MINUTES FROM GION, BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED JAPANESE TOWNHOUSE
Located in Miyagawacho, one of Japan's last remaining hanamachi ("flower towns" or geisha district) still very much in activity, a short walk south of the Gion district, a stone's throw away from the restaurants of Kawara-machi, seconds from the river banks of the Kamo-gawa, our property has been extensively renovated by a team of award-winning boutique hotel team of architects to the highest standards of comfort, luxury and safety, as such we are a LEGAL VACATION RENTAL, you may book with confidence.
Space Our house is registered as a licensed vacation rental and has passed the rigorous safety tests of the City of Kyoto fire department. We not only abide by the laws of the city of Kyoto but are also welcomed by our community to host guests from around the world. The house is about 1,400 Sq. Ft in size on two floors and can accommodate up to 6 guests. The first floor comprises of an entrance area, a dining area, adjacent to it a living area facing an interior garden, one tatami room with a view on the garden and one toilet that completes the layout. The second floor has one western style bedroom, one adjacent tatami room, one toilet, a long corridor leading to the full bathroom with two sinks, a shower area with a bathtub. There is also a semi-detached outside storage space with its own entrance.
Guest access The house is for rental for one party only.
Guest interaction Provided the city of Kyoto does not recommend social distancing during the Covod pandemic, our house manager will be present when you arrive to handle the check-in procedure and will be happy to assist you during your stay.
Neighborhood overview Away from the hustle and bustle from the more touristy Gion Geisha quarter, but literally adjacent to it, Miyagawa-chō is a place where traditional Kyoto entertainers still gather today. For centuries, Kabuki was performed in many small theaters on the banks of the Kamo River, some of the teahouses were even boats that operated in the river. As Kabuki was just then developing into a mass entertainment spectacle as known today, the area was very popular and Miyagawa-chō quickly grew into a full town of teahouses. The association with Kabuki has gone, but the Minami-za kabuki theater of Kyoto still stands on its historical spot on the east bank of the Kamo River. Today, Miyagawa-chō has its own kaburenjō or theater where geisha dances are performed, it has retained a more authentic side and its residents pride themselves in perpetuating the tradition. You can experience the real Kyoto in our house.
Getting around The house is located a short walk south of Gion and a stone's throw away from the restaurant district of Kawara-machi and seconds from the river banks of the Kamo-gawa. We are also very well connected to public transportation, the Shijo-Gion station is about 5-7 mn away. Other things to note Our house is located in one of Kyoto's most traditional, historically significant neighborhoods. It is a tranquil, slow-paced environment that also comprises some very famous Ochaya's (Geishas and Maikos entertainment venues) that have operated for centuries. Please understand that you will be part of the community for the duration of your stay and that you should respect the peace and quiet of everyone. Please consider this before booking.
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As a courtesy to our cleaning staff, HOUSE IS TO BE LEFT IN A REASONABLE ORDER at check-out. We reserve the right to charge additional cleaning fee.
We recycle our trash in Kyoto, also please do not leave your trash bags in the streets but in the area where the dumpsters are located.
Please remove your shoes at all time when inside the house. and keep your voices down at all time when outside the house.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Kyoto
Gion, a neighbourhood in Kyoto, is home to this holiday home. Nishiki Market and Yasaka Shrine are notable landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Kawaramachi Street and Pontocho Alley. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden and Kyoto Municipal Zoo are also worth visiting.
Is MINUTES FROM GION, BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED JAPANESE TOWNHOUSE pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at MINUTES FROM GION, BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED JAPANESE TOWNHOUSE?
As of 4 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at MINUTES FROM GION, BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED JAPANESE TOWNHOUSE on 26 May 2026 start from NZ$1,006, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at MINUTES FROM GION, BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED JAPANESE TOWNHOUSE?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at MINUTES FROM GION, BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED JAPANESE TOWNHOUSE?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is MINUTES FROM GION, BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED JAPANESE TOWNHOUSE located?
Located in Gion, this holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Kamo River and Kawaramachi Street. Pontocho Alley and Shijo Street are also within 10 minutes. Kiyomizu-gojo Station is only a 4-minute walk and Gojo Station is 14 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Had the most magical stay at this home. At times we did not want to leave to sightsee just to enjoy the wonderful garden, and overall amenities of the house. Can’t wait to be back
We greatly enjoyed our five night stay at this beautifully restored, historically important townhouse in the heart of Kyoto. It offers tremendous aesthetic appeal, quiet and extremely comfortable accommodation, lots of natural light, and easy access to excellent restaurants, shops and Kyoto’s many sites. The owners were highly responsive and communications with them were easy and pleasant. Highly recommended.
Katherine V.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Maya I.
29 December 2018
Every small detail was just right.
We loved the house. It is just perfect in every possible way. Beautifuly renovated with love and respect to the past. Chris makes sure guests have everything they might need. The location is great. Check in and out times were flexible and accommodating. We had all our questions answered and got some great recommendations. All in all an amazing experience.
Maya I.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018
About the host
Hosted by Chris Leng.
Thank you for looking at our listings! We've been fortunate to live in different countries until we decided to settle back in Japan where Chie is from. It takes us quite a bit of time to find the perfect old traditional Japanese house to restore but it is all the more rewarding a process that we are often saving unique architecture from certain destruction. With the help of our team of wonderful artisans and award-winning architects, who have now become friends and trusted advisors, we renovate the premises just like we would fix our own house: to be the haven where our guests can see themselves dwell, even for a short time. We hope we can have the pleasure of hosting you.
Chie, Chris and the kids...
Why they chose this property
Our house was a former Ochaya, a venue where Maikos and Geishas used to entertain patrons. It is more than 100 years old and has been completely renovated and saved from destruction by a team of award winning architects who have been involved in some of the most iconic hotel projects in Tokyo and Kyoto.