This charming and characteristic machiya townhouse is located on a quiet lane leading up to the Chawan-zaka approach to Kiyomizu Temple (an UNESCO World Heritage site), just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the busy souvenir shops and restaurants lining Ninnen-zaka and Sannen-zaka below the temple`s main gates.
The interior offers a harmonious combination of Japanese design and beautiful antiques with modern features such as hardwood floors with beautiful carpets and a tatami room with a comfortable couch.
Downstairs, there is well equipped full-sized kitchen. The dining area has a traditional Japanese antique "mizuya" cupboard and opens out on to a deck with a small Japanese garden beneath which flows a little stream from Kiyomizu temple. The sound of flowing stream, birds singing and the temple bells ringing give you much joy and set your mind at ease.
There is a Western-style toilet and a full Japanese-style bath downstairs. The two bedrooms are upstairs and get plenty of light. The large, high ceiling-ed Japanese-style tatami mat bedroom sleeps up to 3 people in single futons with extra mattresses to get a good night's sleep. Across the hall, the Western bedroom has a queen-sized bed which is cozy and comfortable.
The neighborhood in the Higashiyama district in which the house is located refers to Kyoto's eastern mountain range, and also the historic area which has been catering to tourists and pilgrims for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple is an especially popular destination for viewing the cherry blossoms and the autumn colors. Visit and explore a variety of temples, gardens, restaurants and coffee shops and the numerous shops selling traditional handicrafts and arts as you wander the steep and ancient back lanes paved with stone north to Yasaka Shrine (10 minutes) or Gion district (10 minutes) where the geisha ply their trade.
Easy access to Fushimi Inari shrine which is famous for its thousands of vermilion Torii gates.
From Kyoto Station, it’s 15 minutes by bus to the Gojo-zaka bus stop, a short walk from the house. Our delightful and charming house in Gion-Kiyomizu is perfectly located for enjoying the best the ancient city of Kyoto has to offer.
Keywords: Kyoto, machiya, traditional, townhouse, Kiyomizu temple, Gion