New!! Beautifully Restored Machiya in Gion/Kiyomizu Area!!

• Lovely authentic Japanese experience in Kyoto

  Lovely authentic Japanese experience in Kyoto

  • Guest Toko K.
  • Date of stay 03/22/13
  • Review Submitted 04/05/13
  We are a family of 5 with three pre-teen school aged children. We stayed at this Machiya for 4 days during our stay in Kyoto. The house was a beautiful blend of the tradition and the modern. It has the real authentic Japanese architecture (including low doorway which was a little hard for my husband who is 6 ft tall) and materials (the smell of tatami mat really took me back to my childhood growing up in Japan). Yet it has the convenience of a modern kitchen, bathroom, air-conditioning, multiple heated toilets, wifi and a pc. The location was fantastic with a supermarket just a stone's throw away and bus route to the Kyoto station & great sightseeing spots. There were loads of little places to eat nearby which made dinner time very easy and some of them had their menu in English. (also the supermarket provided enough options for takeout food if you wanted to stay at "home".) The owners were friendly and the minor problems that we had were fixed immediately. The only worry for really small children will be the delicate material used as part of the house (like shoji doors - which is wooden framed door with paper as panels) and the steep stairs. But for my kids there were no problems. I told them the nature of the house and the fact they had to be careful and I left some lights on low in the house so that if they needed to use the bathroom in the night they could see the stairs. We loved staying at this Machiya and would recommend this place to anybody travelling to Japan.

  Owner response: Thank you for the lovely, thoughtful, and personal review of your families’ stay at Gion-Kyuraku. The craftsmen that restored this machiya wanted all of our guests to experience an authentic Kyo-Machiya environment. For this reason some of the door ways were left at their original height. However, inconsideration that some westerners are not vertically challenged, we raised the height of some specific doorways to 200 centimeters which is the maximum that is allowed to keep the structural integrity of the machiya. We want families with their children to enjoy everything that Gion-Kyuraku has to offer. We made a consensus decision to use ‘washi’ Japanese paper even though it is higher maintenance, and we believe that there is no substitute for the real thing. We just want the readers of the review to know that the ‘minor’ problem was with the toaster which malfunctioned, but it was replace that day. Thank you once again for a wonderful review and recommendation.

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

• First time visitors to Kyoto

  First time visitors to Kyoto

  • Guest nzsimmo4
  • Date of stay 03/19/13
  • Review Submitted 04/03/13
  This Machiya is simply delightful. Thomas and Rieko (the owners) were absolutely wonderful to deal with from the time of our initial enquiry through to the lovely letter waiting for us on our arrival through to the additional tips and advice they gave us during tour stay. The property is located in a fantastic area - within walking distance of so many of Kyoto's stunning temples and shrines and a leisurely 20 minute walk from the town centre. The Machiya itself is simply stunning. The owners have done a wonderful job restoring the property ensuring they keep the integrity of its history and tradition whilst also ensuring that visitors have all the necessary appliances etc to make for a very comfortable stay. Some of the design attributes in the Machiya are really inspiring. The duvets provided with the bedding are some of the fluffiest and cosy I have ever seen. I would have no hesitation at all in recommending this delightful location for people wanting an authentic character filled experience in Kyoto.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, sightseeing, families with young children.

  Owner response: We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay at Gion-Kyuraku. Thank you for being ideal guests that treated the machiya as if it was their own, and for appreciating all the work that was involved in restoring the machiya back to its original spender. When dedicating on the bedding, we wanted our guest to have a great night sleep from their overseas fights, and their long day exploring Kyoto. We decided it was worth the outlay to get quality duvets, and futons. Thank you again for choosing Gion-Kyuraku, and the exceptional recommendation.

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

• No better place to stay in Kyoto

  No better place to stay in Kyoto

  • Guest Kevin C.
  • Date of stay 01/27/13
  • Review Submitted 02/17/13
  This was my first time in Kyoto in 25 years so was really looking forward to a stay there. I did not want to stay in a hotel and so started researching the rental option and I chose this Machiya after some careful research. Rieko answered my email really quickly and the arrangements were very straightforward and clear. We were supplied with the address and map, which was clear and in Japanese and English. Anyone who has ever tried to find an address in Japan will know how essential this is and the taxi driver at Kyoto Station seemed to know where we were going and found the house with no difficulties. The Machiya was just as described and was a delight to stay in and just as described. Rieko and Thomas had ensured that the heating was on and the futons had been made up. I had forgotten how comfortable sleeping on a futon could be. Thomas made sure we had settled in ok shortly after we arrived, took away the registration form and offered us help at the end of the phone or email if we needed it. We took up this offer twice, once to help find a restaurant which Amex had booked for us but given us the address with the wrong Kanji reading, this was quickly sorted and once to get us a taxi to take us back to the Shinkansen on the day of our departure. We had such a great time in the house and Kyoto. Location is just absolutely central and a short walking distance to the main Gion shopping centre and local transport. I have not walked so much in years (if ever) but Kyoto has so much to see and do; the food is so wonderful. We went into Osaka for an evening and the house is only 12 minutes walk to the Keihan line which whisks you into central Osaka in 45 minutes. It was so nice after a long day to come back to great accommodation where you could relax before falling exhausted into bed. There is a kitchen which you can you but we only used it to make tea and coffee; be brave and try those local restaurants you will not be disappointed. I would stay nowhere else in Kyoto.

  Owner response: Thank you for an amazing review. We are so happy that Gion Kyuraku was everything that you expected. At Kyoto Machiya Living, our goal is to make every stay special. We hope that future guests will be able experience what you experienced and more: the real beauty of Kyoto and the history of Japan.

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

• Just Perfect!

  Just Perfect!

  • Guest Greg
  • Date of stay 10/30/12
  • Review Submitted 11/16/12
  Our family of 5 (including one child and two seniors) were right at home here. Reiko was very helpful in greeting us and providing little touches around the house. The house is in beautiful condition and in a charming neighborhood. Yet it is close to attractions, grocery stores, public baths, and bus lines. We ate dinner in the kitchen every night using items from the grocery store only one block away. Having a washing machine was another welcome luxury. We would gladly recommend this VRBO to other travellers. It is a great way to experience Japan!

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

  Owner response: Thank you for your recommendation, and your insightful review of Gion Kyuraku. We believe that the little ‘things’ make the stay in the machiya that much more memorable and enjoyable; for example having the TV remote translated into English, and having a modern kitchen in a century old machiya. We are thankful that your family felt right at home, that is what we hope all our guests to feel.

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

• Character, Charm and Complete Satisfaction!

  Character, Charm and Complete Satisfaction!

  • Guest USAcouple
  • Date of stay 10/06/12
  • Review Submitted 10/17/12
  Our experience was simply amazing. From when we first pulled up, we were greeted by the family for a full tour. The warm welcome and hospitality from the owner surpassed any experience I have had with a VRBO. The house is beautiful and so charming. It was clean, organized, plenty of room and had genuine features! It was a very authentic Kyoto experience staying in that house but with all the benefits of a brand new modern condo. You couldn't ask for a better location and the owner even set up a delicious dinner for us at a local restaurant. We will always remember this place as part of our amazing trip to Kyoto. We strongly recommend it for couples or larger groups of friends. Thank you for everything!

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

  Owner response: Thank you for an amazing review regarding your stay at Gion Kyuraku. We strive to make every guest feel at home from the very beginning; from the enquiry stage up until the moment our guests check out. Gion Kyuraku was restored to its original slender, along with all of the modern conveniences that our guests demand. We have done our job when guests feel the charm of the restoration. There are countless antiques from the Showa era along with modern conveniences which include Wi-Fi, and a washer and dryer. Thank you very much for a great recommendation.

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

• Great holiday in a great property

  Great holiday in a great property

  • Guest Jo
  • Date of stay 09/11/12
  • Review Submitted 09/18/12
  We spent three nights at this gorgeous machiya in the heart of Gion. From the greeting by Rieko on arrival to little touches like maps, washing powder for the washing machine and a baby monitor for our three year old daughter, it was obvious that this property has been well thought out and maintained. We went out for dinner two nights to Gion - a short walk away; and on the last night after walking to a couple of temples, bought great takeaway from the supermarket down the road, literally a minute's walk away. Everything was brand new (or seemed to be), and the little garden in the back was a lovely place to sit on a hot afternoon. HIghly recommended - we can't wait for our return trip. Thanks Rieko and Thomas!

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

  Owner response: Thank you for a personal and great review of your stay at Gion-Kyuraku in the heart of the historical district Gion, Kyoto. We know that the little things make the stay that much better, and far more enjoyable for the whole family, e.g. a baby monitor for families with small children, and a washer, dryer with laundry detergent, just to name a few items. We are continually improving elements at Gion-Kyuraku.

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

• Nostalgic trip back to Japan

  Nostalgic trip back to Japan

  • Guest Michael from Baltimore MD
  • Date of stay 07/11/12
  • Review Submitted 07/18/12
  I was born in Japan and lived there 16 years. I returned briefly in 1997 and now most recently in July 2012. I had never spent time at a Machiya but the experience here was overwhelmingly positive. This is a beautifully and meticulously restored property. The first sensation upon entering was the wonderful straw aroma of, "Ahh, fresh tatami mats!" The layout is sensible and provides privacy as required. There are convenient stores nearby (the market just down the street has delicious prepared foods and lots of beer selections); public transportation is close and easy to use. There are plenty of restaurants but ask your host/hostess as to what they recommend. We will be looking forward to a return trip to this very same Machiya. A note of caution: this is probably not an accommodation that I would recommend if you have small children only because the Machiya is authentic, with papered sliding doors, etc. Enjoy!

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

  Owner response: Thank you for your heartfelt review of Gion Kyuraku. The designer and the contractor for this project wanted an authenticity of a true machiya experience. Real tatami mats were installed for this reason. We had the choice of going with modern tatami mats that are easier to take care of, last longer, but they do not have that wonderful true straw aroma. Additionally, Japanese cedar and other local materials were used throughout the machiya. Thank you for your concern about small children, but we would like them to experience a machiya as well. In fact our previous guests had two small children: a one year old, and a four year old. We did make the conscience decision to use Japanese paper, Washi, for some of the sliding doors, and window coverings, but some of doors we used resin coated paper for its strength. We have taken into account that the Washi doors and Shoji, paper window coverings, will have to be repaired and replaced in the future, but it is all part of the real experience. Thank you once again for a truly personal review.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/5

• Beautiful/Authentic!!

  Beautiful/Authentic!!

  • Guest lucylucy
  • Date of stay 07/11/12
  • Review Submitted 07/16/12
  Our family of 6 stayed in this newly restored machiya and we enjoyed every minute we were there. Every detail of the machiya was restored perfectly, from the tatami mats, sliding doors, the walls, the fixtures....everything was immaculate, comfortable, and relaxing. Convenient location to many sights, the Gion district, bus stops, and taxis. There is a grocery store down the street which has every food and drink item you'd every need. I can't say enough about the owners who made every effort to make us feel welcome and who were very helpful for making dinner reservations for us and getting us a cab to get there!! Thank you to both of you for a relaxing time and sharing your charming machiya!

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

  Owner response: Thank you for the terrific review. We are so happy that you enjoyed every minute of your stay at Gion Kyuraku. It is a delight to hear that your family appreciated all the time, effort and research that went into restoring this Kyo-Machiya. The designer, craftsmen, and all of the people involved in this project are delighted that you had a wonderful stay. We hope that others will appreciate, enjoy, and savor the authenticity of this century old machiya in Gion, Kyoto as your group did. Finally, thank-you for being such wonderful guests, and taking care of Gion Kyuraku as if it were your own home away from home.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/3

• A great house in a great location

  A great house in a great location

  • Guest jewnny
  • Date of stay 07/04/12
  • Review Submitted 07/07/12
  We are a family of 5 that have just come back from visiting Kyoto and had the pleasure of staying at this charming house. Having just come from impersonal Japan, this flet like a home from home, albeit Japanese style. The house oozes charm but has been thoroughly updated so that you have all mod cons. The location is great, with a well stocked supermarket on your door step all whilst being within short distance from many of the highlights this city has to offer. On top of this, the hosts could not have been more helpful and made us all feel very welcome! Enjoy!

  Owner response: Thank you for your splendid review. “A great house (Machiya) in a great location”: We totally agree. Hope that every future guest concurs as well. We are so delighted to see that you explored the neighborhood and found many of the charming characteristics of this historic part of Gion Kyoto. It is our goal to make every guests visit unique, and to experience the ‘real’ Kyoto charm. Hope to see all of you again in Kyoto one day.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/3

Payment in Yen.   Please note that the rates are for the entire property, not p/p 
Please contact us for high season rates-Mar, Apr, May, Jul, Oct, Nov, Beg/End Year
  Regular Season: Staying 3 nights or more  
     1 - 2 guest(s): 28,000 yen. 
     3 guests: 32,000 yen. 
     4 guests: 36,000 yen.
     5 guests: 40,000 yen.
     6 guests: 44,000 yen  

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.