Vacation Rentals by Owner

Higashiyama-an Limited-Time Offer - 10% Off for More Than 3nts Stay! [#298291] | View Property

Kyoto
Condo, 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bath (Sleeps 5)
From 11,000 - 4,800 yen/nt
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Traveler Reviews (19)

• Great location, yet quiet & sunny

  Great location, yet quiet & sunny

  • Guest Molly
  • Date of stay 04/09/13
  • Review Submitted 05/07/13
  Five adults in our family stayed very comfortably for 9 nights. Everything is exactly as described or better -- immaculate, fully-equipped and extremely close to many beautiful sites. The washer-dryer was very welcome, also the tiny but well-planted garden. Fumiko provides bilingual laminated instructions for every appliance, plus maps to shopping and cultural sites. All our communications with her were prompt, straight-forward, and honest to the penny. To help taxi drivers, print out Fumiko's Japanese language pages with the building address and photo. (Drivers all also know the 'Westin Hotel' which is just up the hill.)

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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• Great Place for 4

  Great Place for 4

  • Guest Thomas S.
  • Date of stay 04/04/13
  • Review Submitted 04/27/13
  Our group of 4 stayed five nights in April 2013 in the middle of our trip across Japan. Our group was looking for something more affordable than two hotel rooms. Overall, Higashiyama-an is a very good value for the price. The key things we were looking for were two sleeping rooms, and a washer/dryer. We did not spend much time there during the day because we were usually out doing things all day. The owner was flexible with the check in time, and accommodated a last minute time change (1 hour later than originally scheduled). At check in, the owner greeted us warmly and prepared tea. Although we did not speak much Japanese, we were able to understand all the essential details. She provided some helpful information brochures on current events in Kyoto, such as a night cherry blossom viewing cruise which two of us went on. There is a separate utility charge based on usage, ours came to 3020 JPY for 4 people for five days, which seemed reasonable. The listing description was accurate and the property was clean and well maintained. We booked our stay about 5 months ahead of time. I would recommend this property if you are staying in Kyoto for more than a few days and plan to spend at least two days sightseeing on the east side of the city. We also took two day trips from Kyoto to Osaka and Nara while we were staying here. The location is decent for sightseeing in Higashiyama. Thanks!

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• Kyoto

  Kyoto

  • Guest Ruth
  • Date of stay 11/04/12
  • Review Submitted 11/20/12
  Very quiet and well equipped apartment with everything you need for a comfortable stay. The apartment is in an excellent area with public transport close by and walking distance to sights, shopping and restaurants. We spent an enjoyable week here.

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

  Owner response: I am happy to know you enjoyed beautiful Kyoto autumn and spent a good time at Higashiyama-An. Please visit Kyoto and stay at the apartment probably in a different season next time. I am very much looking forward to seeing you again sometime soon.

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• Fantastic stay in Kyoto

  Fantastic stay in Kyoto

  • Guest braday
  • Date of stay 07/29/12
  • Review Submitted 08/08/12
  We recently stayed at Higashiyama-an for 5 nights while attending a conference at the International Conference Center in Kyoto. This was a perfect location for traveling to the conference center, as well as ideally situated for sightseeing---close to Gion, the subway, and quietly tucked away in a beautiful neighborhood setting. The landlord was a gracious host, helpful and kind. For the price, you will never find a better location in all of Asia. I cannot recommend this place highly enough!

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

  Owner response: Thank you for choosing and staying at Higashiyama-An. All of you were so polite and I was so glad to meet your group. I also appreciate you kept the apartment clean while you were here, even did a washing before you leave, and saved electric power consumption. Please consider Higashiyama-An as your home away from home in Kyoto or try another property, Ginkaku-An, next time. Wish you all good health.

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• Wonderful Place

  Wonderful Place

  • Guest J McGuirk
  • Date of stay 06/07/12
  • Review Submitted 06/13/12
  I stayed here with four of my closest friends and it was positively delightful. The owner, Fumiko-san, was extremely helpful, generous, and hospitable every step of the way. The location is perfect. Lots of sight-seeing within walking distance but the condo itself is on the quiet side of the street. I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone looking for a place to stay in Kyoto.

  Recommended for: Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Thank you very much for staying at Higashiyama-an. All of you were so polite and fun and I was very happy to welcome guests like you. Please consider Higashiyama-An as your home in Kyoto and visit here maybe in a different season next time. I hope to serve you some time soon.

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• Great place for a sightseeing hub of Central Japan

  Great place for a sightseeing hub of Central Japan

  • Guest steve t.
  • Date of stay 03/04/12
  • Review Submitted 04/07/12
  Nice, large (for Japan) apartment, convenient to 2 subway stations. Great as a hub to see central Japan (assuming you have a rail pass) incl. osaka, Himeji, even Hiroshima. 2 rooms with reg beds, and 1 tatami room, so 6 is possible (albiet a little tight). Only real drawback (for foreigners, in particular) is the 1 bathroom. but whatever. I can see myself renting this place again for a week.

  Owner response: Thank you for choosing and staying at Higashiyama-An. I am happy to find that you enjoyed your stay at the apartment and its convenient location by taking a short trip to other cities. At the same time I'm sorry that only one bathrooms is attached on the apartment. Please consider Higashiyama-An as your home away from home in Kyoto. I am very much looking forward to welcoming you again.

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• Higashiyama-An - New Years 2011

  Higashiyama-An - New Years 2011

  • Guest Felicia de Laat
  • Date of stay 12/29/11
  • Review Submitted 01/18/12
  This apartment is in a wonderful location for sightseeing in Kyoto - close to lots of the key sights as well as being close to buses and the subway. It comfortably slept the six of us plus our two small children and was well supplied with everything we needed. We very much enjoyed our stay.

  Owner response: Thank you for choosing and staying at Higashiyama-An. I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay at the apartment. Please consider Higashiyama-An as your home away from home in Kyoto. I am very much looking forward to welcoming you again sometime soon.

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• Our Kyoto Home

  Our Kyoto Home

  • Guest ileck
  • Date of stay 12/12/11
  • Review Submitted 12/20/11
  We (a family of 5) spent 4 nights at the Higashiyama-an and we are really happy that we had made the right choice. First, we had the land lady Asada-san welcome us in the apartment, although she can't speak English, but she still take the time to explain and show us everything we need in very simple English, all "How to use" instructions are written clearly for all the equipment, appliances in the household, if you have missed out anything, just need to refer to the operation manual, amazing. The place is clean and neat, all that you need is fully provided by the land lady, hair shampoo & conditioners, hair dyer, washing powder & softener, dish washing liquid, washing machine with dyer..etc. you just need not have to worry that is something you need that you need to go and buy it for just one use. The area map is pinned on the wall, with all convenience stores, restaurants stated clearly on the map, you will not missed anything. There are 3 bedrooms, the beds are so comfortable that every morning I need to spend great effort is getting my kids up. The condo is located at a nice, peaceful locations, with many small restaurants around, also conveniently located between 2 subway stations, and bus stops (most people travel by bus in Kyoto), and the condo is also not far from many attractions. Conclusion, we really enjoyed our stay in Kyoto, and highly recommend this place as your home away from home in Kyoto.

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

  Owner response: Thank you very much for staying at Higashiyama-an. I am so happy to meet a family with a great smile like yours. I don't speak English well but it is always fun for me to communicate with my guest with simple English and old style "gesture" and it works. I wasn't really worried about welcoming you on your arrival day as you contacted my interpretation service company. I also appreciate you taking care of the apartment clean while your were here. Please consider Higashiyama-An as your home in Kyoto and visit here maybe in a different season next time. I hope to serve you some time soon.

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• Great Vacation Rental for family of 6

  Great Vacation Rental for family of 6

  • Guest Jarhead
  • Date of stay 11/14/11
  • Review Submitted 12/13/11
  Our family stayed at Higashiyama-an for 10 days during which the rental felt like a home away from home. We came in November and the unit was very warmly furnished and all we needed was provided. It was also so helpful to have a washer/dryer machine to use. The garden was a nice place for the kids to be outside while we were in the unit. The location is a great one in Kyoto with many famous temples, shrines, museums and even the city zoo and art museum all within walking distance for young children. It is also very close to the Shijo/Kawaramachi area for great shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Higashiyama-an was very neat and clean and the owner was quite helpful. I would highly recommend Higashiyama-an to any party of 4-6 people wanting to enjoy Kyoto.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Thank you very much for staying at Higashiyama-an. I am happy to know that you stayed comfortably at the apartment and your children enjoyed the garden too. You are a wonderful family with great kids. I hope to serve you again next time you visit to Kyoto. Please stay healthy and many blessings for you and your family.

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• Great location and accommodations

  Great location and accommodations

  • Guest bjc
  • Date of stay 06/28/11
  • Review Submitted 07/18/11
  The apartment is spacious and was extremely clean. There is also a small, but peaceful garden in the back. 5 adults stayed there comfortably and it provided easy access to the subway system. The owner was extremely gracious and helpful. Having a kitchen really helped save a little money on meals. Full grocery stores are about a 20-minute walk away, but there are several convenience stores within a 5-minute walk. The Heian shrine is a 5-10 minute walk and the Sanjo Street district, with plenty of night-life, is about a 25-minute walk. I would highly recommend this accommodation.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Thank you very much for staying at Higashiyama-an. I hope you enjoyed early summer scenery in Kyoto. i am glad to hear that you stayed comfortably during your stay as your home away from home in Kyoto. I also enjoyed a conversation in Japanese. I hope to serve you again next time you visit to Kyoto. Please stay healthy and many blessings for you and your family.

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• CLEAN & SPACIOUS APARTMENT IN KYOTO

  CLEAN & SPACIOUS APARTMENT IN KYOTO

  • Guest Marty & Michelle
  • Date of stay 04/27/11
  • Review Submitted 07/13/11
  My husband, two children, and I stayed one week in an apartment at Higashiyama-an while visiting Kyoto, and we were very comfortable. Our initial impression when we walked into the unit was: clean and spacious. The kitchen contained nearly every amenity for cooking and serving, including staple ingredients in the refrigerator. The large dining table sat the four of us easily, and we relaxed with some TV while we ate our meals. Our kids slept soundly on futons in the large tatami room, while my husband and I slumbered cozily in twin beds down the hall from the kids. The unit's washer/dryer machine was a welcome treasure, as was the computer with Internet. When we stepped out of the building, we were within walking distance of a convenience store, subway station, and all of the businesses and shops along the city street. If we visit Kyoto again, we would return to this apartment; and we would love to see Asada san again. She is a lovely lady, very willing to assist us and answer our questions.

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

  Owner response: Thank you very much for staying at Higashiyama-an. I am glad to hear that you stayed comfortably during your stay at the apartment as your home away from home in Kyoto. It pleased me greatly to find out your child enjoyed the rooms too. Also I really enjoyed a conversation in Japanese. I hope to serve you again next time you visit to Kyoto. Please stay healthy and many blessings for you and your family.

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• Nice apartment in great location

  Nice apartment in great location

  • Guest Academics on sabbatical
  • Date of stay 09/28/10
  • Review Submitted 11/29/10
  We spent two months here and felt very much at home. The apartment is just as pictured - nice layout, comfortably furnished and in good condition, with a well-equipped kitchen and bath. It is in a quiet location at the back of the building, facing south, with a small terrace / garden area. While a modern building lacks the charm of traditional machiya, we felt the trade-off was well worth it in terms of comfort, light, privacy and general amenities. We enjoyed living here very much, and recommend it highly both for the quality of the accommodation and the wonderful location. It is within easy walking distance of the central city area, the Gion district, the Heian shrine and museums, and the eastern hills - Nanzen-ji, Philosopher's Path, etc. It's also very well situated for bus and subway transit, and has a fair array of local commerce and food markets. The owner is very kind and reasonable to deal with. We enjoyed our stay thoroughly, and would be happy to return some day.

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

  Owner response: Thank you so much for staying at Higashiyama-an. I am very glad to hear that you stayed comfortably during your two month stay at the property. I also very much appreciate you taking care of plants, flowers, and the garden and keeping the apartment clean and beautiful like your home. It pleased me greatly to find out you enjoyed its convenient location with main city transportation to major sightseeing places. Please consider Higashiyama-An as your home in Kyoto and I hope to serve you next time you visit to Kyoto. Please stay healthy and many blessings for you and your family.

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• Excellent Kyoto rental

  Excellent Kyoto rental

  • Guest KB
  • Date of stay 09/20/10
  • Review Submitted 09/24/10
  This is in an excellent location for sightseeing in Kyoto. It is a quiet, clean, well designed and organized unit to use as a base while in the area. Walking, bus and subway were the resources we used and were very convenient. It is a first floor unit that captures the natural light wherever it can. Owner provides a lot of details and suggestions on restaurants, convenience stores, etc. in the area.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Thank you so much for staying at Higashiyama-An with your family! I hope you were able to capture many memories with your camera. I truly appreciate you keeping Higashiyama-An clean and beautiful during your stay as well. The next time you are in Kyoto, please consider staying again at Higashiyama-An , Your Home in Kyoto! Warm regards,

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• Comfortable Japanese Home in the Heart of the Higashiyama District.

  Comfortable Japanese Home in the Heart of the Higashiyama District.

  • Guest travelling family
  • Date of stay 08/17/10
  • Review Submitted 09/30/10
  This condo on the ground floor of a low-rise building was spotlessly clean and very comfortable for our group of 4 adults and 2 children. We arrived very late after a long flight, which was inconvenient for the owner however she was present at the property to let us in. Upon checkout, she arrived exactly on time as arranged. Comfortable beds and there is a lovely tatami room with very comfortable futons if you want an authentic Japanese sleeping experience. The excellent location in the heart of the Higashiyama district was very convenient to see the sights of both North and South Higashiyama. We took a pleasant walk through lovely wooded paths to see the Awata Shrine (on the doorstep of Higashiyama-An), then continued to Shoren-In and Chion-In and further on ending at Kiyomizu Dera which made for a pleasant day's excursion by foot. Chion-In is a must-see, access to the main temple is up a most impressive stone flight of stairs, we arrived at the top utterly exhaused (mid-August in Kyoto is hot and humid) took our shoes off and entered the cool, dark Buddhist temple to listen to the soothing sound of monks chanting while immersed in the fragrance of burning incense. It was truely magical. One night we walked back to Higashiyama-An from Gion through shrines and parks along this same path, felt very safe. We also used the train and bus for easy access to sights further afield, Nijo Castle is on the train line from Higashiyama station. Though we spoke no Japanese and the owner spoke little English, communication was never a problem. We stayed 3 nights, made ample use of the aircon (did I mention that Kyoto in August is very hot?), made breakfast each morning and even used the washing machine once but the price of utilites was negligible. Computer with internet access was provided, we also used out own laptops with cable internet access. Easy walk down Sanjo Dori to supermarkets (for provisions when travelling with children) and postoffice (for changing money with foreign MASTER/VISA card). Lovely restaurent also down the road for delicious dinner served by a friendly group of Japanese ladies and many more restaurents and cafes which we didn't have time to explore. It felt like a Japanese home-away-from-home, a lovely place from which to explore this historic city.

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

  Owner response: Thank you very much! I'm also very happy that you had a good trip to Japan and enjoyed your stay the Kyoto summer. Your family enjoyed Kyoto of the summer. I am very glad you stayed in Higashiyama-an comfortably. Would love to have you at Higashiyama-an again the next time you are in Kyoto in another season. Hope you and your lovely family stay healthy and happy. Warm regards,

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• Kyoto based at home vacation condo

  Kyoto based at home vacation condo

  • Guest barb
  • Date of stay 08/02/10
  • Review Submitted 08/18/10
  Our travels took us to many areas within Kyoto and the surrounding area while staying at the condo. We found the condo to be perfect for 4 people. Our family of 4 had no problems with space and found the unit to be exceptional clean, had all new updated amenities for budget conscious travel (breakfasts/afternoon snacks/light dinners etc). The air conditioning was great after a long day in 35 degree celcius heat along with 60% humidity. I know people dont like to do laundry on holidays but the new machine worked great and is was a blessing. The access to the subway system was within a 5-10 minute walk and the bus route was just outside our front door making travel smooth and quick. A good subway map is always handy to have and can be picked up at the Kyoto JR station. The condo is within walking distance of the Philosophers Path and many Shrines right out your back door. Lots of neat shops, vegetarian food, Japanese food and many more appetitie pleasing cafes all around. A very good grocery store within 15 minute walk to stock up on everyday items. The condo has bus maps and various other city maps for sightseeing on hand. I would recommend this condo for anyone wanting to travel Japan and to enjoy a home based rental to enjoy after a day of sightseeing etc.to come home, kick back, relax and have a cup of sake and prepare for the next days travel. I will stay again on my future travels back to Japan here as there is so many things to see and do.

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

  Owner response: Thank you for staying in Kyoto with your family this time. I’d be glad if you would stay comfortably like your home in Kyoto. And I appreciate your using very politely during your stay. You’re very kind. From this apartment, you would have visited any prefectures excluding Kyoto and you could take many pictures. Please enjoy Kyoto in different season next time by all means. I’m looking forward to see you again.

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• Wonderful place, great price, would rent it again in the future!

  Wonderful place, great price, would rent it again in the future!

  • Guest Stasha
  • Date of stay 06/25/10
  • Review Submitted 07/08/10
  Higashiyama-an was a wonderful place to stay. We were looking for three bedrooms and found it with Higashiyama-an. Everything is brand new and beautiful. Perfect for families or larger number of people traveling together. Higashiyama-an has 3 bedrooms, one bedroom with two single beds, a tatami room which can sleep up to three people maybe four. Then the office area has a futon that can sleep two and the doors close off to the rest of house. It was perfect for us as we had a friend traveling with us so we needed the extra room. The price was great and very reasonable. Definitely a place to look at. It's right in the heart of Kyoto so the bus stop is just outside the condo unit. Getting there was easy. We took the train and it was very simple. Everything was easy and I am never staying at a hotel again. If you can get a rental do it. This was less expensive and a lot of fun. You do pay for water, electricity, etc. but that was less than 2000 yen. You pay that at the end. We stayed three nights and left on day four. Loved it!

  Recommended for: Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Thank you very much! I'm also very happy that you had a good trip to Japan and enjoyed your stay the Kyoto summer. Thank you so much for keeping everything so tidy during your stay. I was very impressed by how friendly you were. Your family was also very kind and polite. Even though we couldn't speak the same language I was very happy to meet you all and have you stay. It seems your adorable child have been raised with a lot of love, so I am sure they are going to grow into great people! I can still remember their smiles. There are lots places and things to see in Kyoto. If you should happen to visit again, please stay as your home here. I look forward to seeing you all again. Many blessings for your family and your friend.

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• A wonderful location and a great property!

  A wonderful location and a great property!

  • Guest Kevin-kun
  • Date of stay 05/17/10
  • Review Submitted 06/09/10
  It was my honor to be the first to stay in Higashiyama-an, and can faithfully relate that the quality of the accommodations, the amenities, and attention to detail regarding preparation of the property are simply first rate. The description on VRBO is accurate in every detail, and the owner is a wealth of knowledge about the area near the property. There is even very detailed map on the wall showing nearby shopping, restaurants, and other attractions. The property is a stone's throw from the Westin Miyako Kyoto, and easy walking distance to Higashiyama station, Heian Jingu, the Nanjenji temple, and other attractions. I simply loved staying there, and plan to return to Higashiyama-an whenever the occasion calls for it!

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

  Owner response: Thank you for your having stayed in Higashiyama-an. I am very glad I met you who are pleasant. I am very glad you stayed in Higashiyama-an comfortably. I'm grateful for your having used it neatly. As for you, Japanese is fluency very. I enjoyed conversation with you. I heartily wait for you to come again in August of a hot summer climate. The event of the summer of Kyoto is pleasant, too. Please enjoy it with all of you by all means. I'm looking forward to meeting you in August.

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• Higashiyama-an - Japanese-Style Condo Near Heian Jingu Shrine

  Higashiyama-an - Japanese-Style Condo Near Heian Jingu Shrine

  • Guest Junko & Frederic
  • Date of stay 05/10/10
  • Review Submitted 05/31/10
  We stayed here in May 2010 for 5 days. The house is conveniently located about 5 minutes from the subway Higashiyama station, and clean and very comfortable. Fumiko was very kind and taught the convenient card of the bus. We enjoyed many temples with a bus card. We hope to stay again in the near future.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Thank you so much for staying at Higashiyama-an with your family! I hope you were able to capture many memories with your camera. I truly appreciate you keeping Higashiyama-an clean and beautiful during your stayas well. The next time you are in Kyoto, please consider staying again at Higashiyama-an, Your Home in Kyoto!

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• Excellent

  Excellent

  • Guest Witho
  • Date of stay 08/26/09
  • Review Submitted 08/15/10
  Lovely and roomy appartment, well equipped, comfortable bedrooms with privacy. Daylight in all rooms and a small outdoor terrace. The location is very central in Kyoto and makes it a lovely start for walks and good acces for public transport. My two children (20 and 17) could find thier own way, and back, to Kyoto's night life. Lovely and helpful owner who does not speak English but everything is well documented and explained through sheets. Recommended.

  Recommended for: People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Thank you so much for staying at Higashiyama-An with your family! I hope you were able to capture many memories with your camera. I truly appreciate you keeping Higashiyama-An clean and beautiful during your stay as well. The next time you are in Kyoto, please consider staying again at Higashiyama-An , Your Home in Kyoto! Warm regards,

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