≪10 min to Kiyomizu temple≫ "Shofu-an" Historical Kyo Machiya
★A Two-Story Kyoto Machiya with a Beautiful Small Private Garden, Filled with Light and Shadow★
【Greeting from the Miyabi Team】 Hello, this is the Miyabi team. We are a team composed entirely of Japanese staff. Supporting our guests' journeys is our greatest joy. Please feel free to consult us about anything, whether it be sightseeing information for Kyoto or recommendations for restaurants!
Our Hospitality ・Welcome at check-in ・Sharing of event information ・Restaurant reservation assistance ・Arrangement of tickets for experiences such as Geisha performances and "Miyako Odori" ・Support for creating travel plans prior to arrival ・Accompanying support for hospital visits ・Provision of advance information regarding typhoons or disasters ・Free rental of baby goods (high chair, tableware, toilet seat adapter, baby bath) *Please let us know in advance if you would like these items. ・Shipping of forgotten items
We strive to be the best hosts for everyone!
About the Shofu-an Recommended for couples and families of 2-5 people.
Our facility is a two-story Machiya. The first floor features a bathroom, a washroom, a washer/dryer, a small kitchen, and a dining room. The second floor features a Western-style room (two single beds) and a tatami room (maximum of three futons). *Please note that you will need to climb a slightly steep staircase. We provide hair dryers, towels, shampoo, and body soap.
"Shofu-an" is a private unit of the "Miyabi" Kyoto Machiya series, located in the Kiyomizu area. It was designed and renovated by Kyoto-based architect Jeffrey P. Moussas. While cherishing and preserving traditional techniques passed down through the centuries, we have equipped it with modern needs, including a modern bathroom/shower room, a washlet toilet, a kitchen, and floor heating. The "balance between the old and the new" is the greatest charm of this place.
【 Premium yet Peaceful Location 】 Our neighborhood offers the best of both worlds. Shofu-an is situated right at the foot of the World Heritage Kiyomizu Temple. You can easily enjoy a beautiful walk to Kyoto's most iconic spots, including Ninenzaka, Yasaka Shrine, and Gion (the historic Geisha district).
While it is exceptionally convenient for exploring the city, the house itself is tucked away in a charming, peaceful residential lane. After a busy day of sightseeing, you can return to a quiet and serene sanctuary to relax like a local.
• Easy Access: City buses or rental bikes can take you to most of Kyoto's famous sites within 30 minutes.
Important House Rules & Details
【 Check-in Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM 】 ☆In-Person Check-in (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): As a rule, we meet you at the house. Please let us know your arrival time in advance so our staff can be there to welcome you. ・Self-Check-in (Only after 8:00 PM): Applies for late arrivals. If you expect to arrive after 8:00 PM, please inform us as soon as possible to receive instructions. ・Luggage Drop-off: Available after 11:30 AM before check-in (Please request in advance).
【 Kyoto City Accommodation Tax 】 Notice: Accommodation tax has been updated for stays after March 1, 2026. Important: Kyoto City accommodation tax is NOT included in the VRBO rental cost and must be paid separately in CASH upon check-in.
The tax amount is calculated per person, per night based on the room rate: • Room rate under 6,000 JPY :200 JPY per person/night • Room rate between 6,000 JPY and 19,999 JPY : 400 JPY per person/night • Room rate of 20,000 JPY or more : 1,000 JPY per person/night (Example: 3 guests staying for 3 nights at a rate of 15,000 JPY/night per person : 400 JPY × 3 people × 3 nights = 3,600 JPY)
【 Guest Registration 】 • Please ensure the exact number of guests is correct on your booking. Extra charges apply for unregistered guests. • Unregistered visitors are strictly prohibited from staying overnight.
Our Other Listings • Same location: Momiji-an (#438158), Bairin-an (#3438160), Whole house Shimizu Bettei (#1266495) • Sanjo-Kamanza area: Shimoza-an (#514790) & Kamiza-an (#514588)/(Whole House): Whole house Kamanza-tei (#1275901) • Aneyakoji area: Whole house option (#1275901)
We look forward to welcoming everyone to Kyoto, the heart of Japanese culture!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 438156
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the neighborhood
Kyoto
Located in Kyoto, this vacation home is in the city center. Yasaka Shrine and Sanjusangen-do Temple are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Kawaramachi Street and Shijo Street. Kyoto Municipal Zoo and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden are also worth visiting. Be sure not to miss outdoor adventures like cycling and ecotours.
Is ≪10 min to Kiyomizu temple≫ "Shofu-an" Historical Kyo Machiya pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at ≪10 min to Kiyomizu temple≫ "Shofu-an" Historical Kyo Machiya?
As of Jun 13, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at ≪10 min to Kiyomizu temple≫ "Shofu-an" Historical Kyo Machiya on Aug 16, 2026 start from $350, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
This property doesn't offer parking.
What time is check-in at ≪10 min to Kiyomizu temple≫ "Shofu-an" Historical Kyo Machiya?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at ≪10 min to Kiyomizu temple≫ "Shofu-an" Historical Kyo Machiya?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is ≪10 min to Kiyomizu temple≫ "Shofu-an" Historical Kyo Machiya located?
Located in Higashiyama Ward, this vacation home is within a 10-minute walk of Hokanji Temple, Kiyomizu Temple, and Yasaka Shrine. Shijo Street and Gion Corner are also within 15 minutes. Higashiyama Station is 20 minutes by foot and Sanjo Keihan Station is 21 minutes.
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
The place was perfectly located for us. As a family of 4 the sleeping arrangements worked. Then only glitch was the washer/dryer unit did not really work. And we were counting on that. But it didn't hinder our visit. We would stay here again.
Mary H.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 6, 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We are glad to hear that the location was perfect for your family and that the sleeping arrangements worked out well for the 4 of you.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the washer/dryer unit during your stay. We wanted to let you and future guests know that the unit has already been fully repaired and is now working perfectly!
Thank you for your understanding and for choosing to stay with us. It would be an absolute pleasure to welcome your family back to Kyoto in the future! Arigatougozaimashita!
Absolutely wonderful location with very welcoming hosts! We were looking for a traditional stay in Kyoto and this location was perfect. The shower was absolutely amazing! There were plenty of Nespresso pods for coffee if you’d like coffee in the morning. Your host will greet you at the location and review everything with you to make sure that you know how everything works and where everything is located. While you are about a 15 to 20 minute walk from the rail stations, you are very close to a lot of attractions. I would highly recommend this location!
Mindy J.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 19, 2026
Thank you for your lovely review.
We are so glad that you enjoyed the town house and we could host you!
Since there are so many great tourist attractions around the house, We hope you had a fantastic time exploring and making memories. Please come back and visit us with your whole group next time you're in Kyoto!Thank you so much. Arigatougozaimashita!
It was within walking distance of everything we needed. Property manager went above and beyond to make the New Years experience magical! 10/10 RECOMMEND
Emily P.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 21, 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review.
We appreciate you choosing our home.
Our home is located in an area within walking distance of Kyoto's popular tourist spots, and with restaurants and convenience stores nearby, I think it's very convenient too!
We're delighted to have helped make your Kyoto trip special.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Kyoto whenever you return. Thank you again.
Overall very pleased with the property for a family of five.
Scott R.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 28, 2025
Thank you for your staying with us. Thank you for your great review. We are so happy to read your review. I hope you enjoyed staying at the house. If you have a chance to come to Kyoto, please stay at our house again. We are looking forward to seeing you next time. Arigato!
Thank you for staying with us. Thank you for a very good review. I hope you enjoyed staying at the house. If you have a chance to come to Kyoto, please stay at our house again. We are looking forward to seeing you next time. Thanks!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jane R.
Jan 13, 2018
Beautiful comfortable warm house & great location
Our second wonderful stay in one of these excellent holiday apartments in a beautifully renovated machiya - warm & comfortable even on the coldest night & kind helpful hosts.
Jane R.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 25, 2020
Dear Jane,
Thank you very much such a warm, kind review.
We really appreciate your comments, and we are pleased that you found value and hospitality during your stay.
Again,Thank you very much for your lovely review. We look forward to seeing you on your next trip to Kyoto again!
Kind Regards,
Tommy
Everything was as advertised and the property management team was great. They helped with activity suggestions and were prompt with check-in. Overall, the place fit our family of 5 comfortable and provided the local experience we were hoping for. The location was great for visiting certain temples and getting meals. I would stay again.
Sam S.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 22, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.
It was a pleasure to have you as guests.
We are so glad you enjoyed our house.
We hope all of you had a wonderful time during your stay.
If you have any chance to visit Kyoto again, please feel free to contact us!
We are looking forward to seeing you again.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Leo C.
Oct 27, 2014
Lovely Kyoto apartment
We had a great time at Shofu-an. Roxana was incredibly welcoming and extremely helpful. The location couldn't be better--close to all the amazing sites on the east side of town. We loved it, and we miss it already! Looking forward to coming back in the future!
Leo C.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 25, 2020
Thank you for your great feedback, we appreciate your wonderful comments. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed our Machiya townhouse and Kyoto. We would be more than happy to have you again as guests on your next visit.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Ben I.
Jan 17, 2016
Wow. Like stepping back in time.
Great location. Fantastic house. Amazing service and friendliness. Could not recommend more highly.
Ben I.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 25, 2020
Dear Ben,
Thank you very much for your kind review. we really appreciate your comments of our house and service, and we are pleased that you found value and hospitality during your stay.
We look forward to seeing you on your next trip to Kyoto.
Kind Regards,
Tommy
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Christine A.
May 23, 2018
The apartment is in a fabulous part of Kyoto. Great restaurants, shops & shrines are close by.
The apartment was very historical but with all modern amenities. Communication was excellent and any questions we had were answered right away. The location is the best. We could walk to so many great restaurants and shops, yet where the apartment is located is a quiet residential street.
Christine A.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 25, 2020
Dear Christine Atkins,
Thank you for staying with us and good comments.
We are so happy to hear that.
I'm sorry for the light bulb of th bed room went out.
Please enjoy travelling in Japan 2 more days.
We are looking foward to seeing you again.
Thank you for a great time.
Have a good day!
Take care.
Kind regards,
Shiho
Absolutely stunning and gracious hosts. Everything was beautifully prepared and expertly explained. We absolutely loved our stay and experience — and not only that — the location was pretty much as good as it gets, walking distance from Gion and Kiyomizu. Thanks so much guys! xo
dominic y.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 22, 2024
Thank you for staying with us. I hope you enjoyed staying in Kyoto. We are so happy to read your review. If you have a chance to come to Kyoto, please stay at our house again. We are looking forward to seeing you again. Arigato!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
aileen d.
Nov 6, 2014
Wonderful Rxperience
We have been in Kyota for two weeks and stayed at Shofu-an for only 4 days . It was the best experience - the apartment was perfect, it was situated in a great area , close to wonderful eating places, shrines all tucked away everywhere and temples.
Our favourite place in Kyota. Roxana, our host, was delightful. She was super helpful during our stay and added to our whole wonderful experience.
aileen d.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 25, 2020
Thank you for taking the time to review our house. We very much appreciate your wonderful words. We hope you had wonderful time and great experience during your stay. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto!
Great location and nice host. The house is very comfortable during winter with the floor heating. The only issue is about sound proofing - the two bedrooms upstairs basically have minimum sound proofing so not great if someone in the family snores. This is kind of expected for a traditional house though.
Emily X.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 5, 2024
Thank you for your review.
We are relieved that you like the townhouse.
We are very sorry for the inconvenience caused by the soundproofing, which is weaker than normal houses.
We hope you enjoy the traditional house.
Thank you very much.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Patricia C.
Apr 3, 2017
Great location and atmospher!
Yumi and Mariko,
My husband and I were so pleased with our stay at our Saiho-ji Garden Machiya. It's always kind of scary booking something out of the country and so far in advance, but we couldn't have been more pleased. I used to live in Osaka and have visited Kyoto many times, but I have never been to the Kiyomizu neighborhood. What a great place to stay! It was so nice to come home to a real house at the end of a busy day. I gave the brochure of your five properties to friends visiting Kyoto next fall and insisted they book one of your places instead of a hotel.
Patricia C.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 25, 2020
Dear Patricia,
Thank you very much for your warm, and kind review, we are really appreciate your comments of our house.
It would be our pleasure to meet you on your next trip to Kyoto.
Kind Regards,
Tommy
This is one of 3 units in a traditional Japanese tea house (machiya). We stayed at another unit 4 years ago and chose to return to a slightly bigger unit. This unit has good amenities such as washer/dryer, full bathroom with ofuro bathtub, and kitchen with Nespresso machine. Only thing to note is that this tea house has single-pane windows and little insulation... took a little while to warm up. Location is super convenient as we could walk to all top attractions in Higashiyama, Gion and even the shopping area. We had a short but good stay this time!
Bonnie K.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 7, 2023
Thank you for staying with us and Thank you for your good review. We appreciate your wonderful comments. We are really sorry about that you felt a bit cold. Despite of that We hope you had a wonderful time. We are looking forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Sara A.
May 10, 2014
Perfect spot in Gion District, Kyoto
Everything went smoothly, payment, check in, orientation. The Manager, R, was top notch, friendly, informed, helpful with perfect recommendations for food and attractions. The unit was huge by Japanese standards, private, but handy. Totally spotless and offered each guest privacy. The deck/ garden was a bonus. The shower/ tub/ bathroom was perfect, even a washer. Did I mention a latte, expresso machine? The beds comfy, two on tutami mats, two on raised bed frames. Perfect!
Sara A.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 25, 2020
Thank you for your great feedback, we appreciate your wonderful and detailed comments. It was a pleasure to have you stay at our Machiya townhouse. We hope you enjoyed your stay. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Mar 29, 2014
quiet respite in a traditional japanese home
what a lovely traditional home in a charming neighborhood near yasaka shrine and kiyomizu-dera. the home is cozy, well-equipped, and comfortable. the lovely garden is peaceful. the futon sleeping accommodations were very comfortable as were the western-style beds. the bathroom is updated and modern with a wonderful shower/bath room. it is in a perfect location for walking to many sights or to catch a cab or bus within the timeless city of kyoto.
roxana was very helpful in providing details about the neighborhood, the home and kyoto, in general.
shofu-an was a perfect place to stay to enjoy the beauty and simplicity of kyoto.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 25, 2020
Thank you for taking the time to review our house. We appreciate your positive and detailed comments. It was a pleasure to have you as guests. We hope you had a wonderful time and great experience during your stay. We look forward to seeing you again n your next trip to Kyoto.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Margaret S.
May 8, 2014
Shofu-an (Pine Breeze), Kyoto
This was our first trip to Japan and we were a little apprehensive about traveling on our own because of the language barrier. We selected to stay at Pine Breeze because we wanted to experience Japan not as tourists. We were impressed with reviews which said how helpful Roxanne is as manager of the property. There are many other similar places but I doubt any have such a delightful and helpful contact person as Roxanne. Since she is Italian but has lived in Kyoto for over 20 years, she gave us so much insight into the Japanese culture, probably more so than someone born in Japan because she knew what were the cultural differences in lifestyle. WIthout her, we would never had been able to figure out how to operate so many things in the house. The place itself is somewhat awkward without comfortable furniture but it is how the Japanese live and we grew to love the beauty of the place and spent a great deal of time just relaxing and enjoying the design. We felt we got to know Japan on a deeper level because we lived life and didn't just visit tourist sites. We added on four extra days at Shofu-an and skipped going to Nara and other places. Highly recommend the home with Roxanne as contact person.
Margaret S.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 25, 2020
Thank you for your great feedback, Your positive and detailed comments are very much appreciated. We are pleased that you enjoyed your stay at our machiya townhouse and found the value and hospitality during your stay. We hope you to came back and stay at our house again in the future, You are welcome back anytime!
Verified
6/10 Okay
larisa b.
Mar 21, 2018
No living area to hang out
Great location, easy check in and check out, mistly clean, really AUTHENTIC old Japanese traditional house. Nice size bedrooms, sufficient bathroom and shower facilities. The only problem for us was a complete absence of a living space to hang out in at night. There is a very small tatami area in between the kitchen table and the staircase to the bedrooms which is in front of the very small TV, but the area is too small to gather in. Additionally , it would be nice to have some other than just Japanese channels on TV. My husband was concerned with fire safety as we could see wiring near the ceiling. As expected there is practically no sound insulation so be prepared to hear everything that is going on outside and next door . A strange smell in the small area in between the front door and the door to the house where you take your shoes off. Walls and chairs in the kitchen need some freshening up as they appear somewhat worn, stained and scratched. We tried the authentic experience, but I don't think it was for us, unfortunately, which is not to say that it won't be a good fit for you.
larisa b.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 25, 2020
Dear Iarisa,
Thank you very much for your kind and detailed review, it is very much valued.
I apologize for inconvenience.
We appreciate your comments regarding our customer service and ongoing upgrades.
Kind Regards,
Tommy
Fantastic experience of living in a traditional Kyoto house (but with heating!)
We loved it. We've been to Kyoto many, many times, but never stayed in a house before. It was fascinating to see how the house was intertwined with its neighbors. The location is perfect - walking distance from Kiyomizu-dera and Gion, and a short bus ride from central Kyoto. The house itself was in perfect condition, everything worked perfectly (especially the heating, thank goodness - it was cold outside).
John H.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 25, 2020
Thank you for taking your time to review our house. We really appreciate your wonderful comments, it makes us so happy and encourages us to improve our service. We are glad to know you enjoyed our Mchiya house. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto. You are welcome back any time!
We had an exceptional experience on our first trip to Japan! The owners responded immediately to questions before and during our stay! They were most helpful and made our stay pleasant. Highly recommend staying! Many thanks to all your staff!
Janet S.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 25, 2020
Thank you for taking your time to review our house. We appreciate your lovely comment. We hope you had a wonderful time and great experience during your stay. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jillisa M.
Feb 13, 2019
Perfect in every way!
A friend and I stayed here for four nights while traveling around Japan. Communication before we arrived was timely and excellent, and Jackie was extremely helpful and nice when we checked in. She made sure we understood everything we needed to know about the property, the area, and things we might want to do and see. The location was very convenient for lots of restaurants, sights, transportation, and shopping. We loved the quirky layout of the property and the traditional touches like sliding doors and tatami floors in some rooms. The kitchen is small but suitable for everything we needed, and there's a grocery store nearby (less than 10-minute walk). Despite very cold outdoor temperatures (we were there in February), we were always toasty warm at the home between the great heaters and heated floors. We greatly appreciated that they provided everything we needed to do laundry and took advantage of it to do a load. The shower and bath were absolutely divine.
We were able to arrange luggage delivery from our ryokan in Tokyo as long as we scheduled it to arrive when we were present at the property in Kyoto. When we were done with our stay in Kyoto, we were able to send out luggage on to Hiroshima while we visited Koyosan for two nights. There is a luggage drop off place less than a 5-minute walk from the property (Gion Shijo station, Global Yamamoto).
Overall, everything was prefect and we were delighted with our stay. I would definitely recommend it to others, and I would be happy to stay there again. Arigatou gozaimasu!!!!
Jillisa M.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 25, 2020
Thank you for taking your time to review our house. Your wonderful and detailed comments are really appreciated. It was a glad to Know that you enjoyed our house and Kyoto. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to Kyoto!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Pamela B.
Nov 26, 2017
Quick cozy visit to Kyoto
Shofu-an provided a perfect launching point for our very brief visit to Kyoto. Our group of 3 adults and 2 children fit perfectly in the Shofu-an. We were warmly welcomed upon our arrival and enjoyed the experience of sleeping in a real Japanese home complete with tatami mats, heated floors and futon bedding. The location is perfect for launching out for sight seeing during the day and exploring dining options at night. I hope to stay here again next time I get to visit Kyoto.
Pamela B.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2017
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 25, 2020
Dear Pamela
Thank you very much for your detailed review.
we really appreciate your comments about our house, and we are pleased that you found value and atmosphere of Japan during your stay.
We look forward to seeing you on your next trip to Kyoto again.
Kind Regards,
Tommy
About the host
Hosted by Toshimitsu Negishi
Hello, everyone! The team manages the townhouse. We are 3 woman and 1 male who live in Kyoto and Osaka! We will do our best to support you during your stay. Your trip to Kyoto will surely be a special trip. Please feel free to contact us anytime!
Why they chose this property
In this Kyoto typical house we could see a glitter of traditional atmosphere on the roof, wooden pillars, sliding doors or small garden inside the house. The Kyoto townhouse is called Machiya and this house strongly stimulated us to restore for living. Machiya used to be townhouses or shops for the merchants in the 17th century. Not only temples and shrines, but machiya stay is an attractive experience for all who want to know more about Kyoto' life style and its culture.
What makes this property unique
A 15 minutes walk will take you to the riverside of the Kamogawa. You can take a pleasent stroll along the river, or do shopping in the nearby Kawaramachi area, convenient during rainy days as the shopping streets are covered, like Nishiki food market street. A night life spot is Pontocho, a narrow lane with no cars, full of elegant restaurants, bars, and where you can have a glimpse of a Geisha or Maiko on the way or from an appointment. In the next street west side of Pontocho there is Kiyamachi, a very lively night zone where you can find many kinds of restaurants, bars, pubs and more... Enjoy Kyoto just walking from Shofu-an!
Languages:
English, Japanese
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests