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HISTORICAL CONVENIENT HIGASHIYAMA AREA KOTO INN RESTORED TRADITIONAL KYO-MACHIYA

HISTORICAL CONVENIENT HIGASHIYAMA AREA KOTO INN RESTORED TRADITIONAL KYO-MACHIYA

Photo gallery for HISTORICAL CONVENIENT HIGASHIYAMA AREA KOTO INN RESTORED TRADITIONAL KYO-MACHIYA

View into the entry room from second bedroom of Koto Inn, Kyoto
Front and entrance of Koto Inn, Kyoto.
Front of Koto Inn, Kyoto.
View from Main bedroom Towards dinning  room at Koto Inn, Kyoto (for 2 people)
The second Bedroom at Koto Inn, Kyoto (3rd, 4th people)

Overview of HISTORICAL CONVENIENT HIGASHIYAMA AREA KOTO INN RESTORED TRADITIONAL KYO-MACHIYA

Reviews
10 out of 10 Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Hot tubHot tubHot tub
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaceOutdoor space

Check out the area

Map
Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
  • Popular LocationHeian Shrine8 min walk
  • Popular LocationYasaka Shrine12 min walk
  • Popular LocationKiyomizu Temple3 min drive
  • AirportKobe (UKB)92 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

HISTORICAL CONVENIENT HIGASHIYAMA AREA KOTO INN RESTORED TRADITIONAL KYO-MACHIYA

Kyoto City Officially Licensed Inn Number: 513.
京都市指令保医セ第513号
This North Higashiyama house is a classically beautiful, authentic, 140 year old Kyo-Machiya town-house in the perfect location for anyone visiting the Ancient Capital, Kyoto. This recently and lovingly restored traditional Machiya Town House is located on a quiet, pedestrian only, cobblestone lane just 20 meters off the Sakura tree lined Shirakawa canal in the historic Higashiyama area. Nestled between the Museum District and Gion, it is a truly classic, old style Japanese neighborhood of old wooden houses, family run restaurants and shops, temples, shrines and historic sites. It retains its traditional flavor and is blessed with proximity to the green hills and peaceful waterways which grace the northern Higashiyama area. Women in Kimono and Monks from nearby temples chanting for alms are still common sights in the narrow lanes of North Higashiyama. This special area still retains a 'village' feel though only a ten minute walk from downtown and on the edge of the historic district of Gion.

A five minute stroll up the canal will bring you to the Museum district, Okazaki park and Heian Shrine. In front of Heian Shrine are monthly antique markets, fairs and musical and cultural events. A quiet and lovely ten minute walk down the canal finds you in the center of Gion, the historic entertainment quarter where Geisha and Maiko pass in the evenings. The hiking trails of the eastern mountains begin and end just minutes from your door and a full array of fine dining and drinking establishments are within easy walking distance. The Higashiyama subway station is just four minutes away and conveniently and quickly connects you to further sights as well as Kyoto train station and Kansai Airport.
Many of Kyoto's most famous temples, shrines and historic sites are also nearby. There is also a convenience store and several supermarkets, including one of Kyoto's oldest 'shopping streets' a short walk from the house. For those interested in learning more about Japanese food, there are a few half day courses in Japanese cooking in Kyoto and the house's kitchen is fully equipped with what you need to practice what you've learned.

The restoration of Koto Inn was completed in February of 2010 by traditional craftsmen and temple carpenters. The house retains its original traditional beauty while being discreetly fitted with insulation and modern western amenities in the kitchen and toilet and the automated Japanese bath is a joy after a day of sightseeing. Guests sleep on double thickness futons and all linens and towels are provided. The house is furnished with period antiques and textiles and a lovely Japanese garden in the back of the house. There is no vehicle traffic on the lane outside Koto so the house is very quiet. All this combined with its beauty and location make it the ideal house for your stay in Kyoto.
Start and finish your days of sightseeing within the quiet, refined charm of this classic period Japanese home. A stay in this lovely, traditional house will add greatly to your appreciation of this amazing city and its culture.

Yoshiko and I look forward to greeting you at Your Home In Kyoto.
David and Yoshiko

Keywords: Kyoto Vacation Rental House, Guest House, Traditional Japanese House, Machiya, Japanese Merchant house, Japanese town house. Kyoto Machiya for rent, Kyoto traditional house for rent. Kyoto rental houses.

Property manager

David, Yoshiko
Premier Host
Premier Host

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Mountain view

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 3-17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Koto Inn is located on a narrow quiet lane in an old traditional neighborhood. Guests are asked to be considerate of neighbors by keeping noise low.
Check in time is from 3 PM to 9 PM. Guests should book transport to Kyoto to arrive at the house before 9 PM.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ); additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file
A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

About the area

Kyoto

Located in Kyoto, this vacation home is in the city center. Nishiki Market and Heian Shrine are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Biwa and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium or Kyoto Racecourse. Motor boating offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling, hiking, and mountain biking nearby.
Map
Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu

What's nearby

  • Heian Shrine - 8 min walk
  • Yasaka Shrine - 12 min walk
  • Pontocho Alley - 14 min walk
  • Kiyomizu Temple - 3 min drive
  • Nishiki Market - 3 min drive

Getting around

  • Higashiyama Station - 3 min walk
  • Sanjo Station - 12 min walk
  • Itami Airport (ITM) - 65 min drive

Restaurants

  • お食事処明日香 - 2 min walk
  • いっちゃんラーメン - 4 min walk
  • 峯嵐堂平安神宮店 - 2 min walk
  • sui東山 - 4 min walk
  • ENFUSE - 4 min walk

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 113 out of 119 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 119 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 119 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 119 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 119 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Christina B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect retreat
We felt so blessed to have stayed in this beautiful home. It was more than we could have hoped for and the communication with the lovely hosts was always quick and helpful. If we are lucky enough to visit Kyoto again then we will definitely stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Madeline R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay at a beautiful machiya
We had such a fantastic stay with David and Yoshiko. The machiya was gorgeous and in a very central location. They provided everything we could have needed, including some fantastic restaurant recommendations, and the whole process of checking in and out was very clear and straightforward. Would 100% stay again and recommend everyone to stay with them as well, we had a truly amazing time.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
An Authentic, Charming, Quiet Retreat in Kyoto
Wonderful. The pictures and listing description are all accurate, but even those lovely images don't do the home justice. It is the perfect blend of antique, old-world Japanese lodging, with wonderful modern touches in the kitchen and bath to provide a great experience. Walking distance to subway, museums, canal walks, parks, temples, shrines. Communication with David was always easy and very responsive. FIVE stars for sure. Will send any friend headed to Kyoto to the Koto Inn.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jo B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Authentic Koto Inn, perfect location in beautiful Kyoto
Absolutely recommend this property. The owners David and Yoshiko are wonderful, they met us for check in and were so easy to communicate with before and during our stay. Yoshiko has produced excellent guide books which are available at the house and she kindly booked Kabuki tickets for us when it became too difficult online. The location is central to all of Kyoto. The Kyo-Machiya is traditional and in a very traditional area, we loved everything about it. Thank you David and Yoshiko 🙏🙏
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sue O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A perfect stay!
My daughter and I had a perfect 4-day stay at Koto Inn. The location was peaceful but walkable to many parts of the city, and public transit was easy for longer distances. I enjoyed waking up and taking a walk around the neighborhood each morning and found so many pretty sights! The home has been beautifully restored and was such a unique stay. We absolutely loved it and hope to return one day.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

About the host

Hosted by David, Yoshiko

Host profile image
David is an over 20 year resident of Kyoto. He has worked on Cruise Ships, in Ski Resorts and for the Hyatt Regency and is a recently retired Professor of English at a Kyoto University. Yoshiko has lived her entire life in Kyoto. She formerly worked in the Kimono industry and is an avid photographer. (all photos on this page were taken by Yoshiko)

Why they chose this property

After more than 20 years living in a number of different parts of Kyoto, Yoshiko and I have found the Higashiyama area to be our home. It is a truly classic old style Japanese neighborhood of old wooden houses, family run restaurants and shops, temples, shrines and historic sites. It retains its traditional flavor and is blessed with proximity to the green hills and peaceful waterways which grace the eastern sector of Kyoto. Women in Kimono and monks from nearby temples chanting for alms are still common sights in the narrow lanes of Higashiyama. We have tried to make Koto Inn a part of this serene and traditional area and hope to share its unique beauty with our guests.

What makes this property unique

Kyoto is the Heart of Japan and the Higashiyama area is the Heart of Kyoto. With its many historic sights, traditional architecture, Museum district, Gion district and quaint neighborhoods crossed by narrow lanes and gently flowing, cherry blossom tree lined canals, it retains and preserves much of Japan's refined traditional culture. After many years living in the Higashiyama district, Yoshiko and I were very fortunate to find this beautiful house, just around the corner from us. The restoration was done by local traditional craftsmen, temple carpenters and an architect experienced in seamlessly and discreetly blending traditional style with modern amenities. Yoshiko and I have decorated the house with the best from our over 20 years of collecting at Kyoto's temple antique markets. A comprehensive and updated guide to restaurants in the area is provided in the house and we are happy to make reservations for you. Koto Inn is our only rental property, so all our attention and care are reserved for this special house and guests. The unique and serene beauty of the house and its historic yet quiet location, combined with personal attention when requested, make this classic house, the ideal choice for your visit to this lovely city.

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Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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