It was a beautiful small home. We throughly enjoyed our stay here and wished we could have stayed longer.

We loved the historic and well appointed apartment! Everything was beautiful, clean and comfortable. The kitchen was very convenient, the outdoor tub was fun, the upstairs futon beds were comfortable, and the location was perfect for walking and transit to all the wonderful sights in Kyoto. Koji and Eri were great hosts, very kind and helpful. We would stay again.

The Machiya is spacious and well located near the Gion area. There are also many restaurants near by and it's close to the train station. After a tour with Eri, the owner, we felt right at home. She left some treats for my teens which was a nice touch. During our stay we had to weather Typhoon #7 and Eri made sure we felt taken care of and safe. The kitchen area could be cleaner with some dust on the cupboards and some splashes on the cabinets. A caution to all, the stone leading out of the shower area to the house is very slippery when wet. My 18 year old slipped on it and fell on his tail bone. Fortunately he was okay, his 18 year old body could handle the impact. One final note is that there isn't anyone who lives at the Machiya which is the way I like it, however it can present a logistical challenge for late check ins or shipping luggage. I was able to work it out but it required some work and well worth it in my opinion. In summary, I would stay there again without a second thought. I traveled all through Japan and stayed a many accommodations of various types. My children and I rank this as one of the top three stays we had in Japan. With much gratitude to Eri.

We stayed in this beautiful home for our 25th wedding anniversary and it was an incredibly special experience. Our host met us and showed us everything along with a history of the property. She had helped me arrange an incredible dinner to celebrate, and we couldn’t be more appreciative of the experience. Dinner was phenomenal. The beautiful home gave us a break from hotel life with something authentically Japanese. It was exactly what we were looking for. The beautiful little garden and onsen was by far my favorite feature. My whole family took turns every night taking a peaceful bath. The location can’t be beat. Easy to get everywhere. I very much recommend you book this; I’m so happy we did!

This machiya is undoubtedly a hidden treasure in Kyoto. It perfectly marries the charm of a traditional Japanese house with the convenience of modern amenities. The residence boasts a contemporary shower, a state-of-the-art Japanese toilet, and all the kitchen appliences you need, at least for cooking a simple meal or preparing breakfast. Beyond the living space, a beautiful Japanese garden unfolds before your eyes as viewed from the tea room. Here, you have exclusive access to your own private onsen. The round bathtub can be effortlessly filled with just a press of a button. Situated on a tranquil side street yet conveniently close to a bus station and other public transportation, the machiya offers the best of both worlds. Convenience stores, cafes, and restaurants are all within a five-minute walk. Moreover, some of the most iconic sights of Kyoto are merely a stone's throw away, enabling you to spend days exploring the city on foot, starting right from your doorstep. The hosts, Eri and Koji, epitomize thoughtfulness and kindness. They go above and beyond to ensure your stay is as enjoyable as possible, assisting with restaurant reservations and offering recommendations for places to visit. Eri graciously welcomed us upon arrival and provided a comprehensive overview of the residence and its amenities. Our heartfelt thanks to Eri and Koji for an unforgettable experience.

We had a great stay recently on our trip to Kyoto. Eri was incredibly helpful and was there to welcome us on arrival and helped with area restaurants including making a reservation for us at one place. The home was well appointed and very authentic. We particularly loved the shower, one of the best we've had in our travels! The outdoor bath is very relaxing but is small if you're on the taller side. It was pretty hot when we were there so I think it would have been amazing if it was cooler out to soak in the warm tub. A word of caution to share is that the bedrooms are rather small and up a very steep flight of stairs with no storage (no dressers or space to open suitcases). The bathroom is outside the kitchen on the main floor so if you're someone who needs to use the toilet in the night you will need to walk down these stairs and will need to exercise caution. This wasn't a deal breaker for us but it was a tight fit and for anyone not comfortable with stairs I would give it thought.

This machiya is amazing. I will be recommending it to all of our friends, and I hope we get the chance to stay here again if we ever come back to Kyoto. The owner was extremely nice and communicative. The location is great - on a picturesque historic street and close to several temples and the Gion/Higashiyama shopping streets, and also conveniently less than 10 minutes to the subway station.

We really enjoyed our stay in Tsubara. Eri is a wonderful host, and Tsubara, an almost hundred-year-old machiya, is lovingly restored. The machiya is beautiful with many original features, but also all the modern conveniences like a washer/dryer and air conditioning. The outdoor bath and garden are beautiful, as well as all of the furnishings in the home. The host will meet you at the home at check-in, which is a lovely gesture and was also a little difficult to time as we were coming from another city and weren't sure about transportation times. Eri was also gracious enough to make a dinner reservation for us at one of her favorite restaurants. Highly recommended for a more personal stay in Kyoto.

The perfect property for our Kyoto trip. I really appreciated the original details of the Machiya property and the thorough tour we had when we arrived. Very clean and quiet neighborhood which was still close to amenities and tourist attractions. Would love to come back again!

It was an honor to be able to stay at Koji and Eri’s place. It had an authentic feel with modern amenities. Eri gave us great recommendations on restaurants and places to visit. We are grateful for the opportunity and we hope to be back someday. Thank you!

The perfect property for our Kyoto trip. I really appreciated the original details of the Machiya property and the thorough tour we had when we arrived. Very clean and quiet neighborhood which was still close to amenities and tourist attractions. Would love to come back again!

Excellent location. Very nice and responsive host. Would recommend staying here.

We had a wonderful stay at Tsubara. The owners were very helpful communicating with us beforehand and answered all our questions. The location is perfect. It is walking distance to a grocery store, great restaurants, the subway, and the main area of Gion. We enjoyed getting to see what it was like living in an authentic Japanese home with the sliding walls and futons. We slept very comfortably. When we first arrived, Eri met us at the home to show us how everything works. She also gave us a map that showed great local spots to eat. Thanks Eri and Koji!

Eri and Koji are wonderful hosts who ensured that everything went smoothly before we even arrived in Japan. They were happy to answer all of our questions such as visiting specific temples in Kyoto (Kokedera) and even offered many recommendations / resources. They always responded promptly and were quick to help us with everything we needed. Thanks so much Koji and Eri! We would love to visit Kyoto again and stay at your property some day!

Though it was a short one, we enjoyed our stay. The ambience, the guide of th house and hospitality by host were really appreciated by us. Looking forward to stay again in future.

Our multi-city trip to Japan was our favorite vacation of all time, and our stay in Kyoto was the highlight. The Machiya home is located in an ideal area. It is quiet and calm, yet minutes from many of the best sights in Kyoto. Restaurants, shrines, temples are all within walking distance. It is also very easy to get a cab nearby. Eri, our host was very responsive and friendly. She offered suggestions for where to visit and dine and gave us detailed maps. My daughter accidentally knocked the shower door off track and she was so nice and fixed it extremely promptly. We enjoyed learning about the home Eri and her husband lovingly restored. The home is beautiful, with many thoughtful details. We all enjoyed the outdoor tub, the dining room, and the sleeping quarters. It was also very convenient to have a washer and dryer to do all our laundry mid trip. The house is kept immaculately clean too. As others have stated, this home provides very modern amenities without sacrificing the style and dignity of this 90 year old home. The home matches the peaceful, welcoming vibe of the city. Don’t hesitate to book this exceptional property with exceptional hosts!

An amazing check in process to learn the ins and outs of this amazing property. The garden and bath are an amazing way to unwind after walking around all the near sights in the neighborhood.

We had a wonderful time staying at this traditional house in Kyoto! I was super impressed when we met the hostess Eri, who greeted us wearing a beautiful kimono to show us the ins and outs of the house. She was perfectly prepared for our kids with books and a pack n play and origami! It was within walking distance from lots of scenic sites and we felt like we got a lot more culture by staying here than by simply staying in a hotel. We also loved using the hot tub every night! Thank you for a lovely stay.

We had the most wonderful time staying at Tsubara. Everything was perfect with the property itself and the location was wonderfully convenient. The owners were so kind and welcoming and had prepared a lot of helpful information. We can’t wait to go back again.

An extraordinary property ranking uppermost in our experiences of staying in top-shelf accommodation all over the world, combining a truly authentic Japanese living experience rooted in Kyoto's past, with the modernity of wifi, leading edge bathroom facilities, and strongly engaged ownership. When planning a visit, stay here as long as you can - at least a week - in order to immerse yourself in the culture of Kyoto - a unique mixture of modern and historical. Take inexpensive, convenient transit to historical shrines that are hundreds of years old. The owners are of the very highest rank (I have booked many VRBO stays around the world) and are engaged, helpful, courteous and so very responsive. A property that is worth the trip all on its own - and then you have all the wonders of Kyoto, easily accessible on top of that.

An extraordinary property ranking uppermost in our experiences of staying in top-shelf accommodation all over the world, combining a truly authentic Japanese living experience rooted in Kyoto's past, with the modernity of wifi, leading edge bathroom facilities, and strongly engaged ownership. When planning a visit, stay here as long as you can - at least a week - in order to immerse yourself in the culture of Kyoto - a unique mixture of modern and historical. Take inexpensive, convenient transit to historical shrines that are hundreds of years old. The owners are of the very highest rank (I have booked many VRBO stays around the world) and are engaged, helpful, courteous and so very responsive. A property that is worth the trip all on its own - and then you have all the wonders of Kyoto, easily accessible on top of that.

There is so much to love about the Tsubara Machiya House--the experience of the house itself, the neighborhood and the city. The house is as beautiful as the pictures, immaculate, peaceful, from another era, but beautifully restored with designer lighting, a gorgeous kimono on the bedroom wall, hand-painted ceramic bowls, antique furniture and a garden of exquisite delicacy. The soaking tub is fabulous, especially in the dead of winter. The house was cozy and warm with all the amenities you could need (including hand-sanitizers and masks as we were there during the corona outbreak.) Our hosts were excellent communicators who provided a map for the taxi from the train station and met us at the house. After a thorough tour of the house, Eri walked us to the local bakery and supermarket--just minutes away. From then on we explored Kyoto using her excellent map with all the landmarks highlighted for us. The neighborhood is a treat in local color. Children from the elementary school run by in the morning, we took in celebrations at the nearby shrine and the bakery Nitta is not to be missed. It's three minutes from the house--French pastries even better than Paris. The grocery store has everything you'll need from wine to deli items. There's a taxi stand and train/subway within a five minute walk along with some excellent cafes. The walk to downtown is about 20 minutes and very picturesque along the river or you can go one stop on the subway. As for the city itself, you'll enjoy and understand it much better if you sign up the the Kyoto Free Walking Tours Localized. Such knowledgeable guides who weave history, culture, architecture and contemporary life in a fascinating narrative as you stroll through many parts of the city, including the Gion area. It's like they provide subtitles to many of the thing you might see but not understand. Nishiki Market is a bustling arcade of vendors selling everything from bonsai trees to baby octopus, all beautifully displayed. And you must try the hike up to the Fushimi Inari shrine--just a few stops away on the train. At the end of the day you'll be tired and so grateful to return home to this lovely house instead of a tiny featureless hotel room. We stayed for six days and it couldn't have been better.

There is so much to love about the Tsubara Machiya House--the experience of the house itself, the neighborhood and the city. The house is as beautiful as the pictures, immaculate, peaceful, from another era, but beautifully restored with designer lighting, a gorgeous kimono on the bedroom wall, hand-painted ceramic bowls, antique furniture and a garden of exquisite delicacy. The soaking tub is fabulous, especially in the dead of winter. The house was cozy and warm with all the amenities you could need (including hand-sanitizers and masks as we were there during the corona outbreak.) Our hosts were excellent communicators who provided a map for the taxi from the train station and met us at the house. After a thorough tour of the house, Eri walked us to the local bakery and supermarket--just minutes away. From then on we explored Kyoto using her excellent map with all the landmarks highlighted for us. The neighborhood is a treat in local color. Children from the elementary school run by in the morning, we took in celebrations at the nearby shrine and the bakery Nitta is not to be missed. It's three minutes from the house--French pastries even better than Paris. The grocery store has everything you'll need from wine to deli items. There's a taxi stand and train/subway within a five minute walk along with some excellent cafes. The walk to downtown is about 20 minutes and very picturesque along the river or you can go one stop on the subway. As for the city itself, you'll enjoy and understand it much better if you sign up the the Kyoto Free Walking Tours Localized. Such knowledgeable guides who weave history, culture, architecture and contemporary life in a fascinating narrative as you stroll through many parts of the city, including the Gion area. It's like they provide subtitles to many of the thing you might see but not understand. Nishiki Market is a bustling arcade of vendors selling everything from bonsai trees to baby octopus, all beautifully displayed. And you must try the hike up to the Fushimi Inari shrine--just a few stops away on the train. At the end of the day you'll be tired and so grateful to return home to this lovely house instead of a tiny featureless hotel room. We stayed for six days and it couldn't have been better.

I wanted to stay in an authentic Japanese house while in Kyoto and this was exactly it - traditional old building modified for modern comfort but still gives you a feel for living in old times. It’s small, there isn’t much room for a dance party but it’s quite comfortable for three of us. Shower/toilet/bath facilities are modern, there is a small catch - you have to leave the house briefly to use them (in-out), I don’t mind it, but some people used to European houses could find it uncomfortable in cold weather. Beds are traditional Japanese, very comfortable to sleep on, but it’s essentially sleeping on the thin mattress rolled on the floor - give it a try, it’s pretty good. The staircase is quite steep, not suitable for those with small kids or mobility issues but adds to the authentic feel. Some of large temples are just few minutes walk, quite conveniently located. The hosts are amazing, very friendly and responsive. Recommended!

Tsubara is well located in the Southern Higashiyama district, just a short distance from transportation, supermarket, convenience stores, and quality family run restaurants. The two story machiiya has been restored with authenticity and attention to detail so as to deliver you to another time. It is a short direct walk to the Gion and Kiyomizu dera sights. The owners Koji and Eri are extremely accommodating, and always accessible to your questions and needs.

Tsubara is well located in the Southern Higashiyama district, just a short distance from transportation, supermarket, convenience stores, and quality family run restaurants. The two story machiiya has been restored with authenticity and attention to detail so as to deliver you to another time. It is a short direct walk to the Gion and Kiyomizu dera sights. The owners Koji and Eri are extremely accommodating, and always accessible to your questions and needs.

Our stay in Koji and Eri-San’s historic Machiya townhouse was the highlight of our time in Japan. From the moment you step into the beautifully and sensitively restored building, you can feel that it is a soulful place with true heart. Embrace the traditions of Japan - the wonderful scent of Tatami, the harmonious garden, the slippers you will need to wear and the Yukata you may choose to wear during your time in the Machiya. This is the authentic experience. Eri-San greeted our party and explained the building to us. We loved the small details of the house - things like the original Seikosha clock and original glass. The water harp in the garden, based on those in the Imperial gardens, is a fascinating construction. Do try to spend some time in the wonderfully deep porcelain bath tub as you listen to the charming sound of the water harp beneath you. It is a short stroll to the ancient districts of Kyoto. Usefully there are a selection of supermarkets, bakeries and convenience stores nearby. Tips: - Make the most of your stay by gathering around the table for meals. - Experience wearing Yukata around the house and indulge in the garden tub ... It’s like a personal onsen! - Be aware the stairs in the building are steep. Older travellers may wish to note this. - Eri-san kindly helped with many details of our bookings and gave helpful recommendations which we truly appreciated. - Don’t stay in a hotel in Kyoto! Experience the true joys of Japan in a historic Machiya. Thank you Eri and Koji-san! We hope to return someday to enjoy the beauty of a different season in Kyoto!

Our stay in Koji and Eri-San’s historic Machiya townhouse was the highlight of our time in Japan. From the moment you step into the beautifully and sensitively restored building, you can feel that it is a soulful place with true heart. Embrace the traditions of Japan - the wonderful scent of Tatami, the harmonious garden, the slippers you will need to wear and the Yukata you may choose to wear during your time in the Machiya. This is the authentic experience. Eri-San greeted our party and explained the building to us. We loved the small details of the house - things like the original Seikosha clock and original glass. The water harp in the garden, based on those in the Imperial gardens, is a fascinating construction. Do try to spend some time in the wonderfully deep porcelain bath tub as you listen to the charming sound of the water harp beneath you. It is a short stroll to the ancient districts of Kyoto. Usefully there are a selection of supermarkets, bakeries and convenience stores nearby. Tips: - Make the most of your stay by gathering around the table for meals. - Experience wearing Yukata around the house and indulge in the garden tub ... It’s like a personal onsen! - Be aware the stairs in the building are steep. Older travellers may wish to note this. - Eri-san kindly helped with many details of our bookings and gave helpful recommendations which we truly appreciated. - Don’t stay in a hotel in Kyoto! Experience the true joys of Japan in a historic Machiya. Thank you Eri and Koji-san! We hope to return someday to enjoy the beauty of a different season in Kyoto!

Koji and Eri were great hosts and very responsive to any contact. They obviously take great pride in their lovingly restored machiya and rightfully so; it is very beautiful and has a nice, homey feel to it. Yes as mentioned by others the stairs are steep, but it's manageable unless you have elderly folks in your group. 4 people is the ideal number here. The small garden with the outdoor soaking tub is great as well. Location-wise it is close a train station and you have the fantastic Nitta bakery nearby (also try Bake House Inoue in the other direction). You can enjoy a nice walk to the Gion district, it's not far, say 12 minutes or so. Highly recommended!

We really enjoyed staying at this restored machiya. The owners were very kind and helpful when we checked in. We were not only shown the basics of how to use the appliances, etc., but given interesting details about the amazing added touches such as the soaking tub that fills itself and the beautifully structured garden. This home is the perfect combination of historically accurate and modern. For example, the tatami mats are typical of a traditional Japanese home, but the toilet has fancy bidet features and even opens on its own when you enter the bathroom! The owners are very helpful and available if you need them. In fact, we left a pair of shorts accidentally and they were so kind as to mail them to our upcoming hotel. Highly recommended for your stay in Kyoto!

We really enjoyed staying at this restored machiya. The owners were very kind and helpful when we checked in. We were not only shown the basics of how to use the appliances, etc., but given interesting details about the amazing added touches such as the soaking tub that fills itself and the beautifully structured garden. This home is the perfect combination of historically accurate and modern. For example, the tatami mats are typical of a traditional Japanese home, but the toilet has fancy bidet features and even opens on its own when you enter the bathroom! The owners are very helpful and available if you need them. In fact, we left a pair of shorts accidentally and they were so kind as to mail them to our upcoming hotel. Highly recommended for your stay in Kyoto!

Expertly renovated Japanese home that combines the traditional with modern conveniences one would expect in a 21st century home. Tatami floors, fusuma panels, genkan entry, ofuro tub, chabudai table, etc., underscore the traditional while the lighting, new windows, on demand hot water, a new washer dryer combo, simple kitchen area, and split bath bring the modern.. Quiet location with short walks to shops, restaurants, Gion, the subway and multiple temples make this a perfect location for couples or a small quiet family (with kids over age 8 as stairs to upper floor are somewhat steep) to explore Kyoto. Owners are wonderful and provide a warm welcome and overview of this fabulous home, it’s features and history upon your arrival. They also make your trip from Kyoto station, or anywhere else, to the home a breeze by providing location instructions (in Japanese) that you simply show to your taxi driver.