★ 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)