Prime Location - Traditional Japanese Home Away From Home
5.0
Outstanding(139 Reviews)House in Kyoto
5 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Air conditioner and more
About this house rental
This charming and characteristic machiya townhouse is located on a quiet lane leading up to the Chawan-zaka approach to Kiyomizu Temple (an UNESCO World Heritage site), just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the busy souvenir shops and restaurants lining Ninnen-zaka and Sannen-zaka below the temple`s main gates.
The interior offers a harmonious combination of Japanese design and beautiful antiques with modern features such as hardwood floors with beautiful carpets and a tatami room with a comfortable couch.
Downstairs, there is well equipped full-sized kitchen. The dining area has a traditional Japanese antique "mizuya" cupboard and opens out on to a deck with a small Japanese garden beneath which flows a little stream from Kiyomizu temple. The sound of flowing stream, birds singing and the temple bells ringing give you much joy and set your mind at ease.
There is a Western-style toilet and a full Japanese-style bath downstairs. The two bedrooms are upstairs and get plenty of light. The large, high ceiling-ed Japanese-style tatami mat bedroom sleeps up to 3 people in single futons with extra mattresses to get a good night's sleep. Across the hall, the Western bedroom has a queen-sized bed which is cozy and comfortable.
The neighborhood in the Higashiyama district in which the house is located refers to Kyoto's eastern mountain range, and also the historic area which has been catering to tourists and pilgrims for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple is an especially popular destination for viewing the cherry blossoms and the autumn colors. Visit and explore a variety of temples, gardens, restaurants and coffee shops and the numerous shops selling traditional handicrafts and arts as you wander the steep and ancient back lanes paved with stone north to Yasaka Shrine (10 minutes) or Gion district (10 minutes) where the geisha ply their trade.
Easy access to Fushimi Inari shrine which is famous for its thousands of vermilion Torii gates.
From Kyoto Station, it’s 15 minutes by bus to the Gojo-zaka bus stop, a short walk from the house. Our delightful and charming house in Gion-Kiyomizu is perfectly located for enjoying the best the ancient city of Kyoto has to offer.
Keywords: Kyoto, machiya, traditional, townhouse, Kiyomizu temple, Gion
The interior offers a harmonious combination of Japanese design and beautiful antiques with modern features such as hardwood floors with beautiful carpets and a tatami room with a comfortable couch.
Downstairs, there is well equipped full-sized kitchen. The dining area has a traditional Japanese antique "mizuya" cupboard and opens out on to a deck with a small Japanese garden beneath which flows a little stream from Kiyomizu temple. The sound of flowing stream, birds singing and the temple bells ringing give you much joy and set your mind at ease.
There is a Western-style toilet and a full Japanese-style bath downstairs. The two bedrooms are upstairs and get plenty of light. The large, high ceiling-ed Japanese-style tatami mat bedroom sleeps up to 3 people in single futons with extra mattresses to get a good night's sleep. Across the hall, the Western bedroom has a queen-sized bed which is cozy and comfortable.
The neighborhood in the Higashiyama district in which the house is located refers to Kyoto's eastern mountain range, and also the historic area which has been catering to tourists and pilgrims for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple is an especially popular destination for viewing the cherry blossoms and the autumn colors. Visit and explore a variety of temples, gardens, restaurants and coffee shops and the numerous shops selling traditional handicrafts and arts as you wander the steep and ancient back lanes paved with stone north to Yasaka Shrine (10 minutes) or Gion district (10 minutes) where the geisha ply their trade.
Easy access to Fushimi Inari shrine which is famous for its thousands of vermilion Torii gates.
From Kyoto Station, it’s 15 minutes by bus to the Gojo-zaka bus stop, a short walk from the house. Our delightful and charming house in Gion-Kiyomizu is perfectly located for enjoying the best the ancient city of Kyoto has to offer.
Keywords: Kyoto, machiya, traditional, townhouse, Kiyomizu temple, Gion
Amenities
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Garden
Map of Kyoto
Reviews
5.0
Outstanding(139 Reviews)5.0
It's beautifully appointed and very Japanese in design and decor but also had a big western style bed that my very tall teenage son appreciated. We loved the quiet street and the location was really convenient to most everything we wanted to see, just a quick taxi ride if we didn't want to walk. Acco was so helpful and provided so much information about the house and Kyoto. She was even in town during our stay. We'd go back in a minute!
5.0
Fantastic stay in a great location. Unfortunately had only 2 nights in Kyoto would have loved to stay longer to explore the area more.
5.0
I chose this lovely apartment for our recent trip to Kyoto. I was specifically looking for a washer/dryer and equipped kitchen. The location is perfect! Easy access to historic sites and public transportation. Leading up to our stay the property manager was emailing me and communicating via what’s app to make sure we had clear check-in instructions and had any questions answered.
I will note that the stairs leading up to the bedrooms are VERY steep. (Think Dutch stairs). This was not an issue for us, but might be for some.
Enjoy Kyoto like a local in this amazing apartment!
5.0
Wonderful home located near many beautiful temples. Very quiet and relaxing. Communication was excellent when checking in and out.
5.0
Our family of four greatly enjoyed our stay in this lovely traditional Japanese house. It is perfectly located in a historic area of Kyoto, just a short walking distance to the breathtaking temple, Kiyomizu-dera, and to beautiful streets lined with traditional wooden houses, shops, restaurants & teahouses. We also enjoyed walks to the Gion district and northward to zen temples and gardens. The house itself is tucked away off one of the more popular streets, which also provided a quiet refuge from all the activity.
When we first arrived at the home, we appreciated the care that the host, Acco, took in creating a welcoming and peaceful space. Slippers at the door, the faint scent of incense, lattice screens open to a small back garden, the sound of water trickling beyond it, and stems of fresh flowers. The house is meticulously cared for and thoughtfully furnished with Japanese lighting, antiques and ceramics. And yet, it was also practical and comfortable, and provided all the amenities that we needed—air conditioning, washer and dryer and a well equipped kitchen to cook a few meals for ourselves.
We were grateful for Acco’s thoughtful communication throughout the entire process, providing helpful information to ease our arrival and enjoy our time in Kyoto. Her kind and generous nature made our visit feel very special. We hope to return in the near future—and of course we wouldn’t consider staying anywhere else!
5.0
Tucked away close to temples and historic neighborhoods. Really enjoyed our stay and our host was great with communication. Highly recommend.
5.0
Wonderful experience and Akiko was a great host!
5.0
Quiet house. Very private. Perfect area for visitors to the city. The house had everything we needed. We used the second bedroom upstairs as a sitting area. Air con worked well. Western style bed comfortable though a little small. Washer/drier worked well. Note that the stairs in the house are very steep. Communication was excellent with host. Lovely experience to stay in a Japanese home.
5.0
Acco's home was wonderful and in a brilliant location. I stayed for a short vacation with my son and both the eastern and western style bedrooms were comfortable and spacious. The home was peaceful and ticked all the boxes for a great stay. Many key Kyoto sights were within walking distance from the home. Communications with Acco were awesome. Will certainly stay again.
5.0
Great experience! Property is on a quiet street and walking distance to most attractions. Our host Acco was very responsive and also met us at check in. Went above and beyond and made a dinner reservation for us as well. Highly recommended. We are a family of 4 with 2 teenage boys.
5.0
We had a wonderful two week stay in November in this charming, well located and very comfortable house. Everything written in previous reviews is true. The house is very well appointed with Japanese decor but Western comforts, full kitchen (with generous provisions) and dining area, a washer and dryer, a good bed and comfortable futons, effective heating in every room and plentiful hot water.
The location is ideal, being in a very quiet small street, but within easy walking distance to many temples and gardens, supermarket, cafes and restaurants. Gion is an easy 15 minute walk through the quiet back streets. The bus to the CBD is 5 minutes walk at the end of the street and in 15 minutes you can be in the centre with all the department stores. There is also a taxi rank at the end of the street which we used for an easy departure with suitcases to Kyoto station, again only 10-15 drive away.
Acco is a one of the best hosts we have encountered in many years of travel. She makes settling in very easy with very clear instructions for arrival, colour coded instructions for operations throughout the house and a personal tour of the house to understand stoves, air conditions etc. Nothing was too much trouble and she was immediately responsive and comprehensive in responding to our requests for information on everything from the sights to the best shops for gifts.
We can’t thank Acco enough for making us feel so welcome and helping to make our stay in Kyoto so memorable.
5.0
The house location is very convenient but on a quiet street. It is generously supplied with dishware, kitchenware, cooking oil, soy sauce, etc. The Japanese and western style mix works very well. Typical of many Japanese homes the stair to the second floor is quite steep but there is a good, strong handrail. The owner was extremely responsive and provides very helpful instructions with photos on the house and its appliances. We really enjoyed our stay which was a nice change from staying in hotels
5.0
The house had a wonderful individual and artificial atmosphere, the japanese decoration was lovely.
The kitchen was clean and had a good equipment ,everythig worked well and we all could sleep well. The surrounding area has a lot of good places to visit. Even to the restaurants we could walk. We are glad, that we could stay here.
5.0
We adored the lovely historical house with all the modern amenities a family with 3kids would need! Location was perfect - on the way up the hill to Kiyomizu-dera, surrounded by tons of little adorable souvenir shops and cafes and history!! There are also many smaller shrines and beautiful, serene gardens all within walking distance where one can explore all week long. Even if it was 95°F+ all week, we still were able to walk everywhere, even to Yasaka-Jinja, the Kamogawa river, Nishiki Market, no problem. The house had great AC for the hot days, and a life-saving washer/dryer (a Dryer?! Unheard of in Japan!). We loved the area, and the kids loved going up and down the steep, Machiya-esque staircase and rooms, sleeping in futons and opening the shoji doors. Every detail was thought through, and Ms. Acco left clear instructions in each room (even sent an email beforehand), and left beautiful, elegant decorations all throughout the house. In every corner, a touch of Kyoto was found in her house. Thank you for letting us stay at your beautiful home for almost 2 weeks! We’d love to come back again in the near future (maybe when it’s much cooler).
5.0
We are a family of four with two teen daughters and we loved our 7-day stay at Acco's home. First off, Acco is a consummate professional and gracious host. From her consistent & speedy responses to her detailed and color-coded instructions to her personal tour of her home, her 15 years of doing this - and doing it with grace - is abundantly clear. She made us all feel welcome to Kyoto! Her home is located in a quiet tucked away road next to Sannezaka and down the road from Kiyomizu-dera Temple - both a 5-10 min walk. So, you are in the midst of key tourist sites but can quickly find respite from the crowds. To get to other sites in Kyoto, we used the bus (Gojozaka busstop) since that was closest (5-7 minute walk) and we were able to access all the sites we wanted quite easily. We went during Gion Matsuri and that was easily accessible by bus as well. Subway was too far to walk to during the July heat. The home itself was impeccable and it is clear that Acco has invested energy and thought into making this a home. Especially being on the road for a month, her home allowed us to spread out and have their own private space and decompress. Bed & futons were great. All rooms had AC to easily beat the July heat. Kitchen and dining room gave us a communal space and the well stocked kitchen allowed us to cook all our breakfasts and a few dinners quite easily. Combo washer/dryer was a treat and the only one I've seen that truly dries clothes. Overall, we'd come back in a heartbeat!!
5.0
The property was in a great location, very walkable to a few of the best parts of Kyoto. The house itself was small but had enough room for my family of four. All of us ended up sleeping on the provided futons on the tatami floor, we all slept surprisingly well. Be warned of low doorways though, definitely bumped my head quite a few times so be careful. Also the stairs are quite steep so keep that in mind if you're bringing toddlers or small children.
5.0
We had a perfect stay at the DaVinci glow and Acco and John were wonderful hosts! Acco met us at the home to check us in and we experienced a wonderful nighttime tour with John - highly recommend! The home was comfortable with a perfect blend of traditional Japanese and modern convenience. And so peaceful!! The location near Kyomozera was centrally located and in a calm and convenient area.
5.0
We truly loved this very charming, authentic Japanese townhome! They did an incredible job keeping the space both historically authentic and stylish. It is on a very quiet residential alleyway adjacent to a tourist-filled shopping district that heads uphill toward the Kiyomizu Temple. Though it was so close to the action, It was incredibly quiet and the perfect spot!
This side of Kyoto is so charming and quaint and the purveyors were so nice. Our hosts, Acco and David, were also very nice and accommodating. They checked on us daily and gave amazing suggestions of places to go and see as well as making reservations at local restaurants etc. We would highly recommend this rental!
5.0
We had a comfortable, wonderful stay in Acco's beautiful property. The house had everything we needed and the kitchen was well stocked and a charming place to eat together. The location is great, so close to Kiyomizudera, ninnenzaka and sannenzaka. There is a bus that can be caught to and from the station only a short walk away and a taxi rank too.
Acco provided so much information and was always so helpful and quick to reply to any questions or concerns.
Thank you Acco for a wonderful stay at your lovely machiya.
5.0
The house was great. Has a cool old style with all the modern amenities you need. Location is awesome. Host Acco is very friendly and helpful. I would stay again
5.0
Nice place in Kyoto near Gojozaka. House is a little cold in the winter but plenty of heaters are provided and hot water for bath at the push of a button. Accurate and timely communication
5.0
Property was clean and comfy, and the host Acco was very responsive and helpful. I recommend this property and will stay here again in the future!
5.0
We enjoyed staying at Acco's house over Christmas and the New Year. It's in a great location and is very quiet. We never felt cold because the heaters in the rooms are powerful and heat up the spaces quickly. Everything was spotless. We walked all over Kyoto and took some day trips so it was lovely to return to the house and soak in the bath (there was always plenty of hot water). The double bed in the bedroom is a futon, but if you're used to a Western-style mattress there's plenty of bedding (quilts etc.) to make the futon softer. We appreciated the washing machine as we were there for two weeks and washed clothes every day. In short, we had a great stay and highly recommend Acco's house!
5.0
Sweet little house was perfect for our family of three.
We enjoyed staying at Acco's house over Christmas and the New Year. It's in a great location and is very quiet. We never felt cold because the heaters in the rooms are powerful and heat up the spaces quickly. Everything was spotless. We walked all over Kyoto and took some day trips so it was lovely to return to the house and soak in the bath (there was always plenty of hot water). The double bed in the bedroom is a futon, but if you're used to a Western-style mattress there's plenty of bedding (quilts etc.) to make the futon softer. We appreciated the washing machine as we were there for two weeks and washed clothes every day. In short, we had a great stay and highly recommend Acco's house!
5.0
"We arrived as guests and left as friends."
Acco's traditional Japanese machiya is in a prime location of Kiyomizu-dera. Her machiya has all of the conveniences of home, from the use of a full kitchen, washer/dryer, a bedroom and an upstairs family room. Acco is very sweet, helpful, and welcoming. She speaks English very well. We appreciated her explaining how to use her appliances and the clear instructions in English with diagrams that are in her folder for us to refer to. She was so willing and gracious to help us in getting adjusted to the area by giving advice on where to shop, which buses to take, how get a cab and where are neet places to visit in the area based on our interest. We're 72 years old, in good health and wanted to experience a traditional machiya. Her home is on a quiet lane and is just a 10 min. walk up to Kiyomizu-dera. At our age the only concern we had was coming down from the 2nd floor, where the bedrooms are as the stairs are steeper than stairs in our home in Hawaii. We would definitely recommend Acco's home if you want to experience a traditional Japanese home on a quiet lane in a quiet neighborhood. What we especially liked was its closeness not only to Kiyomizu-dera but walking distance to Kawai Kanjiro museum, the Kyoto National Museum, the Yasaka Pagoda and Temple and neat coffee shops in Ninen-saka area of Kiyomizu. We just loved being so close to all the action and activity but off on a side street that is so quiet and calm. If you are looking for a residential, non-hotel experience, this is it!!!
5.0
Full of character
Wonderful traditional Japanese house in great location. Very quiet but for those who don't like bright bedrooms bring an eye mask! Like most Japanese houses there are no black out blinds.
5.0
We loved the location, the home was very comfortable......absolutely no complaints. Despite the business of the area, this home was tucked away down a quiet street. The property manager was wonderful in communicating with us whenever we tried to contact her. I would stay here again.
5.0
Wonderful
We loved the location, the home was very comfortable......absolutely no complaints. Despite the business of the area, this home was tucked away down a quiet street. The property manager was wonderful in communicating with us whenever we tried to contact her. I would stay here again.
5.0
Comfortable house in good neighborhood
Acco was very helpful in getting us settled even though she could not be there in person.. We used the upstairs Japanese style sleeping room as a living room. It is spacious and bright. If both bedrooms were used for sleeping with, say, 4 guests, the house might be a bit crowded. The kitchen is tiny but well equipped and we easily made all our dinners there. The stairs to the bedrooms are very narrow and steep so this house probably wouldn’t work for someone with mobility issues. For all others it’s a great choice.
5.0
Beautiful Japanese home close to attractions, great restaurants, and shopping.
Traditional home that has been beautifully updated. Acco was a wonderful host. The location couldn't have been better in terms of accessing attractions, etc. Our only issue was space as there were 5 of us. It would have been perfect for 4 people.
5.0
Wonderful oasis in Kyoto
Many thanks to Acco for being accommodating for the early check in and early check out process. The place is slightly older than expected from picture and is a 15 to 20 min walk north to Gion, but close to Kiyomizu temple. Overall an authentic Kyoto Japan experience.
5.0
Everything was as described in listing. Great location and good detailed instructions for using the appliances in the house. Absolutely loved our stay and would return again in a heartbeat!
5.0
Awesome house in awesome location
Everything was as described in listing. Great location and good detailed instructions for using the appliances in the house. Absolutely loved our stay and would return again in a heartbeat!
5.0
This small home is down a quiet alley toward the southeast side of Kyoto. Great location to visit Gion (~12 min walk) and the central shopping area (~30 min walk). Has everything you need!
5.0
Clean and nice 2Br in good location for visiting Kyoto
This small home is down a quiet alley toward the southeast side of Kyoto. Great location to visit Gion (~12 min walk) and the central shopping area (~30 min walk). Has everything you need!
5.0
Stay Here!!
From start to finish, Acco was helpful, friendly, and accommodating during the trip to, during, and check-out process. With emailed directions that were spot on, to answering questions about the culture and places to eat, Acco was the perfect host. Not only for her house, but for the country! I highly recommend you stay at this property, it's beautiful, a fabulous location, and Acco is the perfect host.
5.0
Our visit to Kyoto
This property perfectly suited our stay in Kyoto. It was conveniently located yet very quiet being only a street back from busy streets with access to restaurants and supermarkets. A few minutes to bus access and 12 minutes to the subway. We were a group of four and enjoyed being in a traditional Japanese house and neighbourhood.
5.0
3 night city break
Wonderful location on quiet side street, very close to Kiyomizu-dera. Fresh flowers, Japanese garden, overall spotless and well appointed in traditional style home.
Acco, the owner, met us on arrival, helped us get settled, provided well annotated local map, and finally helped again on departure.
5.0
Kyoto stay
We enjoyed our stay at the house, and especially the help of Akko the host. She is very honest, and pointed out many tourist things todo. The house is located so close to Kiyomisu-dera temple, and that is a plus. Groceries are within walking distance, but carrying a large bag of rice might take a stop for rest. Stairs to go to sleeping areas are steep, and should be used only in bare feet, no socks.
5.0
Great place
Super location, close to taxi rank, accomodation was super. Acco very helpful. Thanks
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Kyoto?
The average price for a rental in Kyoto is $134 per night. This rental is $204 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Parking is not specified as an available amenity at Prime Location - Traditional Japanese Home Away From Home. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Prime Location - Traditional Japanese Home Away From Home pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Prime Location - Traditional Japanese Home Away From Home?
We found 6 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, laundry, and balcony or patio.
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