Entire home
KOTO INN, CONVENIENT HIGASHIYAMA AREA AUTHENTIC RESTORED TRADITIONAL KYO-MACHIYA
Holiday home with kitchen, 8-minute walk to Heian Shrine
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Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
- Place, Heian Shrine7 min walk
- Place, Nishiki Market2 min drive
- Place, Kiyomizu Temple3 min drive
- Airport, Osaka (ITM-Itami)46 min drive
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 2)
Bedroom 1
2 Double Futons
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
About this property
KOTO INN, CONVENIENT HIGASHIYAMA AREA AUTHENTIC RESTORED TRADITIONAL KYO-MACHIYA
Kyoto City Officially Licensed Inn Number: 513.
京都市指令保医セ第513号
This North Higashiyama area house is a classically beautiful and authentic, 145 year old Kyo-Machiya town-house in the perfect location for anyone visiting the Ancient Capital, Kyoto. This recently and lovingly restored traditional Machiya Town House is located on a quiet, pedestrian only, cobblestone lane just 20 meters off the Sakura tree lined Shirakawa canal in the historic Higashiyama area. Nestled between the Museum District and Gion, it is a truly classic, old style Japanese neighborhood of old wooden houses, family run restaurants and shops, temples, shrines and historic sites. It retains its traditional flavor and is blessed with proximity to the green hills and peaceful waterways which grace the northern Higashiyama area. Women in Kimono and Monks from nearby temples chanting for alms are still common sights in the narrow lanes of North Higashiyama. This special area still retains a 'village' feel though only a ten minute walk from downtown and on the edge of the historic district of Gion. In the house, you will find a guide to all the amazing restaurants, cafes and shops in the area around Koto Inn.
A five minute stroll up the canal will bring you to the Museum district, Okazaki park and Heian Shrine. In front of Heian Shrine are monthly antique markets, fairs and musical and cultural events. A quiet and lovely ten minute walk down the canal finds you in the center of Gion, the historic entertainment quarter where Geisha and Maiko pass in the evenings. The hiking trails of the eastern mountains begin and end just minutes from your door and a full array of fine dining and drinking establishments are within easy walking distance. The Higashiyama subway station is just four minutes away and conveniently and quickly connects you to further sights as well as Kyoto train station and Kansai Airport.
Many of Kyoto's most famous temples, shrines and historic sites are also nearby. There are also convenience stores and several supermarkets, including one of Kyoto's oldest 'shopping streets' a short walk from the house. For those interested in learning more about Japanese food, there are a few half day courses in Japanese cooking in Kyoto and the house's kitchen is fully equipped with what you need to practice what you've learned.
The restoration of Koto Inn was completed in February of 2010 by traditional craftsmen and temple carpenters. The house retains its original traditional beauty while being discreetly fitted with insulation and modern western amenities in the kitchen and toilet and the automated Japanese bath is a joy after a day of sightseeing. Guests sleep on double thickness futons and all linens and towels are provided. The house is furnished with period antiques and textiles and a lovely Japanese garden in the back of the house. There is no vehicle traffic on the old stone lane outside Koto so the house is very quiet. All this combined with its beauty and location make it the ideal house for your stay in Kyoto.
Start and finish your days of sightseeing within the quiet, refined charm of this classic period Japanese home. A stay in this lovely, traditional house will add greatly to your appreciation of this amazing city and its culture.
Yoshiko and I look forward to greeting you at Your Home In Kyoto.
David and Yoshiko
Keywords: Kyoto Vacation Rental House, Guest House, Traditional Japanese House, Machiya, Japanese Merchant house, Japanese town house. Kyoto Machiya for rent, Kyoto traditional house for rent. Kyoto rental houses.
京都市指令保医セ第513号
This North Higashiyama area house is a classically beautiful and authentic, 145 year old Kyo-Machiya town-house in the perfect location for anyone visiting the Ancient Capital, Kyoto. This recently and lovingly restored traditional Machiya Town House is located on a quiet, pedestrian only, cobblestone lane just 20 meters off the Sakura tree lined Shirakawa canal in the historic Higashiyama area. Nestled between the Museum District and Gion, it is a truly classic, old style Japanese neighborhood of old wooden houses, family run restaurants and shops, temples, shrines and historic sites. It retains its traditional flavor and is blessed with proximity to the green hills and peaceful waterways which grace the northern Higashiyama area. Women in Kimono and Monks from nearby temples chanting for alms are still common sights in the narrow lanes of North Higashiyama. This special area still retains a 'village' feel though only a ten minute walk from downtown and on the edge of the historic district of Gion. In the house, you will find a guide to all the amazing restaurants, cafes and shops in the area around Koto Inn.
A five minute stroll up the canal will bring you to the Museum district, Okazaki park and Heian Shrine. In front of Heian Shrine are monthly antique markets, fairs and musical and cultural events. A quiet and lovely ten minute walk down the canal finds you in the center of Gion, the historic entertainment quarter where Geisha and Maiko pass in the evenings. The hiking trails of the eastern mountains begin and end just minutes from your door and a full array of fine dining and drinking establishments are within easy walking distance. The Higashiyama subway station is just four minutes away and conveniently and quickly connects you to further sights as well as Kyoto train station and Kansai Airport.
Many of Kyoto's most famous temples, shrines and historic sites are also nearby. There are also convenience stores and several supermarkets, including one of Kyoto's oldest 'shopping streets' a short walk from the house. For those interested in learning more about Japanese food, there are a few half day courses in Japanese cooking in Kyoto and the house's kitchen is fully equipped with what you need to practice what you've learned.
The restoration of Koto Inn was completed in February of 2010 by traditional craftsmen and temple carpenters. The house retains its original traditional beauty while being discreetly fitted with insulation and modern western amenities in the kitchen and toilet and the automated Japanese bath is a joy after a day of sightseeing. Guests sleep on double thickness futons and all linens and towels are provided. The house is furnished with period antiques and textiles and a lovely Japanese garden in the back of the house. There is no vehicle traffic on the old stone lane outside Koto so the house is very quiet. All this combined with its beauty and location make it the ideal house for your stay in Kyoto.
Start and finish your days of sightseeing within the quiet, refined charm of this classic period Japanese home. A stay in this lovely, traditional house will add greatly to your appreciation of this amazing city and its culture.
Yoshiko and I look forward to greeting you at Your Home In Kyoto.
David and Yoshiko
Keywords: Kyoto Vacation Rental House, Guest House, Traditional Japanese House, Machiya, Japanese Merchant house, Japanese town house. Kyoto Machiya for rent, Kyoto traditional house for rent. Kyoto rental houses.
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Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Mountain view
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House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 3–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
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
Please note that some properties do not permit guests with tattoos to use the on-site public bathing facilities
About the area
Kyoto
Located in Kyoto, this holiday home is in the city centre. Shijo Street and Pontocho Alley are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Biwa and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Kyoto Municipal Zoo and Kyoto Aquarium are also worth visiting. Power boating offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking, cycling and mountain biking nearby.

Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
What's nearby
- Heian Shrine - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
- Yasaka Shrine - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
- Nishiki Market - 2 min drive - 1.6 km
- Kyoto University - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
- Kiyomizu Temple - 3 min drive - 2.0 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- あるぺんrose - 3 min walk
- シュイロ - 2 min walk
- Cafe de 505 - 3 min walk
- 丹 tan - 3 min walk
- Three Horses - 2 min walk
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by David, Yoshiko
David is an over 20 year resident of Kyoto. He has worked on Cruise Ships, in Ski Resorts and for the Hyatt Regency and is a recently retired Professor of English at a Kyoto University. Yoshiko has lived her entire life in Kyoto. She formerly worked in the Kimono industry and is an avid photographer. (all photos on this page were taken by Yoshiko)
Why they chose this property
After more than 20 years living in a number of different parts of Kyoto, Yoshiko and I have found the Higashiyama area to be our home. It is a truly classic old style Japanese neighborhood of old wooden houses, family run restaurants and shops, temples, shrines and historic sites. It retains its traditional flavor and is blessed with proximity to the green hills and peaceful waterways which grace the eastern sector of Kyoto. Women in Kimono and monks from nearby temples chanting for alms are still common sights in the narrow lanes of Higashiyama. We have tried to make Koto Inn a part of this serene and traditional area and hope to share its unique beauty with our guests.
What makes this property unique
Kyoto is the Heart of Japan and the Higashiyama area is the Heart of Kyoto. With its many historic sights, traditional architecture, Museum district, Gion district and quaint neighborhoods crossed by narrow lanes and gently flowing, cherry blossom tree lined canals, it retains and preserves much of Japan's refined traditional culture. After many years living in the Higashiyama district, Yoshiko and I were very fortunate to find this beautiful house, just around the corner from us. The restoration was done by local traditional craftsmen, temple carpenters and an architect experienced in seamlessly and discreetly blending traditional style with modern amenities. Yoshiko and I have decorated the house with the best from our over 20 years of collecting at Kyoto's temple antique markets. A comprehensive and updated guide to restaurants in the area is provided in the house and we are happy to make reservations for you. Koto Inn is our only rental property, so all our attention and care are reserved for this special house and guests. The unique and serene beauty of the house and its historic yet quiet location, combined with personal attention when requested, make this classic house, the ideal choice for your visit to this lovely city.
Languages:
English, French, Japanese
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