Bon-San runs an extremely cozy and quaint guesthouse and really cares a lot about his guests. If you need help with something or want recommendations in the area, he's the man to go to! His English is also pretty good, so don't be afraid if your japanese is as rough as mine :) His place is very clean and the rooms are traditional Japanese style with futons. It's located in a pretty local area, but some very nice places like Imamiya or Kinkakuji are still rather nearby. The bus is around 10 minutes per foot, the subway station is around 20, so getting into more central areas is very possible, although you'll have to plan ~45min to get to the main attractions like Gion or Fushimi Inari. A washing machine is available for a flat 200¥, and there are coin laundries in the area for drying. Konbinis, drug stores and supermarkets are also ample, and even a (very non-touristy!) 2nd Street can be found nearby. Dining options are also available, with most of them being very good and affordable.

During the Winter it gets very cold, so you'll have to sleep with the heater on, which has a ~5h turnoff automatic, so you'll probably have to wake up at least once every night to press the extension button. It's not a big inconvenience, but may be something to consider.

Bon san was most attentive to his guests. We arrived late and he waited for us with good instructions and care. He prepared rental bicycle for us the next day and gave us good tips on how to make the most of our time in Kyoto. The room was basic but comfortable enough. The shower was hot and the toilet was clean. The neighborhood was quiet. We enjoyed a good night rest. There is a Seven-Eleven and an all-night restaurant nearby. The Golden temple was not too far away.

The kerosene heater gave off a strong odor and seemed dangerous, but was effective. It would have been better if we could use the electric heat pump. The place was quite a hike from the nearest metro station.

Bon Guesthouse is the best guesthouse I’ve ever stayed in! It really felt like home, not just a place to sleep. Bon, the owner, is super kind, he took the time to explain all the places I wanted to visit on the map and told me about the nearby stations. He always made me feel like I was part of his family, and it was honestly hard to leave. My room was big, clean, and cozy with a heater and AC. The whole place felt warm and welcoming. If you’re going to Kyoto 🇯🇵, don’t even think twice, just book here. You’ll meet a kind person who makes you feel at home.

Nothing.

Bon-san is a wonderful host. He was really fun and friendly and happy to help with anything we needed... which wasn't much because Guesthouse Bon provided everything very nicely. Not fancy but functional and friendly. Bon also speaks pretty good English which was helpful.

The futon was a little thin, otherwise everything was great. If you're physically challenged you might find getting up the stairs to the second-floor bedrooms a bit tricky... the stairs are very steep and there's a low beam to duck under but there are also bedrooms on the ground floor.

The guesthouse is very rustic but cozy, don't expect anything high-class, but it's still a valid option if you want to spend a few nights in Kyoto far from the crowded center. The host is extremely nice and he picked us up at the subway station since it was raining when we arrived, and he helped us arrange a taxi very early in the morning for when we checked out.

The toilets are outside so when it rains you could get wet. Also the place is a bit far from the subway or bus stations so you'll have to walk for a bit

Bon is an amazing person. He even helped with some request I had for him before I even made it there - he didn't have to do it but he went the extra mile and then some. The guesthouse is beautiful. The neighborhood is far from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto, so be aware that if it's your first time, maybe you want to stay somewhere more centrally. Personally I can guarantee you I will be visiting Bon every time, and if you want to experience an authentic side of Kyoto, you should too.

Bathrooms and toilets are shared and in an external space (still in the house). If you have issues with that just keep in mind. The house is beautiful though, and you can meet other people in its common areas.

Bon-san was a great host. He was very kind and sat down and gave us recommendations and explained what to do and see in Kyoto. He was very attentive and helpful, and even drove us to the nearest station when we checked out. We rented bikes from him for a very low price and it was the perfect way to see the city. The room was clean and comfortable. The common areas were clean and spacious. I would 100% recommend staying here for a quiet and authentic stay.

The owner was extremely helpful. We arrived in the evening after most restaurants closed, and he went out of his way to tell us about possible food in the area. He also offered to drive us to the train station when we checked out. The guest house is a nice traditional Japanese house out of the main city. It was overall a great experience and definitely worth the money.

It wasn't a dealbreaker for us but know that the bathroom, sinks, and shower are outside. There are space heaters (we went in early March) that warm the area, though, so it wasn't overly cold. Be aware that there is also a 200 yen tax per person per night on top of the original room cost.

The host was fantastic, friendly, helpful, and offered to drive us to the station, which we were thankful for. We stayed in a gorgeous traditional house with tatami and spacious room for two. It took us 20 minutes to ride a bike to the city center and the host rented it for us for 600 yen a day/bike.

Since the rooms are adjacent to each other with thin walls, we had to be aware of not making any noises too loudly. Bathrooms and kitchens are also communal, so If you like privacy, yeah.

If you want to experience true local life in Kyoto, this is the place to stay! While you might need a bit more travel time to reach some attractions, you can still easily explore the city—and there are several fantastic attractions nearby. The host is incredible—super friendly, helpful, and always ready to answer any questions you have. The local bars and restaurants are amazing too; I had unforgettable nights with the locals. Staying here was hands down the highlight of my trip. Thank you for the fantastic memories! I highly recommend it to solo travelers and backpackers.