The front of Apple House faces a quiet, traffic-free lane with stream.
Location: Kyoto, Japan, Asia (Located in Shugakuin - a conservation area in Kyoto City.) View Map
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 1 Bath (Sleeps 4)
Keywords: House
Location:
When you visit Kyoto, Japan's capital city for about 1,000 years, why not have a real Japanese experience instead of staying in yet another hotel?
Our comfortable Apple House is located in Shugakuin on the east side of Kyoto City. It is in a peaceful residential area, yet benefits from a variety of local amenities and easy public transport links to all parts of the city. After a busy day full of sightseeing, come home and sleep extremely well.
Do not panic at the thought of "living in Japan"! We live very near and will collect you from the local subway station and help you settle in. The house has clear instructions in English about things such as the washing machine, Japanese bathtub and DVD player, plus plenty of English maps etc. During your stay, we are always nearby. Guests from overseas tell us how "easy to live in" the house is. You will feel at home quickly. ( Please read the positive comments left by people who have stayed with us ).
Shugakuin has three good supermarkets, a 7-11 ( 24 hour ), two bakeries, coffee shops, restaurants, liquor stores, a post-office, banks etc.
Access and Getting Around:
Kyoto is a compact city with tremendous public transport. It is a LOT smaller than Tokyo, and all areas of the city are easily accessible.
Apple House is a five-minute walk from the nearest bus stop. From here the regular Number 5 bus ( every 10 minutes for most of the day ) takes you south along Kyoto's famous east side, past Ginkakuji ( The Silver Temple ), the north edge of the Gion district and through the congested city centre to Kyoto Station.
From Shugakuin station you can easily access Gion, Kiyomizu Temple and Fushimiinari Shrine by train ( Gion about 20 minutes ). Central Osaka is at the end of the line ( one hour ).
Taxis from Gion to Apple House cost approximately ¥2,200 in the early hours of the morning.
Most Kyotoites get around by bicycle, and this really is the best way to get around the city. We provide two modern six-speed bicycles with baskets for you to explore the narrow streets.
It is along the quiet side streets that you will find the "true" Kyoto - local people going about their daily business, chidren playing on roads, elderly people dressed in "kimono" or "yukata", tiny shrines and hundreds of old wooden buildings.
Accommodation:
Apple House is a detached house with its own private entrance. The entrance hall has a modern Western-style ( heated seat! ) toilet off it, and leads into the kitchen area. Four people can comfortably sit and eat in the kitchen. Next to the kitchen is a traditional "tatami" mat living room with a low table and chairs.
Also downstairs is the bathroom. Upstairs consists of two more "tatami" mat rooms. These are separated by thin sliding doors ( "fusuma" ). Please note that access to the second bedroom is through the first bedroom. Guests sleep on Japanese futons placed directly on the floor. Extra supportive mattresses are provided for people who are used to softer sleeps. So many of our guests comment on how well they sleep at night.
The house has lots of information and maps in English about the area, getting around etc.
Come and enjoy a piece of real Japan in this special part of Kyoto!
See our website for more information and pictures.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : Upstairs and downstairs. They cool / heat. Electric fans are also provided during warm weather.
- Linens Provided : Electric blankets are provided during winter.
- Washer : We provide laundry detergent. Plenty of drying space at rear of house.
- Gas Fireplace : Not a fireplace, but there is a gas heater downstairs.
- Beds
- Convertible Bed : Traditional Japanese futons, placed directly on tatami. Extra mattresses are provided for guests who are used to soft beds.
- Entertainment
- Private Hot Tub : Body soap and shampoo provided. This is Japan - please wash yourself under the shower before getting into the tub. The clean, hot bath water is to relax in, not wash in, and is shared with other members of your family / friends!
- TV (No Cable/Satellite) : 26 inch flat-screen TV
- DVD
- Video Library : A selection of DVDs.
- CD Player
- Music Library : A selection of CDs.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Double gas range with grill, microwave, toaster, rice cooker and electric kettle.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Suitable for both Japanese and Western style food. Plenty of cookware, utensils, tableware, cutlery, glassware etc. Salt, pepper, soy sauce and cooking oil also provided.
- Refrigerator : A two-door fridge freezer.
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Balcony : Narrow and only suitable for hanging laundry.
- Communications
- Broadband Internet : High speed LAN cable provided, but no computer - please bring your laptop.
- Other Amenities
- Two modern bicycles ( 6 gears with baskets ) are provided for you to explore the city. There is also plenty of English information and tips about getting around.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed : Sorry - no smoking inside or at the rear of the property.
- Activities
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Shopping
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Hiking
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- There are several temples, shrines and Shugakuin Imperial Villa within easy walking distance.
Rate Details (In Japanese Yen)
Rental contract: Minimum of 3 nights
Maximum number of people: 4
¥9,000 per night ( 1 or 2 people ) in low season
¥12,000 per night ( 1 or 2 people ) in high season
¥2,000 per night per extra person ( maximum 4 people )
Utilities used during stay are metered and charged at suppliers' rates
Secure credit card payment via PayPal - we bear Paypal's charges
*Please check availability on our calendar before contacting us*
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Apple House - for the City, Temples, Shrines and Mountains!
A beautiful 1.5 km perimeter pond surrounded by trees, low hills and abundant with turtles, "koi" carp, herons and other beautiful wildlife. Perfect for short walks and jogging.
This has to be one of Kyoto's best hidden secrets!! A lot of steps to the top.
Very touristy, but well worth a visit. Check out the bamboo forest and also "Monkey Mountain"!
A traditional village accessible by Eizan Railway. Climb up to Kurama-dera ( temple ) and walk down the other side of the hill to Kibune station.
A steep climb to the 850m peak, or take the cable car. The huge Enryakuji temple complex awaits you, plus views to the east over ( part of ) Biwako ( Japan's largest lake ).
Property Photos
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- The front of Apple House faces a quiet, traffic-free lane with stream. - Kyoto, Japan House with Private Hot Tub close to Sightseeing, Shopping and Public Transportation
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- The peaceful approach to Apple House during spring. - Kyoto, Japan House with Private Hot Tub close to Sightseeing, Shopping and Public Transportation
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- Living room with TV, DVD player, DVDs, CDs, books and tourist information. - Kyoto, Japan House with Private Hot Tub close to Sightseeing, Shopping and Public Transportation
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- Well equipped kitchen. Washing machine also provided with covered drying area.
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- Dining table in kitchen area - four people can eat comfortably.
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- Traditional tatami bedroom with futons. Many guests say how well they sleep.
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- Vanity unit and entrance to bathroom.
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- Bathroom ( body soap / shampoo provided ). Relaxing after a day's sightseeing!
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- Modern toilet with heated seat!
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- Two six-gear bicycles with baskets provided. A great way to explore the city!
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- Bustling Shugakuin with various shops, restaurants and superb public transport.
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- Sekizanzenin Temple ( 10 minutes walk ) with stunning maple trees.
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- Tanuki-dani San Fudoin Temple ( 30 minutes walk plus lots of steps! )
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- Hungry "koi" carp in nearby Takaragaike. Lovely for short walks or jogging.
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- Traditional restaurant and gardens next to Manshuin Temple ( 15 minutes walk )
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- Takaragaike pond with historical Mount Hiei in background ( 15 minutes walk )
Traveler Reviews (92)
A Great Choice!
Guest: P., B. and D., Bristol, England
(-)
Date of Stay: 01/20/12
Review Submitted: 02/09/12
We rented Apple House for a week in January after staying in a traditional "machiya" in Gion the week before ( cold). Apple House is relatively modern and far more comfortable. David looked after us well and the rent was reasonable. From the map we wondered if Apple House would be inconvenient. Not at all - actually the quiet and comfort were welcome after touristy Gion. Apple House is tucked away alongside a stream in a regular Japanese neighbourhood, close to public transport and shops. Ideal!
Recommended for:
Exceeds All Expectations. Apple House is a Dream-Come-True in Kyoto.
Guest: Two For The Road
(Washington, D.C.)
Date of Stay: 10/16/11
Review Submitted: 01/23/12
Apple House is a dream come true. If you are lucky enough to find an opening, book it--the reservations go fast. We booked Apple House for a month of our 3 month stay in Japan and would have loved to extend, but other fortunate travelers had reserved the house after us, and we had to move on. We stayed at 3 vacation rental houses in Kyoto, and Apple House was not only by far the very best, but the only one I can recommend. The Shugakuin neighborhood of Kyoto, where Apple House is located, is considered the best in the city. Everything is easily accessible, from great Japanese restaurants like Hida (our favorite--a five minute walk from the house), to French bakeries, to a 100-Yen shop for great bargains to bring back home. The local Fresco market has an amazing assortment of carry-out food, so you can eat cheaply without having to cook. If you want to cook, Apple House is fully stocked. (We didn't find this at the other houses, where even toilet paper was rationed. Be warned.) This was our first stay at a VRBO house, and I learned that the owner, the care they take with the house and their concern for their guests makes all the difference in the enjoyability and comfort of your stay. Hiroko was amazing--a friend combined with a personal concierge/travel guide. One night we were lost, and asked a passer-by for directions. We showed her the map to Apple House Hiroko had given us (which also had Hiroko's phone number). She called and, in a flash, Hiroko had driven over to pick us up and bring us safely back to "The Apple." I am confident that you will never find another owner in Kyoto who would do that. Nor any other owner who cares as Hiroko does. (Our other 2 houses were owned by a company with many houses--we were not treated with care as at Apple. Nor were they clean. My advice is book with an individual owner, like Hiroko at Apple.) Traveling far away from home, we wanted a clean, comfortable, safe, peaceful environment where we could rest--We found that only at Apple House. Our other rental houses were in touristy areas, and we never felt like we were "living" in Kyoto. At Apple we were "known" and felt truly at home. It is the only house I can recommend. We had tears when, after a month, we had to leave. There is indescribable magic at Apple House. You may be in Kyoto for a short or long stay, but if you stay at Apple House you will never forget--or regret--it. It will be with you forever. I am dreaming of returning--soon!
Owner response:Marcia, thank you very much indeed for this wonderful praise. You both really "lived" here, and were able to appreciate the atmosphere of this real Japanese community with its people and amenities. We try our hardest to provide a clean and comfortable place to stay and are extremely pleased to hear how Apple House exceeded your expectations. Please do return! Hiroko and David.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
The First Time We Truly Felt We Were In Japan
Guest: D., C., M. and Z., Misawa, Japan
(-)
Date of Stay: 01/02/12
Review Submitted: 01/06/12
After living in Japan for the past four and a half years, this was the first time we truly felt we were in Japan. We love this little house, especially upstairs. We all slept very well and thought it was a very cozy sleeping room. Our girls loved crawling into our beds in the morning. We have seen a lot of places in the five days we were here and celebrated our oldest daughter's birthday here. Places we went are: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park in the Arashiyama area, Kinkakuji Temple ( Golden Temple ). This is a great location to go on day trips and come "home" in the evening to this lovely, quiet area. We would love to come back one day, still so much to explore and we felt so at home. Thank you for picking us up and bringing us back to the subway station! We all loved the monkey park!! P.S. The bus is a great way to get around! 01/02/12 D., C., M. and Z., Misawa, Japan
Recommended for:
A Perfect Starting Point For Exploring Kyoto
Guest: K., M. and K., Norway
(-)
Date of Stay: 12/26/11
Review Submitted: 01/06/12
Our first Christmas abroad - and Kyoto and Apple House really made this Christmas a memorable one. Hiroko and David, thanks for the warm welcome we got when we came and the beautiful Christmas card. Apple House was a perfect starting point for exploring Kyoto. Even though it was too cold to use the bikes as means of transportation, bus number 5 took us to the places we wanted to see. If we ever come back to Kyoto, especially to see the cherry blossom, we will definitely stay in Apple House again. 12/26/11 K., M. and K., Norway
Recommended for:
Really Convenient!
Guest: J..and L., Texas, U.S.A.
(-)
Date of Stay: 12/12/11
Review Submitted: 12/19/11
Thank you very much for letting us stay at Apple House, it has been truly memorable. The house is wonderful and we really enjoyed the bath! ( We are wondering if that style of bathtub would be available in America! ). It was nice to be able to walk to the store for dinner, and really convenient to go from here to all parts of Kyoto. We wish we could take a longer vacation in Japan this time, but have greatly enjoyed the few days we have spent here. 12/12/11 J. and L., Texas, U.S.A.
Recommended for:
Such a Cozy Place to Stay
Guest: F.M., Freiburg, Germany
(-)
Date of Stay: 12/01/11
Review Submitted: 12/08/11
Thank you very much for having prepared such a cozy place to stay for people from all over the world. You really thought about everything, nothing was missing. I could feel your warm heart. Thank you. For you and your husband a blessed time to come. F.M., Freiburg, Germany
Recommended for:
A Lovely House and Experience
Guest: S..and C., Seattle, U.S.A.
(-)
Date of Stay: 11/21/11
Review Submitted: 12/08/11
Well, we were packing until the last minute, so we promise to write more next time! A lovely house and experience. Thank you so much! S. and C., Seattle, U.S.A.
Recommended for:
Infused With The Caring Spirit Of Its Owners
Guest: M. and J., Bowie, Maryland. U.S.A.
(-)
Date of Stay: 11/15/11
Review Submitted: 11/17/11
We have come to feel truly at home at Apple House and the month has passed far too quickly. Apple House is much more than a vacation rental - it is truly a home away from home, because it is infused with the caring spirit of its owners. Hiroko, you have thought of everything to make this a comfortable, restful home. I appreciated your attention to detail - everything in excellent working order and spotlessly clean; great maps, brochures and guidebooks; thorough instructions etc. But, for us, what has really made Apple House ( 5 star ) so wonderful for us has been the kindness and care you have given us. Thank you, Hiroko. You have gone far above and beyond to help us ( me, in particular ), and I will always appreciate that. Anyone lucky enough to have stayed at Apple House is truly a fortunate traveller. I know this will be a cherished memory for us - of this charming home by the stream and the great kindness we have been shown here. Please let us know if you come to the Washington D.C. area. We would love to see you and will try to help make your trip as pleasant as you have made ours. Thank you for everything. It goes beyond words. M. and J., Bowie, Maryland, U.S.A.
Recommended for:
Many Super Thanks!
Guest: N., M., L. and T., Blackheath, Australia
(-)
Date of Stay: 10/08/11
Review Submitted: 10/17/11
Thank you so much for Apple House. Our time in Kyoto has been really enjoyable and all the maps, plans, bus timetables etc. have been so helpful. I loved Kitayama Ramen, but as N. would vouch I've loved all the food in Japan and in Kyoto especially. My favourite sight besides Apple House was the Golden Pavilion. We all had a great time helping the school kids with their English. Once again, many super thanks.
Recommended for:
Apple House is Magical!
Guest: N. and L., Blackheath, Australia
(-)
Date of Stay: 10/08/11
Review Submitted: 10/17/11
I really enjoyed Apple House with its classic Japanese touch ( like tatami and futons ). The neighbourhood is delightful and you were so accommodating and friendly plus the information was very helpful. We are deeply thankful from the bottoms of our hearts. Kyoto is a must for anyone wishing to travel to Japan, and Apple House is magical! The Kitayama Ramen is brilliant and cheap ( we took a cheap taxi there ). Another special place is Misho ( no English menu ) but the waitress speaks a little English and served the best food! Once again thank you and you can be sure that I will recommend Apple House to all my friends.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #228060
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