Vacation Rentals by Owner

The House Is Just Great!

Guest: P., S. and T., Canberra, Australia
Date of Stay: 04/26/12 Review Submitted: 04/27/12

We absolutely enjoyed our stay and being part of suburban Kyoto! The house is just great, making us feel at home right away. We recommend the walk between Kibune and Kurama with the outdoor onsen at the end. It is such a beautiful forest and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We packed a lot into four days and have hardly touched on the sights of Kyoto. The bike-riding was fun and always exciting, and the recommendation of Yamago was spot on. We would easily recommend Apple House and could not have done half of what we did without it. 04/26/12 P., S. and T., Canberra, Australia

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Another Delightful Stay In Apple House

Guest: R., M., T. and P., Sydney, Australia
Date of Stay: 04/22/12 Review Submitted: 04/27/12

Another delightful stay in Apple House with new discoveries in and around Kyoto, including Toei Studio Park, which was terrific, Chikubushima in Northern Lake Biwa, which turned out to be surprisingly easily accessed as a day trip ( we've left the ferry schedule ) and the fabulous Miho Museum. We also reacquainted some favourite haunts such as the Garden Museum, Sekizanzenin and Manshuin; Hida Restaurant and the ramen shop; and of course Uniqlo ( at Qanat, at Loft, at Kyoto Station... ). Thanks again for everything that you do to make Apple House a home of dreams in every sense. Two weeks has only whetted the appetite for a further period in Kyoto and we are already looking forward to it - even if it will be summer! Best wishes and thanks always. R. Once again thank you for a very special time in Apple House. It is always a pleasure to be here. I hope I will be able to return. We were very fortunate to see the cherry blossoms - they are beautiful. The weather was a bit erratic but that did not stop us from getting out and about in this very special city. Once again, thank you for your hospitality. P. Many thanks for everything! See you all in August 2013. I love being here. Please come and stay with us next time. Very best wishes. M. 04/22/12 R., M., T and P. Sydney, Australia

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The Bath And Heated Toilet Seat Were Brilliant!

Guest: C. and N., London, U.K.
Date of Stay: 04/05/12 Review Submitted: 04/05/12

Thank you for a fantastic stay and all the useful information in the folders. It has been quite cold this week so the bath and heated toilet seat were brilliant. We particularly enjoyed strolling around Gion at night, the bamboo grove, Philosopher's Path and The Monkey Park! Fresco was very useful and we loved cooking in the house. We changed traveller's cheques at the local bank - but this took one hour. Citybank next to Shijo subway station takes fifteen minutes! 04/05/12 C. and N., London, U.K.

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Thank You For Providing All The Little Extras

Guest: S. and A., Bath, England
Date of Stay: 03/30/12 Review Submitted: 04/05/12

We have had such a lovely time here in Kyoto. We enjoyed the bikes, a great way to get about and thank you for providing them. Your food recommendations are very helpful and spot on, especially Kitayama Noodle. It is so lovely to have a temporary home here in Kyoto and thank you for providing all the little extras that make life so comfortable here. David - next time we are in Kyoto and the sun is out we will definitely do the hiking trip up the hill behind Apple House! 03/30/12 S. and A., Bath, England

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Thanks For All The Information In The House

Guest: G. and J., Barcelona, Spain
Date of Stay: 03/07/12 Review Submitted: 04/05/12

Thanks for all and the information in the house ( very useful ). The zone is very quiet but a little far from the center, but bus No.5 saved us ( and the cycles too ). If anybody wants to have a drink near here, go to "Viva la Musica" on Shirakawa Street. It is 10 minutes walking, lovely owners and live music every day until 2am. And if you like walking in the mountains, take the train in Shugakuin Station and go to Kurama and walk the forest path to Kibune ( about 2-3 hours ). It's very nice ( incredible trees and temples ). This is Catalan, a spoken language in Catalonia ( Spain ) over 7,000,000 people and the last words too... Gracias per tot i per aquesta casa tipica japonesa. Som 2 amics d'Igualada ( Barcelona ). Visca el Barca i visca Catalunya! 03/07/12 G. and J., Barcelona, Spain

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The Perfect Place For Our Travels Around Kyoto

Guest: J. and J., Guam
Date of Stay: 02/27/12 Review Submitted: 02/28/12

Apple House was the perfect place for us to stay for our travels around Kyoto. We saved a lot of money by preparing our meals at the house. The house itself was perfect with lots of room and also it was very comfortable and clean. During this cold season, the beds were nice and warm and extremely comfy for futons. Thank you so much for creating a wonderful and warm atmosphere for travelers. P.S. The kitchen was stocked with all the necessities. Thanks! 02/27/12 J. and J., Guam

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A Beautiful Home With So Much To Offer!

Guest: C., A., A. and H., Canada and Japan
Date of Stay: 02/12/12 Review Submitted: 02/14/12

Thank you kindly for your hospitality and the opportunity to stay at Apple House. Considering we are only in Japan for a week ( main purpose to see my brother who is here in Japan teaching English ), this visit to Kyoto and Apple House was the perfect way to live amongst the locals and see some of the most amazing places (Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji and Higashi Hongan-ji ). My brother heard of this place from a friend and we are so glad of the referral. We will definitely reciprocate with as much enthusiasm and encouragement. What a beautiful home with so much to offer! Thank you again! P.S. "Speak Easy" had amazing American breakfast options! 02/12/12 C., A., A. and H., Canada and Japan

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A Great Choice!

Guest: P., B. and D., Bristol, England
Date of Stay: 01/20/12 Review Submitted: 02/08/12

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!

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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: 11/16/11

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.

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

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.

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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.

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You Have Made Our Experience Really Special!

Guest: B.M., T.M., S.M. and C.H., USA and Nagoya
Date of Stay: 09/30/11 Review Submitted: 10/17/11

Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality and wonderful accommodation as well! It has made our stay in Kyoto much more enjoyable. The information was very helpful as well for our stay in this beautiful city! You have made our experience really special. Thanks again for everything!

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We Should Love to Return and Stay Longer

Guest: M. and S., Sussex, England
Date of Stay: 09/18/11 Review Submitted: 10/17/11

What a wonderful house to stay in whilst visiting Kyoto. You have made it so comfortable for your guests. The information for touring and sight-seeing was just right. We should love to return and stay longer as there is still as much to see and enjoy. Wishing you a successful season ahead. 09/18/11 M. and S., Sussex, England

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A Perfect Place to Settle Down

Guest: T., J. and M., Birmingham, UK
Date of Stay: 07/22/11 Review Submitted: 09/08/11

Our stay in Apple House has been wonderful. The local area of Shugakuin is beautiful and makes a perfect place to settle down when not exploring the rest of Kyoto. The air-conditioning in the house was certainly also much appreciated! The local people are all extremely pleasant and helpful, especially a certain shopkeeper who went out of his way to help us. Many thanks for a great time!

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Such A Beautiful Location

Guest: S., M., M. and A., Melbourne, Australia
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 07/07/11

Thank you Hiroko for a lovely stay in Apple House. We enjoyed having a home away from home in such a beautiful location, mountains around and stream outside. We had a very hot week, so being able to use the air-conditioning sometimes kept us cool. The bikes were also great and we hired another two so we could all ride. We rode to the local temples and anywhere not too far away. One day we rode to the manga museum and Nijo Castle, but that was a bit too hot and tiring for our nine year-old ( in cooler weather it would have been fine ). The trip to Kurama and Kibune was great and we enjoyed cold noodles suspended over the river - natural air-conditioning. The kids loved lots of the ordinary things about Shugakuin life - the local Fresco was a big hit. We had lots of nice meals at home and mainly ate out at lunchtime in the areas we were sightseeing in. A great introduction for our kids, who are on their first trip here. The kids say - fantastic sleep on the futons! Thank you!

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Japanese Bathing Makes A Lot Of Sense!

Guest: R., S. and E., Fairbanks, Alaska
Date of Stay: 06/04/11 Review Submitted: 07/07/11

Apple House is so much fun to stay in and a great place to relax after temple-hopping. It is hard not to fall asleep and drown in the tub while soaking away a day's hard trek. Japanese-style bathing makes a lot of sense! Tip: Bus number 5 to Kyoto Station is your friend. It takes almost an hour to go the whole way though, so if you are looking for good exercise, walk. Thank you again! P.S. Take the JR line to Nara and visit the tame deer!

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We Had An Amazing Stay!

Guest: C. and L., California, USA
Date of Stay: 05/05/11 Review Submitted: 07/07/11

Thank you for letting us stay at wonderful Apple House. We had an amazing stay ( wish it was longer). We'll be back! We loved biking everywhere: Silver and Golden temples, Gion etc. What a wonderful way to beat the "Golden Week" traffic jam on the roads. Biking along the river was so fun and pleasant....and we kept bumping into unexpected places / events. Today, we encountered a "Child's Day" celebration(s) where groups of men and women carry sacred chests. It was great to follow the various groups on our bikes. Then we saw a HUGE line at a ramen restaurant. It was on Higashi-Oji Dori. Must have been at least 30 people in the queue. Great ramen and chicken ( fried ). We also planned to eat at another ramen place recommended ( nearby ) but found it empty in "Golden Week" - it should have been packed , so that night we turned around on our bikes and went to "Nanzen" and LOVED the meat ( local grown ). What a treat! We also loved cooking at Apple House too! Thank you! 05/05/11 C. and L., California

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Guest: C. and R., Australia
Date of Stay: 04/18/11 Review Submitted: 05/01/11

Hiroko, thank you so much for your generous hospitality and thoughtfulness. Apple House is a little treasure, quietly tucked away in a little corner of Kyoto but close to everything. The house is spotless, Hiroko! You must be a human dynamo to keep it so clean. It has everything needed for two or a family. The bikes are great for exploring the area, even in the rain. Got me home from a cooking lesson, which for me was a highlight. Emi cooked us four dishes in her kitchen for a very reasonable price and her husband makes beautiful pottery. She is about 1.5km from Apple House. Really enjoyed soaking in a hot bath after a long day's walking. The stream at the front is so relaxing. The neighbours very welcoming. We did have the most perfect week as you said. Cherry blossom on the Philosopher's Path - unforgettable! This is our second time in Kyoto, and still so much to see and do. We plan to get back again. And Apple House will be on the itinerary. Thank you so much for picking us up from the station, dropping our son off a few days later and taking us there soon. Many thanks. C. and R., Australia.

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Guest: D. et N., France.
Date of Stay: 04/11/11 Review Submitted: 05/01/11

Une maison agreable qui nous a donne l'occasion de passer une semaine dans notre "ryokan" a Kyoto, et nous a permis de decouvrir le nord-est de la ville que nous ne connaissions pas encore. D. et N., France.

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Guest: J., S. and S.
Date of Stay: 04/02/11 Review Submitted: 05/01/11

Short and sweet! A great little place.Thank you for a wonderful stay. Amazing amount of local information and such a warm welcome. J., S. and S., Glasgow, Scotland.

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Guest: J., T. and P.
Date of Stay: 03/30/11 Review Submitted: 03/29/11

Thank you for the use of lovely little Apple House. It was a wonderful base for our explorations of Kyoto and beyond. We were warm ( even when it turned unexpectedly cold.... and snowed!! ), comfortable ( slept beautifully on the futons ) and had everything we needed in the house and close by. Also great support, directions and advice on use and access for all things. J.'s tip for Kyoto: Come for more than a week if you possibly can - we were out and about every day and still feel that we have only seen about half of what we hoped to. We will just have to return! Also, I agree that the ramen shop is fantastic! Only order regular size and if you order beer ( available but not on menu ) you get an extra plate of toppings - then let out the waistband of your pants! Yum!! Thank you again for a lovely home base on which to build our Kyoto memories, our trip seemed a long time coming and Apple House was just as I had hoped. Many thanks. Following on from J.'s comments, I agree that Apple House was an ideal place to explore Kyoto and surrounds. The friendliness of all the locals we met was memorable as were all the sites we visited in and out of Kyoto. Many thanks for all guidebooks, leaflets and entertainment here at Apple House. I hope to return here soon and see many of the sights in town and in the Kansai region. For now it is farewell and onwards to Kyushu. Thanks again. P.S. If you are looking for onward train / bus travel try www.hyperdia.com - lots of information on what train to take and also fares, supplements etc. 03/30/11 J., T. and P., Melbourne, Australia.

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Guest: S., L. and N.
Date of Stay: 03/17/11 Review Submitted: 03/29/11

We had a wonderful time staying in Apple House for a whole month! Everything was so neat and clean and welcoming. We slept very well on the futons. The location is very peaceful yet convenient to transportation. For your future guests we have a few recommendations: 1. Hida Restaurant nearby - good food, reasonably priced. 2. The croquette ( "korokke" ) place - you can get freshly fried croquettes, cutlets etc. from the small shop up the road ( toward Takaragaike Station ). 3. Number 17 and other buses that go along Kawabata Street ( the river ) are faster than the number 5. We will be recommending Apple House to all our friends and family who want to visit Kyoto. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality and best wishes! 03/17/11 S., L. and N., Vancouver, Canada.

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Guest: M. and A.
Date of Stay: 02/13/11 Review Submitted: 03/28/11

Thank you for your warm and generous hospitality. So close to the Shugakuin Imperial Villa, Shisen-do, and the Silver Pavilion Ginkaku-ji, three gems of our week here. The house gave us a taste of living here, something we can contemplate. The beauty of Kyoto is firmly noted in memory. We were lucky to be here on a holiday which brought out the folks in traditional costumes. The great bustle of the crowds at Kyomizu-dera on Friday and the festive scene at Nara's great Todai-ji on Sunday made the weekend unexpectedly lively, even though we got off the train one stop too early in Nara and walked a couple of miles in the wasteland before flagging a cab that took us to Nara City and the temple. My personal favourite was getting a photo of A. petting a deer that matches a photo of her at the age of three doing exactly the same thing. We have so enjoyed staying at Apple House and greatly appreciate Hiroko's kindness in getting us situated. Every day has been an adventure, seeing extraordinary places and meeting gracious people. Walking back along the canal, knowing that a deep soaking bath and comfortable futon await has only added to the pleasure. Many thanks. M. and A., Boston, USA.

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Guest: The D. Family
Date of Stay: 01/03/11 Review Submitted: 01/15/11

First off my family and myself would like to thank you for allowing us to stay at Apple House. The house is "so cool" according to my 11 year-old sister! It had everything we needed and more! We have donated four wine glasses to the next set of travellers who might appreciate wine as much as we do. We were fortunate enough to see a monkey with a red long face and butt ( about five feet tall ) eating something just outside our door. He would not stay long enough for a picture as my little sister could not quiet her excitement! On New Years we walked the hill in search for the bell ..... we found a Buddhist alone ( approx 75 to 80 years old ) ringing the bell. Alone in the dark with the company of a couple of candles, a Buddhist and five Canadians we each took a turn clanging the bell to celebrate 2011 - a very emotional experience for all of us. Kyoto is beautiful - even with the most snow in five years, friendly people, you must try "Namaste" to eat at - AMAZING! We will be back! This place will hold a special place in our hearts. 01/03/11 The D. Family, London, Ontario, Canada.

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Guest: The F. Family
Date of Stay: 12/28/10 Review Submitted: 01/15/11

It was a pleasure staying in the Apple House. After a few nights of staying in a hotel in Tokyo, it was a welcome change of pace. We made good use of the kitchen by making sushi - it was a unique Christmas dinner. In our four days in Kyoto, we especially liked the Arashiyama Monkey Park. It is well worth the 160m hike to the top, as the experience of the snow monkeys is unlike anything we have ever done. The Ryozen Kwan-on was also a treat. The tribute to the unknown soldier was nice, and one does not get to see a 24m tall statue every day. We also suggest going to Fresco's ( the grocery store ) and taking the 5 bus - they are both extremely convenient. Thanks for everything. The F. Family, Chicago, USA

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Guest: R., M. and T.
Date of Stay: 12/12/10 Review Submitted: 01/15/11

Really ..... eight weeks ..... time to go?!? But it hasn't been long enough. Even in our many wanderings around the streets I feel we've only just begun to scratch the surface of Shugakuin, let alone Kyoto and the wider region. Apple House has been a complete delight. Cool and happy in the unexpected October heat, with the creek gurgling through the windows at night. And so warm and welcoming when we came home at evening as the cold started. Two months of highlights and a wonderfully productive sabbatical at Kyoto University are hard to capture in a few lines - but your warmth, generosity and kindness top the list. T.'s wonderful eight weeks at Shugakuin School has been so much better than it was reasonable to even dream of. Thanks for helping us achieve everything so smoothly. Our neighbours on the way to and from school were also a highlight. But to more conventional highlights? Shugakuin Rikyu is extraordinary and far more than worth the trouble of booking for a tour ( we visited twice! ). Mount Hiei Garden Museum is a delight in cloud and sunshine. The three local temples ( Sekizanzenin, Manshuin and Shisendo ) are amazingly different and each worth spending time in. Autumn leaves in Kurama and Ohara were delightful.... and in every way, Apple House has added to and allowed us time to be inspired by each of these and many more. And food ..... Hida is a lovely and welcoming place; the ramen shop along Shirakawa towards Ichijoji is reliable and generous; Kobayashi near the Rikyu and the little place overlooking the river near the bridge on Kitayama at Shugakuin were both terrific. But breakfast at home each day was a family highlight too. Thanks so much for opening your wonderful home to us. It has worked magic and brought so much happiness to each of us. I trust we can welcome you to Sydney sometime soon. And the T. can make it back for another stay at Shugakuin School before she graduates! R., M. and T., Sydney, Australia.

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Guest: M.
Date of Stay: 12/12/10 Review Submitted: 01/15/11

Well, what can I say that R. hasn't already said? We all loved staying at your Apple House. Your washing facilities are great, hot bath before going to bed, warm toilet seat on cold mornings etc.... I know you have thought of everything so it will feel like home. Many thanks! We hope that you will be able to visit us. Best regards. M., Sydney, Australia.

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Guest: P.M.
Date of Stay: 10/24/10 Review Submitted: 01/15/11

I have had a great week here in Apple House. The canal outside was good, although I always thought it was raining. We found the ramen noodle shop. Unfortunately it was closed, but we did manage to find another. M. and R. will visit it again. I enjoyed the sleeping arrangements and had no problem with the futon, in fact I might set one up at home. Being able to do washing at any time was a bonus, but the step was a bit high. Thanks to Hiroko and the ladies from school who accompanied us to the Jidai Matsuri that was amazing and a big surprise. Thank you. P.M., Sydney, Australia.

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Guest: C. ( United States ) and E. ( Germany )
Date of Stay: 10/19/10 Review Submitted: 01/15/11

We've had a wonderful time in your lovely city and especially enjoyed the house. Maybe we will attempt to install a Japanese bathtub someday! C. ( United States ) and E. ( Germany )

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Guest: J., S., N. and J.
Date of Stay: 10/10/10 Review Submitted: 10/16/10

Our two and a bit week stay here has been a great experience. Shugakuin has been a good base for visiting a wide range of places in and around Kyoto. Everything in Apple House worked perfectly and we have been very comfortable here. Some of the highlights for us were the temples and shrines, gardens, World Peace Museum, Kurama and Kibune, and the shopping. I love the sound of the water outside. Shugakuin rocks! J., S., N. and J., Australia

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Guest: M. and S.
Date of Stay: 09/24/10 Review Submitted: 10/16/10

Thanks a lot for a warm welcome in your cosy house. Bikes were great to discover the town and we also enjoyed the quiet area around. We had a great time here in Apple House. M. and S., Germany

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Guest: S.D.
Date of Stay: 09/16/10 Review Submitted: 10/16/10

What a great place.....I think I saw everything I missed last time and I made some new friends. I enjoyed taking the bike out for the day, choosing a direction and running into something amazing. I'm already thinking about the next time. Thanks once again for offering Apple House as a home away from home. S.D., Boston, U.S.A.

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Guest: G., S., L. and R.
Date of Stay: 07/18/10 Review Submitted: 09/15/10

We had a great visit to Kyoto. Apple House was a fun addition to our travels. We found a new appreciation for the Japanese culture living as a faux-Japanese family. We especially loved the monkey park! Must see! Thank you! G., S., L. and R., Northfield, Minnesota, the USA

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Guest: M., E., R. and R.
Date of Stay: 07/05/10 Review Submitted: 09/15/10

What a great house, great neighborhood and an even better experience than we have dreamed of! Our 12-year old says the Osaka Aquarium - whales, ray and crabs are the best. Our 14-year old loved the markets and the food. Mum says Sanzen-in, Tofuku-ji, Nanzen-ji, the Icholon's walk (and the bunny cream puffs), Ryogen-in, and best Manshu-in. The whole trip was perfect! M., E., R. and R., Valencia, CA and Boston, MA, the USA

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Guest: R. and R.
Date of Stay: 06/19/10 Review Submitted: 09/15/10

We have had a really enjoyable time in Kyoto. Everyone is so friendly and helpful ( perhaps they feel sorry for a couple of "oldies" ). The house is perfect and the whole experience was made more pleasurable with the skills which Hiroko applies to it. May you continue with this venture - I will certainly recommend you to my friends. R. and R., Rushden, England

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Guest: J. and R.L.
Date of Stay: 06/04/10 Review Submitted: 09/15/10

Richard and I have biked all over Kyoto in these wonderful six days of beautiful, sunny weather! Highlights have been Ryoanji, Nijo, Nishiki Market, Botanical Garden, Ginkakuji ( get there when it opens! ), Nishijin Textile Market & Kimono Fashion Show and our visit to very touristy Nara and the amazing Buddha. We could never have had so much fun without the bikes and terrific hospitality. We thought the Philosopher's Walk was disappointing, but if you go, have lunch at Hinode Udon ( it's on the map on page 103 of the Lonely Planet Guide Book ). Really authentic and delicious. I also recommend Prinz ( p. 128 ) for lunch if you're looking for trendy and very tasty food. After some really exhausting days, it was incredible to come "home" and sleep so well! A HUGE thanks, and please come and visit us! J. and R.L., North Carolina, U.S.A.

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Guest: L., S. and Jacob
Date of Stay: 05/28/10 Review Submitted: 09/15/10

It has been wonderful staying at Apple House. We were anxious about coming to Japan with a 15-month old, but finding this house has made a memorable trip for us. Jacob has enjoyed the sliding doors and we have all slept well on the futons. Despite several days of rain, we have had ten full days of sightseeing. Would recommend seeing Mount Hiei, Nara and Arashiyama. Also Takaragaike Park, especially for children. For good beer go to Liquor Mountain and for unique Japanese things ( such as old photos ) go to "Strange World" in the arcade. Thank you, Lewis, for entertaining Jacob! A big thanks to Hiroko! L., S. and Jacob, Manchester, England

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Guest: L., R. and I.
Date of Stay: 05/18/10 Review Submitted: 09/15/10

Thank you very much for the time here in Kyoto and in Apple House. We felt like at home and enjoyed watching TV in the evenings and the neighborhood dog lying in the yard in the mornings. We visited some sights in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, and now we are heading to Kanazawa. We brought nice and warm weather with us. Let's hope it will last for the summer! Best wishes. L., R. and I., the first guests from Finland!

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Guest: I. and E.
Date of Stay: 05/12/10 Review Submitted: 06/20/10

Thank you for letting us stay with our kids. They really liked your little Japanese house and especially the beds upstairs... and a lot to tell their friends in Kindergarten back home. We all enjoyed our time in Kyoto, it's so laid back here (after staying in Tokyo.) Thank you for your hospitality. Vielen Dank! I. and E., Munich, Germany

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The House, Neighborhood And Neighbors Are Lovely!

Guest: Brandi Sanger
Date of Stay: 04/27/10 Review Submitted: 04/30/10

We have fallen in love with Kyoto and Apple House! What a wonderful home you have set up for people to enjoy! I was unsure at first about staying out of town center, but we wanted an authentic experience. We got it and more! The house, neighbors, and neighborhood are lovely. We all slept excellently each night as well. I'd like to bring upstairs home with me. Navigating the city and getting around was easy. The people of Kyoto are so warm and helpful, we were never lost! Thank you also for securing Miyako Odori tickets for us, it was a highlight of our trip. Also - we recommend Grill Miyata for dinner in Gion. As much for the adorable old proprietor as for the steaks. Google him. After 4 months of traveling, Kyoto was a fabulous way to end our trip and a highlight to be sure. We will be back. Many thanks! B., J., E., and L., Venice, CA., U.S.A.

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You Have Thought Of Everything For Us

Guest: Y., A., K. and R., Canada
Date of Stay: 04/21/10 Review Submitted: 04/25/10

Thank you for making Apple House a great place to stay. You have thought of everything for us. We have enjoyed the time in Kyoto and visiting all the places you have recommended. It is a very quiet place compared to the city that we've come from. Everything was easy to find and everyone was very friendly and helpful. We'll be back for another visit. Y., A., K., and R., Canada

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I'll Be Back!

Guest: G.R., New York, U.S.A.
Date of Stay: 04/15/10 Review Submitted: 04/25/10

Thank you for making the Apple House such a comfortable place to stay in Kyoto! I'll be back as 6 days was not enough to see all there is here! Close by- my favorite place to visit has been Shisen-do. It's so peaceful there, in contrast to so many of the busier places. Also, Koto-in was special. Best tempura I ever had was at Yoshikawa Inn downtown and sake at Yoramu to drink and learn! Have a great summer! G.R., New York, U.S.A

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It Was Nice Having The Shops So Close

Guest: S., S., E. and T., Australia
Date of Stay: 04/11/10 Review Submitted: 04/25/10

We have enjoyed our stay here very much. The traditional Japanese sitting spot is lovely and the bikes we had so much fun. Apple House was a great place to stay. Thank you! The little upstairs bedroom is very cute! We have had a great stay. The cherry blossoms were beautiful, and it was nice having the shops so close. S., S., E. and T., Australia

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Get Friendly With The Neighbors!

Guest: A. and R.F., California, U.S.A.
Date of Stay: 03/09/10 Review Submitted: 04/25/10

Thank you for your wonderful hospitality. Apple House is fully equipped with whatever we needed during our stay. The tatami mats give this house a wonderful feeling. I loved going upstairs to bed smelling tatami and hearing the stream. We never had a bad nights sleep. Tips: We loved the Shugakuin Imperial Villa, strolling in Gion and Pontocho Alley. We enjoyed all the restaurants especially Kitayama Ramen, Shogetsu, Sanda-ya (for excellent steak... better than Kobe and Hida beef). Go early in the morning to see Temples and Shrines. Get friendly with the neighbors, they are what made our stay wonderful and more authentic. Explore all the areas not highlighted on your maps. This vacation was memorable and made even more enjoyable by staying at Apple House. A. and R.F., California, U.S.A.

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