Location: Kyoto, Japan, Asia (Iho - An is located in a loverly alley off Niomon Dori Kyoto) View Map
Accommodations: House, 1 Bedroom + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 2-4)
IHO-AN is a Traditional Kyoto Machiya (townhouse)
IHO means Lingering Fragrance , AN means Cottage. The name came about from the lingering fragrance of incense that sometimes permeates the house from the adjacent temple.
Iho –An is a traditional Kyoto Machiya located down a tiny quiet laneway in an enclave of 12 houses. It has been lovingly restored in the traditional style and furnished with antiques along with modern amenities like air-conditioning, western toilet and modern kitchen. It is fully equipped with a kettle, toaster, hairdryer, linen, towels, microwave, washing machine, dryer, everything you need to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
Iho-An is NON-SMOKING
Iho-an has two stories, upstairs is a large bedroom with adjacent lounge room overlooking Kyoto’s beautiful old tile rooftops. Downstairs is a small dining room with adjacent lounge room with fold down sofa. Through the sliding doors is a fully equipped modern kitchen. Also down stairs is the modern toilet and traditional round cast iron Japanese bath set in stonework but with a modern hot water system. There is a large screen TV, DVD player and a selection of Japan related DVDS. There is internet access available via a laptop provided, or use your own with our connection.
Iho-An is located in the temple district of Kyoto adjacent to Kyoto’s Higashiyama tourist area. The area around the house has many interesting shops and is steeped in Kyoto history. The highlights of Kyoto; Heian Jinju, Kyoto Museum, Nanzenji, Kodaiji and Chion-in Temples, Maruyama Park, Philosophers Path and many more are an easy stroll from Iho-An. There are many interesting cafes, antique shops and specialty shops that make sweets, incense and bags from old kimonos. Fifteen minutes away are the Higashiyama mountains that have superb hiking. Also the upmarket restaurant area of Pontocho along the banks of the Kamagawa River is an easy stroll. This whole area is flat and an easy walk and as with all Kyoto is quiet and perfectly safe.
The nearby International Community House (INCH) (9.00am-9.00pm) has internet, a huge TV with CNN, daily Japanese language classes and weekly calligraphy, ink painting, origami etc classes in English for ¥50 (fifty cents). It also has a large library with daily English edition Japanese newspapers as well as weekly American, English, Australian newspapers available. There is a coffee shop and a huge notice board as well as an information centre.
Iho –An has lots of maps and information on sights and things to do in Kyoto and we are more than happy to help guests plan their itineraries.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Beds
- Double Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- DVD
- Video Library
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Communications
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Kyotos famous gardens, temples, antique shops, restaurants and superb hiking all within a few minutes walk.
- Suitability
- Not Suitable for Children
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Biking
- Hiking
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
For 2 people .... ¥15,000/night (3 night minimum)
For 3-4 people .. ¥20,000/night (3 night minimum)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Iho-an (Cottage of Lingering Fragrance) Kyoto Machiya
Year Purchased: 2009
Why the Owner Chose Kyoto
I have a strong interest in saving the old Kyoto machiyas from being pulled down. I enjoy restoring them and sharing my love of Kyoto.
Owner's Map of Kyoto
Hi. We are Rory, from Australia and Sayaka from Tokoname Japan. We now live in Kyoto now having met in Tokoname while I was studying traditional Japanese pottery for a year. We both love living in Kyoto, a truly interesting and vibrant city while at the same time peaceful and relaxing.
Property Photos
- Bedroom - Kyoto, Japan House with Air Conditioning close to Maruyama Park and fifteen minutes to Hiking
- - Kyoto, Japan House with Air Conditioning close to Maruyama Park and fifteen minutes to Hiking
- Traditional Kyoto laneway - Kyoto, Japan House with Air Conditioning close to Maruyama Park and fifteen minutes to Hiking
- Kitchen
- Cast Iron bath
- Lounge room
- Genkan, traditional entrance, take your shoes off
- stairway
- handmade ceramic handbasin
- Front door lock detail
- Rice shop next door- one of the many interesting local shops
Guest Comments (2)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #259026
There have been 2830 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2009.
This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - November 21, 2009


Positive Rating
Walt& Juno , Chiba
Homeowner Response:
Thanks Walter and Junko, i look forward to seeing you next time