As a first-time visitor to Japan, and with the goal of immersing myself in its culture rather than just tourism, I prioritized booking a Japanese home or Machiya over a hotel, even if it was more expensive. Focusing on our Kyoto trip, the second part and highlight of our itinerary, the accommodation met our standards exceptionally well. The easy access and close proximity to train stations (Gojo station, the next stop from Kyoto station), bus stops, a convenience store (7-11), a drugstore, and other amenities we haven't yet discovered made it easy to get around.. The cleanliness, the traditional interior with a tinge of modern feel, and its huge size were a gem for us. We enjoyed amenities like the kotatsu, which is popular in anime culture, meeting my expectations of a traditional Japanese house or machiya. It is sad that many machiya are going out of business due to staff shortages caused by overtourism and people opting for more affordable hotels, often only using the place to rest. However, I would like to continue staying in machiya or Japanese homes to engage with Japanese culture. Even if I find a better machiya on future trips to Japan, this place will always hold a special place in my heart as the accommodation that made our Kyoto stay the highlight of our itinerary. Although I want to return to this place, our next trip to Japan will be in autumn, a peak season. I hope I can find a booking. I'm at a loss for words, but I already messaged the manager to express my appreciation. I hope those who read this will book this place or other Machiya homes to support their businesses and experience living in a Japanese home. (I don't know if most Japanese homes are like this, but it feels more authentic than a Western-style hotel.)

Nothing.

Beautiful house in quiet location. Handy to konbini and Gojo Station and supermarket.

The location was good for some things but usually had to catch a train back to Kyoto Station first. So central location but not well placed for trains. Buses were OK. Not within easy walking distance to any tourist locations though. Unfortunately there was a building site next door at the time but still relatively quiet back street. Could have done with a rice cooker and a few more glasses in the kitchen. Surprised by extra accommodation tax (Y200 per person per night) and need to submit passport to owners. Tatami beds were a little firm but got used to them! The reclining zabuton were looking a little old and probably need to be replaced.

Quiet, clean, safe and convenient! The metro station is less than 5 mins walk away. It is one stop to Kyoto station, there was a night where we walked backed from Kyoto Station instead of taking the metro. There was a washing machine with drying function, that save us the hassle of hanging our clothes. The shower came with a tub. Also, the whole place was warm in the winter! Superb compared to the other places we have been. Rooms and beds are spotless clean.

Parking is a little hassle but given that this place is in a central location, night parking was cheap

A great house in a great location. Everything within easy access. Kyoto station about 15 minutes walk. Metro station just around the corner along with shops and restaurants. House was super clean and perfectly fitted out for our family of 4 with good size rooms, 2 x toilets and a bathroom. Was also great to have a full kitchen for breakfast etc. Host was easy to reach and quick to respond.

Convenient location, yet quiet enough at night. Walking distance to the metro, mart and a handful of eateries. Beautiful property that is well-kept and clean. The owner, Nao, is very thoughtful. She kept the facility very well-equipped - for example, our bathroom had a curling iron, cotton pads, q-tips, etc! The kitchen also had lots of pretty plates, cups and utensils. The home is well heated and very comforting to return to after a long day of travel.

Nothing much! The stairs and common corridor area will be cold (we stayed in winter) in the mornings and the toilet on the first storey could use better ventilation, but these were all minor. It’s a great stay overall!

The location was great and I love that there were 2+bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and laundry facilities. The host was always very responsive to questions and we had a water issue and took care of it immediately.

The only thing I would say is have the instructions for the washer and dryer next to the washer and dryer, but other than that, everything was wonderful!!

It.s a lovely well designed property for a group. It is roomy, light, quiet, and with good sized rooms. The furnishings and decor are new and tasteful. The location is good, - a walk from the station and with easy enough access to all the tourist sites. There were good restaurants (vegan included) nearby. I would stay here again, and would highly recommend it for a group.

Excellent location. Quiet with a very short walk to the subway. Centrally located, and easy to get pretty much anywhere. Clean and well organized. Easy to settle in to and work, play, and plan from. An amazingly comfortable apartment to work from. Relaxing to come back to after a long day, not just for the body, but for the soul as well.

The only thing we didn't like was that we couldn't stay longer. Thank you, Nao!

Large spacious modern house in excellent location. 3 bed rooms. Subway 50 metres away. 7/11 30 metres away. Kyoto station 10 min walk away. Quiet despite the central location.

It was a very comfortable place for our Kyoto trip. Clean, fully equipped like your home, comfortable, at a nice location in the city. We stayed as a family with one kid. I can highly recommend this place in Kyoto.