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≪5 min to Subway!≫ Authentic Kyoto Machiya "Shimoza-an"/ Private 1F Unit

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Stone garden
Floor plan
Shimoza-an: design by architect Geoffrey P. Moussas
Living room
Japanese style bed room

Reviews

9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space 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 Nijō Castle
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Kitchenette
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Garden
  • Internet access
  • Dryer

Explore the area

View map
Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
  • Place, Shijo Street
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Nijō Castle
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Pontocho Alley
    ‪18 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Japanese style bed room

3 Single Futons

Western style bed room

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Kitchenette
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

≪5 min to Subway!≫ Authentic Kyoto Machiya "Shimoza-an"/ Private 1F Unit

★ IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THE LAYOUT ★
• Private 1st Floor Unit: "Shimoza-an" occupies the entire GROUND level (1st floor) of a 100-year-old traditional Kyo-Machiya townhouse.
• 100% Private: You have your own completely private entrance and facilities. No spaces or amenities are shared with the 2nd floor ("Kamiza-an").
• Traveling with a Large Group? You can rent the WHOLE HOUSE (both 1st and 2nd floors together) for exclusive use! Please check our listing for "Whole house Kamanza-tei" (VRBO #1275901).
• Convenient Access: Being on the ground floor, it is perfect for guests with luggage as there are no stairs to climb!

★Unwind in our traditional Machiya, complete with a peaceful courtyard garden★

Welcome!
We are the "Miyabi team," a group of local Japanese staff. We are passionate about supporting your journey and ensuring you have a wonderful stay in Kyoto. Please feel free to ask us for local tips, restaurant recommendations, or anything else you might need!

Our Hospitality Services
・In-person check-in support
・Sharing information on local events
・Restaurant reservation assistance
・Arranging tickets for Geisha shows, Miyako Odori, etc.
・Assistance with travel planning before your arrival
・Support for visiting doctors
・Providing advance information regarding typhoons and natural disasters
・Complimentary baby items (high chair, baby plates, potty, and baby bath) ※Please contact us in advance.
・Forwarding forgotten items

About Shimoza-An
This authentic 100-year-old Kyoto Machiya was renovated under the supervision of New York-based architect Geoffrey P. Moussas. He transformed this historic townhouse into a special place that blends traditional Japanese charm with modern comfort.
The sleeping arrangements include a traditional Tatami room (with up to 3 Japanese futons) and a bedroom with 2 single beds. The property also features a Western-style living room with a table and chairs, a modern kitchen, antique furniture, a bathtub and shower, a high-tech toilet, air conditioning, and floor heating.

Location (Just a 5-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Subway Station!)
We are perfectly located on the quiet Kamanza street, just a few meters from Sanjo street—one of the oldest and most important streets in Kyoto’s history. You will find yourself surrounded by craft shops, museums, art galleries, local temples, shrines, cafes, and restaurants.
Across Horikawa street, you can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of the Sanjo shopping arcade, where you can experience true local culture. Shimoza-An is the perfect place in the heart of cultural, traditional, and innovative Kyoto!

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)

Other Important Notes
・A minimum stay of 2 nights is required.
・Please ensure the number of guests is accurate. Additional fees apply for unauthorized guests, and unregistered individuals are not permitted to stay overnight.
・Due to the traditional architecture of the townhouse, the walls are thin, and footsteps or voices from the 2nd floor may be audible. We kindly ask for your cooperation in keeping noise to a minimum early in the morning and after 10 PM.

Other Properties
The upper floor of this building is also available as Kamiza-an (#514588).
• Aneyakoji area: Whole house (#1275901)
• Kiyomizu area: Momiji-an (#438158), Bairin-an (#3438160), Shofu-an(#438156),Whole house Kiyomizu Bettei (#1266495)

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
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
Shimoza-An is the lower unit of a two-storied Machiya townhouse. There is another unit on the second floor and will be used by other guest.
NOT share any room with other guest. There is an entrance for each floor and no access from downstairs to the upstairs in side the property.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 514790vb
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
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 and a deadlock

About the area

Kyoto

Located in Kyoto, this holiday home is in the city centre. Nijō Castle and Nishiki Market are notable landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Kawaramachi Street and Shijo Street. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden and Kyoto Municipal Zoo are also worth visiting. Take the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like cycling.
View more Holiday homes in KyotoOpens in a new window
Map
Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu

What's nearby

  • Shijo Street - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Nijō Castle - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Nishiki Market - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Kawaramachi Street - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Pontocho Alley - 18 min walk - 1.6 km

Getting around

  • Karasuma Oike Station - 6 min walk
  • Karasuma Station - 11 min walk
  • Osaka (ITM-Itami) - 61 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪内房 あんぱん - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪すし善 - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪here Kyoto - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪モスバーガー - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪煌力(ゴウリキ)担々麺専門店 - ‬2 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is ≪5 min to Subway!≫ Authentic Kyoto Machiya "Shimoza-an"/ Private 1F Unit pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at ≪5 min to Subway!≫ Authentic Kyoto Machiya "Shimoza-an"/ Private 1F Unit?

As of 21 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at ≪5 min to Subway!≫ Authentic Kyoto Machiya "Shimoza-an"/ Private 1F Unit on 19 August 2026 start from NZ$533, 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 ≪5 min to Subway!≫ Authentic Kyoto Machiya "Shimoza-an"/ Private 1F Unit?

This property doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at ≪5 min to Subway!≫ Authentic Kyoto Machiya "Shimoza-an"/ Private 1F Unit?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at ≪5 min to Subway!≫ Authentic Kyoto Machiya "Shimoza-an"/ Private 1F Unit?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is ≪5 min to Subway!≫ Authentic Kyoto Machiya "Shimoza-an"/ Private 1F Unit located?

Located in Downtown Kyoto, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Sanjo Street and Shijo Street. Nijō Castle and Nishiki Market are also within 15 minutes. Karasuma Oike Station is 6 minutes by foot and Nijojo-mae Station is 8 minutes.

Reviews

9.8

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. 34 out of 38 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 38 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 38 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Irving C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a fantastic house centrally located in Kyoto. Very close to the train station and Nishiki Market area. Very traditional home with both western style beds and tatami mats. Both were very comfortable. The air conditioning worked well to keep us cool. The host was very helpful and communicated well. She met us at the house during check in to show us the house. We highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 1 June 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are glad to hear that you enjoyed staying in our traditional house and found the beds and tatami mats comfortable. We are also glad that the location made it easy for you to explore Kyoto, from Nishiki Market to the station. You were fantastic guests, and you are welcome back anytime. Safe travels on your journey home!Thank you! Arigatougozaimashita!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Francis C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Location, location, location. We were less then 10 minute walk to the train station and about a 20 minute walk to the major shopping arcades in Kyoto. We found a great little cafe (Astarte Cafe) about a 4 minute walk away and had excellent coffees every morning, but the house had nespresso, provided and we had all the cooking pans and utensils needed to cook a meal. The microwave is also a toaster. There is an upstairs that was rented out but they were relatively quiet at night. This is on a quiet street and perfect after a day of exploring the city. The mattresses were comfortable and the communication was excellent. All our questions were answered. Just be aware it is an old house but well maintained and updated. We had plenty of room. Big plus was the washer and dryer! We did laundry daily and they provided the detergent (thank you!). Will return if ever in Kyoto again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! Thank you for keeping the room so clean. We are very happy to hear that you had a comfortable stay in Kyoto. This machiya is located in the heart of Kyoto, so it offers very convenient access to almost anywhere. We are especially pleased that you enjoyed the atmosphere of a traditional townhouse. Please come visit us again if you have the opportunity.We are looking forward to seeing you next time. Arigato!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Corry D.

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

Great place to stay

Great house in the middle of the city.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 April 2025
Thank you for the great review. I hope you enjoyed staying at the house. 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!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alan A.

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

Japan vacation

Our stay was woderful and the manger was very helpful to ensure that everything was to our satisfaction.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 April 2025
Thank you for staying with us. I hope you enjoyed staying at the house. We are so happy to read your review. We were relieved to hear that We were able to help you with your stay. 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!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colin L.

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

Wonderful family visit

We had a wonderful stay with our two boys, age 8 and 10. Perfect location and great communication from host
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2025
Thank you for staying with us. Thank you for the very good review. We are so happy to hear that. I hope you had a great time with your family. 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!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew O.

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

Simoza-an was fantastic

We truly enjoyed our Japanese vacation the most while staying in Kyoto. This property was the most traditional Japanese house we stayed at. Thank you for the modern conveniences, the garden space and a wonderful location to explore from.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 May 2025
Thank you for staying with us. Thank you for your happy review. We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay. We are glad you were able to feel the unique traditional atmosphere of the Machiya. 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!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an amazing stay. Host communication was amazing and very patient as we didn’t know our arrival time until same day. Rina met us for checkin and gave us an excellent tour after giving us excellent directions from Kyoto Station. We arrived on New Year’s Day which made it challenging for eating at restaurants, but the hosts created a list of restaurants that were open. The house is as pictured. The tub/shower area overlooking the small outdoor courtyard was nice and peaceful. The tub held the water’s heat for a very long time making for an excellent soak. The washer/dryer combo was also very useful as we were in the middle of a 10 day trip. The beds comfortable as well. The location is excellent. Restaurants close by, Family Mart & 7-11 also close by for those little items. We would highly recommend staying and would definitely come back if the opportunity arises.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 4 January 2026
Thank you for the great review. We are so glad that Michelle and her family had a comfortable stay. Many stores are closed during the New Year holidays, so it was honestly quite difficult to create the list, but We're relieved that it was of some help. We were relieved to hear that they were able to stay comfortably in the townhouse. It's cold in Kyoto in the winter, so We were glad to hear that they had taken measures to protect their feet from the cold. If you have a chance to come to Kyoto, please stay at our house again. We are looking forward to seeing you next time. Take care.Arigato!
Verified

8/10 Good

William L.

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

Very Nice

We enjoyed our stay, house was great and it is in a wonderful neighborhood
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Trent H.

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

Perfect Japanese place for 3 of us.

After long days of walking and train rides, it was very relaxing to come back to this house. It was quiet, clean, safe, and very much felt Japanese to us. We would stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 2 June 2024
Thank you for staying with us. I hope you enjoyed staying in Kyoto. 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!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura K.

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

Amazing place!

This is a traditional Japanese home with modern amenities. The garden was so peaceful, and the shower/tub are phenomenal with an outdoors feel. The location is wonderful and communication with the host is fast and easy. Will stay here again if we make it back to Kyoto!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 October 2023
Thank you for staying with us. I hope you enjoyed staying in Kyoto first time. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the disposal fee of the suitcase. If you have a chance to come to Kyoto, please stay at our house again. We are looking forward to seeing you! Thanks.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mi n.

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

Cute place in a great spot in Kyoto

This was a great place to stay in Kyoto, although I’m a little too tall :). It’s in a great location and quiet. There was everything needed for a great stay! The host was very helpful and kind. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 9 April 2024
Thank you for staying with us. I hope you enjoyed staying in Kyoto. Thank you for contacting us because the hot water suddenly stop. I'm glad I was able to solve it quickly. 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!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen B.

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

Fabulous accommodations

We very much enjoyed our stay in this lovely, traditional home in Kyoto. We had plenty of space and every amenity we could want including a washing machine and a beautiful meditation garden The location was perfect too with so many shops and restaurants close by and everything else including the train lines, a short walk away. We would definitely come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 19 April 2024
Thank you for staying with us. I hope you enjoyed staying with us. We are so happy to hear that. If you have a chance to come to Kyoto, please stay at our house again. We are looking forward to seeing you. Thanks!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Olga S.

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

Simply amazing!

This house has everything you might ever want. A great traditional feel, with advanced tech to meet your vacation needs. It’s spotlessly clean, comfortably located on a quiet street close to several attractions and grocery stores. The hosts are super nice and responded very quickly to any questions or requests we had. We are very thankful we chose this house for our week in Kyoto.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
Thank you for taking your time to review our house. We really appreciate your honest and detailed comment. When you came to the house, you looked very tired because of jet lag. But when I saw you to see you off on your check out day, you looed very well and had much energy. 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. You are always welcome!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheri Z.

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

Perfect for our needs

Home is exactly as described and worked great for three adults. Modern bathroom and relaxing tub. A/C in all three rooms kept us cool and comfortable in July heat. Convenient for walking to restaurants and subways. Management is very helpful and responsive with an extensive guide to Kyoto, too. Would stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 April 2024
Thank you for staying with us. We are so happy to read your good review. I hope you enjoyed staying in Kyoto. If you have a chance to come to Kyoto, please stay at our house again. We are looking forward to seeing you. Take care! Thanks!
Verified

8/10 Good

Nicholas F.

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

Simoza-an

Great location; good communication with agency; spacious and good equipment. Note thin walls with upstairs property. Not an issue for latter half of stay but was for first few days with baby staying upstairs.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 April 2025
Thank you for staying with us. We are very sorry for the noise from the upper floors. Because it is a townhouse, it is structured so that sound tends to echo a little more easily than a normal house. Although the warning is written on the listing, it was not clear enough. We will improve it in the future. I hope you enjoyed staying at the house. We are looking forward to seeing you next time. Arigato!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David M.

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

Amazing house

Wow.. what a beautiful property. Host was very communicative and we were able drop off our luggage early. Upon return to check-in we were greeted by our host who explained everything in great detail and took us on a tour of the house to ensure that we were familiar with the operation of everything from shower to laundry. The fine craftsmanship of the remodelled home was evident throughout. The property is in a very convenient location. Very walkable to many locations and train stations are within 6-8 min walk. Wished we had spent more than 3 nights here. We loved Kyoto and our stay here. Hope to return soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 April 2025
Thank you for staying with us. I hope you enjoyed staying in the house. Please come and stay for a longer period next time. We have preserved the good parts of the townhouse and renovated it to make it more livable. I am very happy that you enjoyed your stay at the townhouse. I'm so glad you liked the nostalgic points. If you have a chance to come to Kyoto, please stay at our house again. We are looking forward to seeing you. Arigato!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Joanie M.

Magic in Kyoto

Kyoto is wonderful city and this Machiya made it even more so. We spent five nights and enjoyed every moment. This is a lovely traditional house with great charm, yet modern amenities. It's in a perfect location. Very quiet, but near all the sights, shopping and transportation. The house was very clean and the shower is probably the best we have ever encountered. The futons were extremely comfortable. If we get a chance to return to Kyoto, this will be our place to stay.
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
Thank you for taking the time to review our Mchiya townhouse. We appreciate your detailed comment. We hope you had a wonderful time and great experience during your stay. We would be more than happy to nave you as a guest.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joel S.

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

Traditional Japanese Home Stay

As the listing indicates, it's in a great area- close to the subway and short walk to restaurants, Nishiki Market, Gion area for shopping, etc. Home is a wonderful traditional Japanese home that really adds to the experience. (Beware: traditional Japanese home low headroom! I'm 5'9" and my son is 6'2" so we had to lower our heads as we went in/out rooms, but it was all good!!) Shower and bath were fantastic!Host was wonderful. We found 2 beds a little too firm for our liking, but upon letting her know they came by with some additional mattress toppers and all was good.If back in Kyoto I wouldn't hesitate to stay again,
Stayed 8 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 May 2025
Thank you for staying with us. We are very happy that it turned out to be a very meaningful trip to Kyoto. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the low ceiling. In traditional Japanese houses, all homes are built with low ceilings. I hope there are no injuries. I apologize for the inconvenience caused by the firmness of the futon, which affected the sleeping comfort. I am thinking of purchasing a new mattress. Please come and stay again without hesitation. All the staff are looking forward to your visit. Arigato!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Michiko W.

Lovely home, wonderful stay!

We had the great fortune of being able to book Shimoza-an during cherry blossom season, and had a wonderful stay here! I cannot say enough good things about this place. I spent six weeks traveling through Asia with my family, and this was, without a doubt, our favorite place that we stayed at. The house is beautiful, the beds are comfortable, and I still dream about the bathroom... I don't know if it was just because the weather was a bit chilly during our stay, but the shower at the end of the day, followed by a nice soak in the deep tub... It was something to look forward to! We found food, transportation, and attractions easily accessible from here. I have zero complaints, and already know where I want to stay next time I am lucky enough to find myself back in Kyoto.
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
Thank you for your great feedback, we are pleased to know that you enjoyed our Machiya townhouse. It was a pleasure to have you as guests. We hope you had a wonderful time and great experience during your stay. We lookforward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Kelly K.

An unforgettable experience

Making reservation and payment was very straight forward. There was a hitch when we made our payment but the team was extremely helpful with it. Nothing was too much of a hassle even reservation of restaurants and taxi. Upon arriving, everything was already ready for us. The accommodation had everything we need. The air conditioner is definitely a massive plus given the very hot and humid autumn. Washing machine is also a dryer which is fantastic. Close to a subway exit and it is at the intersection of two lines. There is a pharmacy and 2 convenience stores close by. Overall it was a very comfortable stay for us all.
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
Thank you for your great feedback, we really appreciate your positive and detailed comments. We hope we made you feel welcome and enjoyed Kyoto and our Machiya townhouse. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Andrew W.

Perfect Vacation Home in Kyoto

This is our first family trip to Japan. With two young children, this property was perfect for our needs. It is in a very quiet and safe neighborhood with no busy tourism stuff going on. Yet it is very convenient by being close to subway stations and major streets. There is also a small market just several minutes of walking from the rental property, which has milk, bread, eggs etc in case we need anything. The house has the traditional charms and modern amenities. We enjoyed the shower particularly. The washer/dryer was definitely helpful when you have young kids traveling. It was very comfortable for the four of us with floor heating and air conditioning during a November stay. Mariko is very responsive, friendly and helpful. She speaks fluent English which is a great help for our stay. Prior to our arrival, she gave us tips on how to travel to Kyoto etc. During our stay, she recommended restaurants and even helped to make reservations for us. We have already recommended this property to several friends for their future consideration. We wish we had a longer stay to fully explore Kyoto and enjoy Shimoza-an.
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
Thank you for taking the time to review our Machiya townhouse. We appreciate your kind and detailed comment, it makes us so happy and encourages us to improve our service. We hope we made you welcome and enjoyed our house. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nick G.

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

Great place for a family

My family and I loved staying in this home. Old traditional house in the middle of Kyoto. Clean and lovely with plenty of space for us. Great place to stay with a family, a group of friends, or two couples traveling together. I wish there were clearer public transportation information. The address didn't register in google maps so we took a cab from Kyoto station. Within 15 minutes of checking in a very friendly person came to show us how to use all the appliances and showed us where everything was. He also collected a 3000 yen tax that we needed to pay to the city. Not sure why that wasnt included in the overall vrbo price but be aware and add that to your costs when figuring your budget. I believe it was a variable cost based on number of people and duration of stay so it will likely be different. 3000 paid for 5 people for three days. There was a terrific little cocktail bar a few blocks away called Tsukumo that made incredible in season only fresh fruit daquiris. Not usually my choice of drink but after tasting my wife's, it's all I ordered. This house was our favorite place we've stayed in Kyoto. It's now our go to when we go back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 August 2024
Thank you for staying with us. Thank you also for your accurate review. I was relieved that you seemed to enjoy your stay very much. There is a separate system for lodging tax, which is collected in cash and paid directly to Kyoto City. Therefore, it is collected in cash on site. It depends on the amount of accommodation per person, but it is collected at an amount of 200 yen per person per night, so the amount varies depending on each group. Normally, it would be nice if it could be included in the accommodation fee, but we are very sorry. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 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

Carl W V.

Superb house in prime location with superb host.

Our first visit to Japan and to the beautiful city of Kyoto has given my wife and me enormous pleasure and its was an experience of a lifetime. A great part of the success of this incredible vacation was due to the quality and the location of the vacation house Shimoza-an and even more to our lovely host Mariko. First things first: Mariko's presence was a joy on its own, she is to us the personification of 'das Land des Lächelns', Japan as 'the country of smiles'. Her omnipresent assistance, the abundant fountain of information, her accompanying us on an introductory walk in the neighbourhood, Mariko as help desk at the phone when we needed her during our Kyoto walks, her tips for interesting addresses and people (on our request she even took us to a carpenter in Arashiyama for a talk about wood carving and Japanese chisels and whetting stones), her visiting the vacation house to check if we needed something: Mariko has been our ever smiling personal guide, private shopping assistant and interpreter. Arigatissimo, Mariko. You are a jewel in Kyoto's crown! We were lucky to stay in Shimoza-an for two weeks. And even after a brief Ryokan experience at the more than superb Shiraume Ryokan, we were glad to return to Shimoza-an, a large and comfortable renovated machiya close to Sanjo-dori. This is smack in the cosiest part of Kyoto city center and yet in an extremely quiet location in Kamanza-dori. No loud taxis during the night like in Gion, no drunk tourists, no unrealistic touristic surroundings like Gion, no crowds of school children shopping in souvenir and snack shops. This neighbourhood is real, with real Kyoto people, buying fruit at a local fruit stand, riding a bicycle to work or having a coffee at nearby Starbuck's. But also, the big shopping district is just a short walk away. Do not hesitate: Shimoza-an is the ideal place for a vacation in this miraculous, fantastic, beautiful, easy going city of Kyoto.
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
Thank you for your great feedback, we appreciate your such wonderful words, we are please to hear that you really enjoyed our Machiya townhouse, and found valuer on your stay. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jose v.

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

Over all, very good.

Overall a very good experience.staff was very helpful and very attentive. The only drawback was The lack of sufficient towels for our stay. Two towels for two people for a few Days was not working for me. We had to clean them every day. But over all, a good experience and I’d recommend the apartment to any traveler.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
Thank you for taking your time to review our Machiya house. We appreciate your honest and detailed comments. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica R.

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

A lovely neighborhood

My sister stayed here a few years ago and I stayed here with my husband this weekend and loved it. A nice quiet "real" neighborhood with great small restaurants around the corner. The owners give you a great binder of info and make the planning adventures easy. The apartment is lovely- a nice oasis after a day of exploring.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
Thank you for taking time for review. We are glad to hear you two had g great time in Kyoto. Thank you for staying with us. We look forward to seeing you next time!

About the host

Hosted by Toshimitsu Negishi

Host profile image
Hello, everyone!
The team manages the townhouse.
We are 2 woman and 2 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

I liked the typical 'eel' shape as called in Kyoto (the front side is not so wide and the house extends in length). I thought it could be so nice to preserve this townhouse and make our guests even for few days to live as Kyoto people lived for centuries with traditions plus a more today comfort in the daily house use.

What makes this property unique

The beauty of this townhouse lies in the balance between keeping its traditional Machiya soul and adding modern touches to satisfy the needs of our international guests.

We are perfectly located in the heart of Kyoto on a quiet street, just a 5-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Subway Station.

At a five-minute walking distance, you will find Nijo Castle, the historic home of the Shogun for over 400 years. Many other iconic spots are also within walking distance, such as Rokkakudo Temple (known as the "navel of Kyoto" and the birthplace of the famous Ikenobo ikebana school), the Imperial Palace Park, and the colorful Nishiki food market.

Bus stops, banks, post offices, museums, art galleries, and a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars are all just steps away—giving you everything you need for an unforgettable Kyoto experience!

Languages:

English, Japanese

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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