Kyoto Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Is Airbnb profitable in Kyoto in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Kyoto, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the bustling market of 3,288 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Kyoto, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Kyoto Airbnb data is crucial. Navigating the high regulation landscape is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Kyoto Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Kyoto (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Kyoto is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Kyoto is typically November, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Kyoto across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $7,535+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,686 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,416 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,164, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Kyoto
Kyoto Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Kyoto STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Novembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Kyoto:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 92%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 83% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 63%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 36% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Kyoto
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Kyoto (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Kyoto involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Kyoto typically peaks in November and dips lowest during February. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $349+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $226 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $133 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $74 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Kyoto
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Kyoto (2025)
Peak Season (November, April, October)
- Revenue averages $4,450 per month
- Occupancy rates average 70.4%
- Daily rates average $198
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,283 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 55.0%
- Daily rates hold near $179
Low Season (February, August, September)
- Revenue drops to average $2,586 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 53.4%
- Daily rates adjust to average $162
Seasonality Insights for Kyoto
- The Airbnb seasonality in Kyoto shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Kyoto's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $4,956, occupancy reaching a high of 73.0%, and ADRs peaking at $226.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $2,329, occupancy could drop to 48.5%, and ADRs may adjust down to $159.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Kyoto.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Kyoto seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Kyoto (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Kyoto? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Gion | Famous historical district known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture. This area attracts tourists interested in experiencing Kyoto's rich heritage and cultural experiences. | Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Gion Corner, Shirakawa Canal, Hanami Lane |
| Arashiyama | Picturesque area known for its scenic beauty, bamboo groves, and the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. A popular spot for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. | Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, Iwatayama Monkey Park, Tenryu-ji Temple, Hozu River |
| Kyoto Station | The central transportation hub of Kyoto, making it easily accessible for travelers. It's close to shopping and dining options, catering to both tourists and business travelers. | Kyoto Tower, Avenue of the Arts, The Cube shopping center, Kyoto Station Building, Umekoji Park |
| Nijo Castle | A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historic significance and beautiful gardens. It attracts tourists interested in Japan's feudal history and architecture. | Nijo Castle, Ninomaru Palace, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) nearby, Kyoto Gyoen National Garden |
| Pontocho | A narrow alley known for its traditional teahouses and vibrant nightlife. It's a popular area for dining and experiencing Kyoto's famous kaiseki cuisine. | Pontocho Alley, Shijo Dori Street, Kamo River, Gion District, Kyoto Cuisine |
| Shimogyo | A central area that offers a mix of traditional and modern Kyoto with good access to public transport and tourist sites. Great for both short-term and long-term stays. | Sanjusangendo Temple, Toji Temple, Nanzen-ji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple nearby, Gion District |
| Higashiyama | A historic district known for its preserved streets and temples that reflect traditional Kyoto. A must-visit for those wanting to explore not only the city's history but also its art and culture. | Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Higashiyama District, Philosopher's Path, Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), Eikan-do Temple |
| Uzumasa | A quieter area that features the famous Toei Uzumasa Eiga Mura and a more local experience of Kyoto life, suitable for families and those seeking a peaceful stay. | Toei Uzumasa Eiga Mura, Kyoto Studio Park, Kaminoge Station, Katsura River, Rakushisha |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Kyoto (2025)
Yes, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan enforces high STR regulations. Obtaining a license and ensuring compliance is almost certainly required according to current 2025 STR laws. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Kyoto to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 91% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Kyoto (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Kyotobased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Accommodates up to 17 people · 3 minutes from Kawaramachi · Netflex/WiFi equipped · Limited to 1 gro
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Guesthouse-Hana・Harmony Villa
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Miyagawacho Samurai Machiya
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Kyotofish·Miya*Gion Center 100Yr Ochaya Reformed
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Mitsuki Yasaka (entire Japanese style high-end villa) is suitable for families or groups of 6-10 peo
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Guesthouse-Hana・Lucky Villa
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Kyoto (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Kyoto based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karen | 35 | $3,120,553 | 3558 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Keirei | 33 | $2,741,348 | 4523 | 4.89/5.0 |
| RESI STAY Support Team | 79 | $2,541,919 | 9054 | 4.67/5.0 |
| Saki | 33 | $2,538,607 | 1654 | 4.28/5.0 |
| Machiya Residence Inn | 53 | $2,501,464 | 1712 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Maya | 21 | $1,974,095 | 3186 | 4.84/5.0 |
| 香柏 | 23 | $1,713,586 | 1693 | 4.89/5.0 |
| 谷町君 | 30 | $1,650,798 | 5048 | 4.81/5.0 |
| Shiki | 28 | $1,595,209 | 2540 | 4.74/5.0 |
| Hana | 10 | $1,554,123 | 909 | 4.95/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Kyoto.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Kyoto STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Kyoto. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsKyoto Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Kyoto
- The Kyoto Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 70.7% of the 3,288 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Kyoto, House properties are the most common (56.1%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 56.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 13.2% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique, others, unique stays (combined 3.8%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Kyoto Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Kyoto
- The dominant room capacity in Kyoto is 1 bedroom listings, making up 43.6% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 71.0% of the active Airbnb listings in Kyoto, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
Kyoto Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Kyoto
- The most common guest capacity trend in Kyoto vacation rentals is listings accommodating 5 guests (19.5%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 5 guests and 4 guests dominate the Kyoto STR market, accounting for 37.2% of listings.
- 23.6% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Kyoto.
- On average, properties in Kyoto are equipped to host 4.0 guests.
Kyoto Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Kyoto
- The most common availability pattern in Kyoto falls within the 91-180 days range, representing 32.5% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 38.8% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 181-270 days range is most frequent in Kyoto (31.7%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 62.0% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Kyoto Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
2038 listings
63.9% of total
2 Nights
666 listings
20.9% of total
3 Nights
84 listings
2.6% of total
4-6 Nights
37 listings
1.2% of total
7-29 Nights
33 listings
1% of total
30+ Nights
330 listings
10.4% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Kyoto is 1 Night, adopted by 63.9% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (84.8%) of the Kyoto Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (10.4%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Kyoto, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 63.9% of Kyoto hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 10.4% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Kyoto.
Kyoto Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Non-refundable
1 listings
0% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
5 listings
0.2% of total
Refundable
6 listings
0.2% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
5 listings
0.2% of total
Flexible
451 listings
14.3% of total
Moderate
913 listings
29% of total
Firm
809 listings
25.7% of total
Strict
954 listings
30.3% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Kyoto
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Kyoto is Strict, used by 30.3% of listings.
- A majority (56.0%) of hosts in Kyoto utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Strict policy to align with the 30.3% market standard in Kyoto.
- With 30.3% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Kyoto, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Kyoto.
Kyoto STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Kyoto
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Kyoto is 59 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during April (average 83 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 49 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (74 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (52 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (59 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Kyoto.
- For April stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 83 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 74 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Kyoto averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Kyoto (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Kyoto
- Essential amenities in Kyoto that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Hair dryer, Wifi, Shampoo, Essentials, Fire extinguisher. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Heating, Hot water, Hangers are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Kyoto: Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Hair dryer, Wifi, Shampoo, Essentials, Fire extinguisher.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Hair dryer, Wifi, Shampoo, Essentials, Fire extinguisher.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Heating or Hot water to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Kyoto to stay competitive.
Kyoto Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Kyoto
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Kyoto consists of predominantly international visitors (97%), with top international origins including Australia, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Chinese.
- Domestic travelers account for 3.3% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (30.3%) and Australia (10.2%).
- Top languages spoken are English (48.4%) followed by Chinese (11.7%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from Australia.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Kyoto Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minamiawaji | 28 | $4,182 | $361.67 | 41% |
| Shima | 32 | $3,426 | $228.80 | 47% |
| Awaji | 87 | $3,352 | $266.98 | 41% |
| Sanuki | 28 | $2,629 | $160.42 | 40% |
| Sumoto | 45 | $2,497 | $216.16 | 34% |
| Kuwana | 20 | $2,285 | $153.78 | 56% |
| Nagoya | 457 | $2,217 | $129.78 | 59% |
| Tamba-Sasayama | 11 | $2,210 | $161.67 | 49% |
| Tonosho | 49 | $2,136 | $136.82 | 47% |
| Takashima | 68 | $1,915 | $157.53 | 36% |