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Prime Location - Traditional Japanese Home Away From Home

Photo gallery for Prime Location - Traditional Japanese Home Away From Home

appearance of the house
Japanese room
Japanese room with futon
Japanese room
by the balcony in the Japanese room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
  • Kiyomizu Temple
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Kawaramachi Street
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Nishiki Market
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Osaka (ITM-Itami)
    ‪63 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Japanese room

3 Double Futons and 1 Crib

Western room

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Prime Location - Traditional Japanese Home Away From Home

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

Property manager

Acco
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 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 that 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 transport to and from this property

About the area

Kyoto

Located in Kyoto, this holiday home is in the city centre. Yasaka Shrine and Nishiki Market are notable landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Shijo Street and Kawaramachi Street. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium or Kyoto Racecourse. Take some time off to enjoy the health/beauty spas in the area, or get some fresh air with adventures like hiking and cycling nearby.
Map
Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu

What's nearby

  • Kiyomizu Temple - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Yasaka Shrine - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Gion Corner - 16 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Kawaramachi Street - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Nishiki Market - 4 min drive - 3.1 km

Getting around

  • Gojo Station - 2 min drive
  • Kiyomizu-gojo Station - 12 min walk
  • Osaka (ITM-Itami) - 63 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪十六代権太夫 - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Loose Kyoto - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪ゆば泉 - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪京都勝牛清水五条坂店 - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪スマイルバーガー清水寺店 - ‬4 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Prime Location - Traditional Japanese Home Away From Home pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Prime Location - Traditional Japanese Home Away From Home?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Prime Location - Traditional Japanese Home Away From Home?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Prime Location - Traditional Japanese Home Away From Home located?

Located in Higashiyama Ward, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Shrine and Shijo Street. Gion Corner and Kawaramachi Street are also within 1 mile (2 km). Kiyomizu-gojo Station is 12 minutes by foot and Shichijo Station is 17 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 141 out of 145 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 145 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 145 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 145 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 145 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Cat 4.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A wonderful stay

This was our second time staying at this lovely property and weren’t disappointed. We had everything we needed for a super comfortable stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hubert S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A traditional japanese house with all advantages you may expect

we appreciated this visit
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful traditional home

This was a great experience for our family to experience staying in a traditional Japanese home, but well-stocked with amenities for comfort. There were instructions throughout the house so we could figure out how to use everything (heaters, washer/dryer, etc). Great communication with owner. Highly recommended!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful place to stay in Kyoto

We enjoyed staying in this property so much! The location was perfect--very close to tourist attractions, transportation, and restaurants, but on a quiet street. The house was very comfortable and well-equipped--I had my best night's sleep of our trip on the Japanese-style futon bedding. We visited in late December, and the house was cold on arrival, but once we got the heaters going it was very comfortable. Staying here was a highlight of our trip to Japan, and I would highly recommend it!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kate L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location, authentic experience

We very much enjoyed our stay. Such a perfect location and even though it was a bit small for our group of five, every convenience is accounted for even the washer / dryer which we very much appreciated. The clear directions to the location and instructions on how to use the heating systems etc were very much appreciated. My three teenagers loved having the experience of sleeping in the traditional Japanese style bedroom with futons on Tarmi mats. Thank you for hosting us!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent location and comfortable stay

The location is perfect for exploring the eastern part of Kyoto. The home is comfortable and has AC, which was really needed because of the hot and humid weather during our stay. Our host was extremely helpful and had great suggestions for places to eat.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christoph A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cdn’t be better❗️

Great stay in a lovely home at a fantastic location. With a kind and very cooperative landlady. Our experience cdn’t have been better. Hai!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dean M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Vacation

We loved the true feeling of Kyoto while staying at Acco’s house. Being in the historic district and lodging there was truly memorable. Would recommend others to stay there.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Larry L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Clise to several spots we wanted to visit. You do have to carry luggage appropriately 150 yards after taxi drop off. Very low doorways, steep stairs to bedrooms. Traditional Japanese house which was really cool.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely spot for a stay in Kyoto

It's beautifully appointed and very Japanese in design and decor but also had a big western style bed that my very tall teenage son appreciated. We loved the quiet street and the location was really convenient to most everything we wanted to see, just a quick taxi ride if we didn't want to walk. Acco was so helpful and provided so much information about the house and Kyoto. She was even in town during our stay. We'd go back in a minute!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Regan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Not long enough

Fantastic stay in a great location. Unfortunately had only 2 nights in Kyoto would have loved to stay longer to explore the area more.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katherine T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

First trip to Kyoto

I chose this lovely apartment for our recent trip to Kyoto. I was specifically looking for a washer/dryer and equipped kitchen. The location is perfect! Easy access to historic sites and public transportation. Leading up to our stay the property manager was emailing me and communicating via what’s app to make sure we had clear check-in instructions and had any questions answered. I will note that the stairs leading up to the bedrooms are VERY steep. (Think Dutch stairs). This was not an issue for us, but might be for some. Enjoy Kyoto like a local in this amazing apartment!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

One week stay

Wonderful home located near many beautiful temples. Very quiet and relaxing. Communication was excellent when checking in and out.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A truly exceptional Kyoto stay

Our family of four greatly enjoyed our stay in this lovely traditional Japanese house. It is perfectly located in a historic area of Kyoto, just a short walking distance to the breathtaking temple, Kiyomizu-dera, and to beautiful streets lined with traditional wooden houses, shops, restaurants & teahouses. We also enjoyed walks to the Gion district and northward to zen temples and gardens. The house itself is tucked away off one of the more popular streets, which also provided a quiet refuge from all the activity. When we first arrived at the home, we appreciated the care that the host, Acco, took in creating a welcoming and peaceful space. Slippers at the door, the faint scent of incense, lattice screens open to a small back garden, the sound of water trickling beyond it, and stems of fresh flowers. The house is meticulously cared for and thoughtfully furnished with Japanese lighting, antiques and ceramics. And yet, it was also practical and comfortable, and provided all the amenities that we needed—air conditioning, washer and dryer and a well equipped kitchen to cook a few meals for ourselves. We were grateful for Acco’s thoughtful communication throughout the entire process, providing helpful information to ease our arrival and enjoy our time in Kyoto. Her kind and generous nature made our visit feel very special. We hope to return in the near future—and of course we wouldn’t consider staying anywhere else!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location, wonderful stay

Tucked away close to temples and historic neighborhoods. Really enjoyed our stay and our host was great with communication. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Whitney F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely home in great area

Wonderful experience and Akiko was a great host!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Kyoto home

Quiet house. Very private. Perfect area for visitors to the city. The house had everything we needed. We used the second bedroom upstairs as a sitting area. Air con worked well. Western style bed comfortable though a little small. Washer/drier worked well. Note that the stairs in the house are very steep. Communication was excellent with host. Lovely experience to stay in a Japanese home.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

S A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect stay in Kyoto

Acco's home was wonderful and in a brilliant location. I stayed for a short vacation with my son and both the eastern and western style bedrooms were comfortable and spacious. The home was peaceful and ticked all the boxes for a great stay. Many key Kyoto sights were within walking distance from the home. Communications with Acco were awesome. Will certainly stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicole H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend in Kyoto

Great experience! Property is on a quiet street and walking distance to most attractions. Our host Acco was very responsive and also met us at check in. Went above and beyond and made a dinner reservation for us as well. Highly recommended. We are a family of 4 with 2 teenage boys.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Priscilla R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

Tolle Lage - tolle Gastgeberin

Typisches japanishes Haus in perfekter Lage. Acco ist eine Gastgeberin mit herz! Das Haus is sehr gut ausgestattet - man muss nur bedenken, dass nach japanischer Art, auch auf Matratzen auf dem Boden geschlafen wird
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Traditional charm, location and comfort

We had a wonderful two week stay in November in this charming, well located and very comfortable house. Everything written in previous reviews is true. The house is very well appointed with Japanese decor but Western comforts, full kitchen (with generous provisions) and dining area, a washer and dryer, a good bed and comfortable futons, effective heating in every room and plentiful hot water. The location is ideal, being in a very quiet small street, but within easy walking distance to many temples and gardens, supermarket, cafes and restaurants. Gion is an easy 15 minute walk through the quiet back streets. The bus to the CBD is 5 minutes walk at the end of the street and in 15 minutes you can be in the centre with all the department stores. There is also a taxi rank at the end of the street which we used for an easy departure with suitcases to Kyoto station, again only 10-15 drive away. Acco is a one of the best hosts we have encountered in many years of travel. She makes settling in very easy with very clear instructions for arrival, colour coded instructions for operations throughout the house and a personal tour of the house to understand stoves, air conditions etc. Nothing was too much trouble and she was immediately responsive and comprehensive in responding to our requests for information on everything from the sights to the best shops for gifts. We can’t thank Acco enough for making us feel so welcome and helping to make our stay in Kyoto so memorable.
Stayed 14 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert E J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A real find in Kyoto

The house location is very convenient but on a quiet street. It is generously supplied with dishware, kitchenware, cooking oil, soy sauce, etc. The Japanese and western style mix works very well. Typical of many Japanese homes the stair to the second floor is quite steep but there is a good, strong handrail. The owner was extremely responsive and provides very helpful instructions with photos on the house and its appliances. We really enjoyed our stay which was a nice change from staying in hotels
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gudrun F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Atmosphärical japanese house in a historical part of Kyoto

The house had a wonderful individual and artificial atmosphere, the japanese decoration was lovely. The kitchen was clean and had a good equipment ,everythig worked well and we all could sleep well. The surrounding area has a lot of good places to visit. Even to the restaurants we could walk. We are glad, that we could stay here.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

mai o., Miami, FL, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location, Essence of Kyoto captured

We adored the lovely historical house with all the modern amenities a family with 3kids would need! Location was perfect - on the way up the hill to Kiyomizu-dera, surrounded by tons of little adorable souvenir shops and cafes and history!! There are also many smaller shrines and beautiful, serene gardens all within walking distance where one can explore all week long. Even if it was 95°F+ all week, we still were able to walk everywhere, even to Yasaka-Jinja, the Kamogawa river, Nishiki Market, no problem. The house had great AC for the hot days, and a life-saving washer/dryer (a Dryer?! Unheard of in Japan!). We loved the area, and the kids loved going up and down the steep, Machiya-esque staircase and rooms, sleeping in futons and opening the shoji doors. Every detail was thought through, and Ms. Acco left clear instructions in each room (even sent an email beforehand), and left beautiful, elegant decorations all throughout the house. In every corner, a touch of Kyoto was found in her house. Thank you for letting us stay at your beautiful home for almost 2 weeks! We’d love to come back again in the near future (maybe when it’s much cooler).
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alvin A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Space in Kyoto

We are a family of four with two teen daughters and we loved our 7-day stay at Acco's home. First off, Acco is a consummate professional and gracious host. From her consistent & speedy responses to her detailed and color-coded instructions to her personal tour of her home, her 15 years of doing this - and doing it with grace - is abundantly clear. She made us all feel welcome to Kyoto! Her home is located in a quiet tucked away road next to Sannezaka and down the road from Kiyomizu-dera Temple - both a 5-10 min walk. So, you are in the midst of key tourist sites but can quickly find respite from the crowds. To get to other sites in Kyoto, we used the bus (Gojozaka busstop) since that was closest (5-7 minute walk) and we were able to access all the sites we wanted quite easily. We went during Gion Matsuri and that was easily accessible by bus as well. Subway was too far to walk to during the July heat. The home itself was impeccable and it is clear that Acco has invested energy and thought into making this a home. Especially being on the road for a month, her home allowed us to spread out and have their own private space and decompress. Bed & futons were great. All rooms had AC to easily beat the July heat. Kitchen and dining room gave us a communal space and the well stocked kitchen allowed us to cook all our breakfasts and a few dinners quite easily. Combo washer/dryer was a treat and the only one I've seen that truly dries clothes. Overall, we'd come back in a heartbeat!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Acco

Host profile image
I love food, fashion, traveling and finding beauty in the nature. Living in Kyoto and always looking for inspiration.

Why they chose this property

What makes this property unique

*EXCELLENT LOCATION

-Very quiet and peaceful location, with a small stream running beneath the small garden on the deck, birds singing and temple bells ringing.

-Just a short walk to one of the most well restored and refined site.

-Very convenient area for sightseeing, eating out and enjoying cafes.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests