Reviews for Kyoto Vacation Rental - VRBO 105505 - 2 BR Japan House, Gion House (Upper Level) in Prime Gion Location

A week was too short

Guest runcible spoon
Date of stay 02/11/13
Review Submitted 02/23/13

My husband and I made our first visit to Kyoto in February together with our 21 year old daughter who had briefly visited Kyoto before. The very beautiful Gion Upper House was a wonderful base for our exploration of Kyoto. The 2 spacious bedrooms and an equally spacious living area provided us with lots of room (room for the 21 year old to have her own space). The house is immaculately maintained and in a quiet part of Gion (which is only a short stroll from major temples, the tourist hub of Gion and modern Kyoto across the river). Living for a week in a machiya added something really special to our experience of Kyoto. Curtis had answered all of our queries promptly. It was very straightforward to get to the house from Kyoto station by taxi. The notes provided by Curtis on the house and the local area were very helpful. We used them to find our way to the good local supermarket and to the amazing basement food hall in Takashimaya Department Store. At the end of our stay we left very reluctantly - heaps of places still to visit and we didn't want to leave the house. We hope that we will make it back one day soon.

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Perfect place

Guest Marc
Date of stay 02/03/13
Review Submitted 02/23/13

. The location is the best you can imagine for feeling the true old Kyoto. The owner is very helpful and the flat has been perfectly restored.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Location, Location, Location!

Guest Anonymous
Date of stay 12/23/12
Review Submitted 01/12/13

There could not be a better location for exploring Kyoto. And, how wondrous to be in an old machiya (perfectly modernized) on a charming quiet residential street, just around the corner from the historic and picturesque Hanamikoji Street. The bathroom is amazing - what you would expect and find in an upscale hotel. And, so convenient to have a well-appointed kitchen (complete with a washer/dryer combo unit). Very easy to stock up on breakfast items at a small grocery just up the street. The on-the-ground manager was easy to reach and extremely helpful in booking restaurant reservations and answering questions. An amazing value.

Recommended for: Families with teenagers, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

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Perfect Kyoto Rental

Guest Gabby
Date of stay 12/08/12
Review Submitted 12/16/12

We just returned from a week's stay in this lovely Kyoto machiya. The house is perfectly located in the Gion area on a tiny quiet street, yet close to numerous restaurants and the main shopping area. It is very well appointed, tasteful and perfectly maintained-the owner has thought of every convenience for his guests. The house is just charming and the description and photos are accurate, although they do not convey the charm which one sees upon entering. The property is immaculate and the owner and his agent were incredibly accommodating and welcoming. It is such a pleasure to be in a home instead of a hotel and in this home, the comforts are considerable from spacious rooms, modern appliances, a full Japanese bathing/shower room, a tiny garden and roof deck, plenty of linens, dishes, and supplies galore. The home is close to numerous shrines, temples, walking areas, shopping, and all of the sights of Kyoto. All in all, the highest recommendation.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Perfect place to stay in Kyoto

Guest PWN
Date of stay 12/01/12
Review Submitted 01/19/13

Having explored Kyoto extensively this has to be one of the best places to stay in Kyoto. It would be very difficult to find a house in a better location - right in the heart of Gion and within walking distance of all the major temples on the Eastern side of Kyoto. It's also an easy walk into Kyoto centre through the best bits of Gion. The house itself is fantastic with everything you'd need for any length of stay. Everything is fresh and clean and has been done to a really high standard. Contact with the owner and arranging the booking was very simple. Next time I'm in Kyoto this place will be very high on my list of places to stay.

Recommended for: Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Excellent

Guest Patrick H.
Date of stay 11/25/12
Review Submitted 12/06/12

These five days passed by too quickly. The place is great, well renovated, clean, convenient, and mainly the location is the best one could hope for. So many things are located nearby! We look forward to our next stay there in April for the cherry blossom. Highly recommended.

Recommended for: Families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Stay here, and you won't be disappointed

Guest DJ
Date of stay 11/09/12
Review Submitted 12/26/12

My husband and I absolutely loved this Gion machiya. It was beautifully maintained and immaculate. The furnishings appeared to be chosen with care and were a wonderful mix of traditional Japanese charm and modern convenience. We took many pictures, as we didn't want to forget the beauty of this place. One of the many highlights was the radiant floor heating, which was a welcomed luxury during our November stay. Even when it was chilly outside, we were quite cozy and comfortable. November was a great time of year to visit, as the fall foliage in Kyoto was breathtaking. The location of this machiya made it easy for us to visit many of the temples for day and night viewing of the maples. There were also many wonderful places, within walking distance, to eat and shop at. We were celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary, and could not have chosen better accommodations. We felt at home, and it was very hard to leave after our 6 night stay. Curtis, the owner, and Junko, his employee in Kyoto, were both extremely kind and helpful. We would stay here again in a heartbeat!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Superb home base for exploring Kyoto

Guest NapaValleyFlaneur
Date of stay 10/29/12
Review Submitted 11/26/12

My wife, young daughter and I are rather fortunate to stay at some of the more remarkable properties around the world, and given the lens of that experience, the Gion House did not disappoint. The location is exceptional in that it is close to the temples and historic sites of eastern Kyoto yet is on a quiet side street. We would wake to the sound of morning prayers at neighboring Kennin-Ji Temple...a divine solution for jet-lag. The house itself was immaculate and wonderfully laid out. It was just Japanese enough to ease us into the culture, but with sufficient western amenities as to ensure our comfort.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Gion House Lower Unit

Guest chase
Date of stay 08/26/12
Review Submitted 09/09/12

I recently returned from a six night stay at the Gion House with my 21 year old son. We were both so pleased with the Gion House. Briefly, it is peaceful, quiet, restorative after a full day of sight seeing. It is architecturally pleasing with attention to detail. Beds were very comfortable, bathroom a delight with sunken tub and heated floors. Interior garden provides a calming effect. Great location to explore Kyoto. Both Curtis and his local Kyoto staff were delightful to work with. I would not hesitate to return and strongly recommend Gion House, you will not be disappointed. We were very sad to leave, probably the best accommodations I have ever experienced and I have travelled extensively.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Perfect location and place from which to explore the best of Kyoto

Guest Grace
Date of stay 06/22/12
Review Submitted 07/16/12

Three of us stayed in the upper unit of Gion House for 5 nights in late June 2012. (My sister and her sons occupied the lower unit.) I wanted my family to experience a Japanese style home complete with a Japanese style bath and sleeping on futon on tatami mats. Gion House is totally charming. It is as described and more. The upper unit has it’s own entrance from the street with a small genkan area to remove your shoes and store umbrellas before ascending the stairs. There are two bedrooms, one western style and the other a tatami room with futon and sliding door. The combination washer/dryer was really convenient. The roof top aerie was nice and handy for drying laundry, too. The kitchen had everything we needed. I liked the small, thin glassware. There are several markets close by for stocking the fridge. The plumbing is state of the art. One faucet controlled the temperature; and the other the volume. Why isn't that more common in the states? I loved the ofuro (bath) and took photos in hopes of replicating someday in my own home. At first, I disapproved of the western style sofa in the living room, but then appreciated the sofa after a day spent walking for hours. Gion House was comfortable and roomy. It was always great to come “home” from our travels. The other thing Gion House has going for it is the location. It is close to several important temples, restaurants along the river, and shopping. Kiyomizu is a 15 minute walk away, and what a delightful walk early in the morning before the crowds appear. The temple opens early at 6:30 so if you are jet lagged and up early anyway, get yourself out there and explore. Kenninji, Chion-in, Kodaiji and Maruyama park are all minutes away. Kenninji proved to be a useful reference for taxis. One morning, we heard this yelling. It was priests coming down our little street. We were supposed to give them food. Oh well, we didn't know but got a photo! I got tickets for Kabuki and was delighted to find that the theater was in the neighborhood. Gion House is perfectly located to enjoy the best of Kyoto. Curtis has provided a binder filled with useful information and maps which was very helpful. It was a pleasure dealing with Curtis. He was responsive and very accommodating to us. Thank you Curtis for contributing to our memorable stay in Kyoto. We will be back!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Convenient and comfortable

Guest DCS
Date of stay 04/06/12
Review Submitted 04/29/12

Gion House is extremely conveniently located, in a quiet street close to the heart of Gion and the downtown area of Kyoto. The apartment is very comfortable, with high quality inclusions and very well maintained. It is well equipped and has everything needed for an extended stay. Gion House provides a genuine insight into living in Japan as the Japanese do. We certainly recommend the accommodation as an ideal base for a short or long term stay in the wonderful city of Kyoto.

Recommended for: Age 55+, sightseeing.

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Perfect Comfort, Atmosphere and Location

Guest Michael
Date of stay 03/26/12
Review Submitted 04/13/12

Kyoto epitomises all that Japan has to offer, including the historical essence of Japan, outstanding cuisine, cultural treasures, emphasis on craftsmanship and never-ending surprises. Gion House Machiya is the perfect base from which to enjoy all of these wonders. I endorse all of the comments about the comfort and amenities of this attractive house, which is accurately portrayed in the listing. None of this would matter, however, without the location, in which there is so much to see and do, that it might blind visitors to the fact that Kyoto has so much to offer beyond the Gion and environs. Within a 30 to 40-minute walking radius of the house, through a labyrinth of narrow lanes bordered by traditional-style houses, tea-shops and ryokan inns (and where, at dusk, you might bump into a maiko scurrying elegantly to her next appointment) are not only the many temples representing the varied facets of the various buddhist and shinto sects, but specialized craft studios, museums (the Kawai Kanjiro Memorial House is a treasure), beautiful gardens, shops of all kinds and restaurants to satisfy every appetite. These range from the rarified and expensive, illustrating Kyoto cuisine at its most refined (such as the two Kikunoi restaurants and Chihana), through countless small restaurants specializing in various dishes (of which Girogiro Hitoshino was the find of the visit), to the atmospheric and varied treats of the Izakaya. And if that is not enough and there is a need for more familiar western-style shopping, the large department stores are within the same walking distance. Although it might be tempting just to explore the area, Kyoto as a whole has much more to offer, and the proximity of the excellent subway and other public transport systems makes every corner accessible. The home base at Gion House made exploring all of this so much more enjoyable than it had been in the past from a hotel base, but the icing on the cake was the outstanding support that we (not a word of Japanese between us, to our shame) received from the local service company.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Wondrous place to stay, descriptions and photos accurate here

Guest Jim
Date of stay 01/08/12
Review Submitted 01/28/12

My family of four (two adults, two post-college children) recently returned from a memorable week in Kyoto, and this rental played a large role in the power and sweetness of our memories. It was recommended by friends who live nearby and are enchanted with the neighborhood. If you stay here you will experience Kyoto in a fashion unavailable to one who stays in a hotel or other part of the city. The sights, sounds, and smells of traditional Kyoto are right out front, though this house can also be a place of refuge for those seeking that. I do a lot of travelling but have seldom rented a house that is as well-equipped as this one. In fact I'm not even sure my own home is as well-equipped! From fresh batteries for the flashlight to bandaids in the first aid kit to tea bags and sugar, Curtis had thought of everything. Read on to see what others say, and note the praise we all have for this house, area, and owner. I certainly hope to return.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Good base in Kyoto

Guest PW
Date of stay 11/13/11
Review Submitted 11/27/11

Our family of seven stayed at this house (both upper and lower levels) in November 2011. The house was accurately described by the owner and well reviewed by others on this website. I will try not to repeat what others have described so well already. The machiya has a quiet yet central location. The kitchens are very well equipped and all appliances are like new. Of note, the microwave oven does wonders! It has settings to re-heat fried foods (like tempura), toast bread and re-heat bento boxes. Absolutely no complaints whatsoever about the house. Several restaurants within a stone's throw from the house. 2 supermarkets within easy walking distance. The entire Gion area including Kiyomizu temple are easily accessible on foot. Bus stops are easily reached on foot and I would recommend the use of buses whilst in Kyoto. They are easy to use, fixed fares, multi-lingual bus stop announcements (on many buses) and can reach just about all the sights in Kyoto. Use the Bus Navi guide in the folder in the house. The subway line in Kyoto is very limited. The local contact, Junko, was very helpful during our stay. She arranged amongst other things, restaurant reservations, luggage forwarding, and was very prompt with replies to our many questions. I would highly recommend this holiday rental!! An excellent base for travels in Kyoto and nearby towns.

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Everything Perfect!

Guest Birthday Girl
Date of stay 10/31/11
Review Submitted 09/04/12

I cannot believe it has taken us so long to write this review as Curtis & Crew were the absolute best hosts for my 50th Birthday stay! We took both the downstairs and upstairs with a group of 8. I personally prefer the upstairs unit as we spent quite a bit of time on the rooftop deck but sitting by the window downstairs is very peaceful as well. Having lived in Japan many many years prior, we were excited to return and were a bit anxious as Curtis' reviews seemed so wonderful - all of them!! All the reviews are true however and we can now finally add and thank them once again. I have already recommended the Gion House to several of our Turks and Caicos friends who are planning to visit Japan. We hope to go back ourselves in the not too distant future. Perfect location, clean and an owner who knows customer service! Doomo Arigato!

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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A Great Week at Gion House "Machiya" (Upper Level) Sep. 26th-Oct. 3rd, 2011

Guest St. Louis Travelers
Date of stay 09/26/11
Review Submitted 10/16/11

My wife and I had a terrific time in Kyoto and this rental was a big part of the reason. The Machiya oozes charm. The neighborhood is fascinating--a real walker's paradise. We did a full day Kyoto tour and a full day Nara tour with Koko(she is listed in the manual prepared for the renters). You can hear faint gongs and chanting from the nearby Buddhist temple--very atmospheric. The rental has all the amenities that you would need for a week. Fresco grocery store is a ten minute walk and has good fresh produce, coffee, good quality sushi, etc... FYI--if you are 5'10" or taller, you will hit your head on the door frames--I have the bumps to prove it--all part of the charm of staying in an older Japanese structure. All in all, a great rental unit in a great city.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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What a great place to stay in Kyoto

Guest Ed
Date of stay 09/11/11
Review Submitted 09/23/11

We had a great stay at Gion House. We stayed in the upper level and were able to experience part of the past of Kyoto with great modern amenities such as a/c and a washer and dryer. With the remains of the Kyoto summer heat and humidity still present during our stay both were particularly helpful. The location is great, especially as you walk through the Gion district and its geishas on your way back to the house each night. Historic and must see sites such as the Kennnin-ji Temple and the Kiyomizu-dera Temple are a stone's throw away. The interior space is terrific with its restored wood work. The choice of the tradtional futon or regular mattress was a great added feature. The upper terrace was a particular nice touch, especially in the evening. We highly recommend Gion House for anyone looking to for that extra special experience in Kyoto that comes with staying at a Machiya.

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Beautiful house

Guest Soggy tourists!
Date of stay 05/27/11
Review Submitted 06/15/11

We'd stayed here in May/June 2011 and had an amazing time. The house is beautiful and just like the photos, in fact the rooms were bigger than I was expecting. THe tatami rooms are gorgeous and smell lovely! It is a fantastic location for walking to lots of sights which we did. Although rainy season came early this year this just made the house an even better idea - much nicer to take a break and dry off in such a nice place rather than a small hotel room where you feel you are wasting your precious holiday time, in the Gion House that down time just felt like another aspect of the trip. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is staying in Kyoto for any length of time, a real enhancement to a holiday and a great location for all the major temples and the Gion area. Thank you for a fabulous holiday base.

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Springtime in Kyoto

Guest Laurel
Date of stay 04/30/11
Review Submitted 07/22/11

We stayed at Gion House in May, 2011. We were a family group of 7, with ages ranging from 23-83. We rented both the upper and lower levels, which was ideal for us. We were able to get together, but also had space to spread out and relax. I loved staying in a traditional Japanese house, and having a taste of living like the Japanese people do. The house is beautifully restored, with lots of wood, tatami mats and screens.The rooftop deck was fun to sit on early in the morning and listen to the birds and the temple bells and monks chanting- the temple is adjacent to Gion House. You could also hang laundry on the racks on the roof, as all of the locals seem to do. The bathroom had windows on opposite walls which could be opened and made it feel almost like an outdoor shower! The house was perfect, Kyoto is so special, and the Japanese people are wonderful. Go, if you can!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Hugh, Kimberley and family

Guest Hugh
Date of stay 01/03/11
Review Submitted 01/14/11

We loved our stay here - beautiful building with fantastic attention to detail. Facinating to stay in a traditional Japanese dwelling. Very well fitted out and we had everything we needed for the week. Great position at the end of a lovelly street in the heart of Gion and a perfect base for expolring Kyoto. We were there for a week in Winter and hope to have a week there again for the remaining seasons....

Recommended for: Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

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wonderful

Guest heidi
Date of stay 11/16/10
Review Submitted 06/24/11

Stayed here in November 2010. Gion House is especially well appointed, beautiful in design, super in function (love the seamless mix of traditional Japanese design and modern conveniences within the apartment!). Plenty of space for a family of 4 adults. Located in a very quiet and safe neighborhood that is ideal for relaxing but still very close to tourist attractions. Loved evening walks to major departmental stores where we could buy groceries and enjoy cooking in the kitchen and having family dinners in the huge living room. Professionally managed, the rental process was extremely easy and fast and a dream to deal with. Highly recommended! Thank you for a great vacation rental.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Wonderful

Guest janice
Date of stay 11/09/10
Review Submitted 12/08/10

Wow--this was beyond my dreams. Could not recommend more highly. Spacious and well appointed. Quiet street. Lovely. Janice

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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October Visit to Kyoto

Guest October Travelers
Date of stay 10/23/10
Review Submitted 11/06/10

We had a fabulous time in Kyoto and loved our accommodations. It was even better than we thought it would be. The location was great - centrally located and in the charming Gion neighborhood. The house was immaculate and the rennovation is excellent with the beautiful bathroom and modern kitchen as the highlight. We highly recommend this rental; a friend told us about it and we were very grateful.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Great place!

Guest Joanne, Einar, Mist & Kolbra
Date of stay 07/29/10
Review Submitted 09/21/10

What a privilege to stay somewhere that we would only expect to be able to take photos of the outside! The Gion house suited our type of holiday..away from the tourist hotels and busy streets but close enough to navigate our way around. We stayed at the house for just under 10 days in the middle of our 3 week holiday in Japan with our 2 teenage daughters. It was great to have the flexibility of doing our own thing without being down for breakfast at a particular time!!! We used our time not only to explore Kyoto but also did some day trips out of the city to Hiroshima, Nara and Himeji. After a few over hectic sight seeing days in the heat it was great to relax a little in the house and explore the immediate neighbourhood which has many interesting streets, temples and restaurants. The facilities were just what we needed...washer and dryer, kitchen ..although we only used it for breakfast mostly as there were plenty of places to eat out that we wanted to try!, tv and wireless for our daughters mostly!! Me and my husband preferred the balmy sunsets on the roof terrace with a cold beer in hand before the mosquitos came out to play!!! Well done Curtis for thoughtfully restoring a beautiful house, offering us a taste of Japanese culture and thank-you for being a very helpful host.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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A perfect base for exploring Kyoto

Guest Suzi
Date of stay 06/19/10
Review Submitted 07/08/10

Gion House is very a comfortable base to return to after a day of exploring Kyoto. We especially loved the shower with the heated floor. Not that Kyoto is cold in the summer, but the heat dries up all the water, so no mold! The wireless internet worked perfectly and without interruptions, making this a good choice if you need to keep up with work. We enjoyed the proximity to excellent restaurants and shops. Also, the apartment is in easy walking distance of downtown and many of the sights on the east side. The access to taxis, buses and trains for further distance travel is superb. We would love to return to Kyoto and if so, will definitely reserve Gion House again.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

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A great place in the middle of historic Kyoto!

Guest Jason
Date of stay 06/08/10
Review Submitted 07/04/10

We had a great time staying in this wonderful little place right in the middle of things in Kyoto. Our first night out, we walked out the door around the corner, and had a geisha walk right by us on her way to work. Another block and we were on a block of historic buildings and amazing restaurants. The house backs up to one of the main Zen Buddhist temples - a large temple compound that is great to just wander through. The house itself is well designed and easy to live in. The kitchen, while small, has what you need to prepare food, and is well equipped. It was great to have a washer and dryer to keep us in clean clothes and let us try out some of things we bought at Muji downtown. The air conditioning was vital as well during the hotter days. We particularly enjoyed the roof deck. It had just enough room for three of us to sit around the table and enjoy the evening. There probably should be some mention in the listing that there are fairly low doorways throughout. At 6" tall I banged my head a couple of times a day for most of the trip. Not a major issue and that is part of the package of an authentic Japanese living experience.

Recommended for: Families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Wonderful Stay in Kyoto

Guest Patbern
Date of stay 04/14/10
Review Submitted 05/18/10

The two weeks we spent at Gion House (upper unit) have provided us with many lasting memories. As mentioned by previous reviewers, we found the apartment to be very comfortable, clean and perfectly located. We especially appreciated having the bikes to use and spent many wonderful days exploring the sights of Kyoto. My elderly parents were able to venture out on their own - comfortable with picking up groceries and shopping in Gion and the surrounding neighbourhoods. When they fell ill for a few days, Curtis and Junko kindly assisted us with a referral to a physician which was greatly appreciated. We would definitely recommend the experience of staying in this very special "machiya" house.

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Guest Vincenzo M.
Date of stay 03/19/10
Review Submitted 03/19/10

Our stay in the upper floor of the Gion "Machiya", in March 2010, has been just perfect. This place is indeed everything one can dream about: a charming atmosphere, an brilliant artistic touch, the state of the art technology. Pictures on the web were indeed very nice, but right ahead, when we arrived in the apartment, we understood that real reality was, in this case, far superior to the virtual one. What is more impressive, I think, are spaces and the remarkable artistic taste of who set up the apartment: the nice wood, the sliding doors, the delightful windows, the incredible tatami bedroom, the so elegant bathroom, with the black tiles and the warm floor. All details are taken care in incredible detail, and everything always "works": the apartment is dealt with love by someone very competent, and it shows. The Japanese soul of the setting is strong and the ideal frame for spending a delicious period of time in delicious Kyoto. Everything in the kitchen is very modern, and you get all the tools you need if you plane some cooking at home: pots, for example, are of very high quality, the refrigerator is large and modern. By the way the kitchen itself is a beautiful room, where is nice to be. The location of the apartment is perfect, and being in Gion a clear plus: one can easily walk to temples, department stores, food shops, river restaurants, museums, elegant streets with antique shops. And it is so quiet: the location of the apartment is in a small road, just very close to the crowd but so far of it. It is incredible that being in the real heart of Kyoto one can feel like being in the countryside, because of the silence. We all hope we will be back there soon: we will surely do when we will be able to go back to Kyoto.

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Guest Guadalupe Cort?
Date of stay 11/25/09
Review Submitted 11/25/09

We loved the house, the pictures in your web are very good but they do not do justice to the great charm of the place. We felt it was our home in Kyoto, we loved the tatami floors, the bikes, all your wonderful details and the Japanese style bedroom. Everytime we come back, we would love to stay there. Gion district is the best place to stay at. Thank you for sharing your house.

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Guest Anonymous30
Date of stay 10/16/09
Review Submitted 10/16/09

The Gion house provides the ideal balance of comfort, location, and privacy. Just minutes from Shijo dori, one of the main streets, and, just around the corner, from Hanamikoji dori, which runs through the Gion; walking out your door and around the corner, puts you in the middle of one of the most interesting sections of Kyoto, with easy access to restaurants, bars, temples, and shopping. When you decide to expand beyond the Gion, there is nearby and easy access to public transport. The house is quiet, private, tastefully appointed, clean, and comfortable; for 4 adults, it was ideal. If I return to Kyoto, I will stay here again.

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Guest Anonymous
Date of stay 10/03/09
Review Submitted 10/03/09

We stayed here September, 2008 for nearly 3 weeks. Everything about it was magic!. We loved hearing the temple bells in the morning, making a Japanese breakfast in the kitchen (rice with fried egg topping and miso soup) and heading out for the day. Despite the very quiet location, two bus lines and the subway are within an easy walk as is the grocery store and the department store complex. We walked and rode to more temples and shrines than one could imagine. We had lunches and suppers in exquisite restaurants and plain eateries and occasionally cooked at home. The furo tub is quintescential and experiencing bathing the Japanese way was wonderful. Walking past the big hotels downtown, we truly felt sorry for the people staying there, spending so much more and missing the core experience of really being in Japan. We were sad when our time was up and we would love, someday, to return.

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Guest Cheryl R.
Date of stay 09/27/09
Review Submitted 09/27/09

Grab this unique opportunity to stay in an authentic and beautifully restored traditional Japanese "Machiya" dwelling. Our Kyoto experience was greatly enriched by staying here. Wonderful neighborhood restaurants, shopping and sightseeing, walked everywhere... We felt very fortunate to have this special experience and look forward to next time. Excellent shower/bath, and a small but workable kitchen -- even a washer/dryer. Roof deck too! And very gracious, helpful hosts. Can't say enough.

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Guest Joelle B.
Date of stay 09/10/09
Review Submitted 09/10/09

We have stayed at this beautiful Machiya House for one week at the end of August, with two friends and our baby. The house is great, mixing traditional Japanese style and modern kitchen and bathroom design. It's very well located. Our hosts were very gracious and we had a great time. We will certainly come back again.

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Guest Marie29
Date of stay 08/26/09
Review Submitted 08/25/09

We enjoyed a most wonderful stay in this beautiful traditional machiya in the fantastic city of Kyoto. They say location is everything and this machiya has a perfect location on a quiet street within walking distance to famous sites. It was quiet, immaculately clean and beautifully furnished with all the amenities necessary for a most comfortable stay. We look forward to returning to this fabulous machiya.

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Guest D. Brown
Date of stay 08/20/09
Review Submitted 08/20/09

Highly recommended. A beautiful property in an excellent neighborhood. Well appointed, well maintained, and well managed. Others have gone on at length, so I will just say that you can believe them all. We read the comments here before our trip, and it still managed to exceed our expectations. I have already recommended this property to friends who are traveling to Kyoto next spring, and would certainly stay here again if I had the opportunity.

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Guest Anna44
Date of stay 06/12/09
Review Submitted 06/12/09

We stayed at Gion House for one week. Great location and such a beautiful Machiya. Next time we will stay there again.

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Guest Joe and Tyrone
Date of stay 06/09/09
Review Submitted 06/09/09

We had a great stay at the Gion House. The location is amazing and the house has everything for a relaxing stay. It has become one of our lasting memories of Kyoto. I highly recommend it.

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Guest Anonymous
Date of stay 04/23/09
Review Submitted 04/23/09

We had such a wonderful stay - the house is immaculate and I can't imagine a better location in Kyoto. We enjoyed visiting the temple just two blocks away, eating in the many excellent restaurants in the neighborhood, and just hanging out at the house. There were three of us and the house was quite comfortable. The bathroom is particularly lovely, and the house is perfectly furnished with very comfortable futon, excellent bedding and towels, and all the kitchen supplies you need to cook a meal. I appreicated that the appliances were labeled with English translations, too! We will definitely be back.

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Guest Jonathan and Joe
Date of stay 04/18/09
Review Submitted 04/18/09

We had such a spectacular stay at the Gion House. Having lived in Kyoto for 3 years and being away for over a decade, Curtis's home was beyond the perfect way to return to the city I love so much. The home is gorgeously appointed combining traditional design with modern facilities. The roof deck is so special and having Kenniji Temple as a neighbor couldn't be better! Thank you!

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Guest anne-marie1
Date of stay 04/02/09
Review Submitted 04/02/09

staying at a traditional "machiya" house is a very good way to experience japanese culture. especially in curtis house, as it is close to most of the must-vistit sights and best restaurants in kyoto. we had a wonderfull wintertime in kyoto and were happy in the very cold evenings to enjoy the cosiness in this place. thanks also curtis for your nice dvd collection! it is great to close a long day with some hot sake , seeing THE GEISHA and being reminded of all the beautiful impressions one got during the day. i will be back, but next time in summer to enjoy the great rooftop!

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Guest Michelle Bromwich
Date of stay 01/11/09
Review Submitted 01/11/09

We have stayed in "Gion House" for a whole week, and it has exceeded our expectations. We knew that the location was going to be excellent even before we arrived, but this was most appreciated when we got here - central to all the locations we wanted to see, close to the action, yet in such a quiet street that noise was never an issue. Not only did the location exceed our expectations, but so did the house - well-appointed, clean, and with all the facilities we could want. The bicycles came in very handy, especially during the busy holiday long weekend meant incredible crowds on the streets/roads, but bicycles allowed "zipping" along the small side streets to get to our destinations quickly. The drums/bells from Kenninji Temple at 6 AM every morning was fantastic - yet not loud enough to wake us up! Ayako-san greeted us and warmly welcomed us to the house and gave us instructions that got us orientated and settled in quickly. We would certainly recommend "Gion House" for anyone who wants to visit this great place, in a terrific location, and all the charm of a machiya. We will certainly be back!

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Guest Wendy M.
Date of stay 01/03/09
Review Submitted 01/03/09

This apartment was a highlight of our trip to Japan! Not only is the neighborhood amazing and so full of history and culture but the apartment itself is beautiful with a wonderful kitchen, bathroom and living room. There are many shops and restos in the area and it's an inexpensive cab ride to Kyoto station. Thank you Curtis, we hope to visit Kyoto again and would not hesitate to rent you apartment.

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Guest Janet Ghattas
Date of stay 11/19/08
Review Submitted 11/19/08

Gion House is in a perfect location for a stay in Kyoto: we walked from the house to many temple locations, to the subway and the bus terminal while absorbing the traditional culture of the neighborhood. Watching Memoirs of a Geisha on DVD thanks to Curtis was an added plus.

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Guest Ann O'Donnell
Date of stay 10/27/08
Review Submitted 10/27/08

Gion House is a fantastic place to stay in Kyoto. Very comfortable in a great location. A taste of traditional Japan!

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Guest Gaynor and David
Date of stay 09/18/08
Review Submitted 09/17/08

Just returned from 10 days in the machiya. It really is an architectural experience so aesthetically Japanese yet so liveable. There isn't much to say that others haven't said before. The proximity is fantastic. Kyoto is such a bike friendly city it was easy to cycle everywhere. It was great to find the bike parking station next to Isetan at Kyoto Station because it meant we could ride - park the bikes for 150 yen and catch the train to Nara etc. Also the bike parking station one street back from the river by all the restaurants made shopping and eating worry free. For those of you who haven't used VRBO before Curtis makes it all so easy by accepting VISA. So come on Aussies take advantage of the cheap Jetstar airfares. Regards Gaynor

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Guest Zak Pashak
Date of stay 09/08/08
Review Submitted 09/07/08

The Gion house was a wonderful home in Kyoto and a great base for travel throughout the Kansai region. The bikes were a great touch, as was the home elements like some DVDs and some basics in the fridge. The cooking class with Emi was a highlight as well- but I can't post a link to it so people should search kyotouzuki. Thank you Curtis for setting up such a great place for visitors.

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Guest David & Kayo
Date of stay 07/21/08
Review Submitted 07/21/08

Sorry, it's taken so long to say a public thanks for a wonderful stay in a beautiful house. The Gion house is a perfect combination of traditional style and modern design updates. My parents loved the bathroom in particular, although I liked sitting on the chairs on the roof watching the evening lights come on across the river. The location couldn't be better, right in the heart of old Gion and I don't think there are any better places to stay in Kyoto, especially in this price range.

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Guest Sue McCrossin
Date of stay 06/09/08
Review Submitted 06/09/08

Just returned from 3 week holiday in Japan and one of the highlights was definitely our stay in Kyoto in the Machiya house in Gion. Every need is catered for and having home comforts and space is a pleasant change from hotel rooms. The location is perfect for exploring the Gion area whilst still within walking distance of Kyoto downtown. Highly recommend. Sue

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Guest Nicole18
Date of stay 05/21/08
Review Submitted 05/21/08

We have just returned from an awesome trip to Japan. Our first week was spent at the "Machiya" House in Gion and what an absolutely awesome experience it was!!! The house is stunning, the location is awesome and Gion was definitely the highlight of our trip!!! The only problem we encountered was the hiring of additional bikes, the recommendation that came through the house for the additional bikes wasn't able or didn't want to assist so 2 bikes between 5 of us made for a lot of walking or buses. Other than that, all of the restaurants around the house, temples, public transport access and the house were awesome. Watch your head if you are tall! I highly recommend this property! Nicole

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Guest Gil 1
Date of stay 04/10/08
Review Submitted 04/10/08

Now that we have been back, almost 1 week, from a wonderful trip to Japan I am getting questions from friends and co-workers - "How was it?". The first thing that comes to mind is it was great! but the best part of the trip was staying in Kyoto in a traditional "Machiya" house in Gion! We had such a wonderful time staying in the house, the location is perfect, the restaurants within walking distance were some of the best we have eaten. The house was fantastic. Super clean, heated floors, spa type bathroom, roof deck, tatami mats, futon all added to the experience. Being right in the middle of the Gion area we we were able to walk to many temples, eat in great restaurants and just walk everywhere...the best way to see Kyoto! So the answer I have been giving my friends and co-workers wanting to go to Japan... You have to stay at this "Machiya" in Gion... here is the link to the listing on VRBO...it's everything it says it is and more!!!!

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Vacation Rentals by Owner

Gion House (Upper Level) in Prime Gion Location [#105505] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (63)

A week was too short

A week was too short

Perfect place

Perfect place

Location, Location, Location!

Location, Location, Location!

Perfect Kyoto Rental

Perfect Kyoto Rental

Perfect place to stay in Kyoto

Perfect place to stay in Kyoto

Excellent

Excellent

Stay here, and you won't be disappointed

Stay here, and you won't be disappointed

Superb home base for exploring Kyoto

Superb home base for exploring Kyoto

Gion House Lower Unit

Gion House Lower Unit

Perfect location and place from which to explore the best of Kyoto

Perfect location and place from which to explore the best of Kyoto

Convenient and comfortable

Convenient and comfortable

Perfect Comfort, Atmosphere and Location

Perfect Comfort, Atmosphere and Location

Wondrous place to stay, descriptions and photos accurate here

Wondrous place to stay, descriptions and photos accurate here

Good base in Kyoto

Good base in Kyoto

Everything Perfect!

Everything Perfect!

A Great Week at Gion House "Machiya" (Upper Level) Sep. 26th-Oct. 3rd, 2011

A Great Week at Gion House "Machiya" (Upper Level) Sep. 26th-Oct. 3rd, 2011

What a great place to stay in Kyoto

What a great place to stay in Kyoto

Beautiful house

Beautiful house

Springtime in Kyoto

Springtime in Kyoto

Hugh, Kimberley and family

Hugh, Kimberley and family

wonderful

wonderful

Wonderful

Wonderful

October Visit to Kyoto

October Visit to Kyoto

Great place!

Great place!

A perfect base for exploring Kyoto

A perfect base for exploring Kyoto

A great place in the middle of historic Kyoto!

A great place in the middle of historic Kyoto!

Wonderful Stay in Kyoto

Wonderful Stay in Kyoto