Entire home

HISTORICAL CONVENIENT HIGASHIYAMA AREA KOTO INN RESTORED TRADITIONAL KYO-MACHIYA

Photo gallery for HISTORICAL CONVENIENT HIGASHIYAMA AREA KOTO INN RESTORED TRADITIONAL KYO-MACHIYA

View into the entry room from dining area of Koto Inn, Kyoto
Exterior detail
View from garden view  bedroom to dinning area at Koto Inn, Kyoto
Dining area at Koto Inn, Kyoto
View from dining area to garden view bedroom, Koto Inn, Kyoto

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
  • Heian Shrine
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Kiyomizu Temple
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Nishiki Market
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Osaka (ITM-Itami)
    ‪65 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

HISTORICAL CONVENIENT HIGASHIYAMA AREA KOTO INN 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 house is a classically beautiful, authentic, 140 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.

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 is also a convenience store 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 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.

Property manager

David, Yoshiko
Premier Host

Languages

English, French, Japanese

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Mountain view

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Koto Inn is located on a narrow quiet lane in an old traditional neighborhood. Guests are asked to be considerate of neighbors by keeping noise low.
Check in time is from 3 PM to 9 PM. Guests should book transport to Kyoto to arrive at the house before 9 PM.

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. Heian Shrine and Yasaka Shrine are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Biwa and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium or Kyoto Racecourse. Power boating offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling, hiking and mountain biking nearby.
Map
Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu

What's nearby

  • Heian Shrine - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Yasaka Shrine - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Pontocho Alley - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Kiyomizu Temple - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Nishiki Market - 3 min drive - 2.6 km

Getting around

  • Higashiyama Station - 3 min walk
  • Sanjo Station - 12 min walk
  • Osaka (ITM-Itami) - 65 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪お食事処明日香 - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪いっちゃんラーメン - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪峯嵐堂平安神宮店 - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪sui東山 - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪ENFUSE - ‬4 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is HISTORICAL CONVENIENT HIGASHIYAMA AREA KOTO INN RESTORED TRADITIONAL KYO-MACHIYA pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at HISTORICAL CONVENIENT HIGASHIYAMA AREA KOTO INN RESTORED TRADITIONAL KYO-MACHIYA?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at HISTORICAL CONVENIENT HIGASHIYAMA AREA KOTO INN RESTORED TRADITIONAL KYO-MACHIYA?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is HISTORICAL CONVENIENT HIGASHIYAMA AREA KOTO INN RESTORED TRADITIONAL KYO-MACHIYA located?

Located in Higashiyama Ward, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto and Heian Shrine. Shijo Street and Yasaka Shrine are also within 15 minutes. Higashiyama Station is only a 3-minute walk and Sanjo Keihan Station is 10 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. 147 out of 155 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 155 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 155 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 155 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 155 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Diane R.

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

Perfect location

We really appreciated the location of this very traditional home within a beautiful historic neighbourhood in Kyoto. The bathroom was beautiful, the furnishings characteristic . There’s a pretty garden out back. Washing machine worked great as did ac but never figured out how to use the cooktop. Note that all seating and beds are on the floor. We managed fine, but our aging knees and stiff bodies in the morning tell us that we probably won’t do this in years to come. Also note that kitchen. has minimal utensils, etc, so if you like to cook while travelling, this may not be the place for you. But who cooks while in Japan? All the surrounding restaurants are amazing.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Margo C.

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

Beautiful historic home

We loved our time at the Koto Inn. It is beautifully renovated with all historical touches along with modern conveniences. We were not sure how we would relax in an Inn without conventional furniture however we were very comfortable with the seating and beds and completely relaxed in the Dennie setting. The area is great - very close to subway. Was easy to get to Kyoto station for some day trips and tours. David and Yoshiko were very responsive and helpful. Would highly recommend for anyone wanting a special experience in Kyoto.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Teresa C.

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

Lovely traditional Inn

Koto Inn is lovely. The neighborhood is quiet with easy walking to temples, Gion, Ginkaku-ji, and great eateries and coffee. It's locate just minutes from the train.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert L.

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

Kyoto

Beautiful historic machiya on a convenient and quiet street.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew C.

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

Perfect location

We had never been to Kyoto before so had no idea what to expect. We were very lucky to have found this house as it was situated in our absolute favorite location. It's clear a lot of work and love have gone into building and maintaining this home.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynn S.

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

Koto Inn 3-night stay

Our stay was just as we had hoped. A beautiful traditional property in a lovely older Kyoto neighbourhood with canals and paths nearby. Loved it!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alex W.

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

Great stay!

My wife and I loved all of the aforementioned aspects of this machiya. We were enchanted by the space/location and happy to help preserve it through our stay. David was very responsive and accommodating, even letting us change our dates last minute.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Michael S.

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

Charming traditional house.

The house presents everything you could want of a traditional Japanese house experience…. Especially when the weather is warm. The fact that there was no heating on in the house when we arrived, and it was snowing outside made for a difficult few hours. The host needs to sort out a safe heating system to maintain minimum living temperature in the house when occupied.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Leigh P.

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

Great location!

This is a beautiful home in a perfect location. The host also provides great recommendations for the surrounding area. We stayed at the end of February and we found that the home was quite cold. Bring a sweater!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nick G.

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

Just what we wanted

Very nice accommodation. Would love to comeback in spring to see the cherry blossoms.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deirdre D.

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

Great Spot for Mother-daughter Trip

My daughter and I spent three nights at this delightful kyo-machiya, and wish we'd have had more time to stay. The location and facilities were perfect for us.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul R.

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

Beautiful, Traditional Stay

Wife and I stayed here 6 nights. Great location to easily get to the Higashiyama Station as well as walk everywhere.Place is clean, comfortable, and cozy. Has the modern amenities you need while maintaining a very traditional aesthetic.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lorna Adrianne D.

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

An oasis of tranquility in the heart of old Kyoto.

We spent 10 glorious days in Kyoto staying at Koto Inn over Christmas.Although on arrival the house was very cold, once the heat pump was turned on the whole house warmed up and even though some nights it got down to 0 degrees we were never cold. The house was exactly as depicted in the photos. Simply furnished yet very conformtable. The futons were great to sleep on, and kitchen had everything we required to cater for ourselves. The bathroom was the best we have ever had. Excellent pressure on the shower and the bath..well after a day of walking aound the city ..just what I needed.We loved the location of Koto Inn very quiet neighborhood within walking distance of restaurants, convenience shops, supermarket , subway, shrines temples....and so much more. The owners contacted us prior to arival and gave us very clear instructions on accessing the house, which was very easy. There is plenty of information available within the house regarding Kyoto, restaurants in the location and many books.Kyoto has so much to offer and see: temples, shrines, palaces, castles museums, markets, kabuki and noh theatres, and the most friendly people. Throughout our 10 days we were never at a loss as what to do...and we didnt see it all.We enjoyed returning to the tranquility of the inn at the end of the day, to drink a glass of wine, looking out over the small Japanese garden and talk about that days adventures.house
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alan T.

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

Best Kyoto Visit

We have been to Kyoto several times, but not since the COVID pandemic. And we have stayed at a machiya twice before, one about a five minute walk from Nishiki Market and one about a 15 minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera. We loved both of those places, but they both pale in comparison to Koto Inn. We knew that Kyoto would be crowded compared to our previous visits, but we didn’t really emotionally prepare for just how bad it would be. Luckily Koto Inn was the perfect sanctuary from the crowds and noise. The location couldn’t be better—2 short blocks from a Tozai Subway station and also within 2-3 blocks from multiple bus stops. And within walking distance of Gion, the zoo, Kyoto Museum of Art, multiple temples and shrines, the Philosopher’s Path, a Lawsons (where we went almost every day) and a 7-11, many restaurants. But the area itself is quiet and mostly residential. We stayed at Koto Inn for 11 days in late November/early December during peak fall foilage, so we got to know the neighborhood quite well. We have never stayed at a better location in Kyoto. Koto Inn has old world charm that is impossible to get In any hotel room. Yet has all the modern conveniences—a full kitchen, a modern Japanese bath, and Japanese bidet toilet. It’s really nice to have a full size refrigerator to store food and drinks for breakfast and a full size washer/dryer. I cannot give Koto Inn a higher recommendation. I’ll hopefully be able to stay there again within a year or two.
Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melissa K.

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

Beautiful house close to Gion!

We absolutely loved staying ing Koto Inn. It was so beautifully preserved and was a huge highlight for our Kyoto trip. It was comfortable and having amenities like laundry was very helpful for our trip. David and Yoshiko were excellent hosts, and were friendly, accommodating, and very knowledgeable. They have lots of information about the area and their binders were a great resource!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy S.

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

Koto Inn is Perfect in Every Way

Koto Inn is elegantly and efficiently designed and gave us a taste of a true Japanese home, greatly enhancing our Kyoto experience. It is serene yet in a location with easy access to wonderful restaurants, recommended by our hosts, as well as bus and subway lines with easy access to everything we wanted to do and see in Kyoto. We hope to get back to Kyoto and, if we do, we will make it a point to stay at Kyoto Inn again.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marcia C.

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

Great location; beautiful machiya experience

We had the opportunity to stay twice at Koto Inn during our month in Japan. We loved the location with proximity to excellent restaurants, beautiful gardens and temples. Very quiet location on a small pedestrian alley, yet close to the subway, grocery and convenience stores. We also appreciated Yoshiko's restaurant recommendations and her help in making reservations for a couple nights. Koto Inn had everything we needed for a perfect stay in Kyoto. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

kim l.

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

Best location in kyoto

Wonderful traditional house in historic area . So quit yet close to everything. Hosts were very helpful.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Annie F.

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

Charming

Sweet
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane L.

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

Wonderful ambience

Delightful accommodation in great area. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia C.

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

A Kyoto calm Oasis

This is a beautiful Japanese residence that enables you to immerse oneself in the culture. I only wish had stayed longer! My friend did have considerable hip problems and one low level chair wound gave been very beneficial.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emma F.

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

Very comfortable and enriching experience

David and Yoshiko’s place is very homey and comfortable and meanwhile was an enriching experience in a great location. This was the best sleep we had in all of the ten days we stayed in Japan!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hunter M.

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

Charming Kyoto

The perfect stay to experience traditional/historical living in Kyoto
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Fiona E.

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

Sweet matcha

Koto inn is an authentic home considerately furnished. David and Yoshiko’s recommendations were universally reliable and excellent.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jacob N.

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

Wonderful property and neighborhood

Koto Inn was a beautiful space. Has the charm of being an original machiya while having some modern conveniences. Hosts were very helpful and accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

About the host

Hosted by David, Yoshiko

Host profile image
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

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests