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Moss Garden

Perfected Connected Houses for Big Family or 2 Couples [#209514] | View Property

Kyoto
Cottage, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths (Sleeps 4-6)
24,000-34,000 Yen /night
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Traveler Reviews (28)

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  • Lovely little houses, great location

    Lovely little houses, great location

    • Guest Morris D.
    • Date of stay 03/29/13
    • Review Submitted 04/16/13
    These two adjacent Machiya houses have been joined to make a comfortable two-bedroom rental located about midway between the Kamo River and the eastern hills. The location is perfect for exploring much of Kyoto on foot: Follow the canal southeast through Gion to the river and the central shopping district, or walk east to Nanzenji and the Path of Philosophy, or visit the the Heian Shrine, Municipal Art Museum and Modern Art Museum a few blocks to the north. Walk south through Murayama Park and in a few minutes you'll be in the network of narrow old lanes leading up to the Kiyomizu-Dera temple complex. Heavy traffic can make bus/taxi transportation frustratingly slow in Kyoto, so being able to walk so many places is a huge benefit of staying at Koke-An & Hei-An. The houses are tucked away in a narrow lane near the Higashiyama subway station. They are old and a bit creaky, but very atmospheric and modernized just enough (two nice bathrooms, two small kitchens, washing machine, big Western-style beds). Together the two houses had more than enough space for our family of four -- just bear in mind that taller folks will have to stoop down when passing from room to room. The neighborhood is lively in the daytime but VERY quiet at night. There are several convenience stores nearby, and an affordable little restaurant called Asuka around the corner on Sanjo-dori (home-style meals dished up by a jovial team of Japanese aunties). Overall a big thumbs-up for this rental if it suits your budget.

    Recommended for: Families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • A winter stay in Kyoto.

    A winter stay in Kyoto.

    • Guest Podge
    • Date of stay 12/30/12
    • Review Submitted 01/11/13
    Koke-an is a small, quite original Machiya in a very good area close to all the beautiful places in Higashiyama and Gion. It is quiet, has a comfy double bed, a good shower and a heated toilet seat. While it is described as having three bedrooms, the Koke-an part of the property in which we stayed has two bedrooms and a small sitting area with a table and two chairs, along with a small kitchen. Shower and toilet open directly onto the sitting area.There is a connecting door in the small single bedroom that goes through to the adjoining property. Perhaps this explains the 3bedroom description. We enjoyed our stay here, with only minor criticisms. There are only two power points in the kitchen, the washing machine was unable to be programmed in the manner suggested in the guide (but worked well otherwise), and DVD's advertised were unable to be found. We stayed in winter with minus degree temperatures (as expected) and the heating was good (although the floor was cold, despite the tatami). I would say it was a good place to stay for no more than two adults. Great location, quiet, clean and generally functional if small and a bit dark. Oh and very good information provided on the local area (especially Bamboo restaurant). Owners were on holidays but responded to emails helpfully.

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

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • Koke-An

    Koke-An

    • Guest Jan
    • Date of stay 10/06/12
    • Review Submitted 10/18/12
    Koke-An is the most delightful little cottage; it carries all the charm, beauty and individuality you could wish for in a Machiya. We really enjoyed the authentic styling of the décor and the antique furniture, but also the special little touches such as the traditional Japanese-style crockery and the super-sized mugs with the writing ‘Koke An’ were great! The bed was nice and comfortable and it was wonderful to look out into the lovely little garden while we ate some breakfast. Overall the appearance and character of Koke-An is much superior compared to the photos shown on the website. The location of Koke-An is absolutely perfect – easily within walking distance to many amazing places of interest, plenty of shops, places to eat and good public transport is also easy to get to. We do only have one complaint – just prior to our stay the adjoining cottage (literally through a door from our Koke-An living room) had newly been renovated, and we could hear every sound from the joining neighbours – we weren’t expecting this, as the previous reviews had been written before this change took place, meaning Koke-An was private and quiet. Sadly it did create somewhat a feeling of lack of privacy for us, but I feel sure that Wendy and Avi will take steps to assure this teething problem will be fixed.

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

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

  • This place has it all: excellent location and facilities

    This place has it all: excellent location and facilities

    • Guest Gordon
    • Date of stay 09/30/12
    • Review Submitted 11/14/12
    This place is a great choice for exploring Gion and Kyoto. If you plan on doing the worthwhile walking tours of the Higashiyama area, the house is located right between the Northern and Southern parts so you can easily go in either direction. In fact, it is literally on the Southern tour. It's about a 20 minute subway ride from Kyoto Station and then a 10 minute walk. You can walk to Pontocho dining street in about 15 minutes. There are several decent Japanese restaurants, convenience stores and even a McDonalds in the area. In the house, your enter into a very small foyer with a bench to take off your shoes. They provide umbrellas, which was handy since a typhoon hit when we were there. There are two bedrooms on raised platforms with tatami mats. One room has a full size bed, and the other has a twin bed. The twin room has a small TV and dvd player. The larger room has a dresser and nightstand. There is a small dining area with a table that seats 4 tightly, and you access a toilet closet, and another closet with shower and sink. The shower pressure is very good. There is a kitchen with sink, refrigerator, microwave and dishes and glasses. There was even ice in the refrigerator. The listing pictures show what appears to be a small garden: this is a very small outdoor space - maybe 4 feet square - that leads to the combo clothes washer/dryer. They provide laundry detergent, soap, shampoo, dish soap and towels. Free wifi. The place is small, so there is not a lot of storage space if you plan on bringing a lot of luggage, and there is limited space for hanging clothes. The house is nicely decorated and provides all that you need for a good stay. The location is perfect. Booking by email was easy, and they were very responsive.

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

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • Perfect hideaway in great location

    Perfect hideaway in great location

    • Guest Sydneysiders
    • Date of stay 09/22/12
    • Review Submitted 09/30/12
    We had a wonderful week in this machiya. Photos true to life, house v clean and well maintained and absolutely charming and comfortable with practically everything you could want. It's in a wonderful location - a lovely stroll along the canal to Gion, five minutes from the Sth Hirashiyama main walk, half an hour from the Nth Hirashiyama walk and 20 mins walk into Pontochko and downtown Kyoto. Two mini markets, a wine shop, and the excellent Bamboo restaurant all within 10 minutes walk. Although it is true the house is very small it is much more spacious than a hotel room and we enjoyed lolling around on the sofa and using the dining table. Wendy was very helpful when we first checked in - we had no need to contact her after that - though it was nice knowing she was available if we needed her. Small suggestions for added comfort - a few more hangers in the wardrobe and a second bed reading lamp for those of us who like to read in bed. Otherwise, please keep everything as it is. Thank you.

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

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • Loved our stay!

    Loved our stay!

    • Guest Anne
    • Date of stay 07/01/12
    • Review Submitted 08/06/12
    it is a joy to write this review for Koko-an. In fact, our only real complaint was that we couldn't stay longer! We had lived in Japan many years ago and wanted to see if we could re=create a bit of that experience. Thanks to Wendy and Avi, we did (although in those days we did not have the absolutely wonderful shower and excellent wireless connection)! I had enlarged the map Wendy sent to show the taxi driver and he had no trouble finding where to drop us off. As we looked at the entrance to the alley, we were reminded of how often, in Japan, wonderful surprises are hidden behind ordinary, unprepossessing appearances. At first glance, we saw only a dark passageway. But a few steps and a quick turn brought us to a sun-lit courtyard and several homes -- a hidden, private part of Japan that was our own neighborhood for a few days. And we did enjoy it! Koko-an was just right for the two of us: very clean and organized perfectly for the small space. We also really appreciated the comfortable Western sofa after full days of sightseeing! Wendy was there to explain the workings of "our" house and to assure us that she and Avi were totally available to help, should we need it. We didn't -- everything worked perfectly, but their phone numbers were a great security blanket. Kyoto is a fascinating city and for a brief time we felt as if we were truly living there. Thank you, Wendy and Avi!

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

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • Another magical stay at Koke-An

    Another magical stay at Koke-An

    • Guest Jennifer and Peter
    • Date of stay 06/21/12
    • Review Submitted 07/03/12
    We recently returned to Kyoto to stay at the beautiful Koke-An cottage ago that we stayed in 18 months ago and were happy to discover that it is just as clean and comfortable now as it was with the previous owners. The communication with the owners was prompt and reliable. We highly recommend this cottage for anyone wanting to experience life living amongst the Japanese community. It is so much better than the cold atmosphere at a five star hotel. Thankyou Wendy and Avi. We hope to return again one day.

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

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

  • Koke-an - charming and comfortable

    Koke-an - charming and comfortable

    • Guest Pen
    • Date of stay 04/11/12
    • Review Submitted 05/01/12
    Koke-an (Moss Garden Cottage) had real charm, and was in a great location for Higashiyama sight seeing and access to public transport. The neighbourhood was full of interesting and friendly people, as well as shops and cafes. We were lucky enough to be in Kyoto for the cherry blossom, and some fantastic viewing sights such as Maruyama Park and Heian Jingu were within a very short walk of the cottage. Rory and his wife were both extremely friendly and helpful. The cottage was clean and well kept, and unlike anywhere else I have ever stayed. It gave a real feeling of being away from home, but also of comfort and relaxation. I would happily recommend this property to anyone looking for something a little different to a hotel. The space was very comfortable for two adults.

    Recommended for: Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

    Owner response: Thankyou very much for your charming comments. We are glad you enjoyed your stay

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/1

  • A wonderful place!

    A wonderful place!

    • Guest Christine
    • Date of stay 01/14/12
    • Review Submitted 02/19/12
    I stayed in Koke-an for a month, and it was a beautiful, peaceful place to stay. The property is lovely, small but well equipped, clean, and comfortable. It was very quiet! The location is perfect, convenient to walk to many sites, and right on the subway line. There are many nearby restaurants that are friendly to non-Japanese speakers. The owner, Rory, was out of town most of the month I was there, but his wife Sayaka and his friend took good care of me. I highly recommend this property, and would not hesitate to stay there again. It's perfect for a single person and would accommodate a couple nicely.

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

    Owner response: Thankyou Christine for the lovely review, we are glad you enjoyed your stay. The location on the corner of Sanjyo and Jingu Michi is unbeatable. Thanks again Rory and Sayaka

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • Perfect Stay

    Perfect Stay

    • Guest Kimberly M.
    • Date of stay 11/17/11
    • Review Submitted 01/05/12
    We are thrilled that we decided to stay here as opposed to a colorless little business hotel by the train station. Rory was an impeccable host, and Koke-an was fantastic. Staying here was a completely different experience, and we really liked it. The place was a short walk from the subway station, and there were plenty of interesting sights and shops in the vicinity. Definitely take a look through Rory's book of maps, which point out a ton of points on interest nearby. Our only regret is that we didn't stay in Kyoto longer.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful...

    Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful...

    • Guest Fairy Dust in My Eyes
    • Date of stay 11/12/11
    • Review Submitted 11/17/11
    Lovely, well located, clean, reasonable.. I could go on and on. The owners are VERY helpful. I could not say enough good things about it. The Kyoto Travelers Inn is about three blocks away and they offer a very reasonable and delicious early (7 am) breakfast and some serious coffee.

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

    Owner response: Thankyou very much Nanci, good tip about the breakfast place, i'll put that in my guide.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

  • Perfect Location for Kyoto Visit

    Perfect Location for Kyoto Visit

    • Guest JOHN C.
    • Date of stay 10/23/11
    • Review Submitted 11/09/11
    FIVE STARS Koke-an is perfectly situated in a quiet, traditional neighborhood. It is even better than it sounds in the listing description. Rory helped us with our needs, but did not intrude. The cottage has everything you need, including plenty of hot water. Three convenience stores within a couple of blocks have daily fresh sushi at a reasonable price, and there are lots of restaurants nearby. This is our third trip to Kyoto, and Koke-an is the best base we have found for exploration. We were able to see beautiful temples and shrines as well as to get a feel for day to day life in Kyoto. Thanks Rory! John and Marilyn Denver CO

    Owner response: Thanks John and Marilyn, I'm glad you enjoyed your stay in Koke-an and Kyoto. The cottage is in an amazing location, in a quiet alley opening onto the main historical area.We hope to see you again.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • A Kyoto oasis

    A Kyoto oasis

    • Guest Ruth
    • Date of stay 10/11/11
    • Review Submitted 10/30/11
    We stayed here for 5 nights in October 2011, and were pleased to find the cottage just as it was pictured. It had every amenity a traveler might need, was charming, beautifully restored, very quiet, and in a wonderful neighborhood. We could walk (or take and easy subway ride) everywhere we wanted to go. Rory and his gracious wife were very helpful to us (e.g. we had to ship luggage and had no idea how to do that). Our stay here was a highlight of our 3 week trip to Japan.

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

    Owner response: Thankyou very much, we were glad to be of help.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

  • Koke-An Review Spring 2012

    Koke-An Review Spring 2012

    • Guest Steve
    • Date of stay 04/22/11
    • Review Submitted 04/02/12
    I thought the place was great. I is also very conveniently located to public transportation and major tourist destinations. I is alos vey quiet with a great deal of anonimity. I would have liked more cooking options in the kitchen but i worked around the lack of a real stove. Also it would be nice if there were plugs with a ground (i couldn't plug in my laptop) but these points are very minor and i would definiatley stay heare again.

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

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

  • A lovely hideaway in Kyoto

    A lovely hideaway in Kyoto

    • Guest Guido
    • Date of stay 04/18/11
    • Review Submitted 05/14/11
    Koke-an is a nice and practical base for your outings in Kyoto. Placed in a very quiet alley, it is within easy reach of the underground, buses,town centre, plus a number of important monasteries and places you can easily walk to. Rory and his wife will promptly assist in any of your needs and you will have an extremely enjoyable experience. Despite the small size, Koke-an manages to provide a delightful little garden!

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

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • Koke-an is a treasure of Kyoto

    Koke-an is a treasure of Kyoto

    • Guest Jennifer and Peter
    • Date of stay 01/03/11
    • Review Submitted 01/29/11
    We stayed at Koke-an for two weeks in January 2011 and loved every minute of our experiences in Kyoto. The machiya is well equipped for the western tourist but gives a true feeling of living like the Japanese people. It is so much better than staying at a strerile hotel, I would recommend it to anyone who wants a unique Japanese travel experience. Everything is provided at Koke-an and it truly a "home away from home". We were very sad to leave Koke-an and hope that one day we will return and stay there again.

    Recommended for: Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

    Owner response: Thanks very much , im glad you enjoyed your stay in Koke-an

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

  • Beautiful authentic house in fantastic location

    Beautiful authentic house in fantastic location

    • Guest A-L and Sam
    • Date of stay 09/12/10
    • Review Submitted 09/26/10
    We loved our stay at Koke - An, and were lucky enough to extend our stay there. It is exactly as described and as the photographs indicate. The property is lovingly restored, has all amenities you need and is in an incredible location - walking distance to many of Kyoto's charms ( shrines, temples, Philosopher's Path, excellent restaurants, museums. We too fell in love with the food, staff and atmosphere at Bamboo and had several meals there. Rory was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, full of great suggestions and in depth information. We would certainly stay at Koke An again and would wholeheartedly recommend it to family and friends. We felt very lucky to have found it - great value and much better than a hotel room. The thing that struck us the most was the beautiful, gentle and welcoming nature of so many of the locals - we were sad to leave.

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

    Owner response: Thanks Anna-Lisa and Sam for the comments, im glad you enjoyed your stay.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

  • Best place to relax especially as it's so great for exploring!

    Best place to relax especially as it's so great for exploring!

    • Guest Rachel
    • Date of stay 07/21/10
    • Review Submitted 08/10/10
    Absolutly loved it here its been amazing, Rory showed us a nice bar called Bamboo and we returned several times and even had a 9 course meal there for our one year anniversary we loved it so much. It was so reasonable to which is great as we spent a lot on visiting Temples, hard not to as they're all so close! Comfy bed, good bathroom great to have a fridge and all in such a traditional setting it was a truly beautiful and peaceful little cottage. Travel links are amazing you can go pretty much anywhere via Higashima station or by walking down the river to Gion or to Sanjo and the downtown area. Buses are great too and we actually travelled across the city via one bus journey. We loved it there and did not want to leave!

    Recommended for: Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

  • A small jewel

    A small jewel

    • Guest Dawn and Stephen
    • Date of stay 07/08/10
    • Review Submitted 10/13/10
    We stayed in three different machiyas during our three week stay in Kyoto. We developed loyalties to all of them. This was the least expensive, the smallest and in the best location. Rory arrived on a scooter just as we were getting out of the shuttle from the airport. He showed us the place and then answered all my email questions. I would definitely recommend it to a friend, the photos are accurate, it is clean, and the reviews are accurate. Bamboo seems to becoming the dining room of the Moss Garden House and with good reason; it is a fun place with good food. We went twice and by the end of the evenings there was much exchanging of food and drinks. You just sit at the counter that surrounds the kitchen and eat and drink. It is really kind of a tapas bar. They don't speak English, but some of their clientele do. They have a picture book for communicating about food between English and Japanese, (also a picture to ask for a date). I would amend Rory's instruction for getting there by saying that the western exit of the subway has an elevator which you should take if your don't want to carry your luggage up the stairs. You will come out on the South side of the street so turn right to go toward the Moss Garden House. Old Kyoto is a book we found at the Machiya. If you want to visit the past, buy this book yourself. It has great information about traditional place in Kyoto.

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

    Owner response: Yes good comment about Exit 2 having an elevator, i'll put that in the instructions. Bamboo is very popular, its an 'Izakaya' small traditional food /counter/bar with a fusion of Japanese and Western food.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

  • Simply perfect

    Simply perfect

    • Guest Jacqueline J.
    • Date of stay 04/11/10
    • Review Submitted 04/19/10
    The Moss Garden Cottage is perfectly located. You really can walk to so many places. I can't imagine a better location. It is cozy and completely quiet and I found it to be exactly as I imagined from the description in the listing. It has a very comfortable bed, a great shower and, oh yes, the warm toilet seat! I think the Japanese are onto something there. Enjoy!

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

    Owner response: Thankyou very much, we are glad you enjoyed your stay.Regards Rory and Sayaka

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

  • Guest comment entered by owner

    • Guest Nicole Dupre
    • Date of stay 01/21/10
    • Review Submitted 01/20/10
    The little house in Kyoto (Translated from French by computer) I found a "Machiya" for rent in Kyoto and I did not know what to expect. I knew it was only a small traditional wooden house, and I received over the Internet all the necessary instructions to locate On a broad avenue of Higashimaya district, a narrow lane, difficult to identify in which it undertakes. It runs at right angles and here we are at home. The door opens onto a narrow hallway, where we put bags and shoes. Separated from the entrance by a small curtain (a "Noren"), cooking, and deep down, a tiny garden of mosses Left row, slightly elevated on three tatami rooms separated by sliding panels. The set is small and, despite some concessions to Western comforts, perfectly traditional. We are used without difficulty to our small Machiya. Too happy to return the night after a hard day. Adjust the space by moving the partitions according to our activities, but also by time and light soon became obvious. Little or nothing to clutter the space, no tables, no ornaments, just a calligraphic panel. Neutral colors ... So the focus is on materials and eye lingers at leisure on the watermarked paper windows, the tracery of bamboo, the pattern of the main panel carved in wood. Living for a week, as we have done, a wooden house is an interesting (somewhat less expensive than the hotel) that can discover a different way of living. A first step to Japan .... yesterday. For I find it hard to combine this type of habitat, relatively stripped with the glut of goods and consumption binge that seems to characterize today's Japan. The owner of the house is an Australian, came to Japan for a period of pottery and visibly seduced stayed. He bought and lovingly restored this Machiya for rent to curious travelers.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

    • Guest Peggy Reynolds
    • Date of stay 12/13/09
    • Review Submitted 12/12/09
    Staying at Koke-An was one of the highlights of my trip to Japan. This sweet little machiya has a blend of traditional and modern elements that make for a delightful and comfortable stay. It's quiet and private, has a great shower, and a remote controlled heater that made it possible to get out of that cozy bed on those cold mornings. Great location, close to temples, gardens, great restaurants, and the bus and subway. Having internet access was nice, and there is plenty of information, maps, etc. available. Rory was really helpful and accommodating. (Thank you Rory, for motor-biking through the cold to bring us that extra bedding!) I absolutely loved this jewel of a house and highly recommend it for a peaceful and pleasant stay.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

    • Guest darl kleinbach
    • Date of stay 11/16/09
    • Review Submitted 11/16/09
    Koke-An was the third home we rented in Kyoto and the best. Moss Cottage beautifully balances the traditional Japanese abode with amenities we westerners are used to. i.e.A comfortable bed is essential to us as Senior Americans. The location was private, quiet and extremely convenient to tourist highlights and conveniences. Rory was available quickly whenever we asked a question. We highly recommend Koke-An for your Kyoto home-away-from- home.

    Owner response: Thankyou very much, im glad you enjoyed it. Rory

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

  • Perfect location, perfect house, perfectly and uniquely Kyoto

    Perfect location, perfect house, perfectly and uniquely Kyoto

    • Guest Kathryn B.
    • Date of stay 05/07/09
    • Review Submitted 08/10/10
    From the moment that we walked into this sweet traditional house we were in love. The pictures don't reflect how calming the experience is and how quickly you feel at home. I was almost reluctant to write a review that would make this place so covetable that it would be impossible for us to stay there again! The aspect from the dining table onto the little moss garden was an unexpected joy, bringing lovely light into the house and making it feel much bigger than it is. Such evident care and pride has been taken with the renovation of this house, from the choice of the antique furnishings to the design of the garden and the inclusion of tiles individually hand made by the ceramicist owner. First time visitors to Kyoto will feel that it gives them an immediate access into the unique feel of Kyoto - hidden away in a small lane, set apart from the thousands of tourists that throng to districts like Gion. Lifelong Kyoto devotees like us will be amazed at the value for money. For those of us who shun the hotels that could be anywhere in the world and want to stay in the real Kyoto but can't afford the exclusive Kyoto ryokans and aren't attracted to the guesthouse environment of curfews and shared bathrooms, having your own traditional little house to return to is a joy. As repeat visitors to Kyoto, one of the reasons we return is because of the beautiful everyday encounters of kindness with Kyoto residents, who always seem to make time to help with directions, or just to smile and bow hello to strangers. Since this house is in an old residential area and not a tourist enclave we felt very connected to the calm pace and serendipity of everyday life in Kyoto. But for us the thing we loved most about Koke-an is the location. It sits right at the edge of one of the most treasured parts of Kyoto, the Higashiyama mountains temple district, so it's only a short stroll to wonderful temples off the standard tourist temple circuit. Being so close to quiet, calm, hidden treasures like Shoren-in temple or the wonderful nearby Cloisonne Museum is such a refuge from the apparently endless streams of noisy high school students on excursions at the more famous temples. It's an easy walk to Gion, or straight down Sanjo-dori to the Sanjo bridge and the heart of Kyoto. Kyoto is one of the world's great walking cities and it's completely safe for women to walk at night, so it's magical to be able to take a late night stroll from the house to wander down lantern-lit Ponto-cho.

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

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

    • Guest Doug Pham
    • Date of stay 05/03/09
    • Review Submitted 05/03/09
    The house was very charming. We had the feel of living in a traditional Japanese house but with modern amenities for comfort. The location of the house was great. We were within walking distance of a lot of attractions, such as the Philosopher's Path. There are restaurants and markets close by also. Try Bamboo, which is very close. Rory, the owner, was very nice. Ask him for a personal tour of Kyoto. We had a great time on a tour with him. We definitely recommend renting his house.

    Owner response: Thanks Doug and Thao, my pleasure and yes Bamboo is a great resturant, one of our favorites

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

    • Guest dan greenfeld
    • Date of stay 04/21/09
    • Review Submitted 04/21/09
    This was our 5th trip to Kyoto and this was a perfect place to stay. For 2 people the house is not "tiny" or "small." It feels quite spacious and is much larger than a hotel room. It is very tastefully done with Rory's tiles and ceramics giving it a personal touch, and the moss garden opening it up. Very importantly, the bed is really comfortable. It is also reasonably priced, particularly compared to a ryokan, which will charge per person. The location is excellent. An easy walk to the eastern temples and Gion, a bus to Kyoto station on the corner and the subway a 2 minute walk. Good restaurants in the area, a massage clinic on Sanjo by the small canal and a wonderful japanese sweets shop in a small alley on Sanjo across from the massage clinic. Rory was enormously helpful. We will return on our next visit to Kyoto.

    Owner response: Thanks Dan, my pleasure and thanks for the books

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

    • Guest Chris135
    • Date of stay 04/19/09
    • Review Submitted 04/19/09
    This is a really gorgeous little house, in a fantastic location. We were able to easily walk into the city, or catch a bus if tired at the end of the day. There are plenty of facilities nearby including supermarkets, post office, restaurants and more. I really don't see why anyone would want to stay in a hotel when you can stay in a great place like this and it's cheaper! Rory (the owner) was really helpful too - pointing out the good sites on maps and answering our questions on Japanese culture. I really recommend it to anyone who wants to experience a little piece of Japan. :)

    Owner response: Thanks Chris, my pleasure.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

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    • Guest Anonymous
    • Date of stay 12/12/08
    • Review Submitted 12/12/08
    when i opened the door of this cozy and quiet little machiya, i knew i had found home. it was ideal for my stay exploring the gardens of kyoto this autumn--so ideal that i extended my stay another week. it is truly authentic and tastefully restored, which means tatami and shoji and a moss viewing garden, along with the classic eel kitchen. there's a microwave, but no stove--so you won't be whipping up any gourmet meals, but why would you want to in kyoto? there are great restaurants right up jingu michi, including a really fine noodle shop steps away. and a lovely little cafe--cannelle- across the street where i ate breakfast most mornings. the location is perfect ... bus and subway close by, along with museums and gardens. one word of advice: traditional in japan means unheated bathroom, so in cold weather, the toilet is cold. but considering the rest of the place, easy to get used to. on the other hand, the shower was one of the best i've ever used--great pressure, plenty of hot water-better than any hotel in which i've stayed! if you want a true traditional experience in kyoto, full of atmosphere, this is it. it helped make my journey a memorable one.

    Owner response: Thanks Larry, the toilet has a heated seat now.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2



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