Townhouse Ginkaku-an Near Ginkakuji and the Path of Philosophy Kyoto Vacation Rental by Owner Listing 144950

Ginkaku-An's entrance and garden

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Location: Kyoto, Japan, Asia (Located in the Eastern Part of Kyoto, Near Ginkaku Temple)

Accommodations:  House, 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bath (Sleeps 1-5)

Only a 2 minute walk to the historical Ginkakuji temple at the base of the eastern (Higashiyama) mountain, and 1 minute from the scenic Path of Philosophy, Ginkaku-An is located about 35 minutes by bus from Kyoto station. Just in from the main approach to Ginkakuji, the location is very quiet, and one can truly feel the beauty of the changing seasons there.

The great appeal of Ginkaku-An is not only the warmth, clean at-home quality, and privacy of its facilities, but its superior location. From here, you have easy access to the most well-know and charming spots in Kyoto, from Ginkakuji temple itself just up the hill, to the walking course provided by the Path of Philosophy, famous for its spectacular cherry blossoms in the spring, and changing leaves in the fall. Walking south along the Path of Philosophy, you will come across famous sites and Zen temples of Kyoto one after the next, from Honen-In, to Eikan-Do with its magnificent fall leaves, to the Zen temple of Nanzen-ji, famous in Japanese literature. Climbing its great gate, you will have a panoramic view of the city, the temple itself is famous for its Zen garden, and where you can sample Japanese green tea, and there is also aqueduct, which is the starting place for the canal that becomes the Path of Philosophy (the water actually is brought from Lake Biwa). The adjacent tofu restaurants are also a must for any Japanese or foreign visitor.

Also from Ginkaku-An, heading back in the direction of the city, it is a short bus ride (although walkable) to Heian Shrine, for a real taste of ancient Kyoto, and the adjacent museums which include the Kyoto National Museum, which holds many traditional and international exhibits, and the Kyoto Museum of Modern Art just across the street.

A bus ride north from Ginkaku-An will take you up the mountain of Hiei to the ancient Buddhist temple of Enryakuji, one of the oldest in Japan that has produced many of the great Buddhist and Zen masters. Not to mention, the view of Lake Biwa and the majestic trees are a sight to see. From there, you can even take a cable car down the other side of the mountain to Miidera in Sakamoto, all of this accomplishable in one day.

Using the convenient one-day bus pass (500 yen for the whole day) available from Kyoto city, please enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto to your heart's content. It is about 4 minutes from Ginkaku-An to the closest bus stop, where many different buses going to different locations around the city pass through. The taxi stand is only 3 minutes away, and the taxis run late into the night.

Along the main approach to Ginkakuji temple, you can enjoy shopping for all types of souvenirs, including the performance of the sale of the famous "Yatsuhashi" (a triangular-shaped gummy rice cake with sweet bean paste in it), and many quaint coffee shops. Nearby, there are a number of restaurants serving Japanese, Chinese, and Western-style foods, and two supermarkets. The bank and post office are less than ten minutes (on foot) away.

Although of course there is a bath at Ginkaku-An, you can also try the nearby Japanese public bath for a small charge. By bus or train, within one hour you can have the full Japanese hot spring experience at either Arashiyama Hot Springs or Kurama Hot Springs, and about 15 minutes away you can go to the Kita Shirakawa Rajumu Hot Springs.

At Ginkaku-An, on the second floor there is a study with a bed, so you can take your time to relax, write, paint, or do other types of creative activities. We also have an ADSL Internet connection. The kitchen is fully-equipped. You are free to sometimes make Kyoto-style food, or sometimes cook the food of your country. The washing machine comes along with a dryer function, so you can get by bringing fewer clothes. Everything necessary for your daily life is here, so you can spend your time conveniently and comfortably. Towels and pajamas are not provided. Please confirm the rest of the details at our homepage. All our visitors have come away very satisfied, feeling that "Ah, I could relax there just like I was in my own home."

Please click next to the photo below, uLinks to more information: CLICK HEREvto go to the homepage of Ginkaku-An, where you can see many more photos and movies. How to use the facilities, charges, and other information is there in detail.

Vacation Rental Features

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• Amenities
  • Air Conditioning
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Linens Provided
• Beds
  • Twin/Single Bed: + six Japanese futons and a baby futon
• Entertainment
  • Cable/Satellite TV
  • DVD
  • CD Player
  • Private Hot Tub
• Kitchen
  • Full Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Microwave
  • Ice Maker
  • Catering Available
• View/Location
  • Mountain View
• Communications
  • Computer
  • Broadband Internet
• Other Amenities
  • A wash/make-up stand and morning & evening newspaper(Kyoto) are provided. The bathroom has heating, drying machine.
• Suitability
  • No Pets Allowed
  • Smoking Not Allowed
• Activities (on site and nearby)
  • Shopping
  • Sightseeing
  • Restaurants
  • Biking
  • Hiking
  • Antiquing
  • Museums
• Other Activities
  • Tea ceremony is available around here.

Rate Details (In Japan Yen)

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Personal Currency Assistant™

Room Fee is calculated according to season and number of guests.
Season C .. \10,000yen/day (2 people) .. \14,000yen/day (5 people)
Season B .. \15,000yen/day (2 people) .. \20,000yen/day (5 people)
Season A .. \30,000yen/day (2 people) .. \35,000yen/day (5 people)
Charges for electricity, gas and water depends on actual use.
Total Fee is calculated by combining the "Room Fee" + "Charges for EGW"
Accept Paypal.
Please contact us or see our HP for detail.

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.

Owner's Profile

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Property Photos

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Guest Comments (26)

• Features
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• Guest Comments (26)
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• 10/12/09
  Positive Rating
  Gus & Lisa , Sunshine Coast, Australia
  • Once again, a VRBO rental is SOOOO much better than even a 5-star hotel. It allows you so much flexibility in eating, washing, relaxing, but most of all - you really get to embrace the culture of the region. Ginkaku-An is in a great location, handy to the bus service which is the main way to get around Kyoto (not the subway). It has more than every facility you could need and makes for a great value holiday. Our kids, 9 & 10, can't wait to go back there and see even more of Japan, using Ginkaku-An as a main base. Kyoto is possibly the friendliest, cleanest, safest city in the world. Enjoy!
    
    Homeowner Response:
    I would like to thank you for choosing Ginkaku-An for your stay in Kyoto. I hope you were able to enjoy beautiful fall. I can use very poor English words and my gestures, but I become friends to your cheerful child. I am so happy that Ginkaku-An was your home away from home. I am fortunate to have met such kind and wonderful people. I would love to have you at Ginkaku-An again the next time you are in Kyoto. Fumiko Asada Ginkaku-An
• 10/09/09
  Positive Rating
  Jessica C. ,
  • Had a WONDERFUL time at the house. Such a wonderful neighborhood! Calm, serene and beautiful and still close enough to the downtown area that one could get out an explore. I highly recommend renting the bikes to take nightly drives along the river! I loved my stay there and hope to come back again...and SOON! It was, quite literally, a dream come true.
    
    Homeowner Response:
    Thank you for coming to stay at Ginkaku-An. I'm moved when you come at my gallery the neighborhood of Ginkaku-an last spring you took the pamphlet of it. I'm delighted to hear that you were able to relax at Ginkaku-An like a second home in Kyoto and went around by bicycles and public bath near here. I hope you will with us here again at Ginkaku-An during your next trip to Kyoto. I like your cool smiles very much. Fumiko Asada Ginkaku-An
• 08/13/09
  Positive Rating
  Tammy Matte , Church Point LA
  • 08/09/2009 Our stay was from 8/1/09 to 8/7/09. This very traditional Japanese townhouse is absolutely perfect in every way; location, cost, owner's assistance, fully supplied with everything you need for a perfect stay. Ginkaku has many local shops within 20 steps of the townhouse, as well as local restaurants. Bus 100, which is only about 1 block down, is a perfect start to getting wherever you need to go within Kyoto. Several markets are located nearby for groceries, drinks, etc. Fumiko Asada is a wonderful Hostess and has equipped this townhome to meet your every need. The air conditioners work very well and cool quickly. There are 2 television stations which are in English for nightime watching. She has a laptop upstairs connected to the internet for your convenience. If you bring a laptop, you can also connect to the internet from the dining room table as well. My family (5 adults) all stayed very comfortably. There are 3 tatami matted bedrooms which were quite spacious and comfortable. We could not believe the quality of this townhouse for the inexpensive price. Kyoto is a beautiful area, but very very hot during July and August. The bus/subway systems take you anywhere you need to go. The taxi ride was $29 to go from the JR Station to the townhouse. It was only $18 to go back. Not sure why the difference in price, but we had plenty of luggage, so it was worth every penny. The electricity/water/gas only cost $38 for a full week. For 5 people and running all of the a/c's for 6 nights was not a bad price. If you want a true Japanese experience, stay at Ginkaku an. If ever we come back to Kyoto, I will stay here again.
    
    Homeowner Response:
    Thank you for staying at Ginkaku-An. I'm very happy to hear that you and your family were able to enjoy summer in Kyoto. I could not have conversations with English or Japanese, but have communication with hearts with you. I really appreciate your keeping Ginkaku-An clean during your stay. I would love to have you at Ginkaku-An again the next time you are in Kyoto in another season. I hope you and your lovely family stay healthy and happy. Warm regards, Fumiko Asada
• 08/09/09
  Positive Rating
  Tammy Matte , Church Point LA
  • Our stay was from 8/1/09 to 8/7/09. This very traditional Japanese townhouse is absolutely perfect in every way; location, cost, owner's assistance, fully supplied with everything you need for a perfect stay. Ginkaku has many local shops within 20 steps of the townhouse, as well as local restaurants. Bus 100, which is only about 1 block down, is a perfect start to getting wherever you need to go within Kyoto. Several markets are located nearby for groceries, drinks, etc. Fumiko Asada is a wonderful Hostess and has equipped this townhome to meet your every need. The air conditioners work very well and cool quickly. There are 2 television stations which are in English for nightime watching. She has a laptop upstairs connected to the internet for your convenience. If you bring a laptop, you can also connect to the internet from the dining room table as well. My family (5 adults) all stayed very comfortably. There are 3 tatami matted bedrooms which were quite spacious and comfortable. We could not believe the quality of this townhouse for the inexpensive price. Kyoto is a beautiful area, but very very hot during July and August. The bus/subway systems take you anywhere you need to go. The taxi ride was $29 to go from the JR Station to the townhouse. It was only $18 to go back. Not sure why the difference in price, but we had plenty of luggage, so it was worth every penny. The electricity/water/gas only cost $38 for a full week. For 5 people and running all of the a/c's for 6 nights was not a bad price. If you want a true Japanese experience, stay at Ginkaku an. If ever we come back to Kyoto, I will stay here again.
    
    Homeowner Response:
    Thank you for staying at Ginkaku-An. I'm very happy to hear that you and your family were able to enjoy summer in Kyoto. I could not have conversations with English or Japanese, but have communication with hearts with you. I really appreciate your keeping Ginkaku-An clean during your stay. I would love to have you at Ginkaku-An again the next time you are in Kyoto in another season. I hope you and your lovely family stay healthy and happy. Warm regards, Fumiko Asada
• 08/03/09
  Positive Rating
  , Sydney, Australia
  • My family (2 adults and 3 children aged under 10) had a wonderful week staying at Ginkaku-an. The house is very well located, comfortable, clean and very well equipt. Asada san is very helpful. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this property.
    
    Homeowner Response:
    Thank you for coming with your family to stay at Ginkaku-An. I'm glad that you and your family had a safe trip home and enjoy the beautiful early summer scenery in Kyoto. I am very glad to have met you and your family. I'm also very grateful for how clean and considerate you were during your stay. Please think of Ginkaku-An as your home away from home in Kyoto if you are planning to come to Japan. I hope you and your lovely family stay healthy and happy. Warm regards, Fumiko Asada
• 07/31/09
  Positive Rating
  Dawn Suyenaga , Honolulu, Hawaii
  • My two sisters and I stayed for a week at Ginkaku-an in early July. It's a lovely contemporary Japanese home, complete with all of the comforts that you could ask for, including full kitchen facilities, new TV, computer & internet access, washing machine, and plentiful space to spread your things. And to top it off, the house is impeccably clean. Asada-san speaks minimal English (and we spoke no Japanese), but she provided written English instructions for almost everything and made sure that we understood how to take care of things in the house. We took full advantage of the washing machine and line dried the clothes under the skylight or in the shower/bathing room, with adjustable ventilation controls. The futon bedding was comfortable, and the air conditioning units were quiet and effective to ward off the effects of the heat and humidity outside. The neighborhood is charming and very quiet. Asada-san provided maps and lists of nearby markets, public baths and restaurants, and she even had one-day bus passes available to purchase. Ginkaku-an is located 20 to 30 minutes away from Kyoto Station, so you do need to work that time & distance into your travel plans. But the extra space, the kitchen and laundry facilities, and charming neighborhood more than outweigh any inconvenience (if any!) of staying outside of the downtown/train station areas of Kyoto. I would highly recommend Ginkaku-an to any traveler staying in Kyoto for one week or more.
    
    Homeowner Response:
    Thank you for staying at Ginkaku-An. It was lovely to see you and your sisters enjoying Kyoto's beautiful early summer together. You are very refined and elegant sisters. I could not have conversations with English or Japanese, but have cominication with smiles with you. I would love to have you at Ginkaku-An again the next time you are in Kyoto. I hope you and your lovely family stay healthy and happy. Warm regards, Fumiko Asada
• 07/20/09
  Positive Rating
  , Seoul
  • This is a wonderful place to stay. It is very spacious and the owner is very nice. If you come with your family, I highly recommend Ginkakuan. It is cheaper than staying in a Hotel, especially during the off- season.
    
    Homeowner Response:
    Thank you for coming with your family to stay at Ginkaku-An. I'm delighted to hear that you were able to relax at Ginkaku-An like a second home in Kyoto. I'm also very grateful for how clean and considerate you were during your stay. I do not forget your fined, wonderful smiles. I hope you will with us here again at Ginkaku-An during your next trip to Kyoto. Fumiko Asada Ginkaku-An
• 07/07/09
  Positive Rating
  Eric, Gretchen and Julia Yamaguch , Honolulu, Hawaii
  • My family and I would like to thank you again for our wonderful stay at Ginkaku-an a couple of weeks ago. We are still talking about our time there and when we might be able to return for a longer visit. We feel we had such an ideal first experience of Japan and Kyoto and are so glad we had the opportunity to stay at your townhome rather than a hotel. My husband especially enjoyed sleeping as a family on futons in the tatami rooms; he slept that way growing up in Hawaii as part of what we call a "local Japanese family" (born in Hawaii but of Japanese heritage). Thank you again for your wonderful hospitality. Hopefully, we can return in the not too distant future.
    
    Homeowner Response:
    Thank you for coming with your family to stay at Ginkaku-An. I'm delighted to hear that you were able to relax at tatami-rooms and so s on in Ginkaku-An like a second home in Kyoto, and took a lot of memories of Kyoto to photographs. I'm also very grateful for how clean and considerate you were during your stay. I hope you will with us here again at Ginkaku-An during your next trip to Kyoto. I hope you and your lovely family stay healthy and happy. Warm regards, Fumiko Asada
• 06/10/09
  Positive Rating
  Peter and Bente , Ventura, California
  • Our family of four grown-ups spent ten lovely days at Ginkaku-An in May. The house was everything we expected it to be: spotlessly clean and well-equipped - larger than the impression we received from viewing the video. The location of the house cannot be over-estimated for lovers of old Kyoto: the surrounding area is charming with traditional, Japanese houses and gardens and the famous Philosopher's Path just a minute away, giving walking access to the whole upper part the Hirashiyama district without entering any busy street. We heartily recommend a stay at Ginkaku-An for anyone who would like to feel as if they are at home while vacationing in Kyoto.
    
    Homeowner Response:
    Thank you for staying at Ginkaku-An. I'm glad that you and your family had a safe trip home and enjoy the beautiful early summer scenery in Kyoto. Thank you for taking such good care of the house while you were here. I am very glad to have met you and your family. Thank you for giving us a lot of convenient daily necessities. Please think of Ginkaku-An as your home away from home in Kyoto if you are planning to come to Japan. I hope you and your lovely family stay healthy and happy. Warm regards, Fumiko Asada
• 04/29/09
  Positive Rating
  Mr & Mrs Kioko ,Richard Morganste , Los Angeles,California 90049
  • We are high demanding travelers,we have stayed Ginkaku-an for one moth,just two of us, while cherry blossom was full blooming, this charming house was just like our own home, small but well equipped,clean comfortable,and owner Fumiko san was very gentle, kind landlady to help us anything we needed. very convenient to anywhere- bus stop was 5 miutes and take us everywhere.three markets around the corner,all kinds of restaurants were right there,Ginkakuji temple is very famous so during the day is crowded but after the sun-down place is quiet and very nice area to walk,and romantic!!,we had just perfect vacation this year, we kept-based this house- then to traveled to Tokyo for 3-days,Koyasan for 2-days,day trip to hiroshima,Nara,Shigaraki,,,so on,Fumiko san is always watchover and welcome our return,we just love this place and made one of the our memorable trip,Thank you Fumiko san, we will see you again, .Mrs,Kioko Morganstern Brentwood,Califprnia U.S.A.
    
    Homeowner Response:
    Thank you for your having stayed in Ginkaku-an the other day. I am very glad that you stayed in Ginkaku-an comfortably as "your house in Kyoto" for about 1 month. I appreciate that your husband is very intellectual and tolerant and you like study and are also good at the housework. I thank for your considering me like your old friend and for having communicated with me well. I appreciate that you cleaned the "small, pretty house" well. You made Japanese-style dishes because you liked cooking. You improved your Japanese day by day, and you did various pleasant conversation with me. I very much look forward to a day to be able to meet you again. Thank you again! Fumiko Asada, Ginkaku-An

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