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≪10 min to Kiyomizu temple≫ "Bairin-an" Authentic Kyoto Machiya! Perfect For Two

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Entrance
Floor plan
From the tatami room
Japanese style tatami room
Tatami room with Futon

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Private garden
    A rare find — relax in the peaceful, private garden space.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to Kiyomizu Temple
1 bedroom0+ bathroomsSleeps 3

Popular amenities

  • Kitchenette
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Garden
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Dryer

Explore the area

View map
Kyoto, Kyoto (prefecture)
  • Place, Kiyomizu Temple
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Gion Corner
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Yasaka Shrine
    ‪9 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Japanese bedroom

3 Single Futons

1 half bathroom

Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Kitchenette
Garden

About this property

≪10 min to Kiyomizu temple≫ "Bairin-an" Authentic Kyoto Machiya! Perfect For Two

★ Experience the Soul of Kyoto: A Beautifully Restored 100-Year-Old Kyo-Machiya ★

Hello, everyone! We are Team Miyabi.
As a local Japanese team, we love supporting our guests' journeys. If you want to discover Kyoto's hidden gems, local tips, or top restaurant recommendations, please feel free to ask us! We are dedicated to being your best hosts in Japan.

Our Exceptional Hospitality (How We Care For You)
We go above and beyond to ensure you have a seamless and unforgettable stay. We are happy to assist you with:
• Warm greetings and check-in directly at the house
• Personalized trip-planning assistance before your arrival
• Making reservations for local restaurants
• Booking exclusive tickets for Geisha shows (Miyako Odori)
• Sharing local event, festival, and seasonal updates
• Providing free baby items (High chair, plates, potty, and baby bath - please request in advance)
• Assistance in medical emergencies (e.g., taking guests to the doctor)
• Post-stay support (e.g., mailing forgotten items or sending your favorite Kyoto snacks back home!)

About Bairin-an: A Time-Travel Experience
Bairin-an is a beautiful, traditional Kyo-Machiya with around 100 years of history, located in the historic Kiyomizu area. Designed by the renowned Kyoto-based architect Geoffrey P. Moussas, this house is meticulously preserved using centuries-old traditional techniques.

【 Perfect for Solo Travelers, Couples & Duos 】
This cozy, intimate townhouse is the ideal size for solo adventurers, couples, or any pair of travelers seeking a private, peaceful sanctuary. It offers a rare opportunity to experience the true essence of living in Kyoto without the crowds.

【 Embrace the Beauty of "Old and New" 】
You can feel the timeless spirit of old Japan in every corner—from the weathered wooden pillars and sliding doors to the beautiful small inner garden (Tsuboniwa) that brings nature indoors.

While deeply honoring this heritage, the house is seamlessly updated with modern comforts to meet the present-day needs of our guests: a high-tech toilet, a fully equipped kitchen, cozy underfloor heating, and a clean, modern shower (Note: Shower only, no bathtub).

Step away from ordinary hotels and immerse yourself in the vintage charm of Kyoto's golden era.

【 Premium yet Peaceful Location 】
Our neighborhood offers the best of both worlds. Bairin-an is situated right at the foot of the World Heritage Kiyomizu Temple. You can easily enjoy a beautiful walk to Kyoto's most iconic spots, including Ninenzaka, Yasaka Shrine, and Gion (the historic Geisha district).

While it is exceptionally convenient for exploring the city, the house itself is tucked away in a charming, peaceful residential lane. After a busy day of sightseeing, you can return to a quiet and serene sanctuary to relax like a local.

• Easy Access: City buses or rental bikes can take you to most of Kyoto's famous sites within 30 minutes.

Important House Rules & Details
【 Check-in Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM 】
☆In-Person Check-in (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): As a rule, we meet you at the house. Please let us know your arrival time in advance so our staff can be there to welcome you.
・Self-Check-in (Only after 8:00 PM): Applies for late arrivals. If you expect to arrive after 8:00 PM, please inform us as soon as possible to receive instructions.
・Luggage Drop-off: Available after 11:30 AM before check-in (Please request in advance).

【 Kyoto City Accommodation Tax 】
Notice: Accommodation tax has been updated for stays after March 1, 2026.
Important: Kyoto City accommodation tax is NOT included in the VRBO rental cost and must be paid separately in CASH upon check-in.

The tax amount is calculated per person, per night based on the room rate:
• Room rate under 6,000 JPY ：200 JPY per person/night
• Room rate between 6,000 JPY and 19,999 JPY ： 400 JPY per person/night
• Room rate of 20,000 JPY or more ： 1,000 JPY per person/night
(Example: 3 guests staying for 3 nights at a rate of 15,000 JPY/night per person ： 400 JPY × 3 people × 3 nights = 3,600 JPY)

【 Guest Registration 】
• Please ensure the exact number of guests is correct on your booking. Extra charges apply for unregistered guests.
• Unregistered visitors are strictly prohibited from staying overnight.

Our Other Properties in Kyoto
If this house is booked, or if you are traveling with a larger group, please check out our sister listings:
In the same area: Shofu-an (VRBO#438156),Momiji-an (#438158),Whole house Kiyomizu Bettei (#1266495)
・Sanjo-Kamanza area (within 30 mins): Shimoza-an (VRBO#514790), Kamiza-an (VRBO#514580)/Whole house Kamanza-tei" (VRBO #1275901)
• Aneyakoji area: Whole house (#1275901)

Kyoto is waiting to welcome you. Please feel free to reach out with any questions!

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 438160vb
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
This property accepts credit cards
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

About the area

Kyoto

Higashiyama Ward, a neighbourhood in Kyoto, is home to this holiday home. Yasaka Shrine and Nishiki Market are notable landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Kawaramachi Street and Shijo Street. Kyoto Municipal Zoo and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden are also worth visiting. Relax and indulge in the area's health/beauty spas, or seek out an adventure with cycling nearby.
View more Holiday homes in KyotoOpens in a new window
Map
Kyoto, Kyoto (prefecture)

What's nearby

  • Kiyomizu Temple - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Gion Corner - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Yasaka Shrine - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Shijo Street - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Kawaramachi Street - 14 min walk - 1.2 km

Getting around

  • Kiyomizu-gojo Station - 13 min walk
  • Higashiyama Station - 20 min walk
  • Osaka (ITM-Itami) - 64 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪油そば ねこまた - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪もちもち - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Loose Kyoto - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪ICHiMARU5 - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪京都勝牛清水五条坂店 - ‬4 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is ≪10 min to Kiyomizu temple≫ "Bairin-an" Authentic Kyoto Machiya! Perfect For Two pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at ≪10 min to Kiyomizu temple≫ "Bairin-an" Authentic Kyoto Machiya! Perfect For Two?

As of 20 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at ≪10 min to Kiyomizu temple≫ "Bairin-an" Authentic Kyoto Machiya! Perfect For Two on 6 December 2026 start from NZ$423, 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.

How much is parking at ≪10 min to Kiyomizu temple≫ "Bairin-an" Authentic Kyoto Machiya! Perfect For Two?

This property doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at ≪10 min to Kiyomizu temple≫ "Bairin-an" Authentic Kyoto Machiya! Perfect For Two?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at ≪10 min to Kiyomizu temple≫ "Bairin-an" Authentic Kyoto Machiya! Perfect For Two?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is ≪10 min to Kiyomizu temple≫ "Bairin-an" Authentic Kyoto Machiya! Perfect For Two located?

Located in Higashiyama Ward, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Hokanji Temple, Kiyomizu Temple and Yasaka Shrine. Shijo Street and Gion Corner are also within 15 minutes. Higashiyama Station is 20 minutes by foot and Sanjo Keihan Station is 21 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. 38 out of 41 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 41 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 41 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Curt H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The place was cute and very cozy, with excellent recommendations for dinner (that included remarkable vegetarian options). And the location is perfect.Note that while I found the bedding pad comfortable, some might not appreciate sleeping on the ground (as shown in the pics). Also, people over about 5’9” tall will have to stoop walking through the doorways.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 2 June 2026
Thank you for your lovely review. We are so happy to read it. I hope you enjoyed staying at the house. Traditional Japanese houses have low ceilings. I was glad the mattress was comfortable. If you have a chance to come to Kyoto, please stay at our house again. We are looking forward to seeing you next time. Arigato!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Kyoto stay

The house is very comfortable and clean ad it is at a very good location. The hostess is very friendly and helpful.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for your great feedback. It was a pleasure to have you as guests, we hope you had a wonderful time and great experience during your stay. We look forward to welcoming you back at our Machiya townhouse.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca B.

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

Wonderful!

Excellent unit and our stay was wonderful! Very clean and organized historical unit. The host and location were amazing. We would stay here again.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 May 2024
Thank you for staying with us. I hope you enjoyed staying in Kyoto. We are so happy to read your review. If you have a chance to come to Kyoto, please stay at our house again. We are looking forward to seeing you again. Take care.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea O.

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

Wonderful place to stay

We stayed here for 4 nights and it was a joy. The little house was just right for 2 people, while it was cold outside it was warm inside and had everything we needed. It was so close to Kiyomizudera temple, we went for a morning and evening stroll most days and it was very handy to the bus for seeing the rest of Kyoto’s sights. I highly recommend this house for a holiday.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for your great feedback! we appreciate your honest and detailed comments, We are glad to know that you enjoyed our house and Kyoto. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jake M.

Comfort and Style in Kyoto

We had a fabulous four night stay at Bairin-An! We were met by Roxana, our wonderful host, and made to feel welcome and cared for. The property is gorgeous and comfortable. It is very well located for walking to temples, Gion, Pontocho, Nishiki market, and many other Kyoto landmarks. It is also right near the bus line for any further destinations. There is even a washer/dryer! We will recommend this place to our family and friends.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We are glad to hear that we and our house made you feel welcome and cared. It was a pleasure to host you. We hope you had a wonderful time and great experience during your stay. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Made our trip to Kyoto even more special

What a treat to stay in a well kept machiya with modern upgrades. I especially enjoyed eating breakfast looking out over the small garden, and seeing all of the original details of the home that have been preserved. Actually, writing this review 2 months after our stay there is making me quite nostalgic for Kyoto, and this house became a large part of my memories there because it was so special. I can't wait to go back and stay in either this unit or the house's other 2 units. The location was ideal.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for taking the time to shear your review whit us. Your wonderful feedback is very much appreciated. We are glad to hear that our Machiya "Bairin-an" became one of good memory of your Kyoto trip. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto.
Verified

8/10 Good

Bonnie K.

Very convenient location to Kiyomizu Temple

Location is super convenient to Kiyomizu Temple and its surrounding walks. Bairin-an is a renovated machiya home on the first floor, consisting of 6-tsubo sleeping / living space, a full ball, a small kitchen area and washer/dryer. All the amenities met our needs. The host responded to all our email inquiries before and during our stay promptly, and delivered extra pillows upon request within just a few hours. Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Dear Bonnie, Thank you very much for taking a time to review our house. your comments are really valued, we appreciate those nice, detailed comments very much. and we are pleased you found value and hospitality during your stay. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto! KInd Regards, Tommy
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jake M.

A Fabulous Oasis in Kyoto

We spent 4 lovely nights at Bairin-An at the end of cherry blossom season and we had an absolutely lovely time! We were met on arrival, by Roxana, our wonderful host. The machiya (traditional townhome) was exactly as advertised. Elegant, clean, and a totally comfortable base for our explorations of Higashiyama, Gion, and Ponocho areas of Kyoto. Additionally, Roxana arranged a fabulous dinner event at a nearby steakhouse that included spending time with a real Maiko (sort of apprentice Geisha). We had a great time and I highly recommend this property! We hated to leave!
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for taking the time to shear your review our house. We appreciate your honest and detailed feedback. It was a pleasure to host you, We hope all of you had a wonderful time and great experience during your stay. We look forward to seeing you again on your next time!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Barbara (BB) B.

Zen Retreat in the City

While visiting our son and his family in Fukuoka, my husband and I took a mini vacation to explore Kyoto for a few days. We stayed in this perfect apartment with everything we needed to enjoy the city. Roxane was so hospitable; meeting us on arrival, spending the time to explain how everything worked and charting a great route for us on our map. She knows and loves the city and helped us find Temples, restaurants and points of interest which made our stay that much more fun. We loved the super clean, smart and modern apartment with the lovely, zen garden off the kitchen. The space exceeded my expectaions.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for your great feedback. your wonderful comments are very much appreciated. It was a pleasure to have you as guests. We hope all of you had a wonderful time and great experience during your stay. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gail K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was perfect for 2 people. It's in a quiet residential neighborhood, but very close to public transportation, a combini, a grocery store, and some tourist sites. It was a good mix of "floor-based culture" and Western living - more interesting to me than staying in a Western-style hotel. Sleeping on futons on tatami mats was surprisingly comfortable, but the table and chairs were very convenient for eating and screentime. We did not try to cook or watch the TV. I was delighted to find that the stone floor in the shower has underfloor heating. The washer/dryer was very handy, and we even used the umbrellas by the front door. I was a bit worried about accidentally leaning on the traditional paper screens that enclose the bedroom, but I quickly got used to them.There was none of the household noise mentioned in reviews from several years ago. It was very quiet during our stay. The apartment was cleaned once during our 8-day stay, which was a nice surprise.The host staff met us on arrival to show us around. They were very helpful and responded quickly to questions via the VRBO app.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 November 2025
Thank you for your nice review! We are so happy to read that. It encourages me a lot. I'm happy to hear that you tried sleeping on a futon and found it very comfortable. Futons are a uniquely Japanese way of sleeping, so I think many people find them uncomfortable. We are very pleased that you enjoyed your stay in a traditional Japanese townhouse. If you have a chance to come to Kyoto, please stay at our house again. We are looking forward to seeing you next time! Thank you. Please take care.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Adele P.

So great we want to return....

The most beautiful part of the city, a traditional house and wonderful "hostess" - what more could anybody ask for? We loved the house - it is typical Japanese so we learnt to be "light on foot" in the hope that neighbours would do the same :-) The appt was a wonderful base in a fabulous location, so much so that we abandoned our "out of town" days and stuck to the area with a detour up the Philosopher's Path and another detour to Kurama Mt. Other than that we still have temples in the area we want to go back to. We just cannot say enough about Roxana - so helpful, so knowledgeable and she really made our stay so memorable and enjoyable. We didn't intend to go back to Japan when we booked this trip, alas it is back on the shortlist :-) Huge thank you to Roxana for everything.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for your great feedback, we much appreciate your wonderful and detailed comment. We hope you had a wonderful and great experience during your stay. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Like coming home...

This was our second stay at Bairin-an and it was like coming home. The first time we stayed at this great place was just awesome but our second time was even better. The machiya has everything you need for daily life, fully equipped kitchen, TV, aircondition and many more. You can enjoy a lot of nice restaurants close to the machiya or you can go to the supermarket a five minutes walk far away and take care of your self. It is very convenient to start your trips from there to explore Kyoto or just to stroll around in higashiyama area. At the machiya you will find also a lot of brochures and pamhplets which will make organising your stay the best way. The stuff is also brilliant and very friendly. In case of questions or another assistance they will help you. Making my long story short, we love Bairin-an and we already make plans for our third stay. Many thanks to the stuff and see you soon.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for taking your time to review our house. We appreciate your wonderful and detailed comment. We are glad to know that you enjoyed our house and Kyoto. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

PuN4A1z3j4eR45TCM/75UfoGBdX3i5K4hDlXCZuoqCBYXRCW5brvaOUwvXHQwSreB6J4XDHmIgzBQLzyWSrwjIjDm2qroNfJyw4i P.

Family visit - 2 adults with 8 year old son

Really enjoyed our stay at this lovely property. Kasumi was very helpful and responsive to our questions prior to arrival and during our stay. We had a wonderful experience staying in a classic Japanese home. Sliding paper doors, Tatami mats, and an indoor garden were all quite charming. Sleeping area comfortable sleeps 3 however it was a little cold sleeping on the floor in mid November. These old houses are beautiful but not well insulated and can be a bit drafty. Kasumi helped us adjust the heat to a more comfortable level for the balance of our stay. Everything was brand new, super clean and well equipped with the best amenities. Property included a smart washer/dryer, microwave, A/C / heating units, and heater floors in the kitchen and the bathroom. Nespresso machine in the kitchen was also a nice touch. A+ Location - Kiyomizu temple and Gion are literally around the corner and can be access by foot in less than 10 minutes. Bus stops to other destinations are 1/2 block away and with a little work, you can figure out how to navigate the bus lines to get you anywhere in Kyoto.
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
Thank you for taking your time to shear your review with us. We are glad to hear you enjoyed your stay. We appreciate your detailed comments. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andy b.

Nice retreat in Kyoto

Perfect retreat for 2 in kyoto. The good: great location, and close to busy areas and on a quiet street well organized location and space used efficently fast internet no issues The bad: Space between 2 small tatami beds therefore if you are with a parner expect someone to fall into the crack between the tatami There are rules about no noise after 10 and early in the am. However what constitues "early in the am" as their is a house above and i was woken up at 8am by their noise. To me 8 am is early. However if u are an early riser this should be ok. However the noise starts ar around 8am, i hear the neighbor and a dog barking non stop. The check in time is 4pm and check out at 11am. If you are only staying for one night this might be a bit short and not worth it. I recommend asking for early check in and they may accomidate , as was done for me and i checked in at 1pm. Also they respond rapidly during the day via messages not phone yet after the office closes u are on your own for any issues.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for taking your time to write a review of our house. We really appreciate your honest and detailed comments. Thank you very much for choosing our house for staying Kyoto and thank you for keeping our house in good condition during your stay. We hope that you had a wonderful time and great experience during your stay. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ルーシー 高.

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

Perfect in every way

Can’t wait to stay again.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for taking your time to review our house. We appreciate your comment. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Antonio B.

Bairin-an

Beautiful small apartment in traditional style
Stayed 6 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for staying our house and taking your time to review our house. We hope that you had a wonderful time and great experience during your stay. We appreciate that you took care our house as like your own house. We look forward to seeing again on your next trip to Kyoto.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim A.

Real Traditional

You can't beat the location in Gion. Absolutely well placed. If you are over 5'6" be prepared to bow a lot. The Nespresso was very nice. The shower is great and the kitchen has a western style table. Best for a couple, not a family. It's easy to go anywhere from here and in a hip area. We would go back, but then again the world is a large place and we never return.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Dear Tim, Thank you very much for your such a nice and detailed review, your comments are very much valued. Because of construction of traditional Japanese house, I really appreciate especially the comment about "preparing to bow a lot". By mentioning this we will be able to making our guests not hitting their heads. We are always happy to welcome you Tim. We look forward to seeing on your next jourmey to Kyoto. Kind Regards, Tommy
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Wonderful Stay

We had a wonderful stay at the house. Very clean with all important amenities. It was conveniently located near the bus stop, grocery store, historical places, restaurants and in a peaceful neighbourhood which isn't too far from all the action. Mariko was extremely helpful to us from the time we arrived to the time we left.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for your great feedback. We really appreciate your wonderful, detailed comment. We hope you enjoyed our house and Kyoto. We hope to see you again on your next visit.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Wilmarie R.

Perfect Machiya! In the heart of Kyoto!

My first time traveling to Kyoto and staying in this machiya was the best idea. So close to so many attractions, restaurants, market, etc. The owner was so nice, waited for us until we arrive to the machiya. Didn't expected for the futons to be so comfortable and we slept so well. Will definitely be returning and staying here in the future.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for your great review. We really appreciate your detailed comments. We look forward to seeing you again on on your next trip to Kyoto!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Wayne P.

Beautiful Machiya in perfect location

The suite takes up most of the lower floor of a 2-storey traditional Japanese wooden house. 390 sq ft, consists of a tatami room for sleeping on futons, small kitchen with stove, fridge, microwave, small table and chairs for 3, private garden, hi-tech toilet, shower room with washer/dryer. One suggestion - the table in the kitchen is a little small, while there is enough room for a larger table to allow for using a laptop at the same time that another is using the table as well. The suite was comfortable and well-laid out. Perfect for 2, but could fit 3. There was plenty of storage for bags and jackets. The futons were comfortable and we slept well. There was some noise from the street but due to the location on a quiet side street, this wasn't an issue. We could hear the emergency vehicles from the fire stn 1 block away, these didn’t disturb us. The noise from other tenants was more of an issue. At one point during our stay a noisy family was occupying the suite above us keeping late hours and early rising, often yelling between floors. We had to use earplugs to sleep during this period. Other guests were more considerate and less noticeable. The suite was clean and well-appointed. Housekeeping came weekly and were efficient and thorough. Air-con and the under-floor heating in the tatami room, kitchen and shower was very nice! We arrived late, but were able to find the location by giving our taxi driver the map sent to us. The instructions for the key box were clear, we had no issues with orienting ourselves to the suite. We met the owner the next day and she was very friendly and answered all our questions. Throughout our stay she was available by phone. Checkout was easy. When we booked on VRBO, we found her responses quick and detailed. The location of the suite is perfect! The only detraction from the location is the distance from the nearest subway. It is in a perfect location for the traditional streets surrounding Kyomizu-dera. There are also many other shrines and temples within a short walk. Nearby there are quite a few excellent places to eat, and the pottery places are amazing! Bus and taxi is within a couple of blocks. Kyoto station is a short taxi or bus ride away. There are a number of options for groceries in vicinity. Wifi worked very well. TV has only Japanese stations. Land-line allows for toll-free calling throughout the area. Our stay here was so perfect - we have such excellent memories of this beautiful place!
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for taking your time to review our house. We really appreciated your wonderful and detailed comment, it makes us happy an encourages us to improve our service. We hope to see you again on your next visit. You are welcome back anytime!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Ellen W.

Stay in Bairin-an and fall in love with Kyoto

On our first (but certainly not last) visit to Kyoto, we (mother and daughter) couldn't have been happier with staying at Bairin-an. Mariko is so wonderful, making sure to meet you and showing you the accommodations and making suggestions for restaurants, etc. if you need them. The apartment is so lovely and so well taken care of. We enjoyed being able to make breakfast and late night snacks in the kitchen and sleeping on the supremely comfortable tatami mats in the bedroom. The shower is heaven and it was helpful to have a washing machine/dryer so we left Kyoto with fresh clean clothing. The bathroom is very modern. They had many nice amenities in the apartment, from soap to shampoo to tea and condiments. We loved the location! It is very close to old Gion. We easily walked to a supermarket. When you look down an alleyway, just about everywhere you look is a temple or shrine. We enjoyed being able to walk to so many temples from our apartment. While you can easily take the bus, there is also a taxi stand about 1 1/2 blocks away which we found to be very convenient. Mariko introduced us to a neighborhood soba restaurant and we loved it so much we went there three times. There are many interesting shops and restaurants off Higashi-dori. We highly recommend any of their machiya's (depending on how many people you are traveling with). We visited a Japanese home, and we felt we truly got a taste of Japanese living by staying in Bairin-an. We loved the amibiance of Bairin-an and would return there in a heartbeat!
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for your wonderful feedback, we appreciate your detailed comment and hart warming words, those make us so happy and encourage us to improve our service. We hope to see you again on your next visit. You are welcome back any time.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Xin W.

Sweet, Cozy Machiya

Our family of three, stayed in this lovely Machiya during our Christmas/New Year vacation in Kyoto. It was more than what we could asked for. Location is superb. Walking distance to many attractions. The small kitchen is adequately equipped. The futon is very comfortable. The washer and dryer definitely comes in handy. If you are looking for a temporary home in Kyoto, this is it! You will go no wrong.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for your great feedback. It makes us so happy and encourages us to improve our service. We hope we made you welcome and you enjoyed our Machiya town house. We would be more than happy to have you as guest again in the future.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Nick D.

Authentic Kyoto

My wife and I spent another two weeks in the beautiful Bairin-an this November. It was even nicer than last year. Everything you could want is provided - a beautiful tatami room with comfortable futons, a cozy and efficient kitchen with dining table overlooking a beautiful Zen garden, a modern bathroom with a spacious walk-in shower, and even a modern washer/dryer. The location cannot be beat - just minutes from Kiyomizu Temple, Kodaiji Temple and Yasaka Pagoda and within easy walking distance of Kenninji, Chion-in and the Higashiyama-Shijo shopping area. There are many very nice restaurants nearby - including Ashiya, Sodoh, and Shuhaku for fine dining and Nekomata, Smile Burger and some okonomiyachi and soba restaurants for simpler and less expensive meals. What makes the experience unforgettable is the lovely Roxana who could not be more helpful. She gives great advice on places to see, restaurants, how to get around on the bus, trains and metro and also provides many insights into Kyoto history and culture. She is a treasure! We plan to return to Bairin-an next year for another relaxing and interesting stay.
Response from VrboOwner on 27 March 2020
Thank you for your great feedback. We much appreciate your wonderful and detailed comment. we hope you had a wonderful time and great experience during your stay. We would be more than happy to have you as a guest again. You are welcome back anytime!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jim S.

Great Home-base for Kyoto Stay

My wife and I spent a wonderful week in Kyoto staying at Bairin-an. The information provided in the listing was accurate both in terms of the great location and the condition of the property itself. The property is well maintained and clean. It was a pleasure staying in this traditional Japanese home. The location provides easy access to the Gion area and has excellent bus connections to other areas. The property manager, Roxana, was wonderfully helpful both before and after we arrived. Her local knowledge and recommendations were invaluable in our making the most of our time in Kyoto. Kyoto was the highlight of our one month in Japan and Bairin-an was a big part of that. I would not hesitate in recommending Bairin-an to any other traveller looking to spend time in Kyoto.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for your great feedback. We appreciate your wonderful comment, it makes us so happy and encourages us to improve our service. We hope you had a wonderful time and great experience during your stay. We hope to see you again in the future!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Zoe C.

Staying here was one of the highlights of our trip!

Staying in Kyo Machiya Miyabi - Bairin-an, in the Higashiyama was a highlight of Kyoto and of our whole trip. It made us feel like we were a part of the area and gave us a feeling for old world Japan, that we would not have had just visiting temples and walking around Gion. Roxana is super friendly and helpful, we ran into her a couple of times and it was great to hear her tips and insights, there were quite a few things that were not in the guide books that we would have not known about and would have missed otherwise. Thanks Roxana! We hope to see you again!
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for your great feedback, we are glad to hear that you enjoyed our house and Kyoto. We hope we made you feel welcome and made your stay enjoyable. We look forward to seeing you again in the future!

About the host

Hosted by Toshimitsu Negishi

Host profile image
Hello, everyone!
The team manages the townhouse.
We are 3 woman and 1 male who live in Kyoto and Osaka!
We will do our best to support you during your stay.
Your trip to Kyoto will surely be a special trip.
Please feel free to contact us anytime!

Why they chose this property

We could see a glitter of traditional atmosphere on the roof, wooden pillars, sliding doors or small garden inside the house.
The townhouse is called Machiya and this house strongly stimulated us to restore for living. Machiya used to be townhouses or shops for the merchants in the 17th century.
Not only temples and shrines, but machiya stay is an attractive experience for all who want to know more about Kyoto life style and its culture.

What makes this property unique

Welcome to your authentic Kyoto home! Bairin-an is a beautifully preserved, 100-year-old traditional Kyo-Machiya. Here, you can experience the true soul of old Japan and live just like a local. You will love the historic wooden pillars, the sliding doors, and our cozy inner garden (Tsuboniwa) that brings nature right inside the house!

And the location is just as perfect as the house:
In less than 5 minutes from Bairin-an, there are two 24-hour convenience stores, a 24-hour supermarket, a post office, a bank, and plenty of nice cafes and restaurants.

A pleasant 15-minute walk will take you right to the beautiful Kamogawa River. You can take a relaxing stroll along the riverside, or enjoy shopping in the nearby Kawaramachi area. It’s perfect even for rainy days because the shopping streets are covered with arcades, just like the famous Nishiki Food Market street!

For a great night out, you must check out Pontocho. It’s a historic, narrow lane with no cars, packed with elegant restaurants and bars, where you might even spot a Geisha or Maiko on her way to an appointment! Just one street west of Pontocho is Kiyamachi, a very lively night zone where you can find all kinds of restaurants, bars, pubs, and more...

Everything is so close—you will love just walking around and exploring right from Bairin-an!

Languages:

English, Japanese

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