautifully presented and also provides another option if you would prefer to eat or work outside. There is no smoking permitted here though; you have to leave the hotel grounds for that.
⪢ Luggage Storage
We had no need to take advantage of this facility but we have to say it is an excellent touch. For a small charge you can keep your bags secure for up to 24 hours, which is really handy if you have a late flight or want to make use of your time after check out luggage-free.
⪢ Self Check In / Check Out
This was an absolute first for us! We have used these types of machines plenty of times in airports, but never in hotels. It worked really well, asking all the usual questions and scanning our passport on check-in. On check out, we literally popped our room key into it and we were good to go. Brilliant.
⪢ 7 Eleven Convenience Store
If you have not experienced a Seven Eleven store in Japan, then you have to try. The options available in here are unlike any other local store you have tried. Trust us! We like to call the food here gourmet, because it really is. There are a ton of fancy options, from main meals to snacks, sweet food to savory. It can be heated for you, and cutlery will always be provided. Prices are reasonable too!
Of course in addition you can pick up toiletries and other bits and bobs. It was ideal to have this right beneath the hotel, with direct access from the elevator down from the hotel lobby.
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How to get to Hotel Tavinos Kyoto
The hotel is located in the heart of Kyoto, with places such Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and Kinkaku-ji Temple nearby.
There is no on-site parking, but it is easily accessible by foot from nearby train stations.
Address: 612番地 Azuchicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8040, Japan
Phone: +81 75-320-4111
Instagram: @hoteltavinos_kyoto
Website: hoteltavinos.com
All customer enquiries: Tavinos Hotel
Things to do near Hotel Tavinos
⪢ Kiyomizu-dera Temple
This is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is located on a hill overlooking the city, and it offers stunning views.
⪢ Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
This is a beautiful bamboo forest that is located in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto. The forest is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, and it is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
⪢ Kinkaku-ji Temple
This is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kyoto. The temple is known for its golden pavilion, which is a beautiful example of Japanese architecture.
⪢ Gion
This is a traditional geisha district in Kyoto, and it is a great place to wander around and explore. There are many teahouses and restaurants in Gion, and you may even see a geisha or two.
⪢ Nishiki Market
This is a large market that is located in the heart of Kyoto. The market is a great place to find souvenirs, snacks, local produce and a vibrant atmosphere.
⪢ Maruyama Park
This is a large park that is located in the center of Kyoto. The park is a great place to relax, go for a walk, or have a picnic.
Our Hotel Tavinos Experience Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
✓ Cleanliness: 5/5
The hotel was very clean throughout; no complaints here. The bathroom in the workspace area was a little smelly, but nothing major. The room was spotless.
✓ Cost & Value for money: 5/5
✓ Food: 4/5
✓ Location: 5/5
✓ Service: 5/5
✓ The Room 4/5
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